Business Combination Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2021, by and among Andina Acquisition Corp. III, Andina Holdings LLC, B. Luke Weil in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative, Stryve Foods, LLC, Stryve Foods Holdings, LLC, and R. Alex Hawkins in the capacity as the Seller Representative
Exhibit 2.1
CONFIDENTIAL
Execution Copy
BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
by and among
ANDINA ACQUISITION CORP. III,
as the Purchaser,
ANDINA HOLDINGS LLC,
as Holdings,
B. LUKE WEIL,
in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative,
STRYVE FOODS, LLC,
as the Company,
STRYVE FOODS HOLDINGS, LLC,
as the Seller
and
R. ALEX HAWKINS,
in the capacity as the Seller Representative
Dated as of January 28, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
I. CONVERSION; CONTRIBUTION | 3 |
1.1. Conversion of the Purchaser | 3 |
1.2. Contribution | 4 |
1.3. Consideration | 4 |
1.4. Closing Calculations | 4 |
1.5. Seller Consideration Adjustment | 5 |
1.6. Escrow | 7 |
II. CLOSING | 7 |
2.1. Closing | 7 |
III. representations and warranties of THE purchaser | 8 |
3.1. Organization and Standing | 8 |
3.2. Authorization; Binding Agreement | 8 |
3.3. Governmental Approvals | 8 |
3.4. Non-Contravention | 9 |
3.5. Capitalization | 9 |
3.6. SEC Filings and Purchaser Financials | 10 |
3.7. Absence of Certain Changes | 11 |
3.8. Compliance with Laws | 11 |
3.9. Actions; Orders; Permits | 11 |
3.10. Taxes and Returns | 11 |
3.11. Employees and Employee Benefit Plans | 12 |
3.12. Properties | 12 |
3.13. Material Contracts | 12 |
3.14. Transactions with Affiliates | 13 |
3.15. Holdings Activities | 13 |
3.16. Investment Company Act | 13 |
3.17. Finders and Brokers | 13 |
3.18. Ownership of Seller Consideration Units and Purchaser Class V Common Stock | 13 |
3.19. Certain Business Practices | 13 |
3.20. Insurance | 14 |
3.21. Information Supplied | 14 |
3.22. Independent Investigation | 14 |
Iv. representations and warranties of THE COMPANY | 15 |
4.1. Organization and Standing | 15 |
4.2. Authorization; Binding Agreement | 15 |
4.3. Capitalization | 16 |
4.4. Subsidiaries | 16 |
4.5. Governmental Approvals | 17 |
4.6. Non-Contravention | 17 |
4.7. Financial Statements | 17 |
4.8. Absence of Certain Changes | 19 |
4.9. Compliance with Laws | 19 |
4.10. Company Permits | 19 |
4.11. Litigation | 19 |
4.12. Material Contracts | 20 |
4.13. Intellectual Property | 21 |
4.14. Taxes and Returns | 24 |
4.15. Real Property | 25 |
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4.16. Personal Property | 25 |
4.17. Title to and Sufficiency of Assets | 25 |
4.18. Employee Matters | 26 |
4.19. Benefit Plans | 27 |
4.20. Environmental Matters | 28 |
4.21. Transactions with Related Persons | 29 |
4.22. Insurance | 30 |
4.23. Books and Records | 30 |
4.24. Top Customers and Suppliers | 30 |
4.25 Certain Business Practices | 30 |
4.26. Product Warranty and Liability | 31 |
4.27. Food Law Compliance | 31 |
4.28. Investment Company Act | 32 |
4.29. Finders and Brokers | 32 |
4.30. Independent Investigation | 32 |
4.31. Information Supplied | 33 |
v. representations and warranties of THE sELLER | 33 |
5.1. Organization and Standing | 33 |
5.2. Authorization; Binding Agreement | 33 |
5.3. Ownership | 34 |
5.4. Capitalization | 34 |
5.5. Governmental Approvals | 34 |
5.6. Non-Contravention | 34 |
5.7. No Litigation | 34 |
5.8. Investment Representations | 35 |
5.9. Finders and Brokers | 36 |
5.10. Information Supplied | 36 |
5.11. Independent Investigation | 36 |
VI. COVENANTS | 36 |
6.1. Access and Information | 36 |
6.2. Conduct of Business of the Company | 37 |
6.3. Conduct of Business of the Purchaser | 40 |
6.4. Annual and Interim Financial Statements | 42 |
6.5. Purchaser Public Filings | 42 |
6.6. No Solicitation | 42 |
6.7. No Trading | 43 |
6.8. Notification of Certain Matters | 44 |
6.9. Efforts | 44 |
6.10. Minimum Cash | 45 |
6.11. Tax Treatment | 45 |
6.12. Further Assurances | 46 |
6.13. The Registration Statement | 46 |
6.14. Public Announcements | 48 |
6.15. Confidential Information | 48 |
6.16. Documents and Information | 50 |
6.17. Post-Closing Board of Directors and Executive Officers | 50 |
6.18. Indemnification of Officers and Directors; Tail Insurance | 50 |
6.19. Trust Account Proceeds | 51 |
6.20. PIPE Investment | 51 |
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6.21. Company Debt Refinancing | 51 | |
6.22. New Employment Agreements | 52 | |
6.23. Reorganization | 52 | |
VII. Closing conditions | 52 | |
7.1. Conditions of Each Party’s Obligations | 52 | |
7.2. Conditions to Obligations of the Company and the Seller | 53 | |
7.3. Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser and Holdings | 55 | |
7.4. Frustration of Conditions | 56 | |
VIII. TERMINATION AND EXPENSES | 57 | |
8.1. Termination | 57 | |
8.2. Effect of Termination | 58 | |
8.3. Fees and Expenses | 58 | |
Ix. WAIVERS and releases | 59 | |
9.1. Waiver of Claims Against Trust | 59 | |
9.2. Release and Covenant Not to Sue | 60 | |
x. MISCELLANEOUS | 60 | |
10.1. No Survival | 60 | |
10.2. Notices | 60 | |
10.3. Binding Effect; Assignment | 62 | |
10.4. Third Parties | 62 | |
10.5. Governing Law; Jurisdiction | 62 | |
10.6. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 63 | |
10.7. Specific Performance | 63 | |
10.8. Severability | 63 | |
10.9. Amendment | 63 | |
10.10. Waiver | 63 | |
10.11. Entire Agreement | 64 | |
10.12. Interpretation | 64 | |
10.13. Counterparts | 65 | |
10.14. Purchaser Representative | 65 | |
10.15. Seller Representative | 66 | |
10.16. Legal Representation | 68 | |
XI DEFINITIONS | 69 | |
11.1. Certain Definitions | 69 | |
11.2. Section References | 80 | |
INDEX OF EXHIBITS | ||
Exhibit | Description | |
Exhibit A | Lock-Up Agreement | |
Exhibit B | Registration Rights Agreement | |
Exhibit C | Form of Non-Competition Agreement | |
Exhibit D | Form of Insider Forfeiture Agreement |
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BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
This Business Combination Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of January 28, 2021 by and among (i) Andina Acquisition Corp. III, a Cayman Islands exempted company (together with its successors, including after the Conversion (as defined below), the “Purchaser”), (ii) Andina Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser, (iii) B. Luke Weil, in the capacity as the representative from and after the Closing (as defined below) for the shareholders of the Purchaser (other than the Seller and its successors and assignees) in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (the “Purchaser Representative”), (iv) Stryve Foods, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the “Company”), (v) Stryve Foods Holdings, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the “Seller”), and (vi) R. Alex Hawkins, in the capacity as the representative from and after the Closing (as defined below) for the members of the Seller (after giving effect to the Reorganization (as defined below)) in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (the “Seller Representative”). The Purchaser, Holdings, the Purchaser Representative, the Company, the Seller and the Seller Representative are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties”.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Seller is and at all times since its formation has been a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, as defined in the Texas Business Organizations Code (as amended, the “TBOC”), of the Company;
WHEREAS, promptly after the date hereof, the Seller and the Company will conduct a reorganization via merger pursuant to Section 10.005 of the TBOC, pursuant to which the Seller will become a holding company, as defined in the TBOC, for the Company, the former owners of the Company will become the owners of the Seller, and the former holders of convertible notes of the Company (including any Pre-Bridge Notes that are not exchange for Bridge Notes (as defined below)) other than Bridge Notes will become holders of convertible notes of the Seller, and pursuant to which the Company will retain all of its Subsidiaries, business, assets and liabilities, and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Seller (such transactions, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser, the “Reorganization”);
WHEREAS, the Company, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, is a producer and distributor of cured beef products known as biltong;
WHEREAS, the Purchaser owns all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Holdings, which was formed for the sole purpose of the Contribution (as defined below);
WHEREAS, prior to the consummation of the Contribution, the Purchaser shall continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Law (2020 Revision) of the Cayman Islands (as amended, the “Cayman Companies Law”) and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (as amended, the “DGCL”) (such re-domiciliation, the “Conversion”);
WHEREAS, the Parties intend to effect a business combination transaction (the “Contribution” and, together with the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the “Transactions”) by which, upon the consummation of the Transactions, (a) the Seller will contribute to Holdings all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Company in exchange for newly issued (i) non-voting Class B membership interests of Holdings and (ii) voting (but non-economic) Class V common stock of the Purchaser, and (b) the Purchaser will contribute all of its cash and cash equivalents to Holdings, after payment of the Public Shareholders (as defined below) that elect to have their Purchaser shares redeemed or converted in the Redemption (as defined below) and the Purchaser’s Expenses and other Liabilities due at the Closing, in exchange for newly issued voting Class A membership interests of Holdings, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;
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WHEREAS, simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Seller is entering into each of the following agreements which will become effective as of the Closing: (a) a Lock-Up Agreement with Purchaser and the Purchaser Representative, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A hereto (the “Lock-Up Agreement”), and (b) a Registration Rights Agreement with the Purchaser, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit B hereto (the “Registration Rights Agreement”);
WHEREAS, simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the Seller and certain significant members of the Seller are entering Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements in favor of Purchaser, Holdings and the Company, the forms of which is attached as Exhibit C hereto (each, a “Non-Competition Agreement”), each of which Non-Competition Agreements will become effective as of the Closing;
WHEREAS, simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the Insiders (as defined below) is entering into a letter agreement with the Purchaser and the Seller in substantially the form attached as Exhibit D hereto (the “Insider Forfeiture Agreement”), pursuant to which (a) such Insider will agree to cancel, effective as of the Closing, in the aggregate a number of Insider Shares (as defined below) equal to (i) fifty percent (50%) of the Insider Shares held by such Insider as of the date hereof, minus (ii) the number of Insider Shares, if any, approved by the Seller in writing for transfer (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), and actually transferred, by such Insider to other Persons in support of the Transactions, (b) such Insider will agree to cancel, effective as of the Closing, in the aggregate a number of Purchaser Private Rights (as defined below) and Purchaser Private Warrants (as defined below) equal to (i) fifty percent (50%) of the Purchaser Private Rights and Purchaser Private Warrants held by such Insider as of the date hereof, minus (ii) the number of Purchaser Private Rights and Purchaser Private Warrants, if any, approved by the Seller in writing for transfer (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), and actually transferred, by such Insider to other Persons in support of the Transactions, and (c) the Insiders will agree to amend the Share Escrow Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2019, by and among the Purchaser, the Insiders and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as escrow agent thereunder, to acknowledge the replacement of their Purchaser Ordinary Shares held in escrow thereunder with Purchaser Class A Common Stock in the Conversion and, in order to match the lock-up period in the Lock-Up Agreement, to extend the lock-up period for their Insider Shares (including any that are transferred to other Persons in support of the Transactions) so that the testing for the early release with respect to 50% of their Insider Shares will only begin twenty (20) trading days prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the Closing;
WHEREAS, prior to or simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement:
(a) the Purchaser and the Company have together entered into subscription agreements with certain investors (the “Closing PIPE Investors”) for an aggregate of Forty-Two Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($42,500,000) for 4,250,000 shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock (the “Closing PIPE Shares”) at a price of $10.00 per share in a private placement in the Purchaser to be consummated simultaneously with the Closing (the “Closing PIPE Investment”); and
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(b) the Company has entered into (i) note purchase agreements with certain investors (the “Bridge Investors” and, together with the Closing PIPE Investors, the “PIPE Investors”) in a private placement for an aggregate of Ten Million Six Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($10,600,000) in unsecured promissory notes of the Company (the “Bridge Notes”) to be funded by the Bridge Investors and issued on the date hereof (including certain Company obligations under Pre-Bridge Notes (as defined below) that were exchanged for Bridge Notes), and (ii) subscription agreements with the Purchaser and such Bridge Investors, where the obligations of the Company under such Bridge Notes will be used to offset and satisfy the obligations of the Bridge Investors under such subscription agreements at the Closing, whereupon the Bridge Investors (including holders of Pre-Bridge Notes that were exchanged for Bridge Notes) will be issued shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock (the “Bridge PIPE Shares” and, together with the Closing PIPE Shares, the “PIPE Shares”) at a twenty percent (20%) discount to the Closing PIPE Shares (the “Bridge PIPE Investment” and, together with the Closing PIPE Investment, the “PIPE Investment”);
WHEREAS, the board of managers and certain members of the Seller have (a) determined that the Contribution (preceded by the Conversion) and the other Transactions are fair, advisable and in the best interests of the Seller and its members, and (b) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the boards of directors (or similar governing body or Person) of the Purchaser, the Company and Holdings have each (a) determined that the Contribution (preceded by the Conversion) and the other Transactions are fair, advisable and in the best interests of their respective companies and equity holders, (b) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, and (c) determined to recommend to their respective equity holders the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (with the approval of the equity holders of the Company and Holdings to be provided promptly, but in any event within twenty-four (24) hours, after the execution and delivery of this Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Parties intend that the Contribution will qualify as tax-deferred exchanges described in Section 721 of the Code (as defined herein), Section 351 of the Code and/or otherwise (the “Intended Tax Treatment”); and
WHEREAS, certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Article XI hereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, which are incorporated in this Agreement as if fully set forth below, and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and for other consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged and agreed to by the Parties, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
Article I
CONVERSION; CONTRIBUTION
1.1 Conversion of the Purchaser. Prior to the Closing, the Purchaser shall consummate the Conversion pursuant to which it will continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation pursuant to the Cayman Companies Law and the applicable provisions of the DGCL, and subject to the receipt of the approval of the shareholders of the Purchaser to the Conversion and its terms, the Purchaser shall adopt Delaware Organizational Documents in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and the Seller and consistent with the terms of this Agreement (the “Conversion Organizational Documents”), including providing that the name of the Purchaser shall be amended to be “Stryve Foods, Inc.” In connection with the Conversion, all of the issued and outstanding Purchaser Securities shall remain outstanding and become substantially identical securities of the Purchaser as a Delaware corporation, with the Purchaser Ordinary Shares becoming Purchaser Class A Common Stock.
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1.2 Contribution At the Closing, and subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties will consummate the Contribution by which: (a) the Seller will transfer, convey, contribute, assign and deliver to the Holdings, and Holdings will acquire and accept from the Seller, all of the issued and outstanding membership interests and other equity interests in or of the Company, free and clear of all Liens (other than potential restrictions on resale under applicable securities Laws and those Liens set forth in the Company Organizational Documents) (the “Seller Contribution”); and (b) the Purchaser will transfer as a cash contribution to Holdings all of its cash and cash equivalents, including the proceeds of any PIPE Investment and the funds remaining in the Trust Account, after giving effect to the completion of the Redemption and the payment of the Purchaser’s unpaid Expenses and other Liabilities of the Purchaser outstanding as of the Closing (the “Purchaser Contribution”).
1.3 Consideration.
(a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in exchange for the Seller Contribution, Holdings shall issue to the Seller at the Closing a number of newly issued Holdings Class B Units (the “Seller Consideration Units”) equal in value to (the “Seller Consideration”) (i) One Hundred and Thirty Million U.S. Dollars ($130,000,000), minus (ii) the amount, if any, by which the Target Net Working Capital Amount exceeds the Net Working Capital (but not less than zero), plus (iii) the amount, if any, by which the Net Working Capital exceeds the Target Net Working Capital Amount (but not less than zero), minus (iv) the amount of Closing Indebtedness, minus (v) the amount of any Transaction Expenses, with each Holdings Class B Unit valued for such purposes at a price of $10.00 per unit (the “Per Unit Price”). The number of Seller Consideration Units to be issued and delivered to the Seller at the Closing will be based on the Seller Consideration set forth in the final Estimated Closing Statement in accordance with Section 1.4 (after giving effect to any adjustments to the Estimated Closing Statement thereunder); provided, that the number of Seller Consideration Units otherwise deliverable to the Seller is subject to the withholding of the Escrow Units deposited in the Escrow Account in accordance with Section 1.6, and after the Closing is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 1.5. Additionally, at the Closing the Purchaser shall issue to the Seller a number of shares of newly issued Purchaser Class V Common Stock equal to the number of Seller Consideration Units (subject to the withholding of the Escrow Shares deposited in the Escrow Account in accordance with Section 1.6 and after the Closing is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 1.5).
(b) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in exchange for the Purchaser Contribution, Holdings shall issue to the Purchaser at the Closing a number of newly issued Holdings Class A Units so that after giving effect to such issuance the Purchaser will have a number of Holdings Class A Units equal to the number of issued and outstanding shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock as of the Closing (after giving effect to the issuance of any shares in any PIPE Investment and the redemption or conversion of Public Shareholders in the Redemption).
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no fraction of a Holdings Unit will be issued by Holdings by virtue of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and each Person who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Holdings Unit (after aggregating all fractional Holdings Units of the same class that would otherwise be received by such Person) shall instead have the number of Holdings Units issued to such Person rounded up or down in the aggregate to the nearest whole Holdings Unit.
1.4 Closing Calculations. At least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser a statement certified by a senior executive officer of Seller (the “Estimated Closing Statement”) setting forth a good faith calculation of the Seller’s estimate of the Closing Indebtedness, Net Working Capital and Transaction Expenses, in each case, as of the Reference Time, and the resulting Seller Consideration based on such estimates, in reasonable detail including for each component thereof, along with the amount owed to each creditor (other than any creditor holding debt that is converted into equity of the Seller prior to or as of the Closing) of any of the Target Companies. Promptly upon delivering the Estimated Closing Statement to the Purchaser, if requested by the Purchaser, the Seller will meet with the Purchaser to review and discuss the Estimated Closing Statement and the Seller will consider reasonably and in good faith the Purchaser’s comments to the Estimated Closing Statement and make any appropriate adjustments agreed to by Seller, acting reasonably and in good faith, to the Estimated Closing Statement prior to the Closing, which adjusted Estimated Closing Statement shall thereafter become the Estimated Closing Statement for all purposes of this Agreement. The Estimated Closing Statement and the determinations contained therein shall be prepared in accordance with the Accounting Principles and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement.
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1.5 Seller Consideration Adjustment.
(a) Within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Purchaser’s Chief Financial Officer (including any acting or interim Chief Financial Officer, the “CFO”) shall deliver to the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative a statement (the “Closing Statement”) setting forth (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies as of the Reference Time and (ii) a good faith calculation of the Closing Indebtedness, Net Working Capital and Transaction Expenses, in each case, as of the Reference Time, and the resulting Seller Consideration and Seller Consideration Units using the formula in Section 1.3. The Closing Statement shall be prepared, and the Closing Indebtedness, Net Working Capital, and Transaction Expenses and the resulting Seller Consideration and Seller Consideration Units shall be determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement.
(b) After delivery of the Closing Statement, each of the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative, and their respective Representatives on their behalves, shall be permitted reasonable access to the books, records, working papers, files, facilities and senior personnel of the Purchaser, Holdings and the Target Companies relating to the preparation of the Closing Statement, such access provided in a manner reasonably calculated so as not to unreasonably disrupt the business of Purchaser, Holdings and the Target Companies. The Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative, and their respective Representatives on their behalves, may make inquiries of the CFO and related Purchaser, Holdings and Target Company personnel and advisors regarding questions concerning or disagreements with the Closing Statement arising in the course of their review thereof, and Purchaser, Holdings and the Company shall provide reasonable cooperation in connection therewith. If either the Seller Representative or the Purchaser Representative (each, a “Reviewing Party”) has any objections to the Closing Statement, such Reviewing Party shall deliver to the CFO and the other Reviewing Party a statement setting forth its objections thereto (in reasonable detail) (an “Objection Statement”). If an Objection Statement is not delivered by a Reviewing Party within thirty (30) days following the date of delivery of the Closing Statement, then such Reviewing Party will have waived its right to contest the Closing Statement, all determinations and calculations set forth therein, and the resulting Seller Consideration set forth therein. If an Objection Statement is delivered within such thirty (30) day period, then the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative shall negotiate in good faith to resolve any such objections for a period of twenty (20) days thereafter. If the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative do not reach a final resolution within such twenty (20) day period, then upon the written request of either Reviewing Party (the date of receipt of such notice by the other Party, the “Independent Expert Notice Date”), the Reviewing Parties will refer the dispute to the Independent Expert for final resolution of the dispute in accordance with Section 1.5(c). For purposes hereof, the “Independent Expert” shall mean a mutually acceptable independent (i.e., no prior material business relationship with any party for the prior two (2) years) accounting firm appointed by the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative, which appointment will be made no later than ten (10) days after the Independent Expert Notice Date); provided, that if the Independent Expert does not accept its appointment or if the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative cannot agree on the Independent Expert, in either case within twenty (20) days after the Independent Expert Notice Date, either Reviewing Party may require, by written notice to the other Reviewing Party, that the Independent Expert be selected by the New York City Regional Office of the AAA in accordance with the AAA’s procedures. The parties agree that the Independent Expert will be deemed to be independent even though a Party or its Affiliates may, in the future, designate the Independent Expert to resolve disputes of the types described in this Section 1.5. The Parties acknowledge that any information provided pursuant to this Section 1.5 will be subject to the confidentiality obligations of Section 6.15.
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(c) If a dispute with respect to the Closing Statement is submitted in accordance with this Section 1.5 to the Independent Expert for final resolution, the Parties will follow the procedures set forth in this Section 1.5(c). Each of the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative agrees to execute, if requested by the Independent Expert, a reasonable engagement letter with respect to the determination to be made by the Independent Expert. All fees and expenses of the Independent Expert will be borne by the Purchaser. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, all other costs and expenses incurred by the Seller Representative in connection with resolving any dispute hereunder before the Independent Expert will be borne by the Seller, and all other costs and expenses incurred by the Purchaser Representative in connection with resolving any dispute hereunder before the Independent Expert will be borne by the Purchaser. The Independent Expert will determine only those issues still in dispute as of the Independent Expert Notice Date and the Independent Expert’s determination will be based solely upon and consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The determination by the Independent Expert will be based solely on presentations with respect to such disputed items by the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative to the Independent Expert and not on the Independent Expert’s independent review; provided, that such presentations will be deemed to include any work papers, records, accounts or similar materials delivered to the Independent Expert by a Reviewing Party in connection with such presentations and any materials delivered to the Independent Expert in response to requests by the Independent Expert. Each of the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative will use their reasonable efforts to make their respective presentations as promptly as practicable following submission to the Independent Expert of the disputed items, and each such Reviewing Party will be entitled, as part of its presentation, to respond to the presentation of the other Reviewing Party and any questions and requests of the Independent Expert. In deciding any matter, the Independent Expert will be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, including this this Section 1.5. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the activities of the Independent Expert in connection herewith are not (and should not be considered to be or treated as) an arbitration proceeding or similar arbitral process and that no formal arbitration rules should be followed (including rules with respect to procedures and discovery). The Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative will request that the Independent Expert’s determination be made within forty-five (45) days after its engagement, or as soon thereafter as possible, will be set forth in a written statement delivered to the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative and will be final, conclusive, non-appealable and binding for all purposes hereunder (other than for fraud or manifest error).
(d) For purposes hereof, the term “Adjustment Amount” shall mean (x) the Seller Consideration Units as finally determined in accordance with this Section 1.5, less (y) the Seller Consideration Units that were issued to the Seller at the Closing.
(i) If the Adjustment Amount is a positive number or zero, then within five (5) Business Days after such final determination of the Seller Consideration Units (A) Purchaser shall cause Holdings to issue to the Seller an additional number of Holdings Class B Units equal to the lesser of (x) Adjustment Amount and (y) the number of Escrow Units deposited in the Escrow Account at the Closing (and the Purchaser shall issue to the Seller an equal number of additional number of shares of Purchaser Class V Common Stock), and (B) the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative shall execute and deliver a joint written instruction directing the Escrow Agent to release the Escrow Property to Seller. Such additional Holdings Class B Units shall be considered additional Seller Consideration Units under this Agreement, and together with such additional shares of Purchaser Class V Common Stock shall be considered “Restricted Securities” under the Lock-Up Agreement and “Registrable Securities” under the Registration Rights Agreement.
