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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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6770
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
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82-5042965
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
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Robert J. Mittman, Esq.
Brad L. Shiffman, Esq. Kathleen A. Cunningham, Esq. Elena P. Jacque, Esq. Blank Rome LLP 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10021 (212) 885-5000 rmittman@blankrome.com bshiffman@blankrome.com kcunningham@blankrome.com ejacque@blankrome.com |
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Derek O. Colla
John T. McKenna David I. Silverman Katie Kazem Rishab Kumar Cooley LLP 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20004 (202) 842-7800 |
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| Large accelerated filer ☐ | | | Accelerated filer ☐ | | | Non-accelerated filer ☒ | | |
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☒ |
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Incorporated by Reference
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Exhibit
Number |
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Description of Document
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Schedule/Form
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File Number
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Exhibits
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Filing Date
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| 2.1† | | | Business Combination Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated September 28, 2020, by and among Novus, Merger Sub and AppHarvest | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 2.1 | | |
September 29, 2020
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Incorporated by Reference
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Exhibit
Number |
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Description of Document
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Schedule/Form
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File Number
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Exhibits
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Filing Date
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| 3.1 | | | Certificate of Incorporation of Novus | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 3.1 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 3.2 | | | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Novus | | |
Form S-1/A
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333-237877
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| | 3.2 | | |
May 14, 2020
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| 3.3 | | | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Novus | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 3.3 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 3.4 | | | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Combined Company (included as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus) | | | Form S-4 | | |
333-249421
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| | 3.4 | | |
October 9, 2020
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| 3.5 | | | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Combined Company | | | Form S-4 | | |
333-249421
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| | 3.5 | | |
October 9, 2020
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| 4.1 | | |
Specimen Unit Certificate of Novus
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Form S-1/A
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333-237877
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| | 4.1 | | |
May 14, 2020
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| 4.2 | | | Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Novus | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 4.2 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 4.3 | | | Specimen Warrant Certificate of Novus | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 4.3 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 4.4 | | | Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Combined Company | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 4.4 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 4.5 | | | Warrant Agreement, dated May 19, 2020, by and between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and Novus | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 4.1 | | |
May 20, 2020
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| 5.1 | | | Opinion of Blank Rome LLP regarding the validity of the securities | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 5.1 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 10.1 | | | Business Combination Marketing Agreement, dated May 14, 2020, between Novus and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 1.2 | | |
May 20, 2020
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| 10.2 | | | Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated May 19, 2020, by and between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and Novus | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 10.1 | | |
May 20, 2020
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| 10.3 | | | Stock Escrow Agreement, dated May 19, 2020, by and among Novus, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and Novus Initial Stockholders | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 10.2 | | |
May 20, 2020
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| 10.4 | | | Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 19, 2020, by and among Novus and certain stockholders | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 10.3 | | |
May 20, 2020
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| 10.5 | | | Form of Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Novus, Novus Initial Stockholders and New Holders | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.5 | | |
November 9, 2020
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Incorporated by Reference
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Exhibit
Number |
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Description of Document
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Schedule/Form
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File Number
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Exhibits
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Filing Date
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| 10.6 | | | Promissory Note of Novus | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 10.3 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 10.7 | | | Stockholder Support Agreement, dated September 28, 2020, by and among Novus and certain stockholders | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 10.1 | | |
September 29, 2020
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| 10.8 | | | Sponsor Support Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2020, by and among Novus and Novus Initial Stockholders | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 10.2 | | |
September 29, 2020
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| 10.9 | | | Form of Subscription Agreement for private warrants by Novus Initial Stockholders | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 10.5.1 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 10.10 | | | Warrant Subscription Agreement, dated March 26, 2020, by and between Novus and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 10.5.2 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 10.11 | | | Form of Letter Agreement from Novus’s officers and directors | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 10.1.1 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 10.12 | | | Form of Letter Agreement from the Novus’s initial stockholders | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 10.1.2 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 10.13 | | | Form of Letter Agreement from the Novus’s chairman | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 10.1.3 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 10.14 | | | Form of Letter Agreement from Novus’s CFO | | | Form S-1 | | |
333-237877
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| | 10.1.4 | | |
April 28, 2020
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| 10.15 | | | Form of Lock-Up Agreement | | | Form S-4 | | |
333-249421
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| | 10.15 | | |
October 9, 2020
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| 10.16 | | | Form of Sponsor Restricted Stock Agreement, by and among Novus, Novus Initial Stockholders and AppHarvest | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.16 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 10.17 | | | Form of PIPE Subscription Agreement | | | Form 8-K | | | 001-39288 | | | 10.3 | | |
September 29, 2020
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| 10.18# | | | AppHarvest 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (included as Annex C to this proxy statement/ prospectus) | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.18 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 10.19# | | | AppHarvest 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (included as Annex D to this proxy statement/prospectus) | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.19 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 10.20*† | | | Purchase and Marketing Agreement, dated March 28, 2019, by and between AppHarvest and Mastronardi Produce Limited | | | | | | | | ||||||
| 10.21*† | | | Master Lease Agreement, dated May 13, 2019, by and between AppHarvest Morehead Farm, LLC and Morehead Farm, LLC | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.21 | | |
November 9, 2020
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Incorporated by Reference
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Exhibit
Number |
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Description of Document
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Schedule/Form
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File Number
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Exhibits
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Filing Date
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| 10.22 | | | First Amendment to Master Lease Agreement, dated September 30, 2019, by and between AppHarvest Morehead Farm, LLC and Morehead Farm, LLC | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.21 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 10.23* | | | Right of First Refusal Agreement, dated May 13, 2019, by and between AppHarvest and CEFF US Holdings, LLC | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.23 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 10.24#+ | | | Employment Agreement, dated , 2020, by and between AppHarvest and Jonathan Webb | | | | | | ||||||||
| 10.25# | | | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.25 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 10.26 | | | Form of Stockholder Rights Agreement, by and among Novus, AppHarvest and certain stockholders | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.26 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 10.27 | | | Second Amendment to Master Lease Agreement, dated October 26, 2020, by and between AppHarvest Morehead Farm, LLC and Morehead Farm, LLC | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 10.27 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 10.28#+ | | | Employment Agreement, dated , 2020, by and between AppHarvest and Loren Eggleton | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| 10.29#+ | | | Employment Agreement, dated , 2020, by and between AppHarvest and Marcella Butler | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| 10.30*† | | | Membership Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated December 1, 2020, by and between CEFF Morehead Property, LLC and AppHarvest Morehead Farm, LLC | | | | | | ||||||||
| 23.1 | | | Consent of Marcum LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of Novus | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 23.1 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 23.2 | | | Consent of Ernst &Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of AppHarvest | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 23.2 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 23.3 | | | Consent of Blank Rome LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 23.3 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 24.1 | | | Power of Attorney | | | Form S-4 | | |
333-249421
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| | 24.1 | | |
October 9, 2020
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| 99.1 | | | Consent of Jonathan Webb to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.1 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.2 | | | Consent of David Lee to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.2 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.3 | | | Consent of Kiran Bhatraju to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.3 | | |
November 9, 2020
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Incorporated by Reference
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Exhibit
Number |
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Description of Document
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Schedule/Form
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File Number
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Exhibits
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Filing Date
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| 99.4 | | | Consent of Greg Couch to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.4 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.5 | | | Consent of Anna Mason to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.5 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.6 | | | Consent of Martha Stewart to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.6 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.7 | | | Consent of Jeffrey Ubben to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.7 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.8 | | | Consent of J.D. Vance to be named as a director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.8 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.9 | | | Consent of Dave Chen to be named as director | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.9 | | |
November 9, 2020
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| 99.10 | | | Preliminary Proxy Card | | |
Form S-4/A
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333-249421
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| | 99.10 | | |
December 1, 2020
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| 101.INS | | | XBRL Instance Document | | | | | | ||||||||
| 101.CAL | | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | | | | | | ||||||||
| 101.SCH | | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | | | | | | ||||||||
| 101.DEF | | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | | | | | | ||||||||
| 101.LAB | | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document | | | | | | ||||||||
| 101.PRE | | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | | | | | |
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Signature
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Title
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Date
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/s/ Robert J. Laikin
Robert J. Laikin
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| | Chairman | | |
December 4, 2020
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*
Larry M. Paulson
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Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer) |
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December 4, 2020
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/s/ Vincent Donargo
Vincent Donargo
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Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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December 4, 2020
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*
Heather Goodman
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| | Director | | |
December 4, 2020
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*
Bradley A. Bostic
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| | Director | | |
December 4, 2020
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*By:
/s/ Vincent Donargo
Vincent Donargo
Attorney-in-fact |
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Exhibit 10.20
PURCHASE &
MARKETING AGREEMENT
EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTION APPHARVEST, LLC
(United States)
This agreement (“Agreement”) is made this 28th day of March, 2019 (“Effective Date”) between AppHarvest, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Grower”) and Mastronardi Produce Limited, a corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, having its principal office at 2100 Road 4 East, ON CAN9Y 2E, Kingsville, Ontario, Canada (“Mastronardi”).
Recitals
Grower’s Designated Greenhouse Facility: | Morehead, Kentucky |
Facility Products: | tomatoes, cucumbers and, or peppers |
Growing Acres: | 60 |
Initial Term: | 10 years |
Initial Term Commencement Date: | date of commercial harvest of first crop |
Mastronardi is engaged in business as an importer, marketer and dealer of fruits and vegetables, with experience in domestic and international markets. Mastronardi wish to enter into an agreement by which they will cooperate in the growing, harvesting, packing and general operation of the Facility upon terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
Therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and of other good and valuable consideration, the Parties incorporate the above Recitals and further agree as follows:
1. | Grower hereby agrees to grow, cultivate, harvest, produce, export (if applicable), and sell certain types and quantities of fresh Products of the Facility to Mastronardi set forth in the above Recitals (collectively, the “Products”), and Mastronardi hereby agrees to purchase certain types and quantities of Products from Grower, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Grower shall grow such Products on the lands comprising of the Facility as Mastronardi shall designate as set forth in this Agreement. |
2. | Grower’s responsibilities include the following: |
(a) Grower hereby agrees to grow, cultivate, harvest, produce, and sell certain types and quantities of Products as set forth in the above Recitals and Mastronardi hereby agrees to purchase certain types and quantities of Products from Grower, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Grower shall grow such Products on the lands comprising of the Facility. Grower shall grow and package the Products from the Facility. Any additional or change in the geographic location of the Facility must be agreed to by the Parties in writing. Grower is responsible for the production, management, administration and operation of the Facility and will grow and pack all crops applicable to this Agreement.
(b) Grower is not to inventory more than [***] of packaging materials for any given pack format. At the end of the Term, Mastronardi will purchase the unused packaging applicable to the Products up to the [***] inventory. If Grower does store more inventory levels than required by Mastronardi and the pack format changes, Mastronardi is not responsible for any dollar value, costs or other charges, claims or damages above and beyond the [***]. Grower will produce, pack and have the Product ready for pick up by Mastronardi from the Facility in accordance with this Agreement and any respective purchase orders for the Products.
3. | Marketing; Quality; Product Pricing; Packaging. |
(a) Mastronardi
shall market and sell the Products, directly or indirectly, to its customers. Grower has agreed to have Mastronardi market and
be the exclusive purchaser of one-hundred percent (100%) of the production of the Products from the Facility, and Mastronardi has
agreed to purchase one-hundred percent (100%) of such production that is of a quality at or above United States Department of Agriculture
Grade No. 1 Standards and export quality standards within North America (which includes Canada, US, and Mexico), and of a
quality required by Mastronardi’s customers (collectively, “#1 Product”). If Mastronardi rejects, returns
or otherwise refuses Products on the basis that Products do not meet #1 Product standards under this Agreement, Grower will have
the right, at Grower’s
cost and expense, to sell or otherwise dispose of the Products so long as the Products are, (i) not sold as USDA #1 Product,
(ii) not identified with any trade name, trademark, or other marks associated with Mastronardi, including its SUNSET®
brand, or any of its customer’s private label brands or marks, and (iii) no Mastronardi (or Mastronardi customer’s)
related packaging or similar materials shall be used to transport, sell, distribute or otherwise dispose of the Products.
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
2
(b) Mastronardi shall determine the marketing and branding of all Products of the Facility, provided, however, subject to the instructions of Mastronardi’s customers for the Products to use of a customer private label brand. Mastronardi will use best efforts to include or incorporate a valid AppHarvest trade names, trade dresses, branding (the, “AppHarvest Marks”) on packages of the Product, which may also bear one or more other trademarks, including trade names, trade dresses, branding, and/or logos, owned or controlled by Mastronardi, and other trademarks trade dresses, branding, and/or logos that are not AppHarvest Marks (the “Mastronardi Marks”). For avoidance of doubt, Mastronardi is under no obligation to include any of the AppHarvest Marks on packaging for the Products if including the AppHarvest Marks conflicts with instructions from Mastronardi’s customer for the Products. In addition, Mastronardi shall be under no obligation to include any of the AppHarvest Marks on packaging for the Products in the event AppHarvest suffers a material impairment to its reputation, or the reputation of one or more of the AppHarvest Marks, as determined by Mastronardi. As between the Parties and their Affiliates, Mastronardi owns all rights, titles, and interest in and to the Mastronardi Marks. AppHarvest shall not challenge the validity of the Mastronardi Marks. AppHarvest shall also not apply, register or attempt to register any of the Mastronardi Marks, or any confusingly similar mark to the Mastronardi Marks, in AppHarvest’s name, directly or indirectly through a third party, for any class of goods or services. During the Term, AppHarvest will only use or otherwise permit the use of AppHarvest Marks on tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and berries from production of facilities located in any or all of [***] in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
4. | All prices for the Products (commodity or specialty) include Grower’s packaging and labor costs and expenses. All payments to be made by Mastronardi to Grower for the Products shall be made by bank transfer or any other means acceptable to the Parties. |
5. | Grower will produce, pack and deliver to Mastronardi, Products of the Facilities in the manner set forth in this Agreement, and Mastronardi shall market and sell such Products, directly or indirectly, to customers in any or all of Canada, United States of America, Asia, Mexico or Europe. The Parties may expand this Agreement to include other greenhouse acreage and products by the written amendment or such other written agreement of the Parties. |
6. | Market Price. Mastronardi shall except as specifically set forth in this Agreement (including any Addendums) and subject to Mastronardi’s reasonable business judgment, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain market prices for the Products that are consistent with the best and highest prices available during the duration of the applicable growing season, based upon seasonality, prevailing market conditions and customer commitments at the time and location of sale. Except as may be set forth otherwise in this Agreement or in a separate written agreement by the Parties (including price terms for any specialty products that the Parties may negotiate from time to time during the Term), the Parties hereby further agree and intend to establish sales terms consistent with the foregoing with respect to all produce related transactions contemplated or otherwise actually performed under this Agreement, in which case all prices include packaging and labor and Mastronardi shall be paid [***], plus [***] costs incurred in the sale and distribution of the Product, as reasonably determined by Mastronardi (the, “Market Price”). |
7. |
[***]
[***]. |
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
/s/ JW
|
Initials
/s/ PM |
Grower Mastronardi |
3
8. | Grower will only package Products under Mastronardi’s approved packaging and procedures for the growing, packaging, and shipping of the Products. All packaging of the Products shall be purchased from either Mastronardi, an approved Affiliate of Mastronardi, or a supplier approved by Mastronardi in writing. Unless agreed to otherwise in writing by Grower and Mastronardi, on a growing season basis, packaging prices to be paid by Grower and other sale terms will be set forth in sales invoices issued by Mastronardi or an Affiliate of Mastronardi to Grower. |
9. | Mastronardi is authorized and shall be entitled to fully deduct from sale proceeds or any other monies owed to Grower, all costs, fees and other indebtedness that Grower owes to Mastronardi and any of its Affiliates, [***], together with rights of set off. Any and all deductions shall not be limited only to the proceeds of any single produce transaction. |
10. | Mastronardi shall also be authorized to deduct the full amount of any and all damages or expenses related to any claim against any Product shipments from Grower to Mastronardi, from any sums that may be due and owing Grower, together with rights of set off and such deductions shall not be limited to only the proceeds of the produce transaction subject to any such claim. |
11. | The Parties hereby agree and intend to establish a running account that runs to the end of each relevant growing season and, therefore, is not a divisible contract for the sale of produce. |
12. | Exclusive Distribution of Facility Products. The Parties further agree that Mastronardi is appointed by Grower as the sole and exclusive distributor of Products and Grower shall only utilize the Facility in furtherance of this Agreement and Grower shall not directly or indirectly sell, market or distribute the Products, except through Mastronardi. If either or both, (i) Grower intentionally fails or refuses to plant varieties, grow or delivery Product in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including a failure or refusal to replanting any diseased or destroyed crop at Mastronardi’s direction), or (ii) any breach in exclusivity of this Agreement by Grower; then Grower shall pay to Mastronardi as liquidated damages the sum of $[***] US dollars for [***] assigned to Mastronardi for the growing season in which the breach occurs, and for each remaining growing season thereafter during the Term for which such breach, violation or exclusivity is violated on a per acre basis. Any partial breach or violation of an acre shall be deemed a breach of the entire acre. The Parties further agree that damages would be difficult to ascertain and that the provisions of this Section are reasonable and have been negotiated in good faith. |
13. | Restrictive Covenants. Grower agrees and shall be subject to and governed by the Non-Solicitation and Employ and Non-Competition provisions set forth in Exhibit A. |
14. | Mastronardi grants Grower a non-transferable, non-exclusive right to use Mastronardi’s trademark(s) and certain customer third-party trademark(s), solely for purposes in furtherance of this Agreement and sale of Products to Mastronardi, and as identified, permitted and directed by Mastronardi from time to time during the Term. Grower shall not and cannot sublicense any Mastronardi trademark(s) or the third-party trademark(s). Mastronardi has the right at any time to terminate any and all use by Grower of any Mastronardi trademarks and/or third-party trademarks. |
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
/s/ JW
|
Initials
/s/ PM |
Grower Mastronardi |
4
15. | Grower covenants, warrants and agrees that, throughout the Term of this Agreement, including any renewal or extension thereof, the quality of the produce delivered by Grower to Mastronardi from the Facility shall fulfill the requirements of all applicable laws. All produce shall be free of contaminants prohibited by the laws of all applicable jurisdictions where Products are grown, harvested and sold, and will be properly labeled and comply with weight requirements of all applicable laws. Grower warrants that it is properly registered or shall be registered prior to commencing production, by the United States Food and Drug Administration under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 and further warrants that it will actively maintain a third party food safety certification from certifying entities recognized in the United States and Canada and further warrants that it will actively maintain a third party food safety certification to the standard required by the top three retailers that sell the Products in North America from certifying entities recognized in the final importing country. Grower will provide a current certificate, audit report, water testing results, and proof of FDA registration to Mastronardi. All documentation must be written in the English language. |
16. | Upon pick up of the Products at the Facility by Mastronardi, title of the Products shall transfer from Grower to Mastronardi and Mastronardi will be responsible for the cost of logistics and shipment of the Products from the pick-up from the Facility to the first destination point that may be at a Mastronardi or Affiliate facility or a Mastronardi customer facility (in each case, the “First Destination Point”). Upon delivery of the Products by Mastronardi to the First Destination Point to a Mastronardi or Affiliate facility, Mastronardi has the right within [***] of receipt of such Products to the First Destination Point, to inspect the quality of the Products and shall have the right to notify Grower that the Products fail to meet the quality standards required under this Agreement, in which case Grower shall accept, at Grower’s cost, a return of the Products as rejected under this Agreement. Mastronardi shall also have the right to notify Grower that the Products have been inspected by Mastronardi’s customer within [***] from receipt of Products to the First Destination Point, and rejected by such customer in that the Products fail to meet the quality standards required under this Agreement, in which case Grower shall accept, at Grower’s cost, a return of the Product as rejected under this Agreement, unless the rejection was at no fault of Grower and caused by Mastronardi. Mastronardi will provide to Grower reasonable documentation for the basis of rejections. |
17. | In the event Grower and Mastronardi agree in writing to change any or all of the fresh produce products or quantities to be grown under this Agreement, all such products grown shall be included within the meaning of “Products” under this Agreement. All varieties planted are to be approved by Mastronardi in writing. Mastronardi will determine the specifications of the Product, timeframe of the crops and any interplant schedule. |
18. | Given enough time to make adjustments before the beginning of each growing season, Grower and Mastronardi will consult with each other to plan future marketing and sales strategies for the following season, including forecasting the type of seeds and products to be grown as well as the quantities that should be cultivated for the next season and the approximate pack and schedule of delivery together with a forecast of future sales (in each case a, “Future Forecast” and collectively with the Initial Forecast referred to as a, “Forecast”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or otherwise, in the event that the Parties agree to any fixed prices during any applicable Term but Grower’s actual delivery of Product under this Agreement varies by more than [***] percent above or below ([***]%+/-) either or both, the Forecast or any applicable pack schedule for any applicable period, at Mastronardi’s option, the Product prices for such period shall be determined based upon a Market Price. |
19. | Expansion of Production. Products to be sold by Grower to Mastronardi are intended to include the entire production capacity of the Facility. The Parties agree that any products that arise as a result of the direct or indirect expansion in growing acreage or growing operations by Grower in any or all of the geographical location that encompasses [***], including any Affiliates or Persons under common control (collectively, “Additional Products”), will first be offered to Mastronardi as a first right of refusal. The right of first refusal shall be provided to Mastronardi in writing (in each case, a “RFR Notice”), in which case and at Mastronardi’s election to be made within [***] of receipt of a RFR Notice, Mastronardi shall have the right to elect to include such Additional Products with the Products of this Agreement (“RFR Election”) for the greater of, (i) ten years from the date of first commercial production of the Additional Products, or (ii) the remainder of the Term. Grower’s failure to grant Mastronardi any right of first refusal shall be deemed a breach of the exclusivity provisions of this Agreement, and for each failure Grower shall pay to Mastronardi for the remainder of the Term liquidated damages in the sum of $[***] US dollars for [***] used to grow the Additional Products for the growing season in which the breach occurs, and for each remaining growing season thereafter for which such exclusivity is violated on a per acre basis. Any partial breach in exclusivity of an acre shall be deemed a breach of the entire acre. The remedies in this section are in addition to any other actions or remedies Mastronardi may be entitled to under applicable law. |
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
/s/ JW
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Initials
/s/ PM |
Grower Mastronardi |
5
20. | Additional [***] Facilities. In the event that during the Term, any or all of Grower, its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers and principals, and those for whom Grower, directly or indirectly, through an Affiliate, principal, agent, representative, business venture, material interest, third Person, or otherwise, conduct business in the growing and manufacturing of fresh greenhouse grown produce from any or all of the geographical location that encompasses [***], (in each case, a “New Grower Facility”), then each New Grower Facility shall be and is hereby deemed, at Mastronardi’s election, to be under a grower agreement with Mastronardi for a period of ten (10) years and under the same material terms and conditions of this Agreement, as applicable to each New Grower Facility, as may be amended, replaced or superseded by the written agreement of the Parties, which grower agreement terms shall survive any subsequent termination of this Agreement. With respect to Mastronardi’s timing in which to elect to exercise its right of first refusal under this Section, the provision and time frame of the RFR Notice and RFR Election above for Expansion of Production will apply to each New Grower Facility on a case by case basis. The Parties agree that the intent of this provision is to insure that all Products grown directly or indirectly by Grower, its Affiliates, owners, directors and principals, and those for whom Grower is legally responsible, in whatever capacity during the Term, shall first be offered to be sold and marketed by Mastronardi. |