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(ii) If the Adjustment Amount is a negative number, then the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative shall, within five (5) Business Days after such final determination of the Seller Consideration Units, execute and deliver a joint written instruction directing the Escrow Agent to release from the Escrow Account (A) to Holdings, a number of Escrow Units equal to the absolute value of the Adjustment Amount (and, after distribution of all Escrow Units, other Escrow Property other than Escrow Shares, with each Class B Unit for purposes of the Adjustment Amount valued at the Per Unit Price), and to the Purchaser an equal number of Escrow Shares, and (B) to Seller, the remainder, if any, of the Escrow Property. Holdings will promptly cancel any Escrow Units or other Holdings Class B Units, and Purchaser will promptly cancel any Escrow Shares or other shares of Purchaser Class V Common Stock, released to such Person by the Escrow Agent promptly after its receipt thereof. No further adjustment, transfer, or payment of any type shall be required in the event the Adjustment Amount exceeds the Escrow Property.
1.6 Escrow. At or prior to the Closing, the Seller Representative, the Purchaser Representative and the Escrow Agent shall enter into the Escrow Agreement. At the Closing, Holdings shall issue to the Escrow Agent a number of Seller Consideration Units equal to one percent (1%) of the Seller Consideration Units otherwise issuable to the Seller at the Closing (together with any equity securities paid as dividends or distributions with respect to such Seller Consideration Units or into which they are exchanged or converted, the “Escrow Units”), and the Purchaser shall issue to the Escrow Agent an equal number of shares of Purchaser Class V Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Seller at the Closing (together with any equity securities paid as dividends or distributions with respect to such shares or into which they are exchanged or converted, the “Escrow Shares” and, together with the Escrow Units, the “Escrow Securities”), such Escrow Securities to be held, along with any other dividends, distributions or other income on the Escrow Securities (together with the Escrow Securities, the “Escrow Property”), in the Escrow Account and disbursed therefrom in accordance with the terms of Section 1.5 hereof and the Escrow Agreement. The Escrow Property shall serve as the sole source of payment for the obligations of the Seller under Section 1.5. Unless otherwise required by Law, all distributions made from the Escrow Account shall be treated by the Parties as an adjustment to the number of Share Consideration Units received by the Seller pursuant to Article I hereof.
Article II
CLOSING
2.1 Closing. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VII, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Ellenoff Grossman & Schole, LLP (“EGS”), counsel to the Purchaser, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105, on a date and at a time to be agreed upon by Purchaser and the Company, which date shall be no later than the second (2nd) Business Day after all the Closing conditions to this Agreement have been satisfied or waived, or at such other date, time or place (including remotely) as the Purchaser and the Company may agree (the date and time at which the Closing is actually held being the “Closing Date”).
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Article III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER
Except as set forth in (i) the disclosure schedules delivered by the Purchaser to the Company on the date hereof (the “Purchaser Disclosure Schedules”), the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer, or (ii) the SEC Reports that are available on the SEC’s website through EDGAR, the Purchaser represents and warrants to the Company and the Seller, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
3.1 Organization and Standing. The Purchaser is a company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands. The Purchaser has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. The Purchaser is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed or in good standing can be cured without material cost or expense. The Purchaser has heretofore made available to the Company and the Seller accurate and complete copies of its Organizational Documents, and Holdings’ Organizational Documents, in each case, as currently in effect. Neither the Purchaser nor Holdings is in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents in any material respect.
3.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Purchaser has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, to perform the Purchaser’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject to obtaining the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (a) have been duly and validly authorized by the board of directors of the Purchaser, and (b) other than the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval, no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Purchaser are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which the Purchaser is a party shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Purchaser and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and such Ancillary Documents by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and moratorium laws and other laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by any applicable statute of limitation or by any valid defense of set-off or counterclaim, and the fact that equitable remedies or relief (including the remedy of specific performance) are subject to the discretion of the court from which such relief may be sought (collectively, the “Enforceability Exceptions”).
3.3 Governmental Approvals. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 3.3, no Consent of or with any Governmental Authority, on the part of the Purchaser is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, other than (a) pursuant to Antitrust Laws, (b) such filings as contemplated by this Agreement, (c) any filings required with Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (d) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and/ or any state “blue sky” securities Laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (e) where the failure to obtain or make such Consents or to make such filings or notifications, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser.
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3.4 Non-Contravention. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 3.4, the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and compliance by the Purchaser with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, do not and will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, (b) subject to obtaining the Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 3.3 hereof, and the waiting periods referred to therein having expired, and any condition precedent to such Consent or waiver having been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to the Purchaser or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by the Purchaser under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Purchaser under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party Consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any Purchaser Material Contract, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser.
3.5 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized share capital of the Purchaser is US$10,100 divided into 100,000,000 Purchaser Ordinary Shares, and 1,000,000 Purchaser Preferred Shares. The issued and outstanding Purchaser Securities as of the date of this Agreement are set forth on Schedule 3.5(a). As of the date of this Agreement, there are no issued or outstanding Purchaser Preferred Shares. All outstanding Purchaser Ordinary Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the Cayman Companies Law, Purchaser’s Organizational Documents or any Contract to which Purchaser is a party. None of the outstanding Purchaser Securities has been issued in violation of any applicable securities Laws.
(b) Prior to giving effect to the Contribution, Holdings has one hundred (100) Holdings Class A Units issued and outstanding, all of which are owned by the Purchaser, no Holdings Class B Units issued or outstanding and no other issued or outstanding membership or other equity interests. Prior to giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than Holdings, Purchaser does not have any Subsidiaries or own any equity interests in any other Person.
(c) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.5(a) or Schedule 3.5(c) there are no (i) outstanding options, warrants, puts, calls, convertible securities, preemptive or similar rights, (ii) bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness having general voting rights or that are convertible or exchangeable into securities having such rights or (iii) subscriptions or other rights, agreements, arrangements, Contracts or commitments of any character (other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents), (A) relating to the issued or unissued equity of Purchaser or Holdings or (B) obligating Purchaser or Holdings to issue, transfer, deliver or sell or cause to be issued, transferred, delivered, sold or repurchased any options or shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares, or (C) obligating Purchaser or Holdings to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, subscription or other right, agreement, arrangement or commitment for such capital shares. Other than the Redemption or as expressly set forth in this Agreement, there are no outstanding obligations of Purchaser or Holdings to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Purchaser or to provide funds to make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Person. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.5(c), there are no shareholders agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Purchaser or Holdings is a party with respect to the voting of any shares of Purchaser or units of Holdings.
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(d) All Indebtedness of Purchaser and Holdings as of the date of this Agreement is disclosed on Schedule 3.5(d). No Indebtedness of Purchaser or Holdings contains any restriction upon (i) the prepayment of any of such Indebtedness, (ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness by Purchaser or Holdings or (iii) the ability of Purchaser or Holdings to grant any Lien on its properties or assets.
(e) Since the date of formation of Purchaser, and except as contemplated by this Agreement, Purchaser has not declared or paid any distribution or dividend in respect of its shares and has not repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any of its shares, and Purchaser’s board of directors has not authorized any of the foregoing.
3.6 SEC Filings and Purchaser Financials.
(a) The Purchaser, since the IPO, has timely filed all forms, reports, schedules, statements, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents required to be filed or furnished by the Purchaser with the SEC under the Securities Act and/or the Exchange Act, together with any amendments, restatements or supplements thereto, and will timely file all such forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement. Except to the extent available on the SEC’s web site through EDGAR, the Purchaser has delivered to the Company and the Seller copies in the form filed with the SEC of all of the following: (i) the Purchaser’s annual reports on Form 10-K for each fiscal year of the Purchaser beginning with the first year the Purchaser was required to file such a form, (ii) the Purchaser’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for each fiscal quarter that the Purchaser filed such reports to disclose its quarterly financial results in each of the fiscal years of the Purchaser referred to in clause (i) above, (iii) all other forms, reports, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents (other than preliminary materials) filed by the Purchaser with the SEC since the beginning of the first fiscal year referred to in clause (i) above (the forms, reports, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, whether or not available through EDGAR, are, collectively, the “SEC Reports”) and (iv) all certifications and statements required by (A) Rules 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Exchange Act, and (B) 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section 906 of SOX) with respect to any report referred to in clause (i) above (collectively, the “Public Certifications”). The SEC Reports (x) were prepared in all material respects in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations thereunder and (y) did not, as of their respective effective dates (in the case of SEC Reports that are registration statements filed pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act) and at the time they were filed with the SEC (in the case of all other SEC Reports) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Public Certifications are each true as of their respective dates of filing. As used in this Section 3.6, the term “file” shall be broadly construed to include any manner permitted by SEC rules and regulations in which a document or information is furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC. As of the date of this Agreement, (A) the Purchaser Public Units, the Purchaser Ordinary Shares and the Purchaser Public Warrants are listed on Nasdaq, (B) the Purchaser has not received any written deficiency notice from Nasdaq relating to the continued listing requirements of such Purchaser Securities, (C) there are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened against the Purchaser by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority with respect to any intention by such entity to suspend, prohibit or terminate the quoting of such Purchaser Securities on Nasdaq and (D) such Purchaser Securities are in compliance with all of the applicable corporate governance rules of Nasdaq.
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(b) The financial statements and notes of the Purchaser contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Reports (the “Purchaser Financials”), fairly present in all material respects the financial position and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Purchaser at the respective dates of and for the periods referred to in such financial statements, all in accordance with (i) GAAP methodologies applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved and (ii) Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto and for the omission of notes and audit adjustments in the case of unaudited quarterly financial statements to the extent permitted by Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable).
(c) Except as and to the extent reflected or reserved against in the Purchaser Financials, the Purchaser has not incurred any Liabilities or obligations of the type required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP that are not adequately reflected or reserved on or provided for in the Purchaser Financials, other than Liabilities of the type required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP that have been incurred since the most recent date of the Purchaser Financials in the ordinary course of business.
(d) Since its formation, Holdings has not engaged in any business activities other than as contemplated by this Agreement, does not own directly or indirectly any ownership, equity, profits or voting interest in any Person and has no assets or Liabilities except those incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party and the Transactions, and, other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party, Holdings is not party to or bound by any Contract.
3.7 Absence of Certain Changes. As of the date of this Agreement, except as set forth in Schedule 3.7, the Purchaser has, (a) since its formation, conducted no business other than its formation, the public offering of its securities (and the related private offerings), public reporting and its search for an initial Business Combination as described in the IPO Prospectus (including the investigation of the Target Companies and the negotiation and execution of this Agreement) and related activities and (b) since December 31, 2019, not been subject to a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser.
3.8 Compliance with Laws. The Purchaser is, and has since its formation been, in compliance with all Laws applicable to it and the conduct of its business except for such noncompliance which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser, and the Purchaser has not received written notice alleging any violation of applicable Law in any material respect by the Purchaser.
3.9 Actions; Orders; Permits. There is no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened material Action to which the Purchaser is subject which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser. There is no material Action that the Purchaser has pending against any other Person. The Purchaser is not subject to any material Orders of any Governmental Authority, nor are any such Orders pending. The Purchaser holds all material Permits necessary to lawfully conduct its business as presently conducted, and to own, lease and operate its assets and properties, all of which are in full force and effect, except where the failure to hold such Consent or for such Consent to be in full force and effect would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser.
3.10 Taxes and Returns.
(a) The Purchaser has timely filed, or caused to be timely filed, all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it, which such Tax Returns are accurate and complete in all material respects, and has paid, collected or withheld, or caused to be paid, collected or withheld, all material Taxes required to be paid, collected or withheld, other than such Taxes for which adequate reserves in the Purchaser Financials have been established in accordance with GAAP. Schedule 3.10(a) sets forth each jurisdiction where the Purchaser files or is required to file a Tax Return. There are no audits, examinations, investigations or other proceedings pending against the Purchaser in respect of any Tax, and the Purchaser has not been notified in writing of any proposed Tax claims or assessments against the Purchaser (other than, in each case, claims or assessments for which adequate reserves in the Purchaser Financials have been established in accordance with GAAP or are immaterial in amount). There are no Liens with respect to any Taxes upon any of the Purchaser’s assets, other than Permitted Liens. The Purchaser has no outstanding waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations to assess any amount of Taxes (other than the filing of any Tax Return pursuant to a non-discretionary extension). There are no outstanding requests by the Purchaser for any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return or within which to pay any Taxes shown to be due on any Tax Return.
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(b) Since the date of its formation, the Purchaser has not (i) changed any Tax accounting methods, policies or procedures except as required by a change in Law, (ii) made, revoked, or amended any material Tax election, (iii) filed any amended Tax Returns or claim for refund or (iv) entered into any closing agreement affecting or otherwise settled or compromised any material Tax Liability or refund.
(c) The Purchaser is not aware of any fact or circumstance that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Seller Contribution from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment.
3.11 Employees and Employee Benefit Plans. The Purchaser does not (a) have any paid employees or (b) maintain, sponsor, contribute to or otherwise have any Liability under, any Benefit Plans.
3.12 Properties. The Purchaser does not own, license or otherwise have any right, title or interest in any material Intellectual Property. The Purchaser does not own or lease any material real property or material Personal Property.
3.13 Material Contracts.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(a), other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, there are no Contracts to which the Purchaser is a party or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound, subject or affected, which (i) creates or imposes a Liability greater than $200,000, (ii) may not be cancelled by the Purchaser on less than sixty (60) days’ prior notice without payment of a material penalty or termination fee or (iii) prohibits, prevents, restricts or impairs in any material respect any business practice of the Purchaser as its business is currently conducted, any acquisition of material property by the Purchaser, or restricts in any material respect the ability of the Purchaser to engage in business as currently conducted by it or compete with any other Person (each, a “Purchaser Material Contract”). All Purchaser Material Contracts have been made available to the Company and the Seller other than those that are exhibits to the SEC Reports.
(b) With respect to each Purchaser Material Contract: (i) the Purchaser Material Contract was entered into at arms’ length and in the ordinary course of business; (ii) the Purchaser Material Contract is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in all material respects against the Purchaser and, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, the other parties thereto, and is in full force and effect (except, in each case, as such enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions); (iii) the Purchaser is not in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a breach or default in any material respect by the Purchaser, or permit termination or acceleration by the other party, under such Purchaser Material Contract; and (iv) to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, no other party to any Purchaser Material Contract is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a breach or default by such other party, or permit termination or acceleration by the Purchaser under any Purchaser Material Contract.
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3.14 Transactions with Affiliates. Schedule 3.14 sets forth a true, correct and complete list of the Contracts and arrangements that are in existence as of the date of this Agreement under which there are any existing or future Liabilities or obligations between the Purchaser or Holdings and any (a) present or former director, officer or employee or Affiliate of the Purchaser, or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing, or (b) record or beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of the Purchaser’s outstanding capital stock as of the date hereof.
3.15 Holdings Activities. Since its formation, Holdings has not engaged in any business activities other than as contemplated by this Agreement, does not own directly or indirectly any ownership, equity, profits or voting interest in any Person and has no assets or Liabilities except those incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party and the Transactions, and, other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party, Holdings is not party to or bound by any Contract.
3.16 Investment Company Act. Neither the Purchaser nor Holdings is an “investment company” or a Person directly or indirectly “controlled” by or acting on behalf of an “investment company”, or required to register as an “investment company”, in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
3.17 Finders and Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.17, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from the Purchaser, Holdings, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser or Holdings.
3.18 Ownership of Seller Consideration Units and Purchaser Class V Common Stock. All Seller Consideration Units to be issued and delivered to the Seller by Holdings, and the Purchaser Class V Common Stock to be issued and delivered to the Seller by the Purchaser, in each case accordance with Article I, shall be, upon issuance and delivery of such Seller Consideration Units and Purchaser Class V Common Stock, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Liens, other than restrictions arising from applicable securities Laws, the Lock-Up Agreement, the Organizational Documents of Holdings and the Purchaser and any Liens incurred by the Seller, and the issuance and transfer of such Seller Consideration Units and Purchaser Class V Common Stock pursuant hereto will not be subject to or give rise to any preemptive rights or rights of first refusal.
3.19 Certain Business Practices.
(a) Neither the Purchaser, nor Holdings, nor any of the Representatives of Purchaser or Holdings acting on behalf of such Person, has (i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees, to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any other local or foreign anti-corruption or bribery Law, (iii) made any other unlawful payment or (iv) since the formation of the Purchaser, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any unlawful gift or similar benefit in any material amount to any customer, supplier, governmental employee or other Person who is or may be in a position to help or hinder the Purchaser or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed transaction.
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(b) The operations of the Purchaser and Holdings are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with money laundering statutes in all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority, and no Action involving the Purchaser or Holdings with respect to any of the foregoing is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened.
(c) None of the Purchaser or any of its directors or officers, Holdings or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, any other Representative acting on behalf of the Purchaser is currently identified on the specially designated nationals or other blocked person list or otherwise currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), and the Purchaser has not, in the last five (5) fiscal years, directly or indirectly, used any funds, or loaned, contributed or otherwise made available such funds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, in connection with any sales or operations in any other country sanctioned by OFAC or for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to, or otherwise in violation of, any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
3.20 Insurance. Schedule 3.20 lists all insurance policies (by policy number, insurer, coverage period, coverage amount, annual premium and type of policy) held by the Purchaser or Holdings relating to the Purchaser or Holdings or their business, properties, assets, directors, officers and employees, copies of which have been provided to the Company and the Seller. All premiums due and payable under all such insurance policies have been timely paid and the Purchaser and Holdings are otherwise in material compliance with the terms of such insurance policies. All such insurance policies are in full force and effect, and to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, there is no threatened termination of, or material premium increase with respect to, any of such insurance policies. There have been no insurance claims made by the Purchaser or Holdings. The Purchaser and Holdings have each reported to its insurers all claims and pending circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim, except where such failure to report such a claim would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser.
3.21 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Purchaser expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any Current Report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority (including the SEC) or stock exchange (including Nasdaq) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to the Purchaser’s shareholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Purchaser expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Filing and the Closing Press Release will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser makes no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of the Seller, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates.
3.22 Independent Investigation. Each of the Purchaser and Holdings has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Target Companies and the Seller, and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Target Companies and the Seller for such purpose. Each of the Purchaser and Holdings acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of the Company and the Seller set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to Purchaser pursuant hereto, and the information provided by or on behalf of the Company and the Seller for the Registration Statement; and (b) none of the Company, the Seller nor their respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to Target Companies or the Seller, or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to Purchaser pursuant hereto, or with respect to the information provided by or on behalf of the Company or the Seller for the Registration Statement.
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Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the disclosure schedules delivered by the Company to the Purchaser on the date hereof (the “Company Disclosure Schedules”), the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer, the Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser and Holdings, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
4.1 Organization and Standing. The Company is a limited liability company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the TBOC and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each Subsidiary of the Company is a corporation, limited liability company or other entity duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each Target Company is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which it is formed or registered and in each other jurisdiction where it does business or operates to the extent that the character of the property owned, or leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed or in good standing can be cured without material cost or expense. Schedule 4.1 lists all jurisdictions in which any Target Company is qualified to conduct business and all names other than its legal name under which any Target Company does business. The Company has provided to the Purchaser accurate and complete copies of its Organizational Documents and the Organizational Documents of each of its Subsidiaries, each as amended to date and as currently in effect. No Target Company is in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents.
4.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Company has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is or is required to be a party, to perform the Company’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (a) have been duly and validly authorized by the Company’s board of managers in accordance with the Company’s Organizational Documents, the TBOC, any other applicable Law or any Contract to which the Company or any of its members is a party or by which it or its securities are bound and (b) no other proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and any such Ancillary Document by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. The Company’s board of managers, by resolutions duly adopted, has (i) determined that this Agreement and the Contribution and the other transactions contemplated hereby are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its member, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Contribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the TBOC and the Company’s Organizational Documents, (iii) directed that this Agreement be submitted to the Company’s members for adoption and (iv) resolved to recommend that the Company’s members adopt this Agreement.
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4.3 Capitalization. Prior to giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (but after giving effect to the Reorganization), all of the membership interest in the Company will be owned by the Seller free and clear of any Liens other than those imposed under the Company Organizational Documents, applicable securities Laws, or as set forth on Schedule 4.3, and other than such membership units, the Company does not have any other issued or outstanding membership or other equity interests. All of the outstanding Company membership interests and other equity interests have been duly authorized, are fully paid and not in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the TBOC, any other applicable Law, the Company Organizational Documents or any Contract to which the Company is a party or by which it or its securities are bound. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3, there are no Company Convertible Securities, or preemptive rights or rights of first refusal or first offer, nor are there any Contracts, commitments, arrangements or restrictions to which the Company or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of its members is a party or bound relating to any membership interests or other equity securities of the Company, whether or not outstanding. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3, there are no outstanding or authorized equity appreciation, phantom equity or similar rights with respect to the Company. There are no voting trusts, proxies, shareholder agreements or any other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of the Company’s equity interests. Except as set forth in the Company Organizational Documents, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any equity interests or securities of the Company, nor has the Company granted any registration rights to any Person with respect to the Company’s equity securities. All of the Company’s securities have been granted, offered, sold and issued in compliance with all applicable securities Laws. As a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, no membership interests or other equity interests of the Company are issuable and no rights in connection with any equity interests, warrants, rights, options or other securities of the Company accelerate or otherwise become triggered (whether as to vesting, exercisability, convertibility or otherwise). Except as disclosed in the Company Financials, since January 1, 2020, the Company has not declared or paid any distribution in respect of its equity interests and has not repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any equity interests of the Company, and the board of managers of the Company has not authorized any of the foregoing.
4.4 Subsidiaries. Schedule 4.4 sets forth the name of each Subsidiary of the Company, and with respect to each Subsidiary (a) its jurisdiction of organization, (b) its authorized shares or other equity interests (if applicable), (c) the number of issued and outstanding shares or other equity interests and the record holders and beneficial owners thereof and (d) its Tax election to be treated as a corporate or a disregarded entity under the Code and any state or applicable non-U.S. Tax laws, if any. All of the outstanding equity securities of each Subsidiary of the Company are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (if applicable), and were offered, sold and delivered in compliance with all applicable securities Laws, and owned by one or more of the Company or its Subsidiaries free and clear of all Liens (other than those, if any, imposed by such Subsidiary’s Organizational Documents or set forth on Schedule 4.4). There are no Contracts to which the Company or any of its Affiliates is a party or bound with respect to the voting (including voting trusts or proxies) of the equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company other than the Organizational Documents of any such Subsidiary. There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, rights, agreements, subscriptions, convertible securities or commitments to which any Subsidiary of the Company is a party or which are binding upon any Subsidiary of the Company providing for the issuance or redemption of any equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company. There are no outstanding equity appreciation, phantom equity, profit participation or similar rights granted by any Subsidiary of the Company. No Subsidiary of the Company has any limitation, whether by Contract, Order or applicable Law, on its ability to make any distributions or dividends to its equity holders or repay any debt owed to another Target Company. Except for the equity interests of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 4.4, the Company does not own or have any rights to acquire, directly or indirectly, any equity interests of, or otherwise Control, any Person. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or its Subsidiaries to provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any other Person.
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4.5 Governmental Approvals. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 4.5, no Consent of or with any Governmental Authority on the part of any Target Company is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than (a) such filings as are expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (b) pursuant to Antitrust Laws or (c) such Consents the failure to obtain or make would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to be material to the Target Companies, taken as a whole, or the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
4.6 Non-Contravention. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 4.6, the execution and delivery by the Company (or any other Target Company, as applicable) of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which any Target Company is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound, and the consummation by any Target Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and compliance by any Target Company with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of any Target Company’s Organizational Documents, (b) subject to obtaining the Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 4.5 hereof, the waiting periods referred to therein having expired, and any condition precedent to such Consent or waiver having been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to any Target Company or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by any Target Company under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of any Target Company under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party Consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Company Material Contract, except in the case of clause (b), as would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to be material to the Target Companies, taken as a whole, or the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound, or in the case of clause (c) as has not, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
4.7 Financial Statements.
(a) As used herein, the term “Company Financials” means the (i) unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies (including, in each case, any related notes thereto), consisting of the consolidated balance sheets of the Target Companies as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the related consolidated audited income statements and statements of cash flows for the fiscal years then ended (the “Draft Company Financials”), (ii) when delivered by the Company as required by Section 6.4, the final audited consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies (including, in each case, any related notes thereto), consisting of the consolidated balance sheets of the Target Companies as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the related consolidated audited income statements, changes in member equity and statements of cash flows for the fiscal years then ended, each audited by a PCAOB qualified auditor in accordance with GAAP and PCAOB standards (the “Audited Company Financials”). True and correct copies of the Company Financials have been provided to the Purchaser. The Company Financials (i) accurately reflect the books and records of the Target Companies as of the times and for the periods referred to therein, (ii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied throughout and among the periods involved (except that the unaudited statements exclude the footnote disclosures and other presentation items required for GAAP and exclude year-end adjustments which will not be material in amount), (iii) solely with respect to the Audited Company Financials, comply with all applicable accounting requirements under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, and (iv) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Target Companies as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of the operations and cash flows of the Target Companies for the periods indicated. No Target Company has ever been subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
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(b) Each Target Company maintains accurate books and records reflecting its assets and Liabilities and maintains proper and adequate internal accounting controls that provide reasonable assurance that (i) such Target Company does not maintain any off-the-book accounts and that such Target Company’s assets are used only in accordance with such Target Company’s management directives, (ii) transactions are executed with management’s authorization, (iii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements of such Target Company and to maintain accountability for such Target Company’s assets, (iv) access to such Target Company’s assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization, and (v) the reporting of such Target Company’s assets is compared with existing assets at regular intervals and verified for actual amounts. All of the financial books and records of the Target Companies are complete and accurate in all material respects and have been maintained in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and in accordance with applicable Laws. No Target Company has been subject to or involved in any material fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of any Target Company. In the past five (5) years, no Target Company or its Representatives has received any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of any Target Company or its internal accounting controls, including any material written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that any Target Company has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices.
(c) The Target Companies do not have any Indebtedness other than the Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 4.7(c), which schedule sets for the amounts (including principal and any accrued but unpaid interest or other obligations) with respect to such Indebtedness. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.7(c), no Indebtedness of any Target Company contains any restriction upon (i) the prepayment of any of such Indebtedness, (ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness by any Target Company, or (iii) the ability of the Target Companies to grant any Lien on their respective properties or assets.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.7(d), no Target Company is subject to any Liabilities or obligations (whether or not required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP), except for those that are either (i) adequately reflected or reserved on or provided for in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 contained in the Company Financials or (ii) not material and that were incurred after December 31, 2020 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (other than Liabilities for breach of any Contract or violation of any Law).
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(e) All formal financial projections with respect to the Target Companies that were delivered by the Company’s senior management to the Purchaser or its Representatives were prepared in good faith using assumptions that the Company believed to be reasonable at the time such projections were delivered by the Company’s senior management.
(f) All accounts, notes and other receivables, whether or not accrued, and whether or not billed, of the Target Companies (the “Accounts Receivable”) arose from sales actually made or services actually performed in the ordinary course of business and represent valid obligations to a Target Company arising from its business.
4.8 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.8, and for activities conducted in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, since December 31, 2020, each Target Company has (a) conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (b) not been subject to a Material Adverse Effect and (c) has not taken any action or committed or agreed to take any action that would be prohibited by Section 6.2(b) (without giving effect to Schedule 6.2) if such action were taken on or after the date hereof without the consent of the Purchaser.
4.9 Compliance with Laws. No Target Company is or has been in material conflict or material non-compliance with, or in material default or violation of, nor has any Target Company received, since January 13, 2017, any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any material conflict or non-compliance with, or material default or violation of, any applicable Laws by which it or any of its properties, assets, employees, business or operations are or were bound or affected.
4.10 Company Permits. Each Target Company (and its employees who are legally required to be licensed by a Governmental Authority in order to perform his or her duties with respect to his or her employment with any Target Company), holds all Permits necessary to lawfully conduct in all material respects its business as presently conducted, and to own, lease and operate its assets and properties (collectively, the “Company Permits”). The Company has made available to the Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of all material Company Permits, all of which material Company Permits are listed on Schedule 4.10. All of the Company Permits are in full force and effect, and no suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened. No Target Company is in violation in any material respect of the terms of any Company Permit, and no Target Company has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any Actions relating to the revocation or modification of any Company Permit.
4.11 Litigation. Except as described on Schedule 4.11, there is no material (a) Action of any nature currently pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, nor is there any reasonable basis for any Action to be made (and no such Action has been brought or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened in the past five (5) years); or (b) Order now pending or outstanding or that was rendered by a Governmental Authority in the past five (5) years, in either case of (a) or (b) by or against any Target Company, its current or former directors, officers or equity holders (provided, that any litigation involving the directors, officers or equity holders of a Target Company must be related to the Target Company’s business, equity securities or assets), its business, equity securities or assets. The items listed on Schedule 4.11, if finally determined adversely to the Target Companies, will not have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect upon any Target Company. In the past five (5) years, none of the current or former officers, senior management or directors of any Target Company have been charged with, indicted for, arrested for, or convicted of any felony or any crime involving fraud.
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4.12 Material Contracts.
(a) Schedule 4.12(a) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of, and the Company has made available to the Purchaser (including written summaries of oral Contracts), true, correct and complete copies of, each Contract to which any Target Company is a party or by which any Target Company, or any of its properties or assets are bound or affected (each Contract required to be set forth on Schedule 4.12(a), a “Company Material Contract”) that:
(i) contains covenants that limit the ability of any Target Company (A) to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area or to sell, or provide any service or product or solicit any Person, including any non-competition covenants, employee and customer non-solicit covenants, exclusivity restrictions, rights of first refusal or most-favored pricing clauses or (B) to purchase or acquire an interest in any other Person;
(ii) involves any joint venture, profit-sharing, partnership, limited liability company or other similar agreement or arrangement relating to the formation, creation, operation, management or control of any partnership or joint venture;
(iii) involves any exchange traded, over the counter or other swap, cap, floor, collar, futures contract, forward contract, option or other derivative financial instrument or Contract, based on any commodity, security, instrument, asset, rate or index of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether tangible or intangible, including currencies, interest rates, foreign currency and indices;
(iv) evidences Indebtedness (whether incurred, assumed, guaranteed or secured by any asset) of any Target Company having an outstanding principal amount in excess of $300,000;
(v) involves the acquisition or disposition, directly or indirectly (by merger or otherwise), of assets with an aggregate value in excess of $500,000 (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or shares or other equity interests of any Target Company or another Person;
(vi) relates to any merger, consolidation or other business combination with any other Person or the acquisition or disposition of any other entity or its business or material assets or the sale of any Target Company, its business or material assets;
(vii) by its terms, individually or with all related Contracts, calls for aggregate payments or receipts by the Target Companies under such Contract or Contracts of at least $500,000 per year or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(viii) is with any Top Customer or Top Supplier;
(ix) obligates the Target Companies to provide continuing indemnification or a guarantee of obligations of a third party after the date hereof in excess of $200,000;
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(x) is between any Target Company and any directors, officers or employees of a Target Company (other than at-will employment arrangements with employees entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), including all non-competition, severance and indemnification agreements, or any Related Person;
(xi) obligates the Target Companies to make any capital commitment or expenditure in excess of $200,000 (including pursuant to any joint venture);
(xii) relates to a material settlement entered into within three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement or under which any Target Company has outstanding obligations (other than customary confidentiality obligations);
(xiii) provides another Person (other than another Target Company or any manager, director or officer of any Target Company) with a power of attorney;
(xiv) relates to the development, ownership, licensing or use of any Intellectual Property by, to or from any Target Company, other than Off-the-Shelf Software; or
(xv) that will be required to be filed with the Registration Statement under applicable SEC requirements or would otherwise be required to be filed by the Company as an exhibit for a Form S-1 pursuant to Items 601(b)(1), (2), (4), (9) or (10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act as if the Company was the registrant.
(b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.12(b), with respect to each Company Material Contract: (i) such Company Material Contract is valid and binding and enforceable in all respects against the Target Company party thereto and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect (except, in each case, as such enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions); (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any Company Material Contract; (iii) no Target Company is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute a material breach or default by any Target Company, or permit termination or acceleration by the other party thereto, under such Company Material Contract; (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, no other party to such Company Material Contract is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a material breach or default by such other party, or permit termination or acceleration by any Target Company, under such Company Material Contract; (v) no Target Company has received written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of an intention by any party to any such Company Material Contract that provides for a continuing obligation by any party thereto to terminate such Company Material Contract or amend the terms thereof, other than modifications in the ordinary course of business that do not adversely affect any Target Company in any material respect; and (vi) no Target Company has waived any material rights under any such Company Material Contract.
4.13 Intellectual Property.
(a) Schedule 4.13(a)(i) sets forth: (i) all U.S. and foreign registered Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Internet Assets and applications owned or licensed by a Target Company or otherwise used or held for use by a Target Company in which a Target Company is the owner, applicant or assignee (“Company Registered IP”), specifying as to each item, as applicable: (A) the nature of the item, including the title, (B) the owner of the item, (C) the jurisdictions in which the item is issued or registered or in which an application for issuance or registration has been filed and (D) the issuance, registration or application numbers and dates; and (ii) all material unregistered Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by a Target Company. Schedule 4.13(a)(ii) sets forth all Intellectual Property licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions (“Company IP Licenses”) (other than “shrink wrap,” “click wrap,” and “off the shelf” software agreements and other agreements for Software commercially available on reasonable terms to the public generally with license, maintenance, support and other fees of less than $100,000 per year (collectively, “Off-the-Shelf Software”), which are not required to be listed, although such licenses are “Company IP Licenses” as that term is used herein), under which a Target Company is a licensee or otherwise is authorized to use or practice any Intellectual Property, and describes (A) the applicable Intellectual Property licensed, sublicensed or used and (B) any royalties, license fees or other compensation due from a Target Company, if any. Each Target Company owns, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens or any Liens set out on Schedule 4.13(a)(iii)), has valid and enforceable rights in, and has the right to use, sell, license, transfer or assign, all Intellectual Property currently used, licensed or held for use by such Target Company, and previously used or licensed by such Target Company, except for the Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses. No item of Company Registered IP that consists of a pending Patent application fails to identify all pertinent inventors, and for each Patent and Patent application in the Company Registered IP, the Target Companies have obtained valid assignments of inventions from each inventor. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13(a)(iv), all Company Registered IP is owned exclusively by the applicable Target Company without obligation to pay royalties, licensing fees or other fees, or otherwise account to any third party with respect to such Company Registered IP, and such Target Company has recorded assignments of all Company Registered IP.
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(b) Each Target Company has a valid and enforceable license to use all Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses applicable to such Target Company. The Company IP Licenses include all of the licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions necessary to operate the Target Companies as presently conducted. Each Target Company has performed all obligations imposed on it in the Company IP Licenses, has made all payments required to date, and such Target Company is not, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is any other party thereto, in breach or default thereunder, nor has any event occurred that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default thereunder. The continued use by the Target Companies of the Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses in the same manner that it is currently being used is not restricted by any applicable license of any Target Company. All registrations for Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks and Internet Assets that are owned by or exclusively licensed to any Target Company are valid, in force and in good standing with all required fees and maintenance fees having been paid with no Actions pending, and all applications to register any Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks are pending and in good standing, all without challenge of any kind. No Target Company is party to any Contract that requires a Target Company to assign to any Person all of its rights in any Intellectual Property developed by a Target Company under such Contract.
(c) Schedule 4.13(c) sets forth all licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions under which a Target Company is the licensor (each, an “Outbound IP License”), and for each such Outbound IP License, describes (i) the applicable Intellectual Property licensed, (ii) the licensee under such Outbound IP License, and (iii) any royalties, license fees or other compensation due to a Target Company, if any. Each Target Company has performed all material obligations imposed on it in the Outbound IP Licenses, and such Target Company is not, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is any other party thereto, in material breach or default thereunder, nor has any event occurred that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a material default thereunder.
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(d) No Action is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against a Target Company that challenges the validity, enforceability, ownership, or right to use, sell, license or sublicense, or that otherwise relates to, any Intellectual Property currently owned, licensed, used or held for use by the Target Companies, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is there any reasonable basis for any such Action. No Target Company has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice or claim asserting or suggesting that any infringement, misappropriation, violation, dilution or unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property of any other Person is or may be occurring or has or may have occurred, as a consequence of the business activities of any Target Company, nor to the Knowledge of the Company is there a reasonable basis therefor. There are no Orders to which any Target Company is a party or its otherwise bound that (i) restrict the rights of a Target Company to use, transfer, license or enforce any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company, (ii) restrict the conduct of the business of a Target Company in order to accommodate a third Person’s Intellectual Property, or (iii) other than the Outbound IP Licenses, grant any third Person any right with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. To the Knowledge of the Company, no Target Company is currently infringing, or has, in the past, infringed, misappropriated or violated any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any material respect in connection with the ownership, use or license of any Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by a Target Company or otherwise in connection with the conduct of the respective businesses of the Target Companies. To the Company’s Knowledge, no third party is currently, or in the past three (3) years has been, infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property owned, licensed by, licensed to, or otherwise used or held for use by any Target Company (“Company IP”) in any material respect.
(e) No current or former officers, employees or independent contractors of a Target Company have claimed any ownership interest in any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. To the Knowledge of the Company, there has been no violation of a Target Company’s policies or practices related to protection of Company IP or any confidentiality or nondisclosure Contract relating to the Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. To the Company’s Knowledge, none of the employees of any Target Company is obligated under any Contract, or subject to any Order, that would materially interfere with the use of such employee’s best efforts to promote the interests of the Target Companies, or that would materially conflict with the business of any Target Company as presently conducted or contemplated to be conducted. Each Target Company has taken reasonable security measures in order to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of the material Company IP.
(f) To the Knowledge of the Company, no Person has obtained unauthorized access to third party information and data (including personally identifiable information) in the possession of a Target Company, nor to the Knowledge of the Company has there been any other material compromise of the security, confidentiality or integrity of such information or data, and no written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral complaint relating to an improper use or disclosure of, or a breach in the security of, any such information or data has been received by a Target Company. Each Target Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws and Contract requirements relating to privacy, personal data protection, and the collection, processing and use of personal information and its own privacy policies and guidelines. To the Knowledge of the Company, the operation of the business of the Target Companies has not and does not violate any right to privacy or publicity of any third person, or constitute unfair competition or trade practices under applicable Law.
(g) The consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in the material breach, material modification, cancellation, termination, suspension of, or acceleration of any payments with respect to, or release of source code because of (i) any Contract providing for the license or other use of material Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company, or (ii) any Company IP License. Following the Closing, the Company shall be permitted to exercise, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, all of the Target Companies’ rights under such Contracts or Company IP Licenses to the same extent that the Target Companies would have been able to exercise had the transactions contemplated by this Agreement not occurred, without the payment of any additional amounts or consideration other than ongoing fees, royalties or payments which the Target Companies would otherwise be required to pay in the absence of such transactions.
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4.14 Taxes and Returns. Except in each case as set forth on Schedule 4.14:
(a) Each Target Company has or will have timely filed, or caused to be timely filed, all federal, state, local and foreign Tax Returns required to be filed by it (taking into account all available extensions), which Tax Returns are true, accurate, correct and complete in all material respects, and has paid, collected or withheld, or caused to be paid, collected or withheld, all Taxes required to be paid, collected or withheld, other than such Taxes for which adequate reserves in the Company Financials have been established. Each Target Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to Tax.
(b) There is no Action currently pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against a Target Company by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where the Target Company does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.
(c) No Target Company is being audited by any Tax authority or has been notified in writing or, to the Knowledge of the Company, orally by any Tax authority that any such audit is contemplated or pending. There are no claims, assessments, audits, examinations, investigations or other Actions pending against a Target Company in respect of any Tax, and no Target Company has been notified in writing of any proposed Tax claims or assessments against it (other than, in each case, claims or assessments for which adequate reserves in the Company Financials have been established).
(d) There are no Liens with respect to any Taxes upon any Target Company’s assets, other than Permitted Liens.
(e) Each Target Company has collected or withheld all Taxes currently required to be collected or withheld by it, and all such Taxes have been paid to the appropriate Governmental Authorities.
(f) No Target Company has any outstanding waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations to assess any amount of Taxes (other than pursuant to the filing of Tax Returns on non-discretionary extensions). There are no outstanding requests by a Target Company for any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return or within which to pay any Taxes shown to be due on any Tax Return.
(g) No Target Company has made any change in accounting method (except as required by a change in Law) or received a ruling from, or signed an agreement with, any taxing authority that would reasonably be expected to have a material impact on its Taxes following the Closing.
(h) No Target Company has participated in, or sold, distributed or otherwise promoted, any “reportable transaction,” as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulation section 1.6011-4.
(i) No Target Company has any Liability or potential Liability for the Taxes of another Person (other than another Target Company) that are not adequately reflected in the Company Financials (i) under any applicable Tax Law, (ii) as a transferee or successor, or (iii) by contract, indemnity or otherwise (excluding commercial agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business the primary purpose of which is not the sharing of Taxes). No Target Company is a party to or bound by any Tax indemnity agreement, Tax sharing agreement or Tax allocation agreement or similar agreement, arrangement or practice (excluding commercial agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business the primary purpose of which is not the sharing of Taxes) with respect to Taxes (including advance pricing agreement, closing agreement or other agreement relating to Taxes with any Governmental Authority) that will be binding on any Target Company with respect to any period following the Closing Date.
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(j) No Target Company has requested, or is it the subject of or bound by any private letter ruling, technical advice memorandum, closing agreement or similar ruling, memorandum or agreement with any Governmental Authority with respect to any Taxes, nor is any such request outstanding.
(k) No Target Company is aware of any fact or circumstance that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Contribution from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment.
4.15 Real Property. Schedule 4.15 contains a complete and accurate list of all premises currently leased or subleased or otherwise used or occupied by a Target Company for the operation of the business of a Target Company, and of all current leases, lease guarantees, agreements and documents related thereto, including all amendments, terminations and modifications thereof or waivers thereto (collectively, the “Company Real Property Leases”), as well as the current annual rent and term under each Company Real Property Lease. The Company has provided to the Purchaser a true and complete copy of each of the Company Real Property Leases, and in the case of any oral Company Real Property Lease, a written summary of the material terms of such Company Real Property Lease. To the Knowledge of the Company, the Company Real Property Leases are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full force and effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or both or the happening or occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default on the part of a Target Company or any other party under any of the Company Real Property Leases, and no Target Company has received notice of any such condition. No Target Company owns any real property or any interest in real property (other than the leasehold interests in the Company Real Property Leases).
4.16 Personal Property. Each item of Personal Property which is currently owned, used or leased by a Target Company with a book value or fair market value of greater than Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) is set forth on Schedule 4.16, along with, to the extent applicable, a list of lease agreements, lease guarantees, security agreements and other agreements related thereto, including all amendments, terminations and modifications thereof or waivers thereto (“Company Personal Property Leases”). Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16, all such items of Personal Property are in operating condition (reasonable wear and tear excepted), and are reasonably suitable for their intended use in the business of the Target Companies. The operation of each Target Company’s business as it is now conducted or presently proposed to be conducted is not dependent upon the right to use the Personal Property of Persons other than a Target Company, except for such Personal Property that is owned, leased or licensed by or otherwise contracted to a Target Company. The Company has provided to the Purchaser a true and complete copy of each of the Company Personal Property Leases, and in the case of any oral Company Personal Property Lease, a written summary of the material terms of such Company Personal Property Lease. To the Knowledge of the Company, the Company Personal Property Leases are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full force and effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or both or the happening or occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default on the part of a Target Company or any other party under any of the Company Personal Property Leases, and no Target Company has received notice of any such condition.
4.17 Title to and Sufficiency of Assets. Each Target Company has good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in or right to use, all of its assets, free and clear of all Liens other than (a) Permitted Liens, (b) the rights of lessors under leasehold interests, (c) Liens specifically identified on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 included in the Company Financials and (d) Liens set forth on Schedule 4.17. The assets (including Intellectual Property rights and contractual rights) of the Target Companies constitute all of the assets, rights and properties that are used in the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies as it is now conducted and presently proposed to be conducted or that are used or held by the Target Companies for use in the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies, and taken together, are adequate and sufficient for the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies substantially as currently conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted.
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4.18 Employee Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.18:
(a) No Target Company is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract covering any group of employees, labor organization or other representative of any of the employees of any Target Company, and the Company has no Knowledge of any activities or proceedings of any labor union or other party to organize or represent such employees. There has not occurred or, to the Knowledge of the Company, been threatened any strike, slow-down, picketing, work-stoppage, or other similar labor activity with respect to any such employees. Schedule 4.18(a) sets forth all unresolved labor controversies (including unresolved grievances and age or other discrimination claims), if any, that are pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened between any Target Company and Persons employed by or providing services as independent contractors to a Target Company. No current officer of a Target Company, as of the date of this Agreement, has provided any Target Company written notice of his or her intention to terminate his or her employment with any Target Company.
(b) Each Target Company (i) is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, health and safety and wages and hours, and other Laws relating to discrimination, disability, labor relations, hours of work, payment of wages and overtime wages, pay equity, immigration, workers compensation, working conditions, employee scheduling, occupational safety and health, family and medical leave, and employee terminations, and has not received written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice that there is any pending Action involving unfair labor practices against a Target Company, (ii) is not liable for any material past due arrears of wages or any material penalty for failure to comply with any of the foregoing, and (iii) is not liable for any material payment to any Governmental Authority with respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security or other benefits or obligations for employees, independent contractors or consultants (other than routine payments to be made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice). There are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against a Target Company brought by or on behalf of any applicant for employment, any current or former employee, any Person alleging to be a current or former employee, or any Governmental Authority, relating to any such Law or regulation, or alleging breach of any express or implied contract of employment, wrongful termination of employment, or alleging any other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in connection with the employment relationship.
(c) Schedule 4.18(c) hereto sets forth a complete and accurate list as of the date hereof of all employees of the Target Companies showing for each as of such date (i) the employee’s name, job title or description, employer, location, salary level (including any bonus, commission, deferred compensation or other remuneration payable (other than any such arrangements under which payments are at the discretion of the Target Companies)), and (ii) any bonus, commission or other remuneration other than salary paid during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. No employee is a party to a written employment Contract with a Target Company and each is employed “at will”, and the Target Companies have paid in full to all their employees all wages, salaries, commission, bonuses and other compensation due to their employees, including overtime compensation, and no Target Company has any obligation or Liability (whether or not contingent) with respect to severance payments to any such employees under the terms of any written or, to the Company’s Knowledge, oral agreement, or commitment or any applicable Law, custom, trade or practice.
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(d) Schedule 4.18(d) contains a list of all independent contractors (including consultants) currently engaged by any Target Company, along with the position, the entity engaging such Person, date of retention and rate of remuneration, most recent increase (or decrease) in remuneration and amount thereof, for each such Person. All of such independent contractors are a party to a written Contract with a Target Company. Each such independent contractor has entered into customary covenants regarding confidentiality, non-competition and assignment of inventions and copyrights in such Person’s agreement with a Target Company, a copy of which has been provided to the Purchaser by the Company. For the purposes of applicable Law, including the Code, all independent contractors who are currently, or within the last six (6) years have been, engaged by a Target Company are bona fide independent contractors and not employees of a Target Company. Each independent contractor is terminable on fewer than thirty (30) days’ notice, without any obligation of any Target Company to pay severance or a termination fee.
4.19 Benefit Plans. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19:
(a) Set forth on Schedule 4.19(a) is a true and complete list of each material Benefit Plan of a Target Company (each, a “Company Benefit Plan”). With respect to each Company Benefit Plan, all contributions that are due have been made or, to the extent not yet due, are properly accrued in accordance with GAAP on the Company Financials. No Target Company is required to provide employee benefits pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or other Contract covering any group of employees, labor organization or other representative of any of the employees of any Target Company. To the Knowledge of the Company, no written statement has been made by any Target Company to any Person with regard to any Company Benefit Plan that was not in accordance with the Company Benefit Plan in any material respect.
(b) Each Company Benefit Plan is and has been operated, administered, maintained, and funded at all times in compliance with its terms and all applicable Laws in all material respects, including ERISA and the Code. Each Company Benefit Plan which is intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code (i) has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS to be so qualified (or is based on a prototype plan which has received a favorable opinion letter upon which the sponsoring Target Company is entitled to rely) or (ii) the Target Companies have requested an initial favorable IRS determination of qualification and/or exemption within the period permitted by applicable Law. No event has occurred or circumstance exists which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of such Company Benefit Plans or the exempt status of such trusts.