21. | Mastronardi at its own discretion may maintain, at its own expense, at the Facility, a member of its organization at any time during the Term, including, before, during or after the growing season in coordination with Grower’s management team and growing schedule to undertake actions consistent with this Agreement, including, administration questions related to the fulfillment of Mastronardi and Grower obligations set out in this Agreement and verification of the quantities and qualities of the Products produced at the Facility. Grower shall provide, at no cost to Mastronardi, office facilities to accommodate any Person designated by Mastronardi pursuant to this section. |
22. | Grower will actively pursue obtaining and shall maintain as applicable for all Products sold to Mastronardi during the entire Term, products liability insurance covering risks for Products shipped to Mastronardi in the United States and Canada with a minimum coverage of $[***] USD per incident and with Mastronardi as an additional named insured on such policy and Grower will further provide Mastronardi with a certificate of insurance reflecting such coverage. Grower will completely indemnify Mastronardi against any product liability claims that arise or relate to the Products that are directly or indirectly caused or attributable to Grower. Grower hereby further agrees to fully indemnify Mastronardi, and to fully provide for the cost of any defense and to hold Mastronardi and any and all of its Affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, officers, directors, owners, employees and agents, completely harmless from any and all liability arising out of Grower’s failure, for any reason, to comply with the Grower’s warranties, representations and obligations in this Agreement. Mastronardi has full discretion to honor any customer request to return or reject Products previously purchased or delivered when such customer request is based upon any import alert or other announcement by any governmental authority, or in circumstances that Mastronardi believes is appropriate to protect its image and brand. |
23. | Notice. All communications between Mastronardi and Grower for the purposes of this Agreement shall be delivered by either, hand delivery, email or overnight currier, as set forth in the Schedule 21. Any transmission by e-mail by one party to the other shall be deemed to have been presumably received on the business day next following the transmission of such communication by e-mail, subject to reasonable proof that the communication was received. Any communication delivered by hand shall be deemed to have been received on the date of receipt and any communication sent by internationally recognized courier shall be deemed to have been received on the date of receipt as shown in the records of the courier service used for such delivery. |
24. | This Agreement may be assignable by Mastronardi either directly or indirectly, to an Affiliate of Mastronardi or to a successor of Mastronardi in connection with a sale of substantially all of the equity or assets of Mastronardi. Grower shall not assign this Agreement or any obligations therein without the prior written consent of Mastronardi. |
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
/s/ JW
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Initials
/s/ PM |
Grower Mastronardi |
6
25. | Mastronardi and Grower shall during the Term of this Agreement and thereafter treat as confidential any and all information learned by the other concerning the non-public business or affairs of the other including, but not limited to, all documents, pacts, agreements, contracts, price policies, letters of credit, designs, verbal, written, electronic, digital, etc. information (“Confidential Information”) and, in particular, Grower and Mastronardi agree that no Confidential Information available for both Parties in this Agreement shall be shared with third parties without the written permission of both parties. In the event a party receives a subpoena or other court or similar process for Confidential Information, such receiving party shall promptly notify the other party of such facts in order for such party to undertake a timely objection to such process or proceeding. The term Confidential Information does not include information which: (i) is already in a party’s possession if such information is not subject to another confidentiality agreement with the non-disclosing party; (ii) is currently available from public records; (iii) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by a party, its managers, members, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, agents or advisors; (iv) becomes available to a party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the non-disclosing party, provided that such source is not bound by a confidentiality agreement with the non-disclosing party; or (v) is independently developed by the party without regard to Confidential Information as evidenced by contemporaneous written documentation. These confidentiality provisions are intended to be construed in connection with and not in replacement of any non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement that governs the parties that was entered into contemporaneously or prior to the Effective Date, provided, however, if there is any conflict between the governing law and choice of forum provisions, the provisions of this Agreement for governing law and choice of forum shall prevail. |
26. | The relationship between Mastronardi and Grower is that of an independent contractor and each party shall be responsible for the remittance of its own employee deductions and taxes, and neither Party shall have any right to any additional remuneration or benefits provided by a Party to its employees. Mastronardi and Grower shall be responsible for its own remittance of any income, goods and service, or other applicable taxes. Grower and Mastronardi, will be responsible for their own professional expenses, including legal, accounting, and other professional fees. |
27. | Term. The initial term of this Agreement shall be for ten (10) full calendar years (“Initial Term”) and shall commence on the Initial Term Commencement Date, as reasonably determined by Mastronardi. A growing season is typically a one year period, provided, however, growing season and harvest dates may also be reasonably adjusted by Mastronardi based on planting schedules, quality and market conditions. This Agreement also replaces any current agreement that may be active in its entirety. At the end of the Initial Term, the contract shall be automatically extended for additional one year terms (each a, “Renewal Term”), unless terminated by written notice by one party to the other party not later than 240 calendar days prior to the end of the then applicable term. The Initial Term and any Renewal Term shall be collectively referred to as the “Term.” |
28. | Notwithstanding the above, this Agreement may be immediately terminated by either party if: |
(a) | at the election of the other party if bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings are instituted by or against a party, that are not otherwise dismissed within [***] of implementation of such proceedings that are not voluntarily commenced by the applicable party; |
(b) | the Parties mutually agree in writing; or |
(c) | the breach of any provision of this Agreement by either party, which has not been corrected within [***] of the giving of the notice of such breach by the non-breaching party to the breaching party, provided, however, the obligation of Grower to either or both, timely deliver Products and maintain exclusivity shall not be subject to cure. |
29. | In addition to the right to terminate by either party as set forth in this Agreement, at any time during the thirty (30) day period after the third full growing season of the Initial Term, Grower shall have the one-time right to terminate this Agreement early by providing written notice of termination to Mastronardi (“Grower Termination Notice”) no less than 240 days prior to and effective as of the end of the growing season upon which the Grower Termination Notice is received by Mastronardi (the “Early Termination Growing Season”), subject to all of the following conditions precedent: |
(a) | Grower acting in good faith having failed to timely make its lease payments under the Greenhouse Lease, provided that Mastronardi will have the option to make up such shortfall within sixty days of receipt of a timely and valid Grower Termination Notice; |
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
/s/ JW
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Initials
/s/ PM |
Grower Mastronardi |
7
(b) | Grower not having materially breached its obligations under any or all of the Grower Agreement or any other agreement among Grower and Mastronardi, or any Affiliate; |
(c) | Grower having during the Term timely met its US #1 quality, agreed specifications, volume, delivery and packaging forecasts and schedules, as may be amended from time to time by the parties during the Term; |
(d) | Subject to CEFF Morehead Property, LLC, Mastronardi and Grower supplementing Schedule 28(d), and except as a result of being caused by a Force Majeure Event, Mastronardi having returned to Grower an average return during the trailing three growing seasons prior to the Early Termination Growing Season that fails to achieve [***] percent ([***]%) of the average return to Grower on a collective basis as set forth in the Grower Model, provided, however, that Mastronardi will have a [***] right to cure any shortfall amount upon receipt of the Grower Termination Notice; and |
(e) | Mastronardi having received, an amount in cash or cash equivalent equal to all costs and expenditures incurred by Mastronardi in furtherance of the operation of the Facility contemplated under this Agreement, including all expenses, capital contributions, infusion of working capital, tenant backstop expenses or otherwise, plus interest at the prime rate per annum. |
30. | All payments to be made by Mastronardi to Grower for the Products purchased by Mastronardi in accordance with this Agreement, shall be made by bank transfer or any other means acceptable to both Parties in US Dollars. All payments to be made by Mastronardi to Grower shall be paid no later than [***] after the date Mastronardi picks up the Products from the Facility. Grower will provide to Mastronardi on an ongoing basis the name of its bank and its account number for bank transfer purposes. Grower shall provide Mastronardi with the corresponding invoices, which shall comply with all the legal and tax requirements established by the then applicable Mexican laws. |
31. | Grower covenants and agrees to fully indemnify, defend and hold Mastronardi, its Affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, contractors, representatives, attorneys-in-fact, agents and any other Persons for whom Mastronardi is legally responsible (collectively, the “Mastronardi Parties”), harmless, individually and collectively, from and against any and all costs (including attorney fees, consultant fees and expert fees), claims, liens, damages, losses, expenses, fees, fines, penalties, proceedings, actions, demands, causes of action, liability and suits of any kind and nature, including but not limited to, personal or bodily injury, death and property damage, made upon any of the Mastronardi Parties, directly or indirectly arising out of, resulting from or related to: Grower, its Affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, agents, representatives, contractors, employees, directors or Person for whom Grower is legally responsible (collectively, the “Grower Parties”), (i) breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with Mastronardi, and (ii) any of the Grower Parties’ acts or omissions, including negligence or intentional misconduct and any acts or omissions of any Grower Parties while in the exercise of performance of the rights or duties under this Agreement or otherwise. The provisions of this indemnity are solely for the benefit of the Mastronardi Parties hereto and not intended to create or grant any rights, contractual or otherwise, to any other Person or entity. Grower shall advise Mastronardi in writing within [***] of any claim or demand against Mastronardi or Grower related to or arising out of Grower’s activities under this Agreement and shall see to the investigation and defense of such claim. Mastronardi shall have the right, at its option and at its own expense, to participate in such defense without relieving Grower of any of its obligations under this paragraph. |
32. | Governing Law; Choice of Forum; Other. The validity, construction and interpretation of this Agreement and the rights and duties of the Parties hereto, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, excluding its conflict of laws principles. Any legal action or proceeding arising under this Agreement will be brought either in the federal courts in the Eastern District of Michigan or state courts located in either Wayne or Oakland County, Michigan and the Parties hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue therein. This Agreement may be executed in counterpart copies, and, in the absence of an original signature, faxed signatures will be considered the equivalent of an original signature. If a provision of this Agreement is held invalid under any applicable law, such invalidity will not affect any other provision of this Agreement that can be given effect without the invalid provision. Further, all terms and conditions of this Agreement will be deemed enforceable to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, and, when necessary, the court is requested to reform any and all terms or conditions to give them such effect. The Exhibits and Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof as if set out in full in this Agreement. |
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
/s/ JW
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Initials
/s/ PM |
Grower Mastronardi |
8
33. | Force Majeure. If a Party is prevented from complying, either totally or in part, with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement by reason of any cause beyond the reasonable control of such Party, including (but only to the extent beyond the reasonable control of such Party), fire, flood, storm, strike, lockout or other similar work stoppage, embargoes or blockades, any applicable law, judicial or administrative process or proceeding, proclamation, ordinance, demand or requirement of any governmental authority, riot, war, rebellion, emergencies, terrorist act, terrorism, earthquakes, hurricanes, nuclear accident, power outage, blackout, shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities, or other acts of God (in each case, a “Force Majeure Event”), then upon written notice to the other Party, the affected provisions and/or other requirements of this Agreement, including regarding payment for interrupted services, shall be suspended or reduced by an amount consistent with reductions made to the other operations of such Party affected by the Force Majeure Event, and during the period of such disability, the affected Party shall have no liability to the other Party in connection therewith unless the affected Party has or is required to be covered for such risk or loss by insurance; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, the affected Party shall promptly implement its own business continuity plan and disaster recovery plan in order to resume its obligations and duties under this Agreement. During the term of any such suspension or reduction, the affected Party shall (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance of its obligations as soon as reasonably possible and (b) provide periodic updates to the other Party regarding the status of its efforts to resume performance. Time being of the essence for all obligations under this Agreement. |
34. | For purposes of this Agreement, |
(a) “Affiliate” of any particular Person means any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such particular Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, contract or otherwise.