(c) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan the Company has provided to Purchaser accurate and complete copies, if applicable, of: (i) all Company Benefit Plan texts and agreements and related trust agreements or annuity Contracts (including any amendments, modifications or supplements thereto); (ii) the most recent summary plan descriptions and material modifications thereto; (iii) the three (3) most recent Forms 5500, if applicable, and annual report, including all schedules thereto; (iv) the most recent annual and periodic accounting of plan assets; (v) the three (3) most recent nondiscrimination testing reports; (vi) the most recent determination letter (or opinion letter) received from the IRS, if any; (vii) the most recent actuarial valuation; and (viii) all material communications with any Governmental Authority within the last three (3) years.
(d) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan: (i) no Action is pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened (other than routine claims for benefits arising in the ordinary course of administration and administrative appeals of denied claims); (ii) no prohibited transaction, as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administration exemption; and (iii) all contributions and premiums that are due have been made in all material respects as required under ERISA or have been fully accrued in all material respects on the Company Financials in accordance with GAAP.
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(e) No Target Company nor any ERISA Affiliate currently maintains, or within the preceding six (6) years has maintained or contributed to, a Company Benefit Plan which is a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 414(j) of the Code), a “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) or a “multiple employer plan” (as described in Section 413(c) of the Code) or is otherwise subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, and no Target Company has incurred any Liability or otherwise could have any Liability, contingent or otherwise, under Title IV of ERISA and no condition presently exists that is expected to cause such Liability to be incurred. No Target Company currently maintains or has ever maintained, or is required currently or has ever been required to contribute to or otherwise participate in, a multiple employer welfare arrangement or voluntary employees’ beneficiary association as defined in Section 501(c)(9) of the Code.
(f) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents will not: (i) entitle any individual to severance pay, unemployment compensation or other benefits or compensation; (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of any compensation due, or in respect of, any individual; or (iii) result in or satisfy a condition to the payment of compensation that would, in combination with any other payment, result in an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code that would be nondeductible by the Target Companies under Section 280G of the Code. No Target Company has incurred any material Liability for any Tax imposed under Chapter 43 of the Code or civil liability under Section 502(i) or (l) of ERISA.
(g) Except to the extent required by Section 4980B of the Code or similar state Law, no Target Company provides health or welfare benefits to any former or retired employee or is obligated to provide such benefits to any active employee following such employee’s retirement or other termination of employment or service.
(h) All Company Benefit Plans can be terminated at any time without resulting in any material Liability to any Target Company, Holdings or Purchaser or their respective Affiliates for any additional contributions, penalties, premiums, fees, fines, excise taxes or any other charges or liabilities, other than Liabilities with respect to participant accrued benefits through the effective date of such termination in accordance with the terms of such plan.
(i) Each Company Benefit Plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code (each, a “Section 409A Plan”) as of the Closing Date is indicated as such on Schedule 4.19(i). Except to the extent that a failure hereof could give rise to a Liability imposed under Section 409A of the Code, each Section 409A Plan has been administered in compliance, and is in documentary compliance, in all material respects with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code, the regulations thereunder and other official guidance issued thereunder. No payment to be made under any Section 409A Plan is, or to the Knowledge of the Company will be, subject to the penalties of Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. There is no Contract or plan to which any Target Company is a party or by which it is bound to compensate any employee, consultant or director for penalty taxes paid pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
4.20 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.20:
(a) Each Target Company is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws, including obtaining, maintaining in good standing, and complying in all material respects with all Permits required for its business and operations by Environmental Laws (“Environmental Permits”), no Action is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened to revoke, modify, or terminate any such Environmental Permit, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, no facts, circumstances, or conditions currently exist that could adversely affect such continued compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits or require capital expenditures to achieve or maintain such continued compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits.
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(b) No Target Company is the subject of any outstanding Order or Contract with any Governmental Authority or other Person in respect of any (i) Environmental Laws, (ii) Remedial Action, or (iii) Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous Material. No Target Company has assumed, contractually or by operation of Law, any Liabilities or obligations under any Environmental Laws.
(c) No Action has been made or is pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against any Target Company or any assets of a Target Company alleging either or both that a Target Company may be in material violation of any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit or may have any material Liability under any Environmental Law.
(d) No Target Company has manufactured, treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, generated, handled or Released any Hazardous Material, or owned or operated any property or facility, in a manner that has given or would reasonably be expected to give rise to any material Liability or obligation under applicable Environmental Laws. No fact, circumstance, or condition exists in respect of any Target Company or any property currently or formerly owned, operated, or leased by any Target Company or any property to which a Target Company arranged for the disposal or treatment of Hazardous Materials that could reasonably be expected to result in a Target Company incurring any material Environmental Liabilities.
(e) There is no investigation of the business, operations, or currently owned, operated, or leased property of a Target Company or, to the Company’s Knowledge, previously owned, operated, or leased property of a Target Company pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened that could lead to the imposition of any Liens under any Environmental Law or material Environmental Liabilities.
(f) To the Knowledge of the Company, there is not located at any of the properties of a Target Company any (i) underground storage tanks, (ii) asbestos-containing material, or (iii) equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls.
(g) The Company has provided to the Purchaser all environmentally related site assessments, audits, studies, reports, analysis and results of investigations that have been performed in respect of the currently or previously owned, leased, or operated properties of any Target Company.
4.21 Transactions with Related Persons. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.21, no Target Company nor any of its Affiliates, nor any officer, director, manager, employee, trustee or beneficiary of a Target Company or any of its Affiliates, nor any immediate family member of any of the foregoing (whether directly or indirectly through an Affiliate of such Person) (each of the foregoing, a “Related Person”) is presently, or in the past three (3) years, has been, a party to any transaction with a Target Company, including any Contract or other arrangement (a) providing for the furnishing of services by (other than as officers, directors or employees of the Target Company), (b) providing for the rental of real property or Personal Property from or (c) otherwise requiring payments to (other than for services or expenses as directors, officers or employees of the Target Company in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) any Related Person or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any Person in which any Related Person has an interest as an owner, officer, manager, director, trustee or partner or in which any Related Person has any direct or indirect interest (other than the ownership of securities representing no more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding voting power or economic interest of a publicly traded company). Except as set forth on Schedule 4.21, no Target Company has outstanding any Contract or other arrangement or commitment with any Related Person, and no Related Person owns any real property or Personal Property, or right, tangible or intangible (including Intellectual Property) which is used in the business of any Target Company. The assets of the Target Companies do not include any receivable or other obligation from a Related Person, and the liabilities of the Target Companies do not include any payable or other obligation or commitment to any Related Person.
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4.22 Insurance.
(a) Schedule 4.22(a) lists all insurance policies (by policy number, insurer, coverage period, coverage amount, annual premium and type of policy) held by a Target Company relating to a Target Company or its business, properties, assets, directors, officers and employees, copies of which have been provided to the Purchaser. All premiums due and payable under all such insurance policies have been timely paid and the Target Companies are otherwise in material compliance with the terms of such insurance policies. Each such insurance policy (i) is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect and (ii) will continue to be legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect on identical terms following the Closing. No Target Company has any self-insurance or co-insurance programs. In the past five (5) years, no Target Company has received any notice from, or on behalf of, any insurance carrier relating to or involving any adverse material change or any change other than in the ordinary course of business, in the conditions of insurance, any refusal to issue an insurance policy or non-renewal of a policy.
(b) Schedule 4.22(b) identifies each individual insurance claim in excess of $100,000 made by a Target Company in the past five (5) years. Each Target Company has reported to its insurers all claims and pending circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim, except where such failure to report such a claim would not be reasonably likely to be material to the Target Companies. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred, and no condition or circumstance exists, that would reasonably be expected to (with or without notice or lapse of time) give rise to or serve as a basis for the denial of any such insurance claim. No Target Company has made any claim against an insurance policy as to which the insurer is denying coverage.
4.23 Books and Records. All of the financial books and records of the Target Companies are complete and accurate in all material respects and have been maintained in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and in accordance with applicable Laws.
4.24 Top Customers and Suppliers. Schedule 4.24(a) lists, by dollar volume received or paid, as applicable, for each of (i) the twelve (12) months ended on December 31, 2019 and (ii) the twelve (12) months ended on December 31, 2020, the ten (10) largest customers of the Target Companies (the “Top Customers”) and the ten largest suppliers of goods or services to the Target Companies (the “Top Suppliers”), along with the amounts of such dollar volumes. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.24(b), no Target Company has within the past two (2) years been engaged in any material dispute with any Top Supplier or Top Customer.
4.25 Certain Business Practices.
(a) No Target Company, nor any of their respective Representatives acting on their behalf has (i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees, to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any other local or foreign anti-corruption or bribery Law or (iii) made any other unlawful payment. No Target Company, nor any of their respective Representatives acting on their behalf has directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any unlawful gift or similar benefit in any material amount to any customer, supplier, governmental employee or other Person who is or may be in a position to help or hinder any Target Company or assist any Target Company in connection with any actual or proposed transaction.
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(b) The operations of each Target Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with money laundering statutes in all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority, and no Action involving a Target Company with respect to any of the foregoing is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(c) No Target Company or any of their respective directors or officers, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other Representative acting on behalf of a Target Company is currently identified on the specially designated nationals or other blocked person list or otherwise currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC, and no Target Company has in the last five (5) fiscal years, directly or indirectly, used any funds, or loaned, contributed or otherwise made available such funds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, in connection with any sales or operations in Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar or any other country sanctioned by OFAC or for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to, or otherwise in violation of, any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
4.26 Product Warranty and Liability.
(a) Each product manufactured, sold or delivered by any Target Company in conducting its business has been in all material respects in conformity with all product specifications all express and implied warranties and all applicable Laws. To the Company’s Knowledge, no Target Company has any material liability for replacement or repair of any such products or other damages in connection therewith or any other customer or product obligations not reserved against in the Company Financials.
(b) To the Company’s Knowledge, no Target Company has any material Liability arising out of any injury to individuals or property as a result of the ownership, possession, or use of any product designed, manufactured, assembled, repaired, maintained, delivered, sold or installed, or services rendered, by or on behalf of a Target Company. No Target Company has committed any act or omission which would reasonably be expected to result in, and there has been no occurrence which would reasonably be expected to give rise to or form the basis of, any material product Liability or material Liability for breach of warranty (whether covered by insurance or not) on the part of a Target Company with respect to products designed, manufactured, assembled, repaired, maintained, delivered, sold or installed or services rendered by or on behalf of a Target Company.
4.27 Food Law Compliance.
(a) Each Target Company conducts, and has conducted, its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws related to the preparation, labeling, sale and distribution of food to consumers, including the applicable provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended from time to time (including any applicable regulations adopted thereunder, the “FFDCA”), the applicable statutes, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (the “USDA”) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), all applicable statutes enforced by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) and the applicable FTC regulations and requirements and any applicable statutes, regulations and requirements established by any state, provincial, local or foreign Governmental Authority responsible for regulating the preparation, labeling, sale and distribution of food products (collectively, with the USDA, the FDA and the FTC, the “Food Authorities”, and the FFDCA and such other statutes, regulations and requirements collectively, “Food Laws”) and terms and conditions imposed in any permits granted by any Food Authority. All inventory and products sold or distributed by a Target Company, under its own brands or for third parties (collectively, the “Products”), materially complied and are in material compliance with applicable Food Laws and terms and conditions imposed in any permits granted by any Food Authority, including any applicable good manufacturing practices and sanitation requirements, labeling and advertising requirements, requirements relating to food or color additives, food standards, product composition requirements, testing requirements or protocols, recordkeeping or reporting requirements, monitoring requirements, packaging (including co-packing and re-packing) requirements, laboratory controls, storage and warehousing procedures, shipping requirements and shelf-life requirements, in each case as required under applicable Food Laws or material Permits granted by any Food Authority.
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(b) No Target Company has ever been excluded, debarred or suspended from participation under any government program pursuant to any applicable Food Laws, in each case with respect to its business or the Products.
(c) The finished goods included in the inventory of the Target Companies as of the Closing will (i) have been properly handled and stored and are properly packaged and labeled and fit for human consumption, (ii) may be shipped in interstate commerce in accordance with applicable Food Laws and (iii) are not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of applicable Food Laws. All of the current packaging for the Products is adequate for normal shipping and storage.
(d) None of the Products requires any specific approval of the FDA, USDA or any other Food Authority for the purpose of which they are being manufactured, prepared, produced, sold or distributed, which has not been obtained.
4.28 Investment Company Act. No Target Company is an “investment company” or a Person directly or indirectly “controlled” by or acting on behalf of an “investment company”, or required to register as an “investment company”, in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
4.29 Finders and Brokers . Except as set forth in Schedule 4.29, no Target Company has incurred or will incur any Liability for any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.30 Independent Investigation. The Company has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Purchaser and Holdings, and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Purchaser and Holdings for such purpose. The Company acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to the Company pursuant hereto; and (b) none of the Purchaser, Holdings nor any of their respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to the Purchaser or Holdings or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to the Company pursuant hereto.
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4.31 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any current report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority or stock exchange with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to the Purchaser’s shareholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Press Release and the Closing Filing will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of the Purchaser, Holdings or their respective Affiliates.
Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER
Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedules, the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer, the Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser and Holdings, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
5.1 Organization and Standing. The Seller is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Texas and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.
5.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Seller has all requisite power, authority and legal right and capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, to perform the Seller’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which the Seller is or is required to be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (a) have been duly and validly authorized by the Seller’s board of managers and certain of Seller’s members in accordance with Seller’s Organizational Documents and the TBOC and (b) no other proceedings on the part of the Seller are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which the Seller is or is required to be a party has been or shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Seller and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and any such Ancillary Document by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller, enforceable against the Seller in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.
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5.3 Ownership. As of the date of this Agreement and as of immediately prior to the Closing the Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding membership interests and other equity securities of the Company, free and clear of any and all Liens (other than those imposed by applicable securities Laws or the Company’s Organizational Documents, or as set forth on Schedule 5.3). Except as set forth in the Company’s Organizational Documents, there are no proxies, voting rights, shareholders’ agreements or other agreements or understandings, to which the Seller is a party or by which the Seller is bound, with respect to the voting or transfer of the Company membership interests owned by the Seller other than this Agreement. The Reorganization was performed and consummated in compliance with the TBOC.
5.4 Capitalization. The issued and outstanding equity interests of the Seller (specifying each class or series of equity interest), along with the beneficial and record owners thereof, as of the date of this Agreement are set forth on Schedule 5.4. All of the outstanding equity interests of the Seller have been duly authorized, are fully paid and not issued in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the TBOC, any other applicable Law, the Seller’s Organizational Documents or any Contract to which the Seller is a party or by which it or its securities are bound. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.4, there are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, rights, agreements, subscriptions, convertible securities or commitments to which the Seller is a party or bound providing for the issuance or redemption of any equity interests of the Seller, or outstanding equity appreciation, phantom equity, profit participation or similar rights granted by the Seller.
5.5 Governmental Approvals. No Consent of or with any Governmental Authority on the part of the Seller is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Seller of this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents or the consummation by the Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than (a) such filings as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (b) pursuant to Antitrust Laws or (c) such Consents the failure to obtain or make would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to be material to the Seller or the ability of the Seller to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
5.6 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or otherwise bound and the consummation by the Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and compliance by the Seller with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not, (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Seller’s Organizational Documents, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to the Seller or any of its properties or assets or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by the Seller under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Seller under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any Contract to which the Seller is a party or the Seller or its properties or assets are otherwise bound, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) that has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Seller.
5.7 No Litigation. There is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened, nor any Order is outstanding, against or involving the Seller, whether at law or in equity, before or by any Governmental Authority, which would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the ability of the Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and discharge its obligations under, this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which the Seller is or is required to be a party.
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5.8 Investment Representations. The Seller: (a) is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act; (b) is acquiring the Seller Consideration Units and the Purchaser Series V Common Stock for itself for investment purposes only, and not with a view towards any resale or distribution of the Seller Consideration Units (or the Purchaser Class A Common Stock into which they are exchangeable in accordance with the Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Shares”)) or the Purchaser Series V Common Stock (other than the distribution to the members (direct or indirect) of Seller upon the registration thereof after the Closing); (c) has been advised and understands that the Seller Consideration Units (and upon their issuance the Exchange Shares) and the Purchaser Series V Common Stock (i) are being issued in reliance upon one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities Laws, (ii) have not been and, subject to the Registration Rights Agreements after the Closing, shall not be registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities Laws and, therefore, must be held indefinitely and cannot be resold unless such securities are registered under the Securities Act and all applicable state securities Laws, unless exemptions from registration are available and (iii) are subject to additional restrictions on transfer pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreement; (d) is aware that an investment in the Purchaser and Holdings is a speculative investment and is subject to the risk of complete loss; and (e) acknowledges that Holdings is not, and except as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, the Purchaser is not under any obligation hereunder to register the Seller Consideration Units, the Exchange Shares or the Purchaser Series V Common Stock under the Securities Act. The Seller does not have any Contract with any Person to sell, transfer, or grant participations to such Person, or to any third Person, with respect to the Seller Consideration Units, the Exchange Shares or the Purchaser Series V Common Stock. The Seller is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of an investment in the Purchaser and Holdings and of protecting its interests in connection with its investment in the Purchaser and Holdings. The Seller’s Representatives have carefully read and understand all materials provided by or on behalf of the Purchaser or Holdings or their respective Representatives to the Seller or its Representatives and has consulted, as the Seller has deemed advisable, with its own attorneys, accountants or investment advisors with respect to the investment in the Purchaser and Holdings and its suitability for the Seller. The Seller acknowledges that the Seller Consideration Units, Exchange Shares and or the Purchaser Series V Common Stock are subject to dilution for events not under the control of the Seller. The Seller has completed its independent inquiry and has relied fully upon the advice of its own legal counsel, accountant, financial and other Representatives in determining the legal, tax, financial and other consequences of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and the suitability of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby for the Seller and its particular circumstances, and, except as set forth herein, has not relied upon any representations or advice by the Purchaser, Holdings or their respective Representatives. The Seller acknowledges and agrees that, except as set forth in Article III (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) no representations or warranties have been made by the Purchaser, Holdings or any of their respective Representatives, and that the Seller has not been guaranteed or represented to by any Person, (i) any specific amount or the event of the distribution of any cash, property or other interest in the Purchaser or Holdings or (ii) the profitability or value of the Seller Consideration Units, the Exchange Shares or the Purchaser Series V Common Stock in any manner whatsoever. The Seller: (A) has been represented by independent counsel (or has had the opportunity to consult with independent counsel and has declined to do so); (B) has had the full right and opportunity to consult with the Seller’s attorneys and other advisors and has availed itself of this right and opportunity; (C) has carefully read and fully understands this Agreement in its entirety and has had it fully explained to by such counsel; (D) is fully aware of the contents hereof and the meaning, intent and legal effect thereof; and (E) is competent to execute this Agreement and has executed this Agreement free from coercion, duress or undue influence.
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5.9 Finders and Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from the Purchaser, Holdings, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Seller.
5.10 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Seller expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any Current Report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority (including the SEC) or stock exchange (including Nasdaq) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to the Purchaser’s shareholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Seller expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Filing and the Closing Press Release will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller does not make any representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of the Purchaser, Holdings or their respective Affiliates.
5.11 Independent Investigation. The Seller has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Purchaser and Holdings and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Purchaser and Holdings for such purpose. The Seller acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to the Seller pursuant hereto; and (b) none of the Purchaser or Holdings, nor any of their respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to the Purchaser, Holdings or this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to the Seller pursuant hereto.
Article VI
COVENANTS
6.1 Access and Information.
(a) During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.1 or the Closing (the “Interim Period”), subject to Section 6.15, each of the Company and the Seller shall give, and shall cause its Representatives to give, the Purchaser and its Representatives, at reasonable times during normal business hours and upon reasonable intervals and notice, reasonable access to all offices and other facilities and to all senior employees, properties, Contracts, agreements, commitments, books and records, financial and operating data and other information (including Tax Returns, internal working papers, client files, client Contracts and director service agreements), of or pertaining to the Target Companies, as the Purchaser or its Representatives may reasonably request regarding the Target Companies and their respective businesses, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects, operations, management, employees and other aspects (including unaudited quarterly financial statements, including a consolidated quarterly balance sheet and income statement, a copy of each material report, schedule and other document filed with or received by a Governmental Authority pursuant to the requirements of applicable securities Laws, and independent public accountants’ work papers (subject to the consent or any other conditions required by such accountants, if any)) and cause each of the Seller’s and the Company’s Representatives to reasonably cooperate with the Purchaser and its Representatives in their investigation; provided, however, that the Purchaser and its Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Target Companies.
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(b) During the Interim Period, subject to Section 6.15, the Purchaser shall give, and shall cause its Representatives to give, the Company and its Representatives, at reasonable times during normal business hours and upon reasonable intervals and notice, reasonable access to all offices and other facilities and to all senior employees, properties, Contracts, agreements, commitments, books and records, financial and operating data and other information (including Tax Returns, internal working papers, client files, client Contracts and director service agreements), of or pertaining to the Purchaser or its Subsidiaries, as the Company or its Representatives may reasonably request regarding the Purchaser, its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects, operations, management, employees and other aspects (including unaudited quarterly financial statements, including a consolidated quarterly balance sheet and income statement, a copy of each material report, schedule and other document filed with or received by a Governmental Authority pursuant to the requirements of applicable securities Laws, and independent public accountants’ work papers (subject to the consent or any other conditions required by such accountants, if any)) and cause each of the Purchaser’s Representatives to reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Representatives in their investigation; provided, however, that the Company and its Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Purchaser or any of its Subsidiaries.
6.2 Conduct of Business of the Company.
(a) Unless the Purchaser shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), during the Interim Period, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, or as set forth on Schedule 6.2, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business (except for any actions reasonably taken in good faith by the Target Companies to the extent reasonably necessary to address any Excluded Events described in clauses (iii), (iv) or (v) of the definition thereof), (ii) comply in all material respects with all Laws applicable to the Target Companies and their respective businesses, assets and employees, and (iii) take commercially reasonable measures necessary or appropriate to preserve intact, in all material respects, their respective business organizations.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 6.2(a) and except as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents (including the Reorganization), or as set forth on Schedule 6.2, during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to not:
(i) amend, waive or otherwise change, in any respect, its Organizational Documents, except as required by applicable Law;
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(ii) authorize for issuance, issue, grant, sell, pledge, dispose of or propose to issue, grant, sell, pledge or dispose of any of its equity securities or any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions or rights of any kind to acquire or sell any of its equity securities, or other securities, including any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of its shares or other equity securities or securities of any class and any other equity-based awards, or engage in any hedging transaction with a third Person with respect to such securities, except in compliance with any Contract (including any warrant, option, or profits interest award) outstanding as of the date hereof which has been disclosed in writing to the Purchaser;
(iii) split, combine, recapitalize or reclassify any of its shares or other equity interests or issue any other securities in respect thereof or pay or set aside any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, equity or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its equity interests, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or offer to acquire any of its securities;
(iv) excluding the Bridge Notes, allow the aggregate Indebtedness of the Target Companies to exceed an amount equal to the sum of $1,000,000 plus the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of the Target Companies as of December 31, 2020, less the amount of the proceeds of any Sales-Leasebacks that are used to pay-off and reduce the outstanding Indebtedness for borrowed money owed by the Target Companies in accordance with Section 6.21;
(v) increase the wages, salaries or compensation of its employees other than in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, and in any event not in the aggregate by more than five percent (5%), or make or commit to make any bonus payment (whether in cash, property or securities) to any employee, or materially increase other benefits of employees generally, or enter into, establish, materially amend or terminate any Company Benefit Plan with, for or in respect of any current consultant, officer, manager director or employee, in each case other than as required by applicable Law, pursuant to the terms of any Company Benefit Plans or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(vi) make or rescind any material election relating to Taxes, settle any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return or claim for refund, or make any material change in its accounting or Tax policies or procedures, in each case except as required by applicable Law or in compliance with GAAP;
(vii) transfer or license to any Person or otherwise extend, materially amend or modify, permit to lapse or fail to preserve any material Company Registered IP, Company Licensed IP or other Company IP (excluding non-exclusive licenses of Company IP to Target Company customers in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), or disclose to any Person who has not entered into a confidentiality agreement any Trade Secrets;
(viii) terminate or assign any Company Material Contract or enter into any Contract (other than a purchase order in the ordinary course of business) that would be a Company Material Contract, in any case outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(ix) establish any Subsidiary or enter into any new line of business;
(x) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in force insurance policies or replacement or revised policies providing insurance coverage with respect to its assets, operations and activities in such amount and scope of coverage substantially similar to that which is currently in effect;
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(xi) revalue any of its material assets or make any material change in accounting methods, principles or practices, except to the extent required to comply with GAAP and after consulting with the Company’s outside auditors;
(xii) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding (including any suit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby), other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that involve only the payment of monetary damages (and not the imposition of equitable relief on, or the admission of wrongdoing by, a Target Company or its Affiliates) not in excess of $500,000 (individually or in the aggregate);
(xiii) close or materially reduce its activities, or effect any layoff or other personnel reduction or change, at any of its facilities;
(xiv) acquire, including by merger, consolidation, acquisition of equity interests or assets, or any other form of business combination, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division thereof, or any material amount of assets outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, except pursuant to any Contract in existence as of the date hereof which has been disclosed in writing to the Purchaser;
(xv) make capital expenditures in excess of $500,000 (individually for any project (or set of related projects) or $1,000,000 in the aggregate);
(xvi) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring or other reorganization;
(xvii) voluntarily incur any Liability or obligation (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate other than pursuant to the terms of a Company Material Contract or Company Benefit Plan, in any case, outside of the ordinary course of business, taking into account the anticipated growth in the Target Companies’ businesses;
(xviii) sell, lease, license, transfer, exchange or swap, mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber (including securitizations), or otherwise dispose of any material portion of its properties, assets or rights;
(xix) enter into any written agreement, understanding or arrangement with respect to the voting of equity securities of the Company;
(xx) take any action that would reasonably be expected to significantly delay or impair the obtaining of any Consents of any Governmental Authority to be obtained in connection with this Agreement;
(xxi) materially alter any, or adopt any new, policy or procedure concerning the acceleration of trade receivables or delay of payment of trade payables or other liabilities outside the ordinary course;
(xxii) enter into, amend, waive or terminate (other than terminations in accordance with their terms) any transaction with any Related Person (other than compensation and benefits and advancement of expenses, in each case, provided in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice); or
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(xxiii) authorize or agree to do any of the foregoing actions.
(c) Without limiting Sections 6.2(a) and 6.2(b), during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (i) the Company shall not issue any equity securities (including any Company Convertible Securities), and (ii) the Seller shall not sell, transfer or dispose of any equity securities of the Company owned by the Seller
6.3 Conduct of Business of the Purchaser.
(a) Unless the Company shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), during the Interim Period, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or as set forth on Schedule 6.3, the Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business (except for any actions reasonably taken in good faith by the Purchaser or its Subsidiary to the extent reasonably necessary to address any Excluded Events described in clauses (iii), (iv) or (v) of the definition thereof), (ii) comply in all material respects with all Laws applicable to the Purchaser and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, assets and employees, and (iii) take commercially reasonable measures necessary or appropriate to preserve intact, in all material respects, their respective business organizations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.3, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict Purchaser from extending, in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and the IPO Prospectus, the deadline by which it must complete its Business Combination (an “Extension”), and no consent of any other Party shall be required in connection therewith.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 6.3(a) and except as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents (including the Conversion or as contemplated by any PIPE Investment) or as set forth on Schedule 6.3, during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Purchaser shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to not:
(i) amend, waive or otherwise change, in any respect, its Organizational Documents except as required by applicable Law;
(ii) authorize for issuance, issue, grant, sell, pledge, dispose of or propose to issue, grant, sell, pledge or dispose of any of its equity securities or any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions or rights of any kind to acquire or sell any of its equity securities, or other securities, including any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of its equity securities or other security interests of any class and any other equity-based awards, or engage in any hedging transaction with a third Person with respect to such securities;
(iii) split, combine, recapitalize or reclassify any of its shares or other equity interests or issue any other securities in respect thereof or pay or set aside any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, equity or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its shares or other equity interests, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or offer to acquire any of its securities;
(iv) incur, create, assume, prepay or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness (directly, contingently or otherwise) in excess of $200,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate, make a loan or advance to or investment in any third party, or guarantee or endorse any Indebtedness, Liability or obligation of any Person (provided, that this Section 6.3(b)(iv) shall not prevent the Purchaser from borrowing funds necessary to finance its ordinary course administrative costs and expenses and Expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the Contribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including any PIPE Investment and the costs and expenses necessary for an Extension (such expenses, “Extension Expenses”), up to aggregate additional Indebtedness during the Interim Period of $1,000,000);
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(v) make or rescind any material election relating to Taxes, settle any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return or claim for refund, or make any material change in its accounting or Tax policies or procedures, in each case except as required by applicable Law or in compliance with GAAP;
(vi) amend, waive or otherwise change the Trust Agreement in any manner adverse to the Purchaser;
(vii) terminate, waive or assign any material right under any Purchaser Material Contract;
(viii) fail to maintain its books, accounts and records in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(ix) establish any Subsidiary or enter into any new line of business;
(x) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in force insurance policies or replacement or revised policies providing insurance coverage with respect to its assets, operations and activities in such amount and scope of coverage substantially similar to that which is currently in effect;
(xi) revalue any of its material assets or make any material change in accounting methods, principles or practices, except to the extent required to comply with GAAP and after consulting the Purchaser’s outside auditors;
(xii) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding (including any suit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby), other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that involve only the payment of monetary damages (and not the imposition of equitable relief on, or the admission of wrongdoing by, the Purchaser or its Subsidiary) not in excess of $200,000 (individually or in the aggregate);
(xiii) acquire, including by merger, consolidation, acquisition of equity interests or assets, or any other form of business combination, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division thereof, or any material amount of assets outside the ordinary course of business;
(xiv) make capital expenditures in excess of $200,000 individually for any project (or set of related projects) or $500,000 in the aggregate (excluding for the avoidance of doubt, incurring any Expenses);
(xv) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization (other than with respect to the Contribution);
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(xvi) voluntarily incur any Liability or obligation (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (excluding the incurrence of any Expenses) other than pursuant to the terms of a Contract in existence as of the date of this Agreement or entered into in the ordinary course of business or in accordance with the terms of this Section 6.3 during the Interim Period;
(xvii) sell, lease, license, transfer, exchange or swap, mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber (including securitizations), or otherwise dispose of any material portion of its properties, assets or rights;
(xviii) enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement with respect to the voting of Purchaser Securities;
(xix) take any action that would reasonably be expected to significantly delay or impair the obtaining of any Consents of any Governmental Authority to be obtained in connection with this Agreement; or
(xx) authorize or agree to do any of the foregoing actions.
6.4 Annual and Interim Financial Statements.
(a) During the Interim Period, within thirty (30) calendar days following the end of each calendar month, each three-month quarterly period and each fiscal year, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser an unaudited consolidated income statement and an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies for the period from December 31, 2020 through the end of such calendar month, quarterly period or fiscal year and the applicable comparative period in the preceding fiscal year, in each case accompanied by a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to the effect that all such financial statements fairly present the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Target Companies as of the date or for the periods indicated, in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and excluding footnotes. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the Company will also promptly deliver to the Purchaser copies of any audited consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies that the Target Companies’ certified public accountants may issue.
(b) The Company will provide to the Purchaser the Audited Company Financials as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement.
6.5 Purchaser Public Filings. During the Interim Period, the Purchaser will keep current and timely file all of its public filings with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with applicable securities Laws and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts prior to the Closing to maintain the listing of the Purchaser Public Units, the Purchaser Ordinary Shares and the Purchaser Public Warrants on Nasdaq; provided, that the Parties acknowledge and agree that from and after the Closing, the Parties intend to list on Nasdaq only the Purchaser Class A Common Stock and the Purchaser Public Warrants.
6.6 No Solicitation.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, (i) an “Acquisition Proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer, or any indication of interest in making an offer or proposal, from any Person or group at any time relating to an Alternative Transaction, and (ii) an “Alternative Transaction” means (A) with respect to the Company and its Affiliates, a transaction (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) concerning the sale of (x) all or any material part of the business or assets of the Target Companies (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or (y) any of the shares or other equity interests or profits of the Target Companies, in any case, whether such transaction takes the form of a sale of shares or other equity interests, assets, merger, consolidation, issuance of debt securities, management Contract, joint venture or partnership, or otherwise and (B) with respect to the Purchaser and its Affiliates, a transaction (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) concerning a Business Combination involving Purchaser or any of its Affiliates.
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(b) During the Interim Period, in order to induce the other Parties to continue to commit to expend management time and financial resources in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall not, and shall cause its Representatives to not, without the prior written consent of the Company and the Purchaser, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, assist, initiate or facilitate the making, submission or announcement of, or intentionally encourage, any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) furnish any non-public information regarding such Party or its Affiliates or their respective businesses, operations, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects or employees to any Person or group (other than a Party to this Agreement or their respective Representatives) in connection with or in response to an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) engage or participate in discussions or negotiations with any Person or group with respect to, or that could reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (iv) approve, endorse or recommend, or publicly propose to approve, endorse or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal, (v) negotiate or enter into any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement related to any Acquisition Proposal, or (vi) release any third Person from, or waive any provision of, any confidentiality agreement to which such Party is a party.
(c) Each Party shall notify the others as promptly as practicable (and in any event within 48 hours) in writing of the receipt by such Party or any of its Representatives of (i) any bona fide inquiries, proposals or offers, requests for information or requests for discussions or negotiations regarding or constituting any Acquisition Proposal or any bona fide inquiries, proposals or offers, requests for information or requests for discussions or negotiations that could be expected to result in an Acquisition Proposal, and (ii) any request for non-public information relating to such Party or its Affiliates in connection with any Acquisition Proposal, specifying in each case, the material terms and conditions thereof (including a copy thereof if in writing or a written summary thereof if oral) and the identity of the party making such inquiry, proposal, offer or request for information. Each Party shall keep the others promptly informed of the status of any such inquiries, proposals, offers or requests for information. During the Interim Period, each Party shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and shall, and shall direct its Representatives to, cease and terminate any such solicitations, discussions or negotiations.
6.7 No Trading. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is aware, and that the Company’s Affiliates are aware (and each of their respective Representatives is aware or, upon receipt of any material nonpublic information of the Purchaser, will be advised) of the restrictions imposed by U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq promulgated thereunder or otherwise (the “Federal Securities Laws”) and other applicable foreign and domestic Laws on a Person possessing material nonpublic information about a publicly traded company. The Company hereby agrees that, while it is in possession of such material nonpublic information, it shall not purchase or sell any securities of the Purchaser (other than to engage in the Contribution in accordance with Article I), communicate such information to any third party, take any other action with respect to the Purchaser in violation of such Laws, or cause or encourage any third party to do any of the foregoing.
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6.8 Notification of Certain Matters. During the Interim Period, each Party shall give prompt notice to the other Parties if such Party or its Affiliates: (a) receives any notice or other communication in writing from any third party (including any Governmental Authority) alleging (i) that the Consent of such third party is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) any non-compliance with any Law by such Party or its Affiliates; (b) receives any notice or other communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or (c) becomes aware of the commencement or threat, in writing, of any Action against such Party or any of its Affiliates, or any of their respective properties or assets, or, to the Knowledge of such Party, any officer, director, partner, member or manager, in his, her or its capacity as such, of such Party or of its Affiliates with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No such notice shall constitute an acknowledgement or admission by the Party providing the notice regarding whether or not any of the conditions to the Closing have been satisfied or in determining whether or not any of the representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement have been breached.
6.9 Efforts.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts, and shall cooperate fully with the other Parties, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws and regulations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the receipt of all applicable Consents of Governmental Authorities) and to comply as promptly as practicable with all requirements of Governmental Authorities applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) In furtherance and not in limitation of Section 6.9(a), to the extent required under any Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade (“Antitrust Laws”), each Party hereto agrees to make any required filing or application under Antitrust Laws, as applicable, at such Party’s sole cost and expense (except that any fees or other amounts charged by any Governmental Authorities relating to such filings or applications will be split equally between the Purchaser, on the one hand, and Seller and the Target Companies, on the other hand), with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable, to supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be reasonably requested pursuant to Antitrust Laws and to take all other actions reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under Antitrust Laws as soon as practicable, including by requesting early termination of the waiting period provided for under the Antitrust Laws. Each Party shall, in connection with its efforts to obtain all requisite approvals and authorizations for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any Antitrust Law, use its commercially reasonable efforts to: (i) cooperate in all respects with each other Party or its Affiliates in connection with any filing or submission and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding initiated by a private Person; (ii) keep the other Parties reasonably informed of any communication received by such Party or its Representatives from, or given by such Party or its Representatives to, any Governmental Authority and of any communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private Person, in each case regarding any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) permit a Representative of the other Parties and their respective outside counsel to review any communication given by it to, and consult with each other in advance of any meeting or conference with, any Governmental Authority or, in connection with any proceeding by a private Person, with any other Person, and to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority or other Person, give a Representative or Representatives of the other Parties the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences; (iv) in the event a Party’s Representative is prohibited from participating in or attending any meetings or conferences, the other Parties shall keep such Party promptly and reasonably apprised with respect thereto; and (v) use reasonable best efforts to cooperate in the filing of any memoranda, white papers, filings, correspondence or other written communications explaining or defending the transactions contemplated hereby, articulating any regulatory or competitive argument, and/or responding to requests or objections made by any Governmental Authority.
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(c) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other and use (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to use) their respective reasonable best efforts to prepare and file with Governmental Authorities requests for approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall use their reasonable best efforts to have such Governmental Authorities approve the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Party shall give prompt written notice to the other Parties if such Party or any of its Representatives receives any notice from such Governmental Authorities in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and shall promptly furnish the other Parties with a copy of such Governmental Authority notice. If any Governmental Authority requires that a hearing or meeting be held in connection with its approval of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether prior to the Closing or after the Closing, each Party shall arrange for Representatives of such Party to be present for such hearing or meeting. If any objections are asserted with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any applicable Law or if any Action is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) by any applicable Governmental Authority or any private Person challenging any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Document as violative of any applicable Law or which would otherwise prevent, materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to resolve any such objections or Actions so as to timely permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, including in order to resolve such objections or Actions which, in any case if not resolved, could reasonably be expected to prevent, materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. In the event any Action is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) by a Governmental Authority or private Person challenging the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or any Ancillary Document, the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to, reasonably cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to contest and resist any such Action and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any Order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents.
(d) Prior to the Closing, each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any Consents of Governmental Authorities or other third Persons as may be necessary for the consummation by such Party or its Affiliates of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or required as a result of the execution or performance of, or consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement by such Party or its Affiliates, and the other Parties shall provide reasonable cooperation in connection with such efforts.
6.10 Minimum Cash. In the event that after the deadline for Public Shareholders to submit their election for the Redemption, the Purchaser reasonably believes in good faith that it will not be able to satisfy the condition to the Closing set forth in Section 7.2(d), the Purchaser will, subject to the prior written consent of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), use its reasonable efforts to satisfy such condition by (i) paying its vendors and other creditors with shares in lieu of cash, (ii) convincing Public Shareholders (including any investors willing to purchase Purchaser Ordinary Shares from Public Shareholders that have submitted a Redemption election) to reverse their Redemption elections and (iii) finding additional equity financing.
6.11 Tax Treatment. The Parties hereby agree and acknowledge that, for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, the Contribution is intended to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment. The Parties hereby agree to file all Tax and other informational returns on a basis consistent with such characterization unless otherwise required pursuant to a determination within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code. Each of the Parties acknowledge and agree that each (i) has had the opportunity to obtain independent legal and Tax advice with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) is responsible for paying its own Taxes, including any adverse Tax consequences that may result if the Contribution does not qualify under the Intended Tax Treatment.
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6.12 Further Assurances. The Parties hereto shall further cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, necessary, proper or advisable on their part under this Agreement and applicable Laws to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable, including preparing and filing as soon as practicable all documentation to effect all necessary notices, reports and other filings.
6.13 The Registration Statement.
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, the Purchaser shall file with the SEC a registration statement (prepared with the reasonable assistance of the Company and the Seller) on Form S-4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, and including the Proxy Statement contained therein, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the replacement Purchaser Securities to be issued to the holders thereof in the Conversion, which Registration Statement will also contain a proxy statement (as amended, the “Proxy Statement”) for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Purchaser shareholders for the matters to be acted upon at the Purchaser Special Meeting and providing the Public Shareholders an opportunity in accordance with the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and the IPO Prospectus to have their Purchaser Ordinary Shares (and upon the Conversion, the Purchaser Class A Common Stock) redeemed (the “Redemption”) in conjunction with the shareholder vote on the Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters. The Proxy Statement shall include proxy materials for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Purchaser shareholders to vote, at an extraordinary general meeting of Purchaser shareholders to be called and held for such purpose (the “Purchaser Special Meeting”), in favor of resolutions approving (i) the adoption and approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or referred to herein, including the Contribution and the Conversion (and, to the extent required, the issuance of any shares in connection with any PIPE Investment), by the holders of Purchaser Ordinary Shares in accordance with the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, the Cayman Companies Law, the DCGL and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq, (ii) the effecting of the Conversion, (iii) the change of name of the Purchaser and the adoption and approval of the Conversion Organizational Documents, (iv) adoption and approval of a new equity incentive plan in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and the Seller (the “Incentive Plan”), and which will provide for awards for a number of shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock equal to twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of the aggregate number of shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately after the Closing (giving effect to the Redemption), (v) the appointment of the members of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board in accordance with Section 6.17 hereof, (vi) such other matters as the Company and Purchaser shall hereafter mutually determine to be necessary or appropriate in order to effect the Contribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the approvals described in foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), collectively, the “Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters”), and (vii) the adjournment of the Purchaser Special Meeting, if necessary or desirable in the reasonable determination of Purchaser. If on the date for which the Purchaser Special Meeting is scheduled, Purchaser has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares to obtain the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval, whether or not a quorum is present, Purchaser shall make at least one postponement or adjournment of the Purchaser Special Meeting, and may make one or more additional successive postponements or adjournments of the Purchaser Special Meeting. In connection with the Registration Statement, Purchaser will file with the SEC financial and other information about the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with applicable Law and applicable proxy solicitation and registration statement rules set forth in the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, the Cayman Companies Law, the DGCL and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. Purchaser shall cooperate and provide the Company (and its counsel) with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto prior to filing the same with the SEC. The Company and the Seller shall provide Purchaser with such information concerning the Seller, the Target Companies and their stockholders, officers, directors, employees, assets, Liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), business and operations that may be required or appropriate for inclusion in the Registration Statement, or in any amendments or supplements thereto, which information provided by the Company shall be true and correct and not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading.
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(b) Purchaser shall take any and all reasonable and necessary actions required to satisfy the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable Laws in connection with the Registration Statement, the Purchaser Special Meeting and the Redemption. Each of the Purchaser, the Seller and the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, make their respective directors, officers and employees, upon reasonable advance notice, available to the Company, the Seller, the Purchaser and, after the Closing, the Purchaser Representative, and their respective Representatives in connection with the drafting of the public filings with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Registration Statement, and responding in a timely manner to comments from the SEC. Each Party shall promptly correct any information provided by it for use in the Registration Statement (and other related materials) if and to the extent that such information is determined to have become false or misleading in any material respect or as otherwise required by applicable Laws. The Purchaser shall amend or supplement the Registration Statement and cause the Registration Statement, as so amended or supplemented, to be filed with the SEC and to be disseminated to Purchaser shareholders, in each case as and to the extent required by applicable Laws and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents.
(c) The Purchaser, with the assistance of the other Parties, shall promptly respond to any SEC comments on the Registration Statement and shall otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to “clear” comments from the SEC and become effective. Purchaser shall provide the Company with copies of any written comments, and shall inform the Company of any material oral comments, that Purchaser or its Representatives receive from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement, the Purchaser Special Meeting and the Redemption promptly after the receipt of such comments and shall give the Company a reasonable opportunity under the circumstances to review and comment on any proposed written or material oral responses to such comments.
(d) As soon as practicable following the Registration Statement “clearing” comments from the SEC and becoming effective, the Purchaser shall distribute the Registration Statement to Purchaser’s shareholders, and, pursuant thereto, shall call the Purchaser Special Meeting in accordance with the Cayman Companies Law for a date no later than thirty (30) days following the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
(e) Purchaser shall comply with all applicable Laws, any applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq, Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and this Agreement in the preparation, filing and distribution of the Registration Statement, any solicitation of proxies thereunder, the calling and holding of the Purchaser Special Meeting and the Redemption.
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6.14 Public Announcements.
(a) The Parties agree that during the Interim Period no public release, filing or announcement concerning this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be issued by any Party or any of their Affiliates without the prior written consent of the Purchaser and the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except as such release or announcement may be required by applicable Law or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange, in which case the applicable Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to allow the other Parties reasonable time to comment on, and arrange for any required filing with respect to, such release or announcement in advance of such issuance.
(b) The Parties shall mutually agree upon and, as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement (but in any event within four (4) Business Days thereafter), issue a press release announcing the execution of this Agreement (the “Signing Press Release”). Promptly after the issuance of the Signing Press Release, the Purchaser shall file a current report on Form 8-K (the “Signing Filing”) with the Signing Press Release and a description of this Agreement as required by Federal Securities Laws, which the Company shall review, comment upon and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) prior to filing (with the Purchaser delivering a draft of such Signing Filing to the Company no later than the second (2nd) Business Day, and with the Company reviewing, commenting upon and approving such Signing Filing in any event no later than the third (3rd) Business Day, after the execution of this Agreement). The Parties shall mutually agree upon and, as promptly as practicable after the Closing (but in any event within four (4) Business Days thereafter), issue a press release announcing the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing Press Release”). Promptly after the issuance of the Closing Press Release, the Purchaser shall file a current report on Form 8-K (the “Closing Filing”) with the Closing Press Release and a description of the Closing as required by Federal Securities Laws which the Purchaser Representative shall review, comment upon and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) prior to filing. In connection with the preparation of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Filing, the Closing Press Release, or any other report, statement, filing notice or application made by or on behalf of a Party to any Governmental Authority or other third party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall, upon request by any other Party, furnish the Parties with all information concerning themselves, their respective directors, officers and equity holders, and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or any other report, statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of a Party to any third party and/ or any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
6.15 Confidential Information.
(a) The Company and the Seller hereby agrees that during the Interim Period and, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, they shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to: (i) treat and hold in strict confidence any Purchaser Confidential Information, and will not use for any purpose (except in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, performing their obligations hereunder or thereunder, enforcing their rights hereunder or thereunder, or in furtherance of their authorized duties on behalf of the Purchaser or its Subsidiaries), nor directly or indirectly disclose, distribute, publish, disseminate or otherwise make available to any third party any of the Purchaser Confidential Information without the Purchaser’s prior written consent; and (ii) in the event that the Company, the Seller or any of their respective Representatives, during the Interim Period or, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, becomes legally compelled to disclose any Purchaser Confidential Information, (A) provide the Purchaser to the extent legally permitted with prompt written notice of such requirement so that the Purchaser or an Affiliate thereof may seek, at Purchaser’s cost, a protective Order or other remedy or waive compliance with this Section 6.15(a), and (B) in the event that such protective Order or other remedy is not obtained, or the Purchaser waives compliance with this Section 6.15(a), furnish only that portion of such Purchaser Confidential Information which is legally required to be provided as advised in writing by outside counsel and to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such Purchaser Confidential Information. In the event that this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, the Company and the Seller shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to, promptly deliver to the Purchaser or destroy (at Purchaser’s election) any and all copies (in whatever form or medium) of Purchaser Confidential Information and destroy all notes, memoranda, summaries, analyses, compilations and other writings related thereto or based thereon; provided, however, that the Company and the Seller and their respective Representatives shall be entitled to keep any records required by applicable Law or bona fide record retention policies; and provided, further, that any Purchaser Confidential Information that is not returned or destroyed shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Agreement.
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(b) The Purchaser hereby agrees that during the Interim Period and, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, it shall, and shall cause its Representatives to: (i) treat and hold in strict confidence any Company Confidential Information, and will not use for any purpose (except in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, performing its obligations hereunder or thereunder or enforcing its rights hereunder or thereunder), nor directly or indirectly disclose, distribute, publish, disseminate or otherwise make available to any third party any of the Company Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent; and (ii) in the event that the Purchaser or any of its Representatives, during the Interim Period or, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, becomes legally compelled to disclose any Company Confidential Information, (A) provide the Company to the extent legally permitted with prompt written notice of such requirement so that the Company may seek, at the Company’s sole expense, a protective Order or other remedy or waive compliance with this Section 6.15(b) and (B) in the event that such protective Order or other remedy is not obtained, or the Company waives compliance with this Section 6.15(b), furnish only that portion of such Company Confidential Information which is legally required to be provided as advised in writing by outside counsel and to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such Company Confidential Information; provided, that with respect to Company Confidential Information constituting trade secrets under applicable Law and has been identified as such to the Purchaser in writing prior to or promptly after its disclosure to the Purchaser or its Representatives, such covenants shall apply for as long as such Company Confidential Information constitutes a trade secret under applicable Law and continues to constitute Company Confidential Information under this Agreement. In the event that this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, the Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, promptly deliver to the Company or destroy (at the Purchaser’s election) any and all copies (in whatever form or medium) of Company Confidential Information and destroy all notes, memoranda, summaries, analyses, compilations and other writings related thereto or based thereon; provided, however, that the Purchaser and its Representatives shall be entitled to keep any records required by applicable Law or bona fide record retention policies; and provided, further, that any Company Confidential Information that is not returned or destroyed shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser and its Representatives shall be permitted to disclose any and all Company Confidential Information to the extent required by the Federal Securities Laws.