(b) “Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or any other organization or association or other form of business enterprise or a Governmental Authority.
35. | WAIVER JURY TRIAL. THE PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHT, POWER, OR REMEDY UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY AMENDMENT, INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT, OR AGREEMENT DELIVERED OR THAT MAY IN THE FUTURE BE DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THEREWITH OR ARISING FROM ANY RELATIONSHIP EXISTING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS AND DEALINGS BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING ALL CLAIMS IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE), AND AGREE THAT ANY SUCH ACTION PERMITTED BY THIS AGREEMENT TO BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT BEFORE A JURY. THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION CONSTITUTE A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE PARTIES ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT. |
The Parties have executed this Agreement to be effective on and as of the Effective Date.
(Signatures contained on next page)
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
/s/ JW
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Initials
/s/ PM |
Grower Mastronardi |
(Signature Page to Grower Agreement)
“GROWER”
AppHarvest, Inc., a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ Jonathan Webb
Name: Jonathan Webb
Title: CEO
Date: 3/28/2019
Signed in Lexington, Kentucky
I have authority to bind the company |
“MASTRONARDI”
Mastronardi Produce Limited, an Ontario corporation
By: /s/ Paul Mastronardi
Name: Paul Mastronardi
Title: President and CEO
Date: 3/28/2019
Signed in Kingsville, Ontario
I have authority to bind the corporation |
Exhibits and Schedules
Addresses for Notices | Schedule 21 | |
Grower Model | Schedule 28(d) |
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
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Schedule 21
Addresses for Notices
[***] | [***] |
[***] |
[***]
|
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
11
Schedule 28(d)
Grower Model
[***]
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
12
Exhibit A
Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Restrictive Covenants
Grower and Mastronardi further agree to the following Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition provisions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Exhibit A will have the meanings set forth in the body of the Agreement.
1. Additional Definitions.
(a) “Territory” means the geographical location that encompasses the states of Kentucky and West Virginia, USA.
(b) “Mastronardi Business” means the business of Mastronardi and its Affiliates consisting of any or all of, the (i) growing, producing, procuring, packaging, warehousing, selling, marketing and distributing Mastronardi Products, and (ii) any services or products related to the foregoing.
(c) “Mastronardi Products” means, fresh produce products that are, [***].
2. Grower on behalf of Grower Parties acknowledges and agrees that as a result of entering into the Agreement and conducting business with Mastronardi, including the development and operation of a Facility, Grower Parties have intimate knowledge of the Mastronardi Business, including knowledge of Mastronardi’s Confidential Information and relationships with its customers, vendors, suppliers and growers, and that such knowledge and relationships are such that if Grower and any of the other Grower Parties were to compete with Mastronardi or the other Mastronardi Parties either or both, within and outside of the Territory, Mastronardi would be severely and irreparably damaged. Further, Grower acknowledges and agrees that the restrictive covenants are a fundamental element of the transactions contemplated under the Agreement. Accordingly, Grower acknowledges on its behalf and on behalf of each of the other Grower Parties, that Grower shall not, and shall cause the other Grower Parties not to, directly or indirectly, either individually, in partnership, jointly, or in conjunction with, or on behalf of, any Person, other than for the direct benefit or upon the written permission of Mastronardi that specifically references this Exhibit A, do any of the following:
(a) Non-Solicitation and Employ. During the Term of the Agreement and for a period of [***], employ or engage, recruit, solicit, attempt to employ or engage, or affirmatively assist any other Person in employing, engaging or soliciting for employment or engagement any employee of Mastronardi or any of its Affiliates without first obtaining Mastronardi’s express written consent. Nothing contained herein shall preclude the hiring of any such employee who responds to a general solicitation of employment through a general advertisement not targeted specifically at Mastronardi, its Affiliates or their respective employees, provided that such general advertisement was not directly or indirectly instructed or induced by the Grower or any of the other Grower Parties to solicit the employees of Mastronardi or its Affiliates;
(b) Exclusive Right to Sell or Furnish Mastronardi Products in the Territory. During the Term of the Agreement, sell, manage, endorse, support, promote, advertise, market, sponsor, operate, control, provide any form of assistance to, or provide services or products, that will cause any Mastronardi Products grown or harvested outside of the Territory to be furnished, transferred or sold inside the Territory; and
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
13
(c) Non-Compete Mastronardi Business. During the Term of the Agreement, sell, manage, endorse, support, promote, advertise, market, sponsor, operate, control, provide any form of assistance to, or provide services or products, or otherwise engage in any undertaking that compete with the Mastronardi Business outside of the Territory.
3. If any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the covenants set forth in the Agreement, or any part thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration, geographic scope or terms of such provision, such court shall have the power to modify any such unenforceable provision in lieu of severing such unenforceable provision from this Agreement in its entirety, whether by rewriting the offending provision, deleting any or all of the offending provision, adding additional language to the Agreement or by making such other modifications as it deems warranted for the purpose to carry out the intent and agreement of the Parties as embodied in the Agreement to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
4. Grower hereby acknowledges and agrees that a breach of this Agreement with respect to provisions relating to the restrictive covenants will cause Mastronardi or the other Mastronardi Parties irreparable damages, for which an award of damages would not be adequate compensation and agrees that, in the event of such breach or threatened breach, such opposing party will be entitled to seek equitable relief, including a restraining order, injunctive relief, specific performance and any other relief that may be available from any court, in addition to any other remedy to which such other party may be entitled under applicable law, including equity, without posting of a bond or proving actual harm. Such remedies shall not be deemed to be exclusive but shall be in addition to all other remedies available under applicable law including equity.
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
Exhibit 10.30
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
between
CEFF Morehead Property, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
and
AppHarvest Morehead Farm, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
Dated as of December 1, 2020
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
1
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
This MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (together with all exhibits and schedules appended hereto, this “Agreement”), dated as of December 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between CEFF Morehead Property, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Seller”), and AppHarvest Morehead Farm, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Buyer”). Buyer and Seller each may be referred to herein as a “Party”, and collectively as the “Parties”.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Seller owns, beneficially and of record, one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding membership interests (the “Interests”) in Morehead Farm, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Project Company”), which owns the Facility (as defined below); and
WHEREAS, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Seller desires to sell, and Buyer desires to purchase, the Interests.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE
1
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Specific Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed to them below:
“Accepted Update” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 3.6.2.
“Acquisition” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 2.1.
“Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, another Person that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, that Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” with respect to any 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 contract or otherwise.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning given to it in the Preamble.
“AppHarvest” shall mean AppHarvest Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“AppHarvest Merger Agreement” shall mean that certain Business Combination Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of September 28, 2020, by and among Novus Capital Corporation, ORGA, Inc., and AppHarvest.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
2
“AppHarvest Merger Closing” shall mean the “Closing” as defined in and under the AppHarvest Merger Agreement.
“Applicable Law” shall mean all national, state, provincial, local or municipal laws, statutes, codes, acts, treaties, ordinances, orders, judgments, writs, decrees, injunctions, rules, regulations, governmental approvals, licenses, permits, directives, and requirements (including all environmental laws) of all regulatory and other Governmental Authorities having jurisdiction over, as applicable, Seller, the Project Company, the Facility, the Interests, and Buyer.
“Assets” shall mean, with respect to any Person, all right, title and interest of such Person in and to assets and rights of any kind, whether tangible or intangible, real or personal, including land and properties (or interests therein, including rights of way, leaseholds and easements), agreements, contracts, understandings, permits, books and records, cash, accounts receivable, deposits and prepaid expenses.
“Assignment and Assumption Agreement” shall mean the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, to be executed by Buyer and Seller on the Closing Date in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
“Business Day” shall mean a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in the State of New York are required or authorized by Applicable Law to close.
“Buyer” shall have the meaning given to it in the Preamble.
“Buyer Conditions Precedent” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 3.3.
“Buyer Fundamental Representations” shall mean the representations and warranties made by Buyer in Sections 6.1, 6.3, and 6.9.
“Buyer’s Knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge, after reasonable investigation, of Buyer.
“Claim” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.2.
“Claim Notice” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.2.
“Claimed Amount” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.2.
“Closing” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 3.1.
“Closing Date” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 3.1.
“Closing Date Cost Report” shall mean a report, prepared by the Independent Accountant, setting forth the Total Costs as of the Closing Date.
“Confidential Information” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 10.12.
“Contract” shall mean any written agreement, contract, license, sublicense, assignment, purchase agreement, indenture, lease, sublease, instrument of indebtedness, security agreement, guarantee, purchase order, sales order, offer to sell, option, right of first refusal or any other understanding or documents, entered into by a Person, including each agreement, contract, understanding and all other documents relating to the procurement or sale of Assets or the employment of, or the performance of services by, any Person on behalf of another Person, including in all such cases any amendments and other modifications thereto.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
3
“Customs Letter of Credit” means that certain Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. [***], dated February 10, 2020, issued by Silicon Valley Bank for the account of the Project Company, for the benefit of the Customs Letter of Credit Counterparty.
“Customs Letter of Credit Counterparty” means Avalon Risk Management Insurance Agency, Inc.
“Disclosure Schedules” shall mean the schedules (dated as of the Effective Date) delivered to Buyer on behalf of Seller with respect to the representations and warranties contained in Article 4 and Article 5.
“Effective Date” shall have the meaning given to it in the Preamble.
“EPC Contractor” means Dalsem Greenhouse Technology B.V.
“EPC Guaranty” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 7.8.
“Facility” shall have the meaning given to it in the Master Lease Agreement.