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6.16 Documents and Information. After the Closing Date, the Purchaser and the Company shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, until the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date, retain all books, records and other documents pertaining to the business of the Target Companies in existence on the Closing Date and make the same available for inspection and copying by the Purchaser Representative during normal business hours of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, upon reasonable request and upon reasonable notice. No such books, records or documents shall be destroyed after the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date by the Purchaser or its Subsidiaries (including any Target Company) without first advising the Purchaser Representative in writing and giving the Purchaser Representative a reasonable opportunity to obtain possession thereof.
6.17 Post-Closing Board of Directors and Executive Officers.
(a) The Parties shall take all necessary action, including causing the directors of the Purchaser to resign, so that effective as of the Closing, the Purchaser’s board of directors (the “Post-Closing Purchaser Board”) will consist of seven (7) individuals, a majority of which will be independent in accordance with Nasdaq rules. Immediately after the Closing, the Parties shall take all necessary action to designate and appoint to the Post-Closing Purchaser Board (i) the two (2) persons that are designated by the Purchaser prior to the Closing (the “Purchaser Directors”), both of whom shall qualify as an independent director under Nasdaq rules, and (ii) the five (5) persons that are designated by the Company prior to the Closing (the “Company Directors”), at least two (2) of whom shall be required to qualify as an independent director under Nasdaq rules. Pursuant to the Conversion Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing, the Post-Closing Purchaser Board will be a classified board with three classes of directors, with (I) one class of directors, the Class I Directors (constituting the two (2) Company Directors who qualify as independent), initially serving a one (1) year term, such initial term effective from the Closing until the first annual meeting of the Purchaser shareholders after the Closing (but any subsequent Class I Directors serving a three (3) year term), (II) a second class of directors, the Class II Directors (constituting the Purchaser Directors), initially serving a two (2) year term, such initial term effective from the Closing until the second annual meeting of the Purchaser shareholders after the Closing (but any subsequent Class II Directors serving a three (3) year term), and (III) a third a class of directors, the Class III Directors (constituting the remaining Company Directors) serving a three (3) year term. In accordance with the Conversion Organizational Documents, no director on the Post-Closing Purchaser Board may be removed without cause. At or prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will provide each initial director with a customary director indemnification agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such director.
(b) The Parties shall take all action necessary, including causing the executive officers of Purchaser to resign, so that the individuals serving as the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other executive officers of the Purchaser immediately after the Closing will be the individuals identified on Schedule 6.17 (unless, at its sole discretion, the Company desires to appoint another qualified person to either such role, in which case, such other person identified by the Company shall serve in such role).
6.18 Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Tail Insurance.
(a) The Parties agree that all rights to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses existing in favor of the current or former directors and officers of the Purchaser or Holdings and each Person who served as a director, officer, member, trustee or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, pension or other employee benefit plan or enterprise at the request of the Purchaser or Holdings (the “D&O Indemnified Persons”) as provided in their respective Organizational Documents or under any indemnification, employment or other similar agreements between any D&O Indemnified Person and the Purchaser or Holdings, in each case as in effect on the date of this Agreement, shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms to the extent permitted by applicable Law. For a period of six (6) years after the Closing, the Purchaser shall cause the Organizational Documents of the Purchaser and Holdings to contain provisions no less favorable with respect to exculpation and indemnification of and advancement of expenses to D&O Indemnified Persons than are set forth as of the date of this Agreement in the Organizational Documents of the Purchaser and Holdings to the extent permitted by applicable Law. The provisions of this Section 6.18 shall survive the consummation of the Contribution and are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the D&O Indemnified Persons and their respective heirs and representatives.
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(b) For the benefit of the Purchaser’s and Holdings’ directors and officers, the Purchaser shall be permitted prior to the Closing to obtain and fully pay the premium for a “tail” insurance policy that provides coverage for up to a six-year period from and after the Closing for events occurring prior to the Closing (the “Purchaser D&O Tail Insurance”) that is not less favorable in the aggregate than the policy that the Purchaser purchased in connection with its IPO or, if substantially equivalent insurance coverage is unavailable, the best available coverage. If obtained, the Purchaser shall maintain the Purchaser D&O Tail Insurance in full force and effect, and continue to honor the obligations thereunder, and the Purchaser shall timely pay or caused to be paid all premiums with respect to the Purchaser D&O Tail Insurance. For the benefit of Seller’s and the Company’s managers and officers, the Company shall be permitted prior to the Closing to obtain a reasonable and customary “tail” insurance policy that provides coverage for up to a six-year period from and after the Closing for events occurring prior to the Closing (the “Company D&O Tail Insurance”), at the Company’s expense.
6.19 Trust Account Proceeds. The Parties agree that after the Closing, the funds in the Trust Account, after taking into account payments for the Redemption, and any proceeds received by Purchaser from any PIPE Investment shall first be used to pay (i) the Purchaser’s accrued Expenses, (ii) the Purchaser’s deferred Expenses (including cash amounts payable to the IPO underwriter and any legal fees) of the IPO, (iii) any loans owed by the Purchaser to the Insiders for any Expenses (including deferred Expenses), other administrative costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Purchaser or Extension Expenses, (iv) any obligations owed by or on behalf of the Company under any Bridge Note that is not offset at the Closing for Bridge PIPE Shares, and (v) any other Liabilities of the Purchaser as of the Closing. Such Expenses, as well as any Expenses that are required to be paid by delivery of the Purchaser’s securities, will be paid at the Closing. Any remaining cash will be used for the Purchaser Contribution and with Holdings and its Subsidiaries using such cash for working capital and general corporate purposes.
6.20 PIPE Investment. The Purchaser and the Company shall use their reasonable best efforts to satisfy the conditions of the PIPE Investors’ closing obligations contained in the subscription agreements and the Bridge Notes for the PIPE Investment, and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.
6.21 Company Debt Refinancing. During the Interim Period, the Company and the Seller will use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Target Companies to enter into one or more sales-leaseback arrangements (each, a “Sales-Leaseback”) with respect to the Target Companies’ material properties, which Sales-Leaseback shall be on terms not less favorable to the Target Companies than those set forth on Schedule 6.21 (provided, that such Sales-Leaseback may be on any other terms with the prior written consent of the Purchaser, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed). The Target Companies shall use the net cash proceeds of any such Sales-Leaseback to pay-off and reduce the outstanding Indebtedness for borrowed money owed by the Target Companies to third parties (other than members of the Seller after the Reorganization).
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6.22 New Employment Agreements. As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, and in any event prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company shall enter into new employment agreements with the senior executives of the Company identified on Schedule 6.22 in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser (the “Employment Agreements”), each of which will become effective not later than the Closing.
6.23 Reorganization. The Company and the Seller shall consummate the Reorganization as promptly as practicable after the date hereof, and in any event on or prior to February 5, 2021. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, (i) the representations and warranties of the Company in Section 4.3 and the representations and warranties of the Seller in Sections 5.3 and 5.4 will deemed to be made upon the consummation of the Reorganization, and any references in this Agreement to representations or warranties made as of the date of this Agreement, with respect to such Sections, will instead mean as of the date of the consummation of the Reorganization, and (ii) any representations and warranties of the Company made with respect to its Subsidiaries (or the Target Companies) prior to the Reorganization will exclude the Seller.
Article VII
CLOSING CONDITIONS
7.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The obligations of each Party to consummate the Contribution and the other transactions described herein shall be subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (where permissible) by the Company and the Purchaser of the following conditions:
(a) Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval. The Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters that are submitted to the vote of the shareholders of the Purchaser at the Purchaser Special Meeting in accordance with the Proxy Statement shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the shareholders of the Purchaser at the Purchaser Special Meeting in accordance with the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, applicable Law and the Proxy Statement (the “Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval”).
(b) Antitrust Laws. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of this Agreement under any Antitrust Laws shall have expired or been terminated.
(c) Requisite Regulatory Approvals. All Consents required to be obtained from or made with any Governmental Authority in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that are set forth in Schedule 7.1(c) shall have been obtained or made.
(d) Requisite Consents. The Consents required to be obtained from or made with any third Person (other than a Governmental Authority) in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that are set forth in Schedule 7.1(d) shall have each been obtained or made.
(e) No Adverse Law or Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) or Order that is then in effect and which has the effect of making the transactions or agreements contemplated by this Agreement illegal or which otherwise prevents or prohibits consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(f) Net Tangible Assets Test. Upon the Closing, after giving effect to the Redemption and any PIPE Investment, the Purchaser shall have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001.
(g) Appointment to the Board. The members of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board shall have been elected or appointed as of the Closing consistent with the requirements of Section 6.17.
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(h) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall remain effective as of the Closing, and no stop order or similar order shall be in effect with respect to the Registration Statement.
7.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Company and the Seller. In addition to the conditions specified in Section 7.1, the obligations of the Company and the Seller to consummate the Contribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (by the Company) of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant hereto shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date, except for (i) those representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which representations and warranties shall have been accurate as of such date), and (ii) any failures to be true and correct that (without giving effect to any qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect), individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on, or with respect to, the Purchaser.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The Purchaser and Holdings shall have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations and complied in all material respects with all of their respective agreements and covenants under this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No Purchaser Material Adverse Effect. No Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Purchaser since the date of this Agreement which is continuing and uncured.
(d) Minimum Cash Condition. Upon the Closing, the Purchaser shall have cash and cash equivalents, including funds remaining in the Trust Account (after giving effect to the completion and payment of the Redemption) and the proceeds of any PIPE Investment, after giving effect to the payment of the Purchaser’s unpaid Expenses and Liabilities (but prior to giving effect to the Purchaser Contribution), of an amount equal to at least (i) Nineteen Million U.S. Dollars ($19,000,000), less (ii) the gross proceeds received by the Company from the Bridge Notes (including as a result of the satisfaction or offset of obligations owed by the Company under Pre-Bridge Notes that were exchanged for Bridge Notes).
(e) Purchaser Conversion. The Conversion shall have been consummated in accordance with Section 1.1.
(f) Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement shall be in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof as of the Closing.
(g) Insider Forfeiture Agreements. The Insider Forfeiture Agreements shall be in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof as of the Closing, and the Insiders shall have made the transfers or forfeitures of their Purchaser Securities required thereunder effective as of the Closing.
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(h) Closing Deliveries.
(i) Officer Certificate. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer of the Purchaser in such capacity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 7.2(a), 7.2(b) and 7.2(c).
(ii) Secretary Certificate. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate from its secretary or other executive officer certifying as to, and attaching, (A) copies of the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Conversion), (B) the resolutions of the Purchaser’s board of directors authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party or by which it is bound, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (C) evidence that the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval has been obtained and (D) the incumbency of officers authorized to execute this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to which the Purchaser is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate from Holdings’ secretary or other executive officer certifying as to, and attaching, (A) copies of Holding’s Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing Date, (B) the resolutions of Holding’s managing member authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party or by which it is bound, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (C) the incumbency of officers authorized to execute this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to which the Purchaser is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
(iii) Good Standing. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a good standing certificate (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) for the Purchaser certified as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of the Purchaser’s jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which the Purchaser is qualified to do business as a foreign entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.
(iv) Amended Holdings Operating Agreement. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a copy of an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Holdings in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and the Seller, which will provide for the rights and obligations of the Holdings Units as described herein, make the Purchaser the managing member of Holdings, and prohibit the transfer of any Holdings Class B Unit (x) during the lock-up period set forth in the Lock-Up Agreement applicable to such security except in accordance with the terms of the Lock-Up Agreement or (y) at any time without a simultaneous transfer of one share of Purchaser Class V Common Stock, and which otherwise will be on customary terms and conditions (the “Amended Holdings Operating Agreement”), duly executed by Holdings and the Purchaser.
(v) Exchange Agreement. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a copy of an Exchange Agreement by and between the Purchaser and Holdings in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and the Seller, which will permit holders of Holdings Class B Units and Purchaser Class V Common Stock to exchange a set of one Holdings Class B Unit and one share of Purchaser Class V Common Stock for one share of Purchaser Class A Common Stock after the expiration of the lock-up period set forth in the Lock-Up Agreement applicable to such securities, and which will otherwise permit the Purchaser to maintain an ownership percentage in Holdings consistent with the issued and outstanding Purchaser Class V Common Stock as compared to the Purchaser Class A Common Stock and other outstanding equity securities of the Purchaser, and which otherwise will be on customary terms and conditions (the “Exchange Agreement”), duly executed by the Purchaser and Holdings.
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(vi) Tax Receivables Agreement. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller a copy of a Tax Receivables Agreement by and between the Purchaser and Seller in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and the Seller, which will provide that the Purchaser will pay to the Seller eighty-five percent (85%) of the amount of the Tax benefit that the Purchaser realizes as a result of the increases in Tax basis related to any exchanges of Holdings Class B Units and Purchaser Class V Common Stock for Purchaser Class A Common Stock, and which otherwise will be on customary terms and conditions (the “Tax Receivables Agreement”), duly executed by the Purchaser.
(vii) Amendment to Insider Registration Rights Agreement. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller a copy of an amendment to the Insider Registration Rights Agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Seller, to amend the terms of the Insider Registration Rights Agreement to make it consistent with the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, including the addition of provisions substantially identical to those set forth in Section 3.1 of the Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by the Purchaser and Insiders holding at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding “Registrable Securities” thereunder.
7.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser and Holdings. In addition to the conditions specified in Section 7.1, the obligations of the Purchaser and Holdings to consummate the Contribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (by the Purchaser) of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of the Company or the Seller set forth in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered by or on behalf of the Company or the Seller pursuant hereto shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date, except for (i) those representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which representations and warranties shall have been accurate as of such date), and (ii) any failures to be true and correct that (without giving effect to any qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect), individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on, or with respect to, the Target Companies, taken as a whole, or the Seller.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The Company and the Seller shall have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations and complied in all material respects with all of their respective agreements and covenants under this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No Material Adverse Effect. No Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Target Companies, taken as a whole, or the Seller since the date of this Agreement which is continuing and uncured.
(d) Certain Ancillary Documents. The Lock-Up Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement shall be in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof as of the Closing.
(e) Closing Deliveries.
(i) Officer Certificate. The Purchaser shall have received a certificate from the Company, dated as the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer of the Company in such capacity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 7.3(a), 7.3(b) and 7.3(c)
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(ii) Secretary Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a certificate executed by the Company’s secretary certifying as to the validity and effectiveness of, and attaching, (A) copies of the Company’s Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing Date (immediately prior to the Closing), (B) the requisite resolutions of the Company’s board of managers authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party or bound, and the consummation of the Contribution and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (C) the incumbency of officers of the Company authorized to execute this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
(iii) Good Standing. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser good standing certificates (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) for each Target Company certified as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of the Target Company’s jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which the Target Company is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or other entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.
(iv) Employment Agreement. The Company shall have delivered the Employment Agreements, duly executed by the Company and each of the employees thereto, which Employment Agreements shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.
(v) Amended Holdings Operating Agreement. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a copy of the Amended Holdings Operating Agreement, duly executed by the Seller.
(vi) Tax Receivables Agreement. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a copy of the Tax Receivables Agreement, duly executed by the Seller.
(vii) Reorganization Legal Opinion. Purchaser shall have received a duly executed opinion from the Company’s counsel or counsels with respect to the Reorganization’s compliance with the TBOC, subject to customary qualifications, assumptions and exclusions, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser, addressed to the Purchaser and dated as of or prior to the Closing Date.
(viii) Termination of Certain Contracts. The Purchaser shall have received evidence reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser that the Contracts involving the Target Companies and/or the Seller or the Seller’s equity holders or other Related Persons set forth on Schedule 7.3(e)(viii) shall have been terminated with no further obligation or Liability of the Target Companies thereunder.
7.4 Frustration of Conditions. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no Party may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in this Article VII to be satisfied if such failure was caused by the failure of such Party or its Affiliates failure to comply with or perform any of its covenants or obligations set forth in this Agreement.
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Article VIII
TERMINATION AND EXPENSES
8.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing as follows:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Purchaser and the Company;
(b) by written notice by the Purchaser or the Company if any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Article VII have not been satisfied or waived by July 31, 2021 (the “Outside Date”); provided, however, the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(b) shall not be available to a Party if the breach or violation by such Party or its Affiliates of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under this Agreement was the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Outside Date;
(c) by written notice by either the Purchaser or the Company if a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have issued an Order or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such Order or other action has become final and non-appealable; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(c) shall not be available to a Party if the failure by such Party or its Affiliates to comply with any provision of this Agreement has been a substantial cause of, or substantially resulted in, such action by such Governmental Authority;
(d) by written notice by the Company to Purchaser, if (i) there has been a breach by the Purchaser of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of the Purchaser shall have become untrue or inaccurate, in any case, which would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 7.2(a) or Section 7.2(b) to be satisfied (treating the Closing Date for such purposes as the date of this Agreement or, if later, the date of such breach), and (ii) the breach or inaccuracy is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days after written notice of such breach or inaccuracy is provided to the Purchaser or (B) the Outside Date; provided, that the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(d) if at such time the Company is in material uncured breach of this Agreement;
(e) by written notice by the Purchaser to the Company, if (i) there has been a breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of such Parties shall have become untrue or inaccurate, in any case, which would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 7.3(a) or Section 7.3(b) to be satisfied (treating the Closing Date for such purposes as the date of this Agreement or, if later, the date of such breach), and (ii) the breach or inaccuracy is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days after written notice of such breach or inaccuracy is provided to the Company or (B) the Outside Date; provided, that the Purchaser shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(e) if at such time the Purchaser is in material uncured breach of this Agreement;
(f) by written notice by the Purchaser to the Company, if there shall have been a Material Adverse Effect on the Target Companies taken as a whole or the Seller following the date of this Agreement which is continuing and either is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) thirty (30) days after written notice of such Material Adverse Effect is provided to the Company or (B) the Outside Date;
(g) by written notice by the Company to the Purchaser, if there shall have been a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser following the date of this Agreement which is continuing and either is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) thirty (30) days after written notice of such Material Adverse Effect is provided to the Purchaser or (B) the Outside Date;
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(h) by written notice by either the Purchaser or the Company to the other, if the Purchaser Special Meeting is held (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) and has concluded, the Purchaser’s shareholders have duly voted, and the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval was not obtained; or
(i) by written notice by the Purchaser to the Company, if the Company and the Seller shall not have consummated the Reorganization on or prior to February 5, 2021; provided, that upon the consummation (effective as of filing) of the Reorganization, the Purchaser shall no longer be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(i).
8.2 Effect of Termination. This Agreement may only be terminated in the circumstances described in Section 8.1 and pursuant to a written notice delivered by the applicable Party to the other applicable Parties, which sets forth the basis for such termination, including the provision of Section 8.1 under which such termination is made. In the event of the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there shall be no Liability on the part of any Party or any of their respective Representatives, and all rights and obligations of each Party shall cease, except: (i) Sections 6.14, 6.15, 8.3, 9.1, Article X and this Section 8.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any Party from Liability for any willful breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under this Agreement or any Fraud Claim against such Party, in either case, prior to termination of this Agreement (in each case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, subject to Section 9.1). Without limiting the foregoing, and except as provided in Sections 8.3 and this Section 8.2 (but subject to Section 9.1) and subject to the right to seek injunctions, specific performance or other equitable relief in accordance with Section 10.7, the Parties’ sole right prior to the Closing with respect to any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement by another Party or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be the right, if applicable, to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1.
8.3 Fees and Expenses. Subject to Sections 1.5, 9.1 and 10.14, all Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party incurring such expenses. As used in this Agreement, “Expenses” shall include all out-of-pocket expenses (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, financial advisors, financing sources, experts and consultants to a Party hereto or any of its Affiliates) incurred by a Party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or any Ancillary Document related hereto and all other matters related to the consummation of this Agreement. With respect to the Purchaser, Expenses shall include any and all deferred expenses (including fees or commissions payable to the underwriters and any legal fees) of the IPO upon consummation of a Business Combination and any Extension Expenses.
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Article IX
WAIVERS AND RELEASES
9.1 Waiver of Claims Against Trust. Reference is made to the IPO Prospectus. The Company and the Seller each hereby represents and warrants that it has read the IPO Prospectus and understands that Purchaser has established the Trust Account containing the proceeds of the IPO and the overallotment securities acquired by Purchaser’s underwriters and from certain private placements occurring simultaneously with the IPO (including interest accrued from time to time thereon) for the benefit of Purchaser’s public shareholders (including overallotment shares acquired by Purchaser’s underwriters) (the “Public Shareholders”) and that, except as otherwise described in the IPO Prospectus, Purchaser may disburse monies from the Trust Account only: (a) to the Public Shareholders in the event they elect to redeem their Purchaser Ordinary Shares in connection with the consummation of its initial business combination (as such term is used in the IPO Prospectus) (“Business Combination”) or in connection with an amendment to Purchaser’s Organizational Documents to extend Purchaser’s deadline to consummate a Business Combination, (b) to the Public Shareholders if the Purchaser fails to consummate a Business Combination within eighteen (18) months after the closing of the IPO, which has since been extended, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, to July 31, 2021, and subject to further extension by amendment to Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, (c) with respect to any interest earned on the amounts held in the Trust Account, amounts necessary to pay for any taxes and up to $100,000 in working capital obligations, and (d) to Purchaser after or concurrently with the consummation of a Business Combination. For and in consideration of Purchaser entering into this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each of the Company and the Seller hereby agrees on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, none of the Company or the Seller nor any of their respective Affiliates do now or shall at any time hereafter have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account or distributions therefrom, or make any claim against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom), regardless of whether such claim arises as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to, this Agreement or any proposed or actual business relationship between Purchaser or any of its Representatives, on the one hand, and the Company, the Seller or any of their respective Representatives, on the other hand, or any other matter, and regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (collectively, the “Released Claims”). Each of the Company and the Seller on behalf of itself and its Affiliates hereby irrevocably waives any Released Claims that any such Party or any of its Affiliates may have against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) now or in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with Purchaser or its Representatives and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) for any reason whatsoever (including for an alleged breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with Purchaser or its Affiliates). The Company and the Seller each agrees and acknowledges that such irrevocable waiver is material to this Agreement and specifically relied upon by Purchaser and its Affiliates to induce Purchaser to enter in this Agreement, and each of the Company and the Seller further intends and understands such waiver to be valid, binding and enforceable against such Party and each of its Affiliates under applicable Law. To the extent that the Company or the Seller or any of their respective Affiliates commences any Action based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to Purchaser or its Representatives, which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, monetary relief against Purchaser or its Representatives, each of the Company and the Seller hereby acknowledges and agrees that its and its Affiliates’ sole remedy shall be against funds held outside of the Trust Account and that such claim shall not permit such Party or any of its Affiliates (or any Person claiming on any of their behalves or in lieu of them) to have any claim against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) or any amounts contained therein. In the event that the Company or the Seller or any of their respective Affiliates commences Action based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to Purchaser or its Representatives which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, relief against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) or the Public Shareholders, whether in the form of money damages or injunctive relief, Purchaser and its Representatives, as applicable, shall be entitled to recover from the Company, the Seller and their respective Affiliates, as applicable, the associated legal fees and costs in connection with any such Action, in the event Purchaser or its Representatives, as applicable, prevails in such Action. This Section 9.1 shall survive termination of this Agreement for any reason and continue indefinitely.
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9.2 Release and Covenant Not to Sue. Effective as of the Closing, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Seller, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that owns any share or other equity interest in or of the Seller (the “Releasing Persons”), hereby releases and discharges the Target Companies from and against any and all Actions, obligations, agreements, debts and Liabilities whatsoever, whether known or unknown, both at law and in equity, which such Releasing Person now has, has ever had or may hereafter have against the Target Companies arising on or prior to the Closing Date or on account of or arising out of any matter occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, including any rights to indemnification or reimbursement from a Target Company, whether pursuant to its Organizational Documents, Contract or otherwise, and whether or not relating to claims pending on, or asserted after, the Closing Date. From and after the Closing, each Releasing Person hereby irrevocably covenants to refrain from, directly or indirectly, asserting any Action, or commencing or causing to be commenced, any Action of any kind against the Target Companies or their respective Affiliates, based upon any matter purported to be released hereby. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the releases and restrictions set forth herein shall not apply to any claims a Releasing Person may have against any party pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Document or any of the other matters set forth on Schedule 9.2.
Article X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 No Survival. The representations and warranties of the Parties contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Parties pursuant to this Agreement shall not survive the Closing, and from and after the Closing, the Parties and their respective Representatives shall not have any further obligations, nor shall any claim be asserted or action be brought against the Parties or their respective Representatives with respect thereto. The covenants and agreements made by the Parties in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such covenants or agreements, shall not survive the Closing, except for those covenants and agreements contained herein and therein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Closing (which such covenants shall survive the Closing and continue until fully performed in accordance with their terms).
10.2 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 facsimile or other electronic means (including email), with affirmative confirmation of receipt, (iii) one Business Day after being sent, if sent by reputable, nationally recognized overnight courier service or (iv) three (3) Business Days after being mailed, if sent by registered or certified mail, pre-paid and return receipt requested, in each case to the applicable Party at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice):
If to the Purchaser or Holdings at or prior to the Closing, to:
Andina Acquisition Corp. III | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP |
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If to the Purchaser Representative, to:
B. Luke Weil | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP |
If to the Company, to:
Stryve Foods, LLC | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Foley & Lardner LLP |
If to the Seller to:
Stryve Foods Holdings, LLC
and
the Seller Representative | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Foley & Lardner LLP |
If to the Seller Representative, to:
R. Alex Hawkins | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Foley & Lardner LLP |
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If to the Purchaser after the Closing, to:
Stryve Foods, Inc.
and
the Purchaser Representative | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Foley & Lardner LLP
and
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP |
10.3 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of Law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the Purchaser and the Company (and after the Closing, the Purchaser Representative and the Seller), and any assignment without such consent shall be null and void; provided that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning Party of its obligations hereunder.
10.4 Third Parties. Except for the rights of the D&O Indemnified Persons set forth in Section 6.18, which the Parties acknowledge and agree are express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement or in any instrument or document executed by any party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall create any rights in, or be deemed to have been executed for the benefit of, any Person that is not a Party hereto or thereto or a successor or permitted assign of such a Party.
10.5 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof. Subject to Section 1.5, all Actions arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware (or in any appellate court thereof) (the “Specified Courts”). Subject to Section 1.5, each Party hereto hereby (a) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Specified Court for the purpose of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any Party hereto and (b) irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert by way of motion, defense or otherwise, in any such Action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper, or that this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced in or by any Specified Court. Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any Action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law. Each Party irrevocably consents to the service of the summons and complaint and any other process in any other Action relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, on behalf of itself, or its property, by personal delivery of copies of such process to such Party at the applicable address set forth in Section 10.1. Nothing in this Section 10.5 shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law.
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10.6 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THAT FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.6.
10.7 Specific Performance. Each Party acknowledges that the rights of each Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are unique, recognizes and affirms that in the event of a breach of this Agreement by any Party, money damages may be inadequate and the non-breaching Parties may have not adequate remedy at law, and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by an applicable Party in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to seek an injunction or restraining order to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to seek to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the requirement to post any bond in excess of $500 or other security or to prove that money damages would be inadequate, this being in addition to any other right or remedy to which such Party may be entitled under this Agreement, at law or in equity.
10.8 Severability. In case any provision in this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in a jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified or deleted, as to the jurisdiction involved, only to the extent necessary to render the same valid, legal and enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby nor shall the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision be affected thereby in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties will substitute for any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision a suitable and equitable provision that carries out, so far as may be valid, legal and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.
10.9 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by execution of a written instrument signed by the Purchaser, the Company, the Purchaser Representative and the Seller.
10.10 Waiver. The Purchaser on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, the Company on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, and the Seller on behalf of itself, may in its sole discretion (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of any other non-Affiliated Party hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties by such other non-Affiliated Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance by such other non-Affiliated Party with any covenant or condition contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party or Parties to be bound thereby (including by the Purchaser Representative in lieu of such Party to the extent provided in this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any waiver of any provision of this Agreement after the Closing shall also require the prior written consent of the Purchaser Representative.
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10.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the documents or instruments referred to herein, including any exhibits and schedules attached hereto, which exhibits and schedules are incorporated herein by reference, together with the Ancillary Documents, embody the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein or the documents or instruments referred to herein, which collectively supersede all prior agreements and the understandings among the Parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein.
10.12 Interpretation. The table of contents and the Article and Section headings contained in this Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the Parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) any pronoun used shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and words in the singular, including any defined terms, include the plural and vice versa; (b) reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity; (c) any accounting term used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement or any Ancillary Document has the meaning assigned to such term in accordance with GAAP; (d) “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding or succeeding such term and shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (e) the words “herein,” “hereto,” and “hereby” and other words of similar import shall be deemed in each case to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision of this Agreement; (f) the word “if” and other words of similar import when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the phrase “and only if”; (g) the term “or” means “and/or”; (h) any reference to the term “ordinary course” or “ordinary course of business” shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “consistent with past practice”; (i) any agreement, instrument, insurance policy, Law or Order defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument, insurance policy, Law or Order as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes, regulations, rules or orders) by succession of comparable successor statutes, regulations, rules or orders and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein; (j) except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to the words “Section,” “Article”, “Schedule” and “Exhibit” are intended to refer to Sections, Articles, Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement; and (k) the term “Dollars” or “$” means United States dollars. Any reference in this Agreement to a Person’s directors shall include any member of such Person’s governing body and any reference in this Agreement to a Person’s officers shall include any Person filling a substantially similar position for such Person. Any reference in this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to a Person’s shareholders or stockholders shall include any applicable owners of the equity interests of such Person, in whatever form, including with respect to the Purchaser its shareholders under the Cayman Companies Law or DGCL, as then applicable, or its Organizational Documents. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. Consequently, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. To the extent that any Contract, document, certificate or instrument is represented and warranted to by the Company to be given, delivered, provided or made available by the Company, in order for such Contract, document, certificate or instrument to have been deemed to have been given, delivered, provided and made available to the Purchaser or its Representatives, such Contract, document, certificate or instrument shall have been posted to the electronic data site maintained on behalf of the Company for the benefit of the Purchaser and its Representatives and the Purchaser and its Representatives have been given access to the electronic folders containing such information.
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10.13 Counterparts. This Agreement and each Ancillary Document may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or other electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different Parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
10.14 Purchaser Representative.
(a) The Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, successors and assigns, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, hereby irrevocably appoints B. Luke Weil, in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative, as each such Person’s agent, attorney-in-fact and representative, with full power of substitution to act in the name, place and stead of such Person, to act on behalf of such Person from and after the Closing in connection with: (i) controlling and making any determinations with respect to the post-Closing Seller Consideration adjustments under Section 1.5; (ii) terminating, amending or waiving on behalf of such Person any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents to which the Purchaser Representative is a party or otherwise has rights in such capacity (together with this Agreement, the “Purchaser Representative Documents”); (iii) signing on behalf of such Person any releases or other documents with respect to any dispute or remedy arising under any Purchaser Representative Documents; (iv) employing and obtaining the advice of legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors as the Purchaser Representative, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary or advisable in the performance of its duties as the Purchaser Representative and to rely on their advice and counsel; (v) incurring and paying reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including fees of brokers, attorneys and accountants incurred pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby, and any other out-of-pocket fees and expenses allocable or in any way relating to such transaction or any indemnification claim; and (vi) otherwise enforcing the rights and obligations of any such Persons under any Purchaser Representative Documents, including giving and receiving all notices and communications hereunder or thereunder on behalf of such Person; provided, that the Parties acknowledge that the Purchaser Representative is specifically authorized and directed to act on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the holders of Purchaser Securities (other than the Seller and its successors and assigns). All decisions and actions by the Purchaser Representative, including any agreement between the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative relating to any disputes under Section 1.5, shall be binding upon the Purchaser and its Subsidiaries, successors and assigns, and neither they nor any other Party shall have the right to object, dissent, protest or otherwise contest the same. The provisions of this Section 10.14 are irrevocable and coupled with an interest. The Purchaser Representative hereby accepts its appointment and authorization as the Purchaser Representative under this Agreement.
(b) Any other Person, including the Seller Representative, the Seller and the Company may conclusively and absolutely rely, without inquiry, upon any actions of the Purchaser Representative as the acts of the Purchaser under any Purchaser Representative Documents. The Seller Representative, the Seller and the Company shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the instructions and decisions of the Purchaser Representative as to (i) any payment instructions provided by the Purchaser Representative or (ii) any other actions required or permitted to be taken by the Purchaser Representative under any Purchaser Representative Document, and the Purchaser shall not have any cause of action against the Seller Representative, the Seller or the Company for any action taken by any of them in reliance upon the instructions or decisions of the Purchaser Representative.
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(c) The Purchaser Representative shall not be liable for any act done or omitted under any Purchaser Representative Document as the Purchaser Representative while acting in good faith and without willful misconduct or gross negligence, and any act done or omitted pursuant to the advice of counsel shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith. The Purchaser shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Purchaser Representative from and against any and all losses, Actions, Orders, Liabilities, damages, amounts paid in settlement, costs and expenses (including reasonable expenses of investigation and court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Purchaser Representative (in its capacity as such) and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Purchaser Representative’s duties under any Purchaser Representative Document, including the reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel retained by the Purchaser Representative. In no event shall the Purchaser Representative in such capacity be liable under or in connection with any Purchaser Representative Document for any indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages. The Purchaser Representative shall be fully protected in relying upon any written notice, demand, certificate or document that it in good faith believes to be genuine, including facsimiles or copies thereof, and no Person shall have any Liability for relying on the Purchaser Representative in the foregoing manner. In connection with the performance of its rights and obligations hereunder, the Purchaser Representative shall have the right at any time and from time to time to select and engage, at the cost and expense of the Purchaser, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, advisors, consultants and clerical personnel and obtain such other professional and expert assistance, maintain such records and incur other out-of-pocket expenses, as the Purchaser Representative may deem necessary or appropriate from time to time. All of the indemnities, immunities, releases and powers granted to the Purchaser Representative under this Section 10.14 shall survive the Closing and continue indefinitely.
(d) The Person serving as the Purchaser Representative may resign upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the Purchaser, the Seller and the Seller Representative, provided, that the Purchaser Representative appoints in writing a replacement Purchaser Representative. Each successor Purchaser Representative shall have all of the power, authority, rights and privileges conferred by this Agreement upon the original Purchaser Representative, and the term “Purchaser Representative” as used herein shall be deemed to include any such successor Purchaser Representatives.
10.15 Seller Representative.
(a) The Seller, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, successors and assigns, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, hereby irrevocably appoints R. Alex Hawkins, in the capacity as the Seller Representative, as each such Person’s agent, attorney-in-fact and representative, with full power of substitution to act in the name, place and stead of such Person, to act on behalf of such Person from and after the Closing in connection with: (i) controlling and making any determinations with respect to the post-Closing Seller Consideration adjustments under Section 1.5; (ii) signing on behalf of such Person any releases or other documents with respect to any dispute or remedy arising after the Closing under this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents to which the Seller Representative is a party or otherwise has rights in such capacity (together with this Agreement, the “Seller Representative Documents”); (iii) employing and obtaining the advice of legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors as the Seller Representative, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary or advisable in the performance of its duties as the Seller Representative and to rely on their advice and counsel; (iv) incurring and paying reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including fees of brokers, attorneys and accountants incurred pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby, and any other out-of-pocket fees and expenses allocable or in any way relating to such transaction or any indemnification claim; and (v) otherwise enforcing the rights and obligations of any such Persons after the Closing under any Seller Representative Documents, including giving and receiving all notices and communications hereunder or thereunder on behalf of such Person; provided, that the Parties acknowledge that the Seller Representative is specifically authorized and directed to act on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the members of Seller (after giving effect to the Reorganization). All decisions and actions by the Seller Representative, including any agreement between the Seller Representative and Purchaser Representative relating to any disputes under Section 1.5, shall be binding upon the Seller and its Subsidiaries, successors and assigns, and neither they nor any other Party shall have the right to object, dissent, protest or otherwise contest the same. The provisions of this Section 10.15 are irrevocable and coupled with an interest. The Seller Representative hereby accepts its appointment and authorization as the Seller Representative under this Agreement. In the event of any distribution of the Seller Consideration Units or shares of Purchaser Class V Common Stock by the Seller to its members after the Closing, the members of Seller, as a condition to receiving such distribution, shall irrevocably appoint the Seller Representative as their agent, attorney-in-fact and representative, with the indemnities, immunities, releases and powers granted by the Seller under this Section 10.15 (with the obligations of such members being pro rata among the members based on the Seller Consideration Units received).
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(b) Any other Person, including the Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser and the Company may conclusively and absolutely rely, without inquiry, upon any actions of the Seller Representative as the acts of Seller under any Seller Representative Documents. The Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser and the Company shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the instructions and decisions of the Seller Representative as to (i) any payment instructions provided by the Seller Representative or (ii) any other actions required or permitted to be taken by the Seller Representative under any Purchaser Representative Document, and the Seller shall not have any cause of action against the Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser or the Company for any action taken by any of them in reliance upon the instructions or decisions of the Seller Representative. The Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser and the Company shall not have any Liability to the Seller or its members for any allocation or distribution among the Seller’s members by the Seller Representative of payments made or securities delivered to or at the direction of the Seller Representative. All notices or other communications required to be made or delivered to a member of Seller under any Seller Representative Document shall be made to the Seller Representative for the benefit of such Seller member, and any notices so made shall discharge in full all notice requirements of the other parties hereto or thereto to such Seller member with respect thereto. All notices or other communications required to be made or delivered by a Seller member shall be made by the Seller Representative (except for a notice under Section 10.15(d) of the replacement of the Seller Representative).
(c) The Seller Representative shall not be liable for any act done or omitted under any Seller Representative as the Seller Representative while acting in good faith and without willful misconduct or gross negligence, and any act done or omitted pursuant to the advice of counsel shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith. The Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Seller Representative from and against any and all losses, Actions, Orders, Liabilities, damages, amounts paid in settlement, costs and expenses (including reasonable expenses of investigation and court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Seller Representative (in its capacity as such) and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Seller Representative’s duties under any Seller Representative Document, including the reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel retained by the Seller Representative. In no event shall the Seller Representative in such capacity be liable under or in connection with any Seller Representative Document for any indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages. The Seller Representative shall be fully protected in relying upon any written notice, demand, certificate or document that it in good faith believes to be genuine, including facsimiles or copies thereof, and no Person shall have any Liability for relying on the Seller Representative in the foregoing manner. In connection with the performance of its rights and obligations hereunder, the Seller Representative shall have the right at any time and from time to time to select and engage, at the cost and expense of the Seller, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, advisors, consultants and clerical personnel and obtain such other professional and expert assistance, maintain such records and incur other out-of-pocket expenses, as the Seller Representative may deem necessary or appropriate from time to time. All of the indemnities, immunities, releases and powers granted to the Seller Representative under this Section 10.15 shall survive the Closing and continue indefinitely.
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(d) The Person serving as the Seller Representative may resign upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the Purchaser, the Purchaser Representative and the Seller. If the Seller Representative shall die, become disabled, dissolve, resign or otherwise be unable or unwilling to fulfill its responsibilities as representative and agent of the Seller, then the Seller shall, within ten (10) days after such death, disability, dissolution, resignation or other event, appoint a successor Seller Representative (by vote or written consent of Seller’s members holding in the aggregate a majority of the voting equity interests of Seller (or upon the liquidation of Seller, a majority of the Seller Consideration Units)), and promptly thereafter (but in any event within two (2) Business Days after such appointment) notify the Purchaser Representative and the Purchaser in writing of the identity of such successor. Each successor Seller Representative shall have all of the power, authority, rights and privileges conferred by this Agreement upon the original Seller Representative, and the term “Seller Representative” as used herein shall be deemed to include any such successor Seller Representatives.
10.16 Legal Representation.
(a) The Parties agree that, notwithstanding the fact that EGS may have, prior to Closing, jointly represented the Purchaser, Holdings, the Purchaser Representative and/or the Insiders in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and has also represented the Purchaser and/or its Affiliates in connection with matters other than the transaction that is the subject of this Agreement, EGS will be permitted in the future, after Closing, to represent the Insiders, the Purchaser Representative or their respective Affiliates in connection with matters in which such Persons are adverse to the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, including any disputes arising out of, or related to, this Agreement. The Company and the Seller, who are or have the right to be represented by independent counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, hereby agree, in advance, to waive (and to cause their Affiliates to waive) any actual or potential conflict of interest that may hereafter arise in connection with EGS’s future representation of one or more of the Insiders, the Purchaser Representative or their respective Affiliates in which the interests of such Person are adverse to the interests of the Purchaser, the Company and/or the Seller or any of their respective Affiliates, including any matters that arise out of this Agreement or that are substantially related to this Agreement or to any prior representation by EGS of the Purchaser, Holdings, any Insider, the Purchaser Representative or any of their respective Affiliates. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, for the purposes of the attorney-client privilege, the Insiders and the Purchaser Representative shall be deemed the clients of EGS with respect to the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents. All such communications shall remain privileged after the Closing and the privilege and the expectation of client confidence relating thereto shall belong solely to the Insiders and the Purchaser Representative, shall be controlled by the Insiders and the Purchaser Representative and shall not pass to or be claimed by Purchaser or Holdings; provided, further, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Target Companies) of any applicable privileges or protections that can or may be asserted to prevent disclosure of any such communications to any third party.
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(b) The Parties agree that, notwithstanding the fact that Foley may have, prior to Closing, jointly represented the Seller, the Company, the Target Companies and/or the Seller Representative in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and has also represented the Seller and/or its Affiliates in connection with matters other than the transaction that is the subject of this Agreement, Foley will be permitted in the future, after Closing, to represent the Company, Purchaser and Holdings and their respective Affiliates (including with respect to any disputes arising out of, or related to, this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, but excluding the representation of the Purchaser Representative with respect thereto). The Purchaser and Holdings, who are or have the right to be represented by independent counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, hereby agree, in advance, to waive (and to cause their Affiliates to waive) any actual or potential conflict of interest that may hereafter arise in connection with Foley’s future representation of one or more of the Company, Purchaser and Holdings or their respective Affiliates in which the interests of such Person are adverse to the interests of the Seller or any of its respective Affiliates (except with respect to any disputes arising out of, or related to, this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents which are controlled by the Purchaser Representative in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof), including any matters that are substantially related to this Agreement or to any prior representation by Foley of the Seller, the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective Affiliates. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, for the purposes of the attorney-client privilege, the Seller and the Seller Representative shall be deemed the clients of Foley with respect to the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents. All such communications shall remain privileged after the Closing and the privilege and the expectation of client confidence relating thereto shall belong solely to the Seller and the Seller Representative, shall be controlled by the Seller Representative and shall not pass to or be claimed by the Company, Purchaser or Holdings; provided, further, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by the Company or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Target Companies) of any applicable privileges or protections that can or may be asserted to prevent disclosure of any such communications to any third party.
Article XI
DEFINITIONS
11.1 Certain Definitions. For purpose of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:
“AAA” means the American Arbitration Association or any successor entity conducting arbitrations.
“Accounting Principles” means in accordance with GAAP as in effect at the date of the financial statement to which it refers or if there is no such financial statement, then as of the Closing Date, using and applying the same accounting principles, practices, procedures, policies and methods (with consistent classifications, judgments, elections, inclusions, exclusions and valuation and estimation methodologies) used and applied by the Target Companies in the preparation of the latest Company Financials.
“Action” means any notice of noncompliance or violation, or any claim, demand, charge, action, suit, litigation, audit, settlement, complaint, stipulation, assessment or arbitration, or any request (including any request for information), inquiry, hearing, proceeding or investigation, by or before any Governmental Authority.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling, Controlled by, or under common Control with such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, Luke B. Weil shall be deemed to be an Affiliate or the Purchaser prior to the Closing
“Ancillary Documents” means each agreement, instrument or document attached hereto as an Exhibit, and the other agreements, certificates and instruments to be executed or delivered by any of the Parties hereto in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement.
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“Benefit Plans” of any Person means any and all deferred compensation, executive compensation, incentive compensation, equity purchase or other equity-based compensation plan, employment or consulting, severance or termination pay, holiday, vacation or other bonus plan or practice, hospitalization or other medical, life or other insurance, supplemental unemployment benefits, profit sharing, pension, or retirement plan, program, agreement, commitment or arrangement, and each other employee benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, including each “employee benefit plan” as such term is defined under Section 3(3) of ERISA, maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by a Person for the benefit of any employee or terminated employee of such Person, or with respect to which such Person has any Liability, whether direct or indirect, actual or contingent, whether formal or informal, and whether legally binding or not.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the Federal Reserve Bank sitting in New York, New York is closed for business, excluding as a result of “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems, including for wire transfers, of commercially banking institutions in New York, New York are generally open for use by customers on such day.
“Closing Indebtedness” means, as of the Reference Time, the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness of the Target Companies, on a consolidated basis and as determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles, but excluding any obligations under any Bridge Note or other Indebtedness convertible into equity of the Seller and that is actually converted in connection with the Closing.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute thereto, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code shall include such section and any valid treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
“Company Confidential Information” means all confidential or proprietary documents and information concerning the Target Companies, the Seller or any of their respective Representatives, furnished in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that Company Confidential Information shall not include any information which, (i) at the time of disclosure by the Purchaser or its Representatives, is generally available publicly and was not disclosed in breach of this Agreement or (ii) at the time of the disclosure by the Company or its Representatives to the Purchaser or its Representatives was previously known by such receiving party without violation of Law or any confidentiality obligation by the Person receiving such Company Confidential Information.
“Company Convertible Securities” means, collectively, any other options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase any membership interests or other equity interests of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or that otherwise confer on the holder any right to acquire any membership interests or equity securities of the Company.
“Consent” means any consent, approval, waiver, authorization or Permit of, or notice to or declaration or filing with any Governmental Authority or any other Person.
“Contracts” means all contracts, agreements, binding arrangements, bonds, notes, indentures, mortgages, debt instruments, purchase order, licenses (and all other contracts, agreements or binding arrangements concerning Intellectual Property), franchises, leases and other instruments or obligations of any kind, written or oral (including any amendments and other modifications thereto).
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“Control” of a Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise. “Controlled”, “Controlling” and “under common Control with” have correlative meanings. Without limiting the foregoing a Person (the “Controlled Person”) shall be deemed Controlled by (a) any other Person (i) owning beneficially, as meant in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, securities entitling such Person to cast ten percent (10%) or more of the votes for election of directors or equivalent governing authority of the Controlled Person or (ii) entitled to be allocated or receive ten percent (10%) or more of the profits, losses, or distributions of the Controlled Person; (b) an officer, director, general partner, partner (other than a limited partner), manager, or member (other than a member having no management authority that is not a Person described in clause (a) above) of the Controlled Person; or (c) a spouse, parent, lineal descendant, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, or brother-in-law of an Affiliate of the Controlled Person or a trust for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Controlled Person or of which an Affiliate of the Controlled Person is a trustee.
“Copyrights” means any works of authorship, mask works and all copyrights therein, including all renewals and extensions, copyright registrations and applications for registration and renewal, and non-registered copyrights.
“Environmental Law” means any Law in any way relating to (a) the protection of human health and safety, (b) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment and natural resources (including air, water vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), or (c) the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of Hazardous Materials, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 USC. Section 9601 et. seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 USC. Section 6901 et. seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 USC. Section 2601 et. seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 USC. Section 1151 et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 USC. Section 7401 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 USC. Section 111 et. seq., Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 USC. Section 651 et. seq. (to the extent it relates to exposure to Hazardous Substances), the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, 15 USC. Section 2601 et. seq., the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 USC. Section 300f et. seq., the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and analogous state acts.
“Environmental Liabilities” means, in respect of any Person, all Liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Remedial Actions, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements, and expenses of counsel, experts, and consultants and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand by any other Person or in response to any violation of Environmental Law, whether known or unknown, accrued or contingent, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, to the extent based upon, related to, or arising under or pursuant to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit, Order, or Contract with any Governmental Authority or other Person, that relates to any environmental, health or safety condition, violation of Environmental Law, or a Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials.