“Full Facility Completion” shall have the meaning given to it in the Master Lease Agreement.
“Governmental Authority” shall mean any (a) national, state, county, municipal or local government (whether domestic or foreign) or any political subdivision thereof, (b) any court or administrative tribunal, (c) any other governmental, quasi-governmental, judicial, public or statutory instrumentality, authority, body, agency, bureau or entity of competent jurisdiction, or (d) any arbitrator with authority to bind a party at law.
“Indebtedness” of any Person shall mean: (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits, overdrafts or advances of any kind, and all accrued but unpaid redemption or prepayment premiums or penalties and any other fees and expenses paid to satisfy such obligations; (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, assignments of rents, or similar instruments; (c) obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business); (d) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on any real or personal property owned or acquired by such Person (including, but not limited to, any mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, charges, claims, rights of first refusal, voting trusts, proxies, restrictions and security interests), whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding ordinary payments due under the Project Company Contracts); (e) all written obligations of such Person guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly; (f) all obligations of such Person under capital or synthetic leases, conditional sales contracts and other similar title retention instruments; (g) all reimbursement obligations of such Person for letters of credit and other similar instruments (whether or not drawn); and (h) all obligations of such Person under any interest rate protection agreement, swap or collar agreement or other similar agreement designed to protect a Person against fluctuations in interest rates or other currency fluctuation or commodity hedging transaction.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
4
“Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.1.
“Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.1.
“Indemnity Period” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.4.
“Independent Accountant” shall mean the independent certified public accountant mutually chosen by Buyer and Seller within [***] Business Days of the Effective Date.
“Insurance Policies” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 5.7.
“Interests” shall have the meaning given to it in the Recitals.
“Lien” shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, lien (choate or inchoate), pledge, charge, security interest, assessment, reservation, assignment, hypothecation, defect in title, encroachments and other burdens, restrictive covenant, condition or restriction or easement or encumbrance of any kind, whether arising by contract or under any Applicable Law and whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected or effective under any Applicable Law, or any preference, priority or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever including the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement.
“Losses” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.1.
“Master Lease Agreement” shall mean that certain Master Lease Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2019, by and between the Project Company and the Buyer, as amended pursuant to that certain First Amendment to Master Lease Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2019, as further amended by that certain Second Amendment to Master Lease Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2020.
“Material Adverse Change” shall mean any event, occurrence, effect, or change in condition after the Effective Date that, individually or in the aggregate, has a material and adverse effect on the Interests or on the business or operations of the Project Company or the Facility. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will not be considered when determining whether a Material Adverse Change has occurred: any change, event, effect or occurrence (or changes, events, effects or occurrences taken together) resulting from (i) any change generally affecting the international, national or regional controlled environment agriculture industry; (ii) any change generally affecting the international, national or regional wholesale or retail markets for or costs of agricultural products; (iii) any change generally affecting the controlled environment agriculture business; (iv) any change in general regulatory or political conditions, including any engagements of hostilities, acts of war or terrorist activities or changes imposed by a Governmental Authority associated with additional security; (v) any change in generally accepted accounting principles or other applicable accounting or auditing standards or industry standards; or (vi) any change in the financial, banking, or securities markets (including any suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities on the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, or Nasdaq Stock Market) or any change in the general national or regional economic financial conditions.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
5
“Outside Date” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 3.7.1.
“Party” or “Parties” shall have the meaning given to it in the Preamble.
“Permitted Equity Exceptions” shall mean Liens related to restrictions on transfer of the Interests under any applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws.
“Permitted Exceptions” shall mean: (a) those Liens set forth on Schedule 1.1(A); (b) Liens for Taxes and other governmental charges and assessments which are not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which Seller has set aside appropriate reserves; (c) Liens expressly granted under, or created by, existing or pursuant to, the terms and conditions of the Project Company Contracts, other than, as of the Closing Date, those Project Company Contracts that shall be terminated pursuant to the terms hereof (provided, that in no event shall mechanics or materialmen’s liens attributable to Project Company’s breach of any Project Company Contract be considered Permitted Exceptions); (d) Liens created pursuant to, or as a result of the existence of, this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents; (e) any Liens approved or consented to in writing by Buyer; and (f) any Permitted Equity Exceptions.
“Person” shall mean any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, association, governmental authority or any other entity whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.
“Project Company” shall have the meaning given to it in the Recitals.
“Project Company Affiliate Contracts” shall mean Contracts between the Project Company, on one hand, and Seller or any Affiliate of Seller, on the other hand.
“Project Company Contracts” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 5.3.1.
“Purchase Price” shall mean an amount equal to [***] of the Total Costs determined by the Independent Accountant.
“Real Property” shall have the same meaning given to the “Site” under the Master Lease Agreement.
“Response Notice” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 8.3.
“ROFR Agreement” shall mean that certain Right of First Refusal Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2019, by and between Buyer and Seller.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
6
“ROFR Assignment and Amendment” shall mean the Assignment of and First Amendment to the ROFR Agreement to be executed by AppHarvest, ROFR Assignee, and Seller Parent on the Closing Date in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
“ROFR Assignee” shall mean Equilibrium Sustainable Foods, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company.
“Securities Act” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 6.8(a).
“Seller” shall have the meaning given to it in the Preamble.
“Seller Conditions Precedent” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 3.4.
“Seller Fundamental Representations” shall mean the representations and warranties made by Seller in Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 4.5; and the representations and warranties made by Seller on behalf of the Project Company in Sections 5.1 and 5.2.
“Seller Parent” means CEFF US Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“Seller Parent Guaranty” means the Guaranty to be executed by Seller Parent in favor of Buyer on the Closing Date in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
“Seller’s Knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge, after reasonable investigation, of Seller.
“Tax” or “Taxes” shall mean (a) any tax (including any income tax, franchise tax, capital gains tax, estimated tax, gross receipts tax, value-added tax, surtax, excise tax, ad valorem tax, transfer tax, stamp tax, sales tax, use tax, property tax, business tax, occupation tax, inventory tax, occupancy tax, withholding tax or payroll tax), levy, assessment, tariff, impost, imposition, toll, duty (including any customs duty), deficiency or fee, and any related charge or amount (including any fine, penalty or interest), that is, has been or may in the future be imposed, assessed or collected by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority, and (b) each liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clause (a) as a result of any express or implied obligation to pay directly, indemnify or otherwise assume or succeed to the liability of any other Person.
“Title Company” shall mean First American Title Insurance Company.
“Total Costs” shall mean the sum of all third-party costs incurred by Seller and its Affiliates in connection with (a) the Acquisition and (b) the acquisition, development, and construction of the Facility, including all diligence, legal, consulting, financing (including interest), currency exchange, hedging, insurance, duties, tariffs, fees, taxes, and other development fees and costs. An estimate of the Total Costs is attached hereto as Schedule 1.1(B); provided, that in no event shall any late interest, penalties or like payment obligation arising from any default or delinquent payment under any Project Company Contract be included in the calculation of Total Costs.
“Transaction Documents” shall mean the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the ROFR Assignment and Amendment, and any other documents, agreements, instruments, or certificates as may be executed and delivered in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
7
1.2 Construction.
1.2.1 Headings and the rendering of text in bold and/or italics are for convenience and reference purposes only and do not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
1.2.2 A reference to an Exhibit, Schedule, Article, Section or other provision shall be, unless otherwise specified, to exhibits, schedules, articles, sections or other provisions of this Agreement, which exhibits and schedules are incorporated herein by reference.
1.2.3 Any reference in this Agreement to another agreement or document shall be construed as a reference to that other agreement or document as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, varied, amended, supplemented, substituted, novated, assigned or otherwise transferred.
1.2.4 Any reference in this Agreement to “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof” or “hereunder” shall be deemed to be a reference to this Agreement as a whole and not limited to the particular Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule or provision in which the relevant reference appears and to this Agreement as varied, amended, supplemented, substituted, novated, assigned or otherwise transferred from time to time.
1.2.5 References to any Party shall, where appropriate, include any successors, transferees and permitted assigns of the Party.
1.2.6 References to the term “includes” or “including” shall mean “includes, without limitation” or “including, without limitation.”
1.2.7 Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa and the masculine, feminine and neuter genders include all genders.
1.2.8 If the time for performing an obligation under this Agreement occurs or expires on a day that is not a Business Day, the time for performance of such obligation shall be extended until the next succeeding Business Day.
1.2.9 References to any statute, code or statutory provision are to be construed as a reference to the same as it may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, modified or reenacted, and include references to all bylaws, instruments, orders and regulations for the time being made thereunder or deriving validity therefrom unless the context otherwise requires.
1.2.10 References to any amount of money shall mean a reference to the amount in United States Dollars.
1.2.11 The term “shall” is understood to be mandatory and the term “may” is understood to be permissive.
Certain information has been excluded from this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
8
ARTICLE 2
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INTERESTS
2.1 Purchase and Sale. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, Seller shall sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase, acquire and accept from Seller, all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to the Interests so that upon consummation of the transactions described herein, Buyer shall own, directly, all of the Interests (the “Acquisition”).
2.2 Consideration. In consideration of the Acquisition, on the Closing Date, Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price to Seller by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or accounts designated in writing by Seller.
2.3 Further Assurances. At any time after the Closing, at Buyer’s request and without further consideration, Seller agrees to execute and deliver to Buyer all documents and instruments as may be reasonably necessary to further effectuate the Acquisition.
ARTICLE
3
CLOSING; TERMINATION
3.1 Closing and Closing Date. The closing of the Acquisition (the “Closing”) shall take place via email exchange of signatures and execution documents on a date mutually agreed to by the Parties within [***] Business Days of the satisfaction or waiver by the applicable Party of each of the Buyer Conditions Precedent and Seller Conditions Precedent (the date upon which the Closing occurs, the “Closing Date”).
3.2 Closing Deliverables.
3.2.1 Seller Closing Deliverables. On the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, the following items to Buyer:
(a) Counterpart signature page to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement duly executed by an authorized representative of Seller;
(b) Counterpart signature page to the ROFR Assignment and Amendment duly executed by an authorized representative of ROFR Assignee and Seller Parent;
(c) Counterpart signature pages to a document or documents effectively terminating each ancillary agreement between Seller, or an Affiliate of Seller (other than the Project Company), and Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer related to the Master Lease Agreement and set forth on Schedule 3.2.1(c);
(d) Counterpart signature page to the Seller Parent Guaranty duly executed by an authorized representative of Seller Parent;
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
9
(e) Counterpart signature pages of the Project Company and Seller or any applicable Affiliate of Seller to a document or documents effectively terminating any Project Company Affiliate Contracts;
(f) A commitment for policies of title insurance covering the Real Property obtained by Seller from the Title Company for the benefit of Buyer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, together with such standard affidavits and agreements executed by Seller as reasonably required by the Title Company to issue the final title policy in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer;
(g) The resignations of any existing managers, officers, and employees of the Project Company;
(h) To the extent in Seller’s possession or control and not already in Buyer’s (or an Affiliate of Buyer’s) possession, any original (or copies of originals not available) licenses, permits, records, approvals, and warranties, including but not limited to, to the extent not previously furnished, originals (or copies of originals not available) of all permits issued by appropriate Governmental Authorities and utility companies in connection with the Facility or Real Property, including zoning approvals, building permits and certificates of occupancy;
(i) To the extent in Seller’s possession or control and not already in Buyer’s (or an Affiliate of Buyer’s) possession, copies of all plans, specifications, mechanical, electrical and plumbing layouts, operating manuals, leasing information and similar items utilized in connection with or pertaining to the development and construction of the Facility or Real Property;
(j) A certificate of good standing, dated within [***] days prior to the Closing Date, as to the continued existence of the Project Company, issued by the Delaware Secretary of State;
(k) A certification of non-foreign status of Seller or, if any Seller is a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes, the regarded owner of Seller, in the form and manner which complies with the requirements of Section 1445(b)(2) of the Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(b)(2) and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer; and
(l) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, of a duly authorized representative of Seller certifying (i) as to Seller’s incumbent officers, organizational documents, good standing and due authorization, and (ii) that all representations of Seller contained in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as though made on and as of the Closing Date.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
10
3.2.2 Buyer Closing Deliverables. On the Closing Date, Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2 and deliver, or cause to be delivered, the following items to Seller:
(a) Counterpart signature page to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement duly executed by an authorized representative of Buyer;
(b) Counterpart signature page to the ROFR Assignment and Amendment duly executed by an authorized representative of AppHarvest;
(c) Counterpart signature page to the Seller Parent Guaranty duly executed by an authorized representative of Buyer; and
(d) A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller, of a duly authorized representative of Buyer certifying (i) as to Buyer’s incumbent officers, organizational documents, good standing and due authorization, and (ii) that all representations of Buyer contained in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as though made on and as of the Closing Date.
3.3 Buyer Conditions Precedent to Closing. If the following conditions precedent (the “Buyer Conditions Precedent”) are not satisfied, or waived in writing by Buyer, Buyer shall not be obligated to effect the Closing:
3.3.1 Each of the documents referred to in Section 3.2.1 to be executed by Seller or an Affiliate of Seller has been executed and delivered to Buyer;
3.3.2 Full Facility Completion has been achieved;
3.3.3 the AppHarvest Merger Closing has been effected;
3.3.4 receipt by the Parties of the Closing Date Cost Report;
3.3.5 Seller’s representations and warranties contained herein shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date and the Closing Date;
3.3.6 There has been no Material Adverse Change to any Disclosure Schedule after the Effective Date except as disclosed to Buyer in accordance with Section 3.6 hereof;
3.3.7 There has been no Material Adverse Change to the Facility, Real Property or Project Company after the Effective Date; and
3.3.8 There shall be no uncured default under this Agreement by Seller.
3.4 Seller Conditions Precedent to Closing. If the following conditions precedent (the “Seller Conditions Precedent”) are not satisfied, or waived in writing by Seller, Seller shall not be obligated to effect the Closing:
3.4.1 Each of the documents referred to in Section 3.2.2 to be executed by Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer have been executed and delivered to Seller;
3.4.2 Full Facility Completion has been achieved;
3.4.3 the AppHarvest Merger Closing has been effected;
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
11
3.4.4 receipt by the Parties of the Closing Date Cost Report; and
3.4.5 payment of Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2.
3.5 Satisfaction of Conditions. After the Effective Date and until the Closing Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.7, each Party shall take such commercially reasonable steps as are necessary and shall proceed in good faith, and in a timely manner and consistent with such commercially reasonable steps, to satisfy each condition precedent to be satisfied by it; provided, that a Party shall not in any event be responsible for the acts or omissions of the other Party or of any third party or for any circumstances or events beyond its reasonable control.
3.6 Disclosure Schedules.
3.6.1 At any time after the Effective Date and prior to the date that is [***] Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall supplement or amend the Disclosure Schedules to reflect matters arising after the Effective Date that, if existing or known on the Effective Date, would have been required to be described therein. Buyer may, in its sole discretion, as a result of any update to the Disclosure Schedules proposed by Seller that results in a Material Adverse Change, elect to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.7.3 (after expiration of the cure periods set forth therein).
3.6.2 If Buyer elects not to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 3.6.1, then the information constituting such update to the Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed an “Accepted Update.” With respect to any Accepted Update, (a) any applicable representations and warranties to which such Accepted Update refers shall be deemed qualified by such Accepted Update, and (b) such Accepted Update shall be deemed to have cured any misrepresentation or breach of Seller’s representations or warranties that otherwise might have existed hereunder by reason of any fact, event or circumstance addressed in any such Accepted Update.
3.7 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date as provided below:
3.7.1 by either Party, by written notice to the other Party, on or after the date that is [***] days after the Effective Date (the “Outside Date”), if the Closing shall not have occurred by the close of business on such date; provided, that the terminating party is not in breach in any material respect of any of its covenants hereunder;
3.7.2 by mutual written agreement of the Parties;
3.7.3 by Buyer, by written notice to Seller, if Buyer is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement by Buyer contained in this Agreement, and there has been a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement by Seller contained in this Agreement that would result in the failure to satisfy one or more Buyer Conditions Precedent, and Seller has not cured or remedied such breach within [***] days or, if such breach is not capable of being cured or remedied within such [***]-day period, such longer time (not to exceed an additional [***] days and in any event no later than the Outside Date) as may be reasonably necessary to cure such breach;
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
12
3.7.4 by Seller, by written notice to Buyer, if Seller is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement by Seller contained in this Agreement, and there has been a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement by Buyer contained in this Agreement that would result in the failure to satisfy one or more Seller Conditions Precedent, and Buyer has not cured or remedied such breach within [***] days or, if such breach is not capable of being cured or remedied within such [***]-day period, such longer time (not to exceed an additional [***] days and in any event no later than the Outside Date) as may be reasonably necessary to cure such breach.
3.8 Procedure Upon Termination. In the event of termination pursuant to Section 3.7, this Agreement shall terminate, and the Acquisition hereunder shall be abandoned, without further action by either Party.
3.9 Effect of Termination. In the event that this Agreement is validly terminated in accordance with Section 3.7.1 or Section 3.7.2, then each Party shall be relieved of their duties and obligations arising under this Agreement after the date of such termination and such termination shall be without liability to the terminating Party; provided, that no such termination shall relieve any Party from liability for any willful breach of this Agreement. In the event that this Agreement is validly terminated by Buyer in accordance with Section 3.7.3, Buyer shall be entitled to reimbursement from Seller of the actual, out-of-pocket third party expenses and due diligence costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) incurred by Buyer in connection with this Agreement up to a maximum reimbursement of [***] and may seek any and all remedies available to it at law or in equity. In the event that this Agreement is validly terminated by Seller in accordance with Section 3.7.4, then Seller may seek any and all remedies available to it at law or in equity.
ARTICLE
4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Seller represents, warrants and covenants to Buyer that all of the following are true and correct as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date:
4.1 Organization and Authority. Seller is a limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its state of formation and has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder (including the Acquisition). The execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation by Seller of the Closing and all other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of Seller, and no other proceedings on the part of Seller are or will be necessary to authorize this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents, or to consummate any other transaction contemplated hereby or thereby.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
13
Ownership; Interests. Seller is the sole beneficial and record owner of one hundred percent (100%) of the Interests. All of the Interests are held by Seller free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Exceptions). No Persons own or have any interest in, or option or other right (contingent or otherwise), including any right of first refusal or right of first offer, to acquire the Interests. There is no (a) voting trust or agreement, membership agreement, pledge agreement, buy-sell agreement, right of first refusal, preemptive right, stock appreciation right, redemption or repurchase right, anti-dilutive right or proxy relating to the Interests, (b) contract restricting the transfer of, or requiring the registration for sale of, the Interests, or (c) option, warrant, call, right or other contract to issue, deliver, grant, convert, exchange, sell, subscribe for, purchase, redeem or acquire any of the Interests or agreement to enter into any contract with respect thereto.
4.2 Organizational Documents. Seller has delivered to Buyer true and correct copies of the articles of organization, limited liability company agreements, and documents of similar effect or substance of the Project Company, including all amendments thereto.
4.3 No Adverse Order, Injunctions or Legislation. Seller is not a party to, subject to or bound by any agreement with, or any judgment, order, writ, prohibition, injunction, legislation, regulation or decree currently existing of any court or other Governmental Authority, which would (a) prevent or materially and adversely affect the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by Seller, or the transfer, conveyance and sale of the Interests by Seller to Buyer pursuant to the terms hereof or (b) have a Material Adverse Change.
4.4 Binding Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Seller. This Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which Seller is a party upon execution constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and subject to general equitable principles.
4.5 Solvency. No petition or notice has been presented, no order has been made and no resolution has been passed for the bankruptcy of Seller. No receiver, trustee, custodian or similar fiduciary has been appointed over the whole or any part of Seller’s Assets or the income of Seller. Seller does not have any plan or intention of, nor has received any notice that any other Person has any plan or intention of, filing, making or obtaining any such petition, notice, order or resolution or of seeking the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or similar fiduciary.
4.6 Litigation. There is no action, suit, litigation, dispute, arbitration, investigation or other proceeding, pending or in which Seller has appeared or has been served as a party (either as a plaintiff or defendant) or named without service or, to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened against Seller or Seller’s Assets, in writing, before any court or Governmental Authority, including actions, suits or proceedings for the enforcement of permits or investigations, other than as disclosed in writing to Buyer, and which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to (i) individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Change or (ii) result in the issuance of an order restraining, enjoining, or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the Acquisition contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
14
4.7 No Conflicts. The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party do not, and the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not:
(a) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the organizational documents or resolutions of Seller;
(b) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of any Applicable Law or of any order by any Governmental Authority; or
(c) constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a breach or default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Exceptions) upon, the Interests.
4.8 Third-Party Consents. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9, no consents, approvals, authorizations, waivers, licenses, registrations, declarations, qualifications, filings or notices of or to Persons, including Governmental Authorities, are required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which Seller is a party or the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Acquisition) and the Transaction Documents to which Seller is a party and the Acquisition will not breach any Project Company Contracts.
4.9 Brokers’ Fees. Other than fees that will be paid in full on or before the Closing Date by Seller, there are no fees or commissions payable to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the Acquisition as a result of any of Seller’s actions for which the Project Company or Buyer could become liable or obligated or which could result in the imposition of any Lien upon the Project Company or the Interests (other than Permitted Exceptions).
4.10 Legal Compliance. Seller is in material compliance with all Applicable Laws relating to its business and operations, which, if it is determined that Seller has failed to comply would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.
ARTICLE
5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER IN RELATION TO THE PROJECT COMPANY
Seller represents, warrants and covenants to Buyer that all of the following are true and correct as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date:
5.1 Organization and Authority. Project Company is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite power and authority to own its Assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Project Company is duly qualified to do business in and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which its ownership of property or the character of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
15
5.2 Subsidiaries. The Project Company has no subsidiaries.
5.3 Project Company Contracts.
5.3.1 Schedule 5.3.1 contains a true, complete and correct list of all material Contracts to which the Project Company is a party (collectively, the “Project Company Contracts”).
5.3.2 As of the Closing Date, to Seller’s Knowledge, Seller has made available to Buyer a true and accurate copy of each Project Company Contract, including any amendments or modifications thereto. Each Project Company Contract has been duly authorized and executed by the Project Company, or assigned to the Project Company, is in full force and effect as of the Closing Date, and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable agreement as to the Project Company, and to Seller’s Knowledge, the respective counterparties thereto, and will not be rendered invalid or unenforceable as a result of the Acquisition.
5.3.3 The Project Company is not, and, to Seller’s Knowledge, no other party is, in breach of or in default under any Project Company Contract, and no event has occurred which with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a default, result in a loss of rights or permit termination, modification or acceleration under, or, as of the Closing Date, result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Exceptions) under any Project Company Contract.
5.3.4 None of the Project Company, nor to Seller’s Knowledge, any counterparty to any Project Company Contract, has indicated in writing (i) its intention to amend or terminate any Project Company Contract, or (ii) has filed a notice of default or termination, or a claim for indemnification against the Project Company under or with respect to any Project Company Contract.
5.4 Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.4, there are no material Assets of the Facility held by any Person other than the Project Company.
5.5 No Undisclosed Indebtedness. Except for any Indebtedness listed on Schedule 5.5, the Project Company has any Indebtedness.
5.6 Bank Accounts, Powers of Attorney. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.6, there are no bank accounts, lines of credit, safe deposit boxes, or related powers of attorney for the Project Company. Neither Seller nor the Project Company has outstanding powers of attorney for banking or other purposes related to the Project Company.
5.7 Insurance Policies. All insurance policies carried by Project Company related to the Real Property or the Facility are listed on Schedule 5.7 (the “Insurance Policies”).
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
16
ARTICLE 6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer represents, warrants and covenants to Seller that all of the following are true and correct as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date:
6.1 Organization and Authority. Buyer has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder (including the Acquisition). The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation by Buyer of the Closing and all other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of Buyer, and no other proceedings on the part of Buyer are or will be necessary to authorize this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents, or to consummate any other transaction contemplated hereby or thereby.
6.2 No Adverse Order, Injunctions or Legislation. Buyer is not a party to, subject to or bound by any agreement with, or any judgment, order, writ, prohibition, injunction, legislation, regulation or decree currently existing of any court or other Governmental Authority, which would prevent or materially and adversely affect the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by Buyer, or the transfer, conveyance and sale of the Interests by Seller to Buyer pursuant to the terms hereof.
6.3 Binding Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Buyer. This Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and subject to general equitable principles.
6.4 Solvency. No petition or notice has been presented, no order has been made and no resolution has been passed for the bankruptcy of Buyer. No receiver, trustee, custodian or similar fiduciary has been appointed over the whole or any part of Buyer’s Assets or the income of Buyer. Buyer does not have any plan or intention of, nor has received any notice that any other Person has any plan or intention of, filing, making or obtaining any such petition, notice, order or resolution or of seeking the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or similar fiduciary.
6.5 Litigation. There is no action, suit, litigation, dispute, arbitration, investigation or other proceeding, pending or in which Buyer has appeared or has been served as a party (either as a plaintiff or defendant) or named without service or, to Buyer’s Knowledge, threatened in writing, before any court or Governmental Authority, including actions, suits or proceedings for the enforcement of permits or investigations, other than as disclosed in writing to Buyer.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
17
6.6 No Conflicts. The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party do not, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not:
(a) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the organizational documents or resolutions of Buyer; or
(b) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of any Applicable Law or of any order by any Governmental Authority.
6.7 Third Party Consents. No consents, approvals, authorizations, waivers, licenses, registrations, declarations, qualifications, filings or notices of or to Persons, including Governmental Authorities, are required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which Buyer is a party or the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Acquisition) and the Transaction Documents to which Buyer is a party.
6.8 Securities.
(a) Buyer is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and is acquiring the Interests for its own account as an investment without the present intent to sell, transfer or otherwise distribute the same to any other Person.
(b) Buyer acknowledges that its investment in and acquisition of the Interests are subject to a number of risks and represents to Seller that Buyer is able to bear a complete loss of its investment in the Interests.
(c) Buyer has sufficient expertise in business and financial matters to be able to evaluate the risks involved in the Acquisition and to make an informed investment decision with respect to the Acquisition.
(d) Buyer acknowledges that the Interests are an illiquid investment and that Buyer may have to hold the Interests for an indefinite period of time.
(e) Buyer understands that the Interests are not registered under the Securities Act, or qualified under applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws on the grounds that the sale provided for in this Agreement is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and qualification under applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws, and that Seller’s reliance on such exemptions is predicated on Buyer’s representations set forth in this Agreement. Buyer understands that the Interests may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of without registration under the Securities Act and/or qualification under applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws, or an exemption therefrom.
6.9 Brokers’ Fees. Other than fees that will be paid in full on or before the Closing Date by Buyer, there are no fees or commissions payable to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the Acquisition as a result of any of Buyer’s actions for which Seller could become liable or obligated.
6.10 Opportunity for Independent Investigation; No Other Representations. Prior to its execution of this Agreement, Buyer has conducted an independent investigation and verification of the current condition and affairs of the Project Company and the Facility, including the condition, the cash flow and the prospects of the Project Company. In making its decision to execute this Agreement and to purchase the Interests, Buyer has relied and will rely upon the results of such independent investigation, upon the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to Closing, and upon the representations and warranties set forth in Article 4 and Article 5. Buyer acknowledges that: (a) it has had the opportunity to visit with Seller to discuss the Project Company, the Facility, and their respective conditions, cash flows and prospects; and (b) except as set forth in Article 4 and Article 5 or in any Transaction Document, none of Seller, the Project Company, or any Affiliate thereof makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the Project Company or the Facility.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
18
6.11 Regulatory Status. Other than as set forth in this Agreement, Buyer is not required to obtain prior authorization from any federal or state regulatory agency for Buyer’s consummation of the Acquisition.
ARTICLE
7
COVENANTS; TAX MATTERS
7.1 Conduct of Business. During the period between the Effective Date and the Closing Date or termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.7, except (a) for entering into and performing this Agreement, or (b) required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, Seller shall, and shall cause the Project Company to, conduct its business in the ordinary course.
7.2 Correspondence Regarding the Project. From and after the Effective Date through the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.7, Seller shall, as promptly as practicable, advise Buyer of any material notices, demands, claims, requests for information or other communications received relating to or in connection with the Project Company or the Facility, and shall reasonably consult with Buyer before responding thereto. From and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall, as promptly as practicable, advise Seller of any material notices, demands, claims, requests for information or other communications received relating to or in connection with the Project Company or the Facility that is necessary for Seller to perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement, the Transaction Documents, or otherwise, and shall reasonably consult with Seller before responding thereto.
7.3 Tax Returns. Seller and Buyer shall cooperate with respect to the preparation of Tax returns covering the period prior to and post-closing.
7.4 Payment and Refunds. Seller shall be responsible for all Taxes associated with the Interests attributable to pre-closing Tax periods. Buyer shall be responsible for all Taxes associated with the Interests attributable to post-closing Tax periods. All transfer taxes, if any, arising out of, or in connection with the sale of the Interests to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement shall be borne equally by the Parties. To the extent a Party is required to pay more than [***] of such transfer taxes to any Governmental Authority, the other Party shall promptly reimburse such Party for such amounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall not be responsible for any capital gains or any other Taxes incurred by Seller due to the Acquisition.
7.5 Notification. During the period between the Effective Date and the Closing Date or termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.7, Seller shall, as promptly as practicable, notify the Buyer in writing of (a) the discovery of any event, condition, fact or circumstance that occurs or exists that causes or constitutes a breach of any representation or warranty made by the Seller in this Agreement and (b) any breach of any covenant or obligation of the Seller.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
19
7.6 UCC Termination Statements. Within [***] Business Days after the Closing Date, Seller shall file termination statements under the Uniform Commercial Code and any other Applicable Law, in recordable form, as to any financing statements of record in any jurisdiction encumbering the Interests or any Assets of the Project Company, as may be reasonably requested by Buyer. The provisions of this Section 7.6 shall survive Closing.
7.7 Termination of Account Control Agreements. The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate the account control agreements among Buyer, Seller (or an Affiliate of Seller), and Silicon Valley Bank related to the Master Lease Agreement within [***] Business Days after the Closing Date. After the Closing, Seller shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates to not, issue a notice or direction to Silicon Valley Bank directing Silicon Valley Bank to disperse any funds in such accounts to Seller or its Affiliates. The provisions of this Section 7.7 shall survive Closing.
7.8 Termination of EPC Guaranty. Prior to Closing, Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate that certain Fund Guaranty, dated as of May 13, 2019 (as amended, the “EPC Guaranty”), by Seller Parent in favor of EPC Contractor. In the event that Seller is unable to terminate the EPC Guaranty prior to or at Closing, Seller Parent shall remain party to the EPC Guaranty, and Buyer shall indemnify Seller Parent from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, deficiencies and expenses of Seller Parent under the EPC Guaranty attributable to Obligations (as defined in the EPC Guaranty) arising after Closing. The provisions of this Section 7.8 shall survive Closing.
7.9 Termination or Replacement of Customs Letter of Credit. Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate the Customs Letter of Credit prior to Closing. In the event that Seller is unable to terminate the Customs Letter of Credit prior to Closing, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver a letter of credit or other security in the required amount to the Customs Letter of Credit Counterparty within [***] Business Days after the Closing Date, and, promptly thereafter, secure the release and return to Seller of the Customs Letter of Credit. After Closing, until the Customs Letter of Credit has been released and returned to Seller, Buyer shall indemnify Seller from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, deficiencies and expenses of Seller or any Affiliate of Seller under the Customs Letter of Credit arising after Closing. The provisions of this Section 7.9 shall survive Closing.
ARTICLE
8
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Indemnification Obligations. Each Party (the “Indemnifying Party”) hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other Party and such Party’s Affiliates together with their respective members, shareholders, managers, directors, officers, and employees (each an “Indemnified Party”) from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, deficiencies and expenses (including investigative costs, settlement costs and any reasonable outside legal, accounting or other expenses for investigating or defending any actions or threatened actions, including from any claims by third parties) (collectively, the “Losses”) to which any Indemnified Party becomes subject, which Losses arise out of or are incurred in connection with any of the following:
8.1.1 any breach of any representation or warranty made by the Indemnifying Party in this Agreement or any Transaction Document to which the Indemnifying Party is a party to;
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
20
8.1.2 any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation (and, for the avoidance of doubt, not including any of the representations or warranties) of the Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement or any Transaction Document; and
8.1.3 any fraud, intentional misrepresentation or willful misconduct by the Indemnifying Party in connection with this Agreement or any Transaction Document to which the Indemnifying Party is a party or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any Transaction Document to which the Indemnifying Party is a party.
8.2 Claims for Indemnification. Subject to Section 8.5, if an Indemnified Party seeks indemnification under this Article 8, it shall give written notice (a “Claim Notice”) to the Indemnifying Party within a commercially reasonable period of time after such Indemnified Party becomes aware of any fact, condition or event which could reasonably be expected to give rise to Losses for which indemnification may be sought under Section 8.1 (a “Claim”). Each Claim Notice shall state that such Indemnified Party believes that such Indemnified Party is or may be entitled to indemnification, compensation or reimbursement under Section 8.1, and contain a brief description of the circumstances supporting such belief that such Indemnified Party is so entitled to indemnification, compensation or reimbursement and shall, to the extent possible, contain a good faith, non-binding, preliminary estimate of the amount of Losses such Indemnified Party claims that it could reasonably expect to incur or suffer (the “Claimed Amount”).
8.3 Response Notice; Uncontested Claims. Within [***] days after receipt by an Indemnifying Party of a Claim Notice, such Indemnifying Party may deliver to the Person who delivered the Claim Notice a written response (the “Response Notice”) in which such Indemnifying Party: (a) agrees that the Person who delivered the Claim Notice is entitled to the full Claimed Amount, (b) agrees that the Person who delivered the Claim Notice is entitled to part, but not all, of the Claimed Amount, or (c) indicates that such Party disputes the entire Claimed Amount. If a Response Notice is not received within such [***]-day period, then the Indemnifying Party who received the Claim Notice shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed that the Person who delivered the Claim Notice is entitled to the full Claimed Amount. If the Parties are unable to resolve any dispute relating to any part of the Claimed Amount that is not agreed to pursuant to the Response Notice within [***] days after the delivery of the Response Notice, then the Parties shall be entitled to resort to any legal remedy available to such Parties to resolve such dispute.
8.4 Survival. The indemnification obligations in this Article 8 shall survive the Closing or earlier termination of this Agreement for a period of [***] following the Closing Date or earlier date of termination of this Agreement, as applicable (the “Indemnity Period”). No Claim for indemnification under this Article 8 for the breach of a representation of warranty by a Party may be asserted following the expiration of the Indemnity Period; provided, however, that as to any matters with respect to which a bona fide Claim Notice shall have been given or an action at law or in equity shall have commenced before the end of the relevant Indemnity Period, survival shall continue (but only with respect to, and to the extent of, such Claim) until the date of the final resolution of such Claim or action, including all applicable periods for appeal.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
21
8.5 Limitations on Indemnification. No Party shall be obligated to indemnify the other Party pursuant to this Article 8 with respect to any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or loss of profits relating to the breach or alleged breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement, and the maximum aggregate amount of indemnifiable Losses which may be recovered by a Party for any Claims made by such Party pursuant to Section 8.1 shall not exceed an amount equal to [***]; provided, that this Section 8.5 shall not apply to any Losses arising out of or based upon (i) any fraud, intentional misrepresentation or willful misconduct by a Party in connection with this Agreement, any Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Transaction Documents, (ii) a breach by Seller of a Seller Fundamental Representation, or (iii) a breach by Buyer of a Buyer Fundamental Representation.
8.6 Reliance on Representations. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that the other Party is relying on each representation, warranty, covenant and agreement in this Agreement and each Transaction Document.
8.7 Waiver of Other Representations. EXCEPT FOR ANY REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 4 AND ARTICLE 5 OR IN ANY TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, THE INTERESTS, THE PROJECT COMPANY, AND THE ASSETS, PROPERTIES, OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS OF THE PROJECT COMPANY ARE BEING SOLD “AS IS, WHERE IS”. EXCEPT FOR ANY REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 4 AND ARTICLE 5 OR IN ANY TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, (A) SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED; (B) BUYER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY RELIANCE BY IT ON ANY STATEMENT, OPINION, OR INFORMATION MADE, GIVEN OR PROVIDED BY ANY REPRESENTATIVE OF SELLER, THE PROJECT COMPANY, OR ANY BROKER OR INVESTMENT BANKER ENGAGED BY SELLER OR THE PROJECT COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER IN CONNECTION WITH BUYER’S EVALUATION OF THE INTERESTS, THE PROJECT COMPANY, AND THE ASSETS, PROPERTIES, OPERATIONS, BUSINESSES AND CONDITION (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE) OF THE PROJECT COMPANY; AND (C) BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SELLER IS NOT MAKING ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER.
8.8 Mitigation. Any Party that becomes aware of a Loss for which it seeks indemnification under this Article 8 shall be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate the Loss including taking any actions reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
22
ARTICLE 9
NOTICES
Any communications between the Parties hereto or regular notices provided herein to be given shall be given to the following addresses:
To Seller: | CEFF Morehead Property, LLC |
c/o Controlled Environment Foods Fund, LLC
[***]
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Amis, Patel & Brewer, LLP
1399 New York Ave, NW, Suite 701
Washington, DC 20005
[***]
To Buyer: | AppHarvest Morehead Farm, LLC |
c/o AppHarvest, Inc.
401 W. Main Street, Suite 321
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
[***]
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Cooley LLP
11951 Freedom Drive, Suite 1500
Reston, VA 20190
[***]
Any notice that is personally served shall be effective upon the date of service; any notice given by U.S. Mail shall be deemed effectively given, if deposited in the United States Mail, registered or certified with return receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed as provided above, on the date of receipt, refusal or non-delivery indicated on the return receipt. In addition, either Party may send notices by a nationally recognized overnight courier service which provides written proof of delivery (such as U.P.S. or Federal Express) or, with respect to notices, by electronic mail. Any notice sent by electronic mail shall be effective upon confirmation of receipt in legible form, and any notice sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier shall be effective on the date of delivery to the Party at its address specified above as set forth in the courier’s delivery receipt. Either Party may, by notice to the other from time to time in the manner herein provided, specify a different address for notice purposes.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
23
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon each of the Parties and each of their permitted successors and assigns, if any. Neither Party may assign any or all of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Person without the prior written consent of the other Party.
10.2 Remedies Cumulative; Specific Performance. The rights and remedies of the Parties hereto shall be cumulative (and not alternative). The Parties agree that, in the event of any breach or threatened breach by any Party of any covenant, obligation or other provision set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of any other Party, such other Party shall be entitled (in addition to any other remedy that may be available to it) to (a) a decree or order of specific performance or mandamus to enforce the observance and performance of such covenant, obligation or other provision, and (b) an injunction restraining such breach or threatened breach.
10.3 Waiver. No failure on the part of any Person to exercise any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Agreement, and no delay on the part of any Person in exercising any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Agreement, shall operate as a waiver of such power, right, privilege or remedy; and no single or partial exercise of any such power, right, privilege or remedy shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right, privilege or remedy. No Person shall be deemed to have waived any claim arising out of this Agreement, or any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Agreement, unless the waiver of such claim, power, right, privilege or remedy is expressly set forth in a written instrument duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person; and any such waiver shall not be applicable or have any effect except in the specific instance in which it is given.
10.4 Entire Agreement; Amendments; Attachments. This Agreement and all exhibits and schedules hereto, represent the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral and written and all contemporaneous oral negotiations, commitments and understandings between the Parties. Buyer and Seller may amend or modify this Agreement, in such manner as may be agreed upon, by a written instrument executed by Buyer and Seller, and any such amendment or modification so effected shall be enforceable in all respects on the Parties to this Agreement. If the provisions of any exhibit or schedule are inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail. The exhibits and schedules attached hereto are hereby incorporated as integral parts of this Agreement.
10.5 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof or rendering that or any other provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
24
10.6 Dispute Resolution Process; Consent to Jurisdiction.
10.6.1 The Parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve promptly any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including through any specific dispute resolution processes provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, including those provided for in this Section 10.6. Any Party may give the other Party a written notice of any dispute not so resolved in the normal course of business or through any specific dispute resolution processes provided for elsewhere in this Agreement. Within [***] days after delivery of such notice, representatives of the Parties with full settlement authority shall meet at a mutually acceptable time and place and thereafter as often as they reasonably deem necessary, to exchange relevant information and to attempt to resolve the dispute.
10.6.2 If the dispute has not been resolved by negotiations within [***] days following the notice provided for in Section 10.6.1, or if the Parties fail to meet within the [***] day period set forth in Section 10.6.1, then each of the Parties hereby irrevocably consents and agrees that any legal action or proceedings with respect to this Agreement may be brought in any federal court within New York County, New York having subject matter jurisdiction. By execution and delivery of this Agreement and such other documents executed in connection herewith, each Party hereby (a) accepts the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts, (b) irrevocably agrees to be bound by any final judgment (after any and all appeals) of any such court with respect to such documents, (c) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding with respect to such documents brought in any such court, and further irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in any inconvenient forum, (d) agrees that services of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Party at its address set forth in Article 9, or at such other address of which the Parties have been notified and (e) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or limit the right to bring any action or proceeding in any other jurisdiction.
10.6.3 EACH PARTY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION, CLAIM OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
10.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York excluding any laws thereof which would direct application of law of another jurisdiction.
10.8 Section Headings. The Section headings are for the convenience of the Parties and in no way alter, modify, amend, limit or restrict the contractual obligations of the Parties.
10.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (which may be delivered by electronic mail which attaches a portable document format (.pdf) document) and each counterpart shall represent a fully executed original, as if executed by both Parties, with all such counterparts together constituting but one and the same instrument.
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
25
10.10 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is entered into for the sole benefit of the Parties, and except as specifically provided herein, no other Person shall be a direct or indirect beneficiary of, or shall have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement.
10.11 Costs. Except for the terms of the immediately succeeding sentence, each Party shall pay all of its own costs and expenses, including the fees and costs of its attorneys, consultants, contractors and representatives, incurred in connection with this Agreement. In the event of legal action to enforce or interpret any provision of this Agreement or the agreements, instruments or certificates delivered pursuant hereto, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover from the other Party its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other out-of-pocket costs of suit so incurred from the losing Party, at trial, on any appeal, and on any petition for review or other proceeding, in addition to all other sums provided by law.
10.12 Confidentiality. Each Party shall keep confidential, except as may be approved in writing by the other Party, necessary to be disclosed to taxing authorities and accountants preparing such Party’s Tax reports and filings, or required under Applicable Law, (a) the terms and provisions of this Agreement and (b) any and all information received by or in the possession of such Party relating to the other Party’s business which is either non-public, confidential or proprietary (collectively, the “Confidential Information”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party may disclose the Confidential Information to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees, accountants, attorneys and other advisors, agents, representatives, lenders, and investors; provided, that each Party shall inform each of such Persons of the confidential nature of such information and of that Party’s obligations of confidentiality in respect thereof and such Party shall be responsible for any breach of such obligations by any recipients of such Confidential Information.
10.13 Public Announcements. All public announcements by either Party in relation to this Agreement or the Acquisition shall be discussed in advance between the Parties and approved by both Parties; provided, that AppHarvest may include this Agreement, along with disclosure schedules related to it, in any filing made with, or correspondence with, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; provided, further, that Seller may include media, descriptions, and references of and to the Facility in its or its Affiliates’ website content, reports, statements, releases, and other promotional materials without Buyer’s prior approval.
[Signature pages follow]
Certain information has been excluded from
this agreement (indicated by “[***]”) because
such information (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
26
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties hereto as of and on the Effective Date.
SELLER: | ||
CEFF MOREHEAD PROPERTY, LLC | ||
By: | EqCEF I, LLC, its manager |
By: | /s/ Nick Houshower |
Name: | Nick Houshower | |
Title: | Vice President |
[Signature Page to MIPSA]
BUYER: | |
APPHARVEST MOREHEAD FARM, LLC |
By: | /s/ Loren Eggleton |
Name: | Loren Eggleton |
Title: | Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer |
[Signature Page to MIPSA]