“ERISA” means the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“ERISA Affiliate” means each “person” (as defined in Section 3(9) of ERISA) which together with a Target Company would be deemed to be a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.
“Escrow Account” means the segregated escrow account established to hold the Escrow Securities and other Escrow Property under the Escrow Agreement.
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“Escrow Agent” means Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company or, if Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company is unable or unwilling to serve, another escrow agent reasonably acceptable to the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative.
“Escrow Agreement” means an escrow agreement by and among the Seller Representative, the Purchaser Representative and the Escrow Agent, effective as of the Closing and in a form reasonably acceptable to Seller Representative and Purchaser Representative, each acting in good faith.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Excluded Event” means any (i) general change in the financial or securities markets or general economic or political conditions in the country or region in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries do business; (ii) change, condition or effect that generally affect the industries in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries principally operate; (iii) change in GAAP or other applicable accounting principles or mandatory changes in the regulatory accounting requirements applicable to any industry in which such Person and its Subsidiaries principally operate; (iv) any change arising in connection with any pandemic, epidemic, plague or other public health crisis (including any crisis relating to the novel coronavirus), including any declaration of a state of emergency, martial law, shelter-in-place, quarantine or other directive, policy, guidance or other action by any Governmental Authority or quasi-governmental authority in response thereto; (v) any change arising in connection with any natural or man-made disaster (including earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other acts of God), hostilities (including economic hostilities or trade wars), acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions or any escalation or material worsening of any such disaster, hostilities (including economic hostilities or trade wars), acts of war, sabotage or terrorism or military actions existing or underway as of the date hereof; (vi) any failure in and of itself by such Person and its Subsidiaries to meet any internal or published budgets, projections, forecasts or predictions of financial performance for any period (provided that the underlying cause of any such failure may be considered in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur to the extent not excluded by another exception herein); (vii) with respect to Seller and the Target Companies, any action taken by Purchaser or its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (viii) with respect to Purchaser and Holdings, any action taken by Seller or any Target Company or their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ix) any change or effect resulting from or relating to the pendency or public announcement of this Agreement (or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), compliance with terms of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including actions of competitors or the loss of employees, vendors or customers; and (x), with respect to the Purchaser, the consummation and effects of the Redemption (or any redemption in connection with an Extension); provided further, however, that any event, occurrence, fact, condition, or change referred to in clauses (i) - (v) immediately above shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur to the extent that such event, occurrence, fact, condition, or change has a disproportionate effect on such Person or any of its Subsidiaries compared to other participants in the industries in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries primarily conducts its businesses.
“Foley” means Foley & Lardner LLP.
“Fraud Claim” means any claim based upon intentional fraud as defined under the common law of the State of Delaware.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the United States of America.
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“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, foreign or other governmental, quasi-governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, department or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body.
“Hazardous Material” means any waste, gas, liquid or other substance or material that is defined, listed or designated as a “hazardous substance”, “pollutant”, “contaminant”, “hazardous waste”, “regulated substance”, “hazardous chemical”, or “toxic chemical” (or by any similar term) under any Environmental Law, or any other material regulated, or that could result in the imposition of Liability or responsibility, under any Environmental Law, including petroleum and its by-products, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon, mold, and urea formaldehyde insulation.
“Holdings Class A Units” means the Class A Membership Units of Holdings, which will have full economic and voting rights, and shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended Holdings Operating Agreement.
“Holdings Class B Units” means the Class B Membership Units of Holdings, which will have full economic rights, but no voting rights to the fullest extent permitted by the DCGL, not be transferrable except in conjunction with the transfer of an equal number of shares of Purchaser Class V Common Stock and shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended Holdings Operating Agreement.
“Holdings Units” means the Holdings Class A Units and the Holdings Class B Units, collectively.
“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money (including the outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest), (b) all obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business), (c) any other indebtedness of such Person that is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture, credit agreement or similar instrument, (d) all obligations of such Person under leases that should be classified as capital leases in accordance with GAAP (other than real estate leases and any other leases that would be required to be capitalized only upon adoption of ASC 842), (e) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any line or letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, guarantee or similar credit transaction, in each case, that has been drawn or claimed against, (f) all obligations of such Person in respect of acceptances issued or created, (g) all interest rate and currency swaps, caps, collars and similar agreements or hedging devices under which payments are obligated to be made by such Person, whether periodically or upon the happening of a contingency, (h) all obligations secured by an Lien on any property of such Person, (i) any premiums, prepayment fees or other penalties, fees, costs or expenses associated with payment of any Indebtedness of such Person and (j) all obligation described in clauses (a) through (i) above of any other Person which is directly or indirectly guaranteed by such Person or which such Person has agreed (contingently or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire or in respect of which it has otherwise assured a creditor against loss.
“Insider Shares” means an aggregate of 2,700,000 Purchaser Ordinary Shares which were originally issued to B. Luke Weil as “insider shares” (as described in the IPO Prospectus) prior to the IPO.
“Insider Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2019, by and among the Purchaser and the Insiders, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
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“Insiders” means B. Luke Weil and each transferee of Insider Shares prior to the date hereof.
“Intellectual Property” means all of the following as they exist in any jurisdiction throughout the world: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Internet Assets, Software and other intellectual property, and all licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions related to the preceding property.
“Internet Assets” means any and all domain name registrations, web sites and web addresses and related rights, items and documentation related thereto, and applications for registration therefor.
“IPO” means the initial public offering of Purchaser Public Units pursuant to the IPO Prospectus.
“IPO Prospectus” means the final prospectus of the Purchaser, dated as of January 28, 2019, and filed with the SEC on January 29, 2019 (File No. 333-228530).
“IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (or any successor Governmental Authority).
“Knowledge” means, with respect to (i) the Company, the actual knowledge of Joe Oblas, Jaxie Alt or R. Alex Hawkins, after reasonable inquiry or (ii) any other Party, (A) if an entity, the actual knowledge of its directors and executive officers, after reasonable inquiry, or (B) if a natural person, the actual knowledge of such Party after reasonable inquiry.
“Law” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, legislation, principle of common law, ordinance, code, edict, decree, proclamation, treaty, convention, rule, regulation, directive, requirement, writ, injunction, settlement, Order or Consent that is or has been issued, enacted, adopted, passed, approved, promulgated, made, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Liabilities” means any and all liabilities, Indebtedness, Actions or obligations of any nature (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise, whether known or unknown, whether direct or indirect, whether matured or unmatured, whether due or to become due and whether or not required to be recorded or reflected on a balance sheet under GAAP or other applicable accounting standards), including Tax liabilities due or to become due.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, attachment, right of first refusal, option, proxy, voting trust, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof), restriction (whether on voting, sale, transfer, disposition or otherwise), any subordination arrangement in favor of another Person, or any filing or agreement to file a financing statement as debtor under the Uniform Commercial Code or any similar Law.
“Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to any specified Person, any fact, event, occurrence, change or effect that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect upon (a) the business, assets, Liabilities, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries on a timely basis to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party or bound or to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder; provided, however, that for purposes of clause (a) above, any changes or effects directly or indirectly attributable to, resulting from, relating to or arising out of any Excluded Events (by themselves or when aggregated with any other, changes or effects) shall not be deemed to be, constitute, or be taken into account when determining whether there has or may, would or could have occurred a Material Adverse Effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Purchaser, the amount of the Redemption (or any redemption in connection with an Extension, if any) or the failure to obtain the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval shall not be deemed to be a Material Adverse Effect on or with respect to the Purchaser.
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“Nasdaq” means the Nasdaq Capital Market.
“Net Working Capital” means, as of the Reference Time, (i) all current assets of the Target Companies (excluding cash and cash equivalents), on a consolidated basis, minus (ii) all current liabilities of the Target Companies (excluding, without duplication, Indebtedness and unpaid Transaction Expenses), on a consolidated basis and, in each case, as determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, it is the intent of the parties that the Net Working Capital (including as included in the Estimated Closing Statement and in the Closing Statement) is to be calculated consistent with the determination of the Target Net Working Capital Amount and (x) to the extent that the Closing Statement or Estimated Closing Statement corrects an error or an inconsistency, or noncompliance with an accounting method, policy, practice, procedure, convention, categorization, definition, principle, judgment, assumption, asset recognition base, technique or estimation method (including in respect of management’s exercise of judgment) that was used in the calculation of the Target Net Working Capital Amount, then the Net Working Capital shall be reduced or increased as a result of such error, inconsistency or noncompliance, as appropriate, to reflect such error, inconsistency or noncompliance and (y) if the same item would be reflected differently on the Net Working Capital in either the Estimated Closing Statement or the Closing Statement than in the calculations used to determine the Target Net Working Capital Amount in accordance with the Accounting Principles, the parties hereto will equitably adjust the calculation of the Net Working Capital set forth in the Estimated Closing Statement or Closing Statement so as to result in consistent treatment. The parties agree that the purpose of preparing and calculating the Net Working Capital hereunder is to measure changes in Net Working Capital from the Target Net Working Capital Amount without the introduction of new or different accounting methods, policies, practices, procedures, classifications, judgments or estimation methodologies from the Accounting Principles.
“Order” means any order, decree, ruling, judgment, injunction, writ, determination, binding decision, verdict, judicial award or other action that is or has been made, entered, rendered, or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Organizational Documents” means, with respect to any Person that is an entity, its certificate of incorporation or formation, bylaws, operating agreement, memorandum and articles of association or similar organizational documents, in each case, as amended.
“Patents” means any patents, patent applications and the inventions, designs and improvements described and claimed therein, patentable inventions, and other patent rights (including any divisionals, provisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, substitutions, or reissues thereof, whether or not patents are issued on any such applications and whether or not any such applications are amended, modified, withdrawn, or refiled).
“PCAOB” means the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (or any successor thereto).
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“Permits” means all federal, state, local or foreign or other third-party permits, grants, easements, consents, approvals, authorizations, exemptions, licenses, franchises, concessions, ratifications, permissions, clearances, confirmations, endorsements, waivers, certifications, designations, ratings, registrations, qualifications or orders of any Governmental Authority or any other Person.
“Permitted Liens” means (a) Liens for Taxes or assessments and similar governmental charges or levies, which either are (i) not delinquent or (ii) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and adequate reserves have been established with respect thereto, (b) other Liens imposed by operation of Law arising in the ordinary course of business for amounts which are not due and payable and as would not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of, or materially adversely interfere with the use of, the property subject thereto, (c) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with social security, (d) Liens on goods in transit incurred pursuant to documentary letters of credit, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business, or (v) Liens arising under this Agreement or any Ancillary Document.
“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership (including a general partnership, limited partnership or limited liability partnership), limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization, including a government, domestic or foreign, or political subdivision thereof, or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Personal Property” means any machinery, equipment, tools, vehicles, furniture, leasehold improvements, office equipment, plant, parts and other tangible personal property.
“Pre-Bridge Notes” means the Convertible Promissory Notes issued by the Seller pursuant to the Convertible Note Purchase Agreements entered into after January 1, 2021 (including those entered into during the Interim Period).
“Purchaser Class A Common Stock” means the shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Purchaser following the consummation of the Conversion, which shares will have full economic and voting rights, and otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Conversion Organizational Documents.
“Purchaser Class V Common Stock” means the shares of Class V common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Purchaser following the consummation of the Conversion, which shares will have one vote per share, but no economic rights, not be transferrable except in conjunction with the transfer of an equal number of Holdings Class B Units and otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Conversion Organizational Documents, including.
“Purchaser Confidential Information” means all confidential or proprietary documents and information concerning the Purchaser or any of its Representatives; provided, however, that Purchaser Confidential Information shall not include any information which, (i) at the time of disclosure by the Company, the Seller or any of their respective Representatives, is generally available publicly and was not disclosed in breach of this Agreement or (ii) at the time of the disclosure by the Purchaser or its Representatives to the Company, the Seller or any of their respective Representatives, was previously known by such receiving party without violation of Law or any confidentiality obligation by the Person receiving such Purchaser Confidential Information. For the avoidance of doubt, from and after the Closing, Purchaser Confidential Information will include the confidential or proprietary information of the Target Companies.
“Purchaser Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value $.0001 per share, of Purchaser prior to the Conversion.
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“Purchaser Preferred Shares” means preferred shares, par value $.0001 per share, of Purchaser prior to the Conversion.
“Purchaser Private Rights” means the right that was included as part of each Purchaser Private Unit entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10) of a Purchaser Ordinary Share upon consummation of the Purchaser’s initial business combination.
“Purchaser Private Units” means the units issued by Purchaser in a private placement to the Insiders at the time of the consummation of the IPO consisting of one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share, one (1) Purchaser Private Right and one (1) Purchaser Private Warrant.
“Purchaser Private Warrants” means one whole warrant that was included in as part of each Purchaser Private Unit, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
“Purchaser Public Rights” means the right that was included as part of each Purchaser Public Unit entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10) of a Purchaser Ordinary Share upon consummation of the Purchaser’s initial business combination.
“Purchaser Public Units” means the units issued in the IPO (including overallotment units acquired by Purchaser’s underwriter) consisting of one Purchaser Ordinary Share, one Purchaser Public Right and one Purchaser Public Warrant.
“Purchaser Public Warrants” means one whole warrant that was included in as part of each Purchaser Public Unit, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
“Purchaser Rights” means Purchaser Private Rights and Purchaser Public Rights, collectively.
“Purchaser Securities” means the Purchaser Units, the Purchaser Ordinary Shares, the Purchaser Preferred Shares, the Purchaser Rights and the Purchaser Warrants (and after the Conversion, the Purchaser Class A Common Stock and the Purchaser Class V Common Stock), collectively.
“Purchaser Share Price” means an amount equal to the VWAP of the Purchaser Class A Common Stock over the twenty (20) Trading Days ending at the close of business on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock are then traded immediately prior to the date of determination, as equitably adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, recapitalizations and the like after the date of this Agreement.
“Purchaser Units” means Purchaser Private Units and Purchaser Public Units, collectively.
“Purchaser Warrants” means Purchaser Private Warrants and Purchaser Public Warrants, collectively.
“Reference Time” means the close of business of the Company on the Closing Date (but without giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any payments by Purchaser hereunder to occur at the Closing, but treating any obligations in respect of Indebtedness, Transaction Expenses or other liabilities that are contingent upon the consummation of the Closing as currently due and owing without contingency as of the Reference Time).
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“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, or leaching into the indoor or outdoor environment, or into or out of any property.
“Remedial Action” means all actions to (i) clean up, remove, treat, or in any other way address any Hazardous Material, (ii) prevent the Release of any Hazardous Material so it does not endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment, (iii) perform pre-remedial studies and investigations or post-remedial monitoring and care, or (iv) correct a condition of noncompliance with Environmental Laws.
“Representatives” means, as to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective managers, directors, officers, employees, independent contractors, consultants, advisors (including financial advisors, counsel and accountants), agents and other legal representatives of such Person or its Affiliates.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or any successor Governmental Authority).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Software” means any computer software programs, including all source code, object code, and documentation related thereto and all software modules, tools and databases.
“SOX” means the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interests thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons will be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons will be allocated a majority of partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or will be or control the managing director, managing member, general partner or other managing Person of such partnership, association or other business entity. A Subsidiary of a Person will also include any variable interest entity which is consolidated with such Person under applicable accounting rules.
“Target Company” means each of the Company and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries.
“Target Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to $ $553,635.45.
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, information return or other documents (including any related or supporting schedules, statements or information) filed or required to be filed in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Taxes or the administration of any Laws or administrative requirements relating to any Taxes.
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“Taxes” means (a) all direct or indirect federal, state, local, foreign and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, value-added, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, withholding, payroll, employment, social security and related contributions due in relation to the payment of compensation to employees, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, alternative minimum, estimated, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or charges of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto imposed by a Governmental Authority, (b) any Liability for payment of amounts described in clause (a) whether as a result of being a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for any period or otherwise through operation of law and (c) any Liability for the payment of amounts described in clauses (a) or (b) as a result of any tax sharing, tax group, tax indemnity or tax allocation agreement with, or any other express or implied agreement to indemnify, any other Person.
“Trade Secrets” means any trade secrets, confidential business information, concepts, ideas, designs, research or development information, processes, procedures, techniques, technical information, specifications, operating and maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, methods, know-how, data, mask works, discoveries, inventions, modifications, extensions, improvements, and other proprietary rights (whether or not patentable or subject to copyright, trademark, or trade secret protection).
“Trademarks” means any trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, brand names, designs, logos, or corporate names (including, in each case, the goodwill associated therewith), whether registered or unregistered, and all registrations and applications for registration and renewal thereof.
“Trading Day” means any day on which shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Purchaser Class A Common Stock are then traded.
“Transaction Expenses” means all fees and expenses of any of the Target Companies incurred or payable as of the Closing and not paid prior to the Closing (i) in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including any amounts payable to professionals (including investment bankers, brokers, finders, attorneys, accountants and other consultants and advisors) retained by or on behalf of any Target Company, (ii) any change in control bonus, transaction bonus, retention bonus, termination or severance payment or payment relating to terminated options, warrants or other equity appreciation, phantom equity, profit participation or similar rights, in any case, to be made to any current or former employee, independent contractor, director or officer of any Target Company at or after the Closing pursuant to any agreement to which any Target Company is a party prior to the Closing which become payable (including if subject to continued employment) as a result of the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) any sales, use, real property transfer, stamp, stock transfer or other similar transfer Taxes imposed on Purchaser, Holdings or any Target Company in connection with the Contribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that Transaction Expenses will exclude any premiums (or broker fees or commissions) for the Company D&O Tail Insurance.
“Trust Account” means the trust account established by Purchaser with the proceeds from the IPO pursuant to the Trust Agreement in accordance with the IPO Prospectus.
“Trust Agreement” means that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2019, as it may be amended, by and between the Purchaser and the Trustee, as well as any other agreements entered into related to or governing the Trust Account.
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“Trustee” means Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, in its capacity as trustee under the Trust Agreement.
“VWAP” means, for any security as of any date(s), the dollar volume-weighted average price for such security on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which such security is then traded during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg through its “HP” function (set to weighted average) or, if the foregoing does not apply, the dollar volume-weighted average price of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security during the period beginning at 9:30:01 a.m., New York time, and ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if no dollar volume-weighted average price is reported for such security by Bloomberg for such hours, the average of the highest closing bid price and the lowest closing ask price of any of the market makers for such security as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. If the VWAP cannot be calculated for such security on such date(s) on any of the foregoing bases, the VWAP of such security on such date(s) shall be the fair market value as determined reasonably and in good faith by a majority of the disinterested independent directors of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the applicable issuer. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction during such period.
11.2 Section References. The following capitalized terms, as used in this Agreement, have the respective meanings given to them in the Section as set forth below adjacent to such terms:
Term | Section | Term | Section | |
Accounts Receivable | 4.7(f) | Company Real Property Leases | 4.15 | |
Acquisition Proposal | 6.6(a) | Company Registered IP | 4.13(a) | |
Adjustment Amount | 1.5(d) | Contribution | Recitals | |
Agreement | Preamble | Conversion | Recitals | |
Alternative Transaction | 6.6(a) | Conversion Organizational Documents | 1.1 | |
Amended Holdings Operating Agreement | 7.2(h)(iv) | D&O Indemnified Persons | 6.18(a) | |
Antitrust Laws | 6.9(b) | DGCL | Recitals | |
Audited Company Financials | 4.7(a) | Draft Company Financials | 4.7(a) | |
Bridge Investors | Recitals | EGS | 2.1 | |
Bridge Notes | Recitals | Employment Agreements | 6.22 | |
Bridge PIPE Investment | Recitals | Enforceability Exceptions | 3.2 | |
Bridge PIPE Shares | Recitals | Environmental Permit | 4.20(a) | |
Business Combination | 9.1 | Escrow Property | 1.6 | |
Cayman Companies Law | Recitals | Escrow Securities | 1.6 | |
CFO | 1.5(a) | Escrow Shares | 1.6 | |
Closing | 2.1 | Escrow Units | 1.6 | |
Closing Date | 2.1 | Estimated Closing Statement | 1.4 | |
Closing Filing | 6.14(b) | Exchange Agreement | 7.2(h)(v) | |
Closing PIPE Investment | Recitals | Exchange Shares | 5.8 | |
Closing PIPE Investors | Recitals | Expenses | 8.3 | |
Closing PIPE Shares | Recitals | Extension | 6.3(a) | |
Closing Press Release | 6.14(b) | Extension Expenses | 6.3(b)(iv) | |
Closing Statement | 1.5(a) | Food Authorities | 4.27(a) | |
Company | Preamble | FDA | 4.27(a) | |
Company Benefit Plan | 4.19(a) | Federal Securities Laws | 6.7 | |
Company D&O Tail Insurance | 6.18(b) | FFDCA | 4.27(a) | |
Company Directors | 6.17(a) | Food Laws | 4.27(a) | |
Company Disclosure Schedules | Article IV | FTC | 4.27(a) | |
Company Financials | 4.7(a) | Holdings | Preamble | |
Company IP | 4.13(d) | Incentive Plan | 6.13(a) | |
Company IP Licenses | 4.13(a) | Independent Expert | 1.5(b) | |
Company Material Contract | 4.12(a) | Independent Expert Notice Date | 1.5(b) | |
Company Permits | 4.10 | Insider Forfeiture Agreement | Recitals | |
Company Personal Property Leases | 4.16 | Intended Tax Treatment | Recitals |
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Term | Section | Term | Section | |
Interim Period | 6.1(a) | Purchaser Special Meeting | 6.13(a) | |
Lock-Up Agreement | Recitals | Redemption | 6.13(a) | |
Non-Competition Agreement | Recitals | Registration Rights Agreement | Recitals | |
Objection Statement | 1.5(b) | Registration Statement | 6.13(a) | |
OFAC | 3.19(c) | Related Person | 4.21 | |
Off-the-Shelf Software | 4.13(a) | Released Claims | 9.1 | |
Outbound IP License | 4.13(c) | Releasing Persons | 9.2 | |
Outside Date | 8.1(b) | Reorganization | Recitals | |
Party(ies) | Preamble | Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval | 7.1(a) | |
Per Unit Price | 1.3(a) | Reviewing Party | 1.5(b) | |
PIPE Investment | Recitals | Sales-Leaseback | 6.21 | |
PIPE Investors | Recitals | SEC Reports | 3.6(a) | |
PIPE Shares | Recitals | Section 409A Plan | 4.19(i) | |
Post-Closing Purchaser Board | 6.17(a) | Seller | Preamble | |
Proxy Statement | 6.13(a) | Seller Consideration | 1.3(a) | |
Public Certifications | 3.6(a) | Seller Consideration Units | 1.3(a) | |
Public Shareholders | 9.1 | Seller Contribution | 1.2 | |
Purchaser | Preamble | Seller Representative | Preamble | |
Purchaser Contribution | 1.2 | Seller Representative Documents | 10.15(a) | |
Purchaser D&O Tail Insurance | 6.18(b) | Signing Filing | 6.14(b) | |
Purchaser Directors | 6.17(a) | Signing Press Release | 6.14(b) | |
Purchaser Disclosure Schedules | Article III | Specified Courts | 10.5 | |
Purchaser Financials | 3.6(b) | Tax Receivables Agreement | 7.2(h)(vi) | |
Purchaser Material Contract | 3.13(a) | TBOC | Recitals | |
Purchaser Representative | Preamble | Top Customers | 4.24 | |
Purchaser Representative Documents | 10.14(a) | Top Suppliers | 4.24 | |
Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters Meeting | 6.13(a) | Transactions | Recitals | |
USDA | 4.27(a) |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party hereto has caused this Business Combination Agreement to be signed and delivered as of the date first written above.
The Purchaser: | ||
ANDINA ACQUISITION CORP. III | ||
By: | /s/ Julio Torres | |
Name: | Julio Torres | |
Title: | CEO | |
The Purchaser Representative: | ||
/s/ B. Luke Weil | ||
B. Luke Weil, solely in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative hereunder | ||
Holdings: | ||
ANDINA HOLDINGS LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Julio Torres | |
Name: | Julio Torres | |
Title: | CEO |
{Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement}
The Company: | ||
STRYVE FOODS, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ R. Alex Hawkins | |
Name: | R. Alex Hawkins | |
Title: | Chief Operating Officer | |
The Seller: | ||
STRYVE FOODS HOLDINGS, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Joe Oblas | |
Name: | Joe Oblas | |
Title: | Co-Chief Executive Officer | |
The Seller Representative: | ||
/s/ R. Alex Hawkins | ||
R. Alex Hawkins, solely in the capacity as the | ||
Seller Representative hereunder |
{Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement}