UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 13, 2021 (May 10, 2021)

 

AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Cayman Islands   001-40143   N/A
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

20 North Audley Street

London W1K 6LX

United Kingdom

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +44 (0)20 3931 9785

 

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

x Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which
registered
Units, each consisting of one Class A Ordinary Share, $0.0001 par value, and one-quarter of one redeemable warrant   AURCU   The Nasdaq Capital Market
Class A Ordinary Shares included as part of the units   AURC   The Nasdaq Capital Market
Redeemable warrants included as part of the units, each whole warrant exercisable for one Class A Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $11.50

 

 

 

AURCW   The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company x

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Merger Agreement

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (“Aurora”). On May 10, 2021, Aurora entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Aurora (“Merger Sub”), and Better HoldCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Better”).

 

The Mergers

 

The Merger Agreement provides that, among other things and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the following transactions will occur (together with the other agreements and transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Business Combination”), following the Domestication (as defined below):

 

(i)           at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Closing”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement and in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (“DGCL”), (x) Merger Sub will merge with and into Better, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease and Better will be the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Aurora (the “First Merger”) and (y) Better will merge with and into Aurora, the separate corporate existence of Better will cease and Aurora will be the surviving corporation (together with the First Merger, the “Mergers”); and

 

(ii)          as a result of the Mergers, among other things, all outstanding shares of common stock (inclusive of shares of converted preferred stock) of Better immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger will be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive, at the election of the holders thereof (except with respect to (i) any shares of common stock of Better subject to options, (ii) any shares of common stock of Better held in the treasury of Better, which treasury shares shall be cancelled as part of the First Merger, and (iii) any shares of common stock of Better held by stockholders who have perfected and not withdrawn a demand for appraisal rights pursuant to the applicable provisions of the DGCL), an amount in cash, shares of Aurora common stock, or a combination thereof, as adjusted in accordance with the Merger Agreement, which in the aggregate will equal an amount in cash of $950,000,000 and 595,000,000 shares of Aurora common stock at $10.00 per share, subject to certain adjustments, as described in the Merger Agreement.

 

The Board of Directors of Aurora (the “Board”) has unanimously (i) approved and declared advisable the Merger Agreement, the Business Combination and the other transactions contemplated thereby and (ii) resolved to recommend approval of the Merger Agreement and related matters by the shareholders of Aurora.

 

The Domestication

 

Prior to the Closing, subject to the approval of Aurora’s shareholders, and in accordance with the DGCL, Cayman Islands Companies Act (As Revised) (the “CICA”) and Aurora’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, Aurora will effect a deregistration under the CICA and a domestication under Section 388 of the DGCL (by means of filing a certificate of domestication with the Secretary of State of Delaware), pursuant to which Aurora’s jurisdiction of incorporation will be changed from the Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware (the “Domestication”). Upon the effective time of the Domestication, Aurora will change its name to include "Better" in its title, or to such other name as may be mutually agreed between Aurora and Better.

 

In connection with the Domestication, (a) each then issued and outstanding share of Class A common stock of Aurora will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Aurora (after its Domestication) (the "Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock"); (b) each then issued and outstanding share of Class B common stock of Aurora will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock; (c) the terms of the Acquiror Class B Common Stock will be modified to, among other things, provide that each share of Acquiror Class B Common Stock shall carry three (3) votes; (d) a new class of non-voting common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Aurora shall be created; (e) each then issued and outstanding warrant of Aurora will convert automatically into a warrant to acquire one share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock ("Domesticated Acquiror Warrant"), pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2021; and (f) each then issued and outstanding unit of Aurora will convert automatically into a unit of Aurora (after its Domestication) (the "Domesticated Acquiror Units"), with each Domesticated Acquiror Unit representing one share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock and one-quarter of one Domesticated Acquiror Warrant.

 

 

 

 

Conditions to Closing

 

The Mergers are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions, including, among others, (i) approval of the Business Combination and related agreements and transactions by the respective shareholders of Aurora and Better, (ii) effectiveness of the proxy statement / registration statement filed by Aurora with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the Business Combination, (iii) expiration or termination of any applicable waiting periods and all requisite regulatory approvals, including those under the HSR Act and those of certain state mortgage licensing authorities, (iv) absence of (x) any governmental order enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered by any governmental authority which has become final and nonappealable and has the effect of making consummation of the Mergers illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Mergers or (y) law that shall have been adopted and makes consummation of the Mergers illegal or otherwise prohibited, (v) Aurora having at least $5,000,001 of net tangible assets upon Closing; (vi) receipt of approval for listing on the NASDAQ the shares of Aurora common stock to be issued in connection with the Mergers, and (vii) the Domestication has been completed.

 

Other conditions to Aurora’s and Merger Sub’s obligations to consummate the Mergers include, among others, (i) that representations and warranties of Better are true and correct, generally subject to an absence of inaccuracies that would constitute a material adverse effect, (ii) performance of covenants by Better in all material respects and (iii) the absence of a material adverse effect on Better.

 

Other conditions to Better’s obligations to consummate the Mergers include, among others, that (i) representations and warranties of Aurora are true and correct, generally subject to an absence of inaccuracies that would constitute a material adverse effect, (ii) performance of covenants by Aurora in all material respects and (iii) Aurora holding cash in an amount at least equal to the sum of (x) the amount currently in Aurora's trust account on May 10, 2021 plus (y) $1,500,000,000.

 

Covenants

 

The Merger Agreement contains additional covenants, including, among others, providing for (i) the parties to conduct their respective businesses in the ordinary course through the Closing, (ii) the parties to not initiate any negotiations or enter into any agreements for certain alternative transactions, (iii) Better to prepare and deliver to Aurora certain audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements of Better, (iv) Aurora to prepare and file a proxy statement / registration statement with the SEC and take certain other actions to obtain the requisite approval of Aurora shareholders of certain proposals regarding the Business Combination (including the Domestication), and (v) the parties to use reasonable best efforts to obtain necessary approvals from governmental agencies.

 

Representations and Warranties

 

The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by Aurora, Merger Sub and Better. The representations and warranties of the respective parties to the Merger Agreement generally will not survive the Closing.

 

 

 

 

Termination

 

The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing (i) by mutual written consent of Aurora and Better, (ii) by Better, if certain approvals of the shareholders of Aurora, to the extent required under the Merger Agreement, are not obtained as set forth therein or if there is a Modification in Recommendation (as defined in the Merger Agreement), (iii) by Aurora, if certain approvals of the stockholders of Better, to the extent required under the Merger Agreement, are not obtained within ten (10) business days after the proxy statement / registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC and delivered or otherwise made available to stockholders, (iv) by either Aurora or Better in certain other circumstances set forth in the Merger Agreement, including (a) if any Governmental Authority (as defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have issued or otherwise entered a final, nonappealable order making consummation of the Mergers illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Mergers and (b) in the event of certain uncured breaches by the other party or if the Closing has not occurred on or before February 12, 2022 (subject to extension of such date in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement).

 

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Subscription Agreement

 

Aurora entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”), dated as of May 10, 2021, with SB Northstar LP (“Subscriber”), pursuant to which, among other things, Subscriber agrees to subscribe for and purchase a number of shares of Class A common stock and Class C common stock with a combined aggregate value at the per share price of $10.00 equal to $1,500,000,000, subject to adjustment as further described therein.

 

The foregoing description of the Subscription Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Subscription Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Novator Subscription Agreement

 

Aurora entered into a subscription agreement (the “Novator Subscription Agreement”), dated as of May 10, 2021, with Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd. (the “Sponsor”) and BB Trustees SA, as trustee of the Future Holdings Trust (the “Sponsor Guarantor”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Sponsor agrees to subscribe for and purchase a number of shares of Class A common stock with an aggregate value equal to $200,000,000 at the per share purchase price of $10.00 for each share of the Class A common stock.

 

The foregoing description of the Novator Subscription Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Novator Subscription Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Redemption Subscription Agreement

 

Aurora entered into a redemption subscription agreement (the “Redemption Subscription Agreement”), dated as of May 10, 2021, with the Sponsor ("Backstop Subscriber") and BB Trustees SA, as trustee of the Future Holdings Trust, an indirect parent of Backstop Subscriber, as guarantor, pursuant to which, among other things, Backstop Subscriber shall be responsible for 100% of the Backstop Purchase (as defined below)

 

The Redemption Subscription Agreement provides that immediately after the deadline for Aurora’s public shareholders to elect to redeem or convert their Class A common stock from funds in the trust account in connection with the Merger Closing, Aurora shall notify Backstop Subscriber of the number of shares that Aurora’s public shareholders have elected to redeem (the “Shortfall”), and Backstop Subscriber subscribes for and agrees to purchase (the "Backstop Purchase") from Aurora the number of shares of Class A common stock assigned equal to the Shortfall, at a purchase price equal to $10.00 per share, and Aurora agrees to sell such shares to Backstop Subscriber at such price, subject to Aurora’s right to determine not to consummate such sale if the closing of the Mergers does not occur other than as a result of certain specified circumstances.

 

 

 

 

The foregoing description of the Redemption Subscription Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of Redemption Subscription Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Registration Rights Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement contemplates that, at the Closing, Aurora (as the surviving corporation), certain legacy Better stockholders and Sponsor will enter into an amended and restated registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Aurora will be required to register for resale securities held by the stockholders party thereto. Aurora will have no obligation to facilitate or participate in more than two (2) underwritten offerings at the request or demand of the Sponsor. In addition, the holders have certain “piggyback” registration rights with respect to registrations initiated by Aurora. Aurora will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any registration statements pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Form of Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.4 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Company Holder Support Agreement

 

Aurora entered into a company holder support agreement (the “Company Holder Support Agreement”), dated as of May 10, 2021, among certain stockholders, directors and officers of Better, and Better (the “Major Company Stockholders”). Under the Company Holder Support Agreement, the Major Company Stockholders agree, among other things, that at any meeting of the stockholders and in any action by written consent of the stockholders, such Major Company Stockholders shall vote all of their shares for the Business Combination and related transactions upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as defined below). The Company Holder Support Agreement also includes lock up provisions, which restrict the abilities of such Major Company Stockholders to transfer shares of Aurora common stock following the Closing for the periods, and subject to the permitted transfers, described therein. Better stockholders that beneficially own greater than 1% of the Better's capital stock as of the date of the Merger Agreement and who are not parties to the Company Holder Support Agreement will also be subject to the same transfer restrictions, which will be set forth in the letter of transmittal.

 

The foregoing description of the Company Holder Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Company Holder Support Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.5 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Acquiror Holder Support Agreement

 

Aurora entered into an Acquiror holder support agreement (the “Acquiror Holder Support Agreement”), dated as of May 10, 2021, among certain shareholders of Aurora, and Better. Under the Acquiror Holder Support Agreement, Aurora’s shareholders that are parties agree that, among other things, at any meeting of the shareholders and in any action by written consent of the shareholders, the Aurora shareholders will: (i) approve the Domestication, including the approval of all documents related thereto, (ii) approve the changing of Aurora's name, and (iii) vote all of their shares for the Business Combination and related transactions (including the issuance of shares of Aurora common stock in connection with the Business Combination and Domestication, pursuant to the Subscription Agreement and the Redemption Subscription Agreement), each upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as defined below).

 

The foregoing description of the Acquiror Holder Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Acquiror Holder Support Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.6 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

 

Sponsor Agreement

 

In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Sponsor entered into a letter agreement (the “Sponsor Agreement”) with Aurora, pursuant to which the Sponsor agreed that Aurora will be entitled to exercise the redemption right, solely with respect to the private placement warrants of Aurora held by Sponsor, if the volume weighted average trading price of Aurora's Class A common stock for any twenty (20) trading days within a thirty (30)-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which Aurora sends the notice of redemption to the Sponsor equals or exceeds $18.00 per share.

 

The Sponsor Agreement also provides that (a) the Sponsor shall forfeit upon the Closing fifty percent (50%) of Aurora’s private placement warrants held by Sponsor as of the date of the Sponsor Agreement and (b)  twenty percent (20%) of the Sponsor's Class A common stock are subject to lock-up provisions restricting Sponsor’s ability to transfer such shares following the Closing.

 

The foregoing description of the Sponsor Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Sponsor Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.7 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Amended and Restated Insider Letter Agreement

 

Aurora entered into an amended and restated insider letter agreement (the “Amended and Restated Insider Letter Agreement”), dated as of May 10, 2021, among Sponsor and certain individuals, each of whom is a member of the Board and/or management team (each, an "Insider" and collectively, the "Insiders"). The Amended and Restated Insider Letter Agreement, which contains, among other things, provisions relating to transfer restrictions on certain shares and warrants held by such parties, was amended and restated to provide Better with certain third party beneficiary rights.

 

The foregoing description of the Amended and Restated Insider Letter Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated Insider Letter Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.8 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Founder Side Letter

 

Aurora entered into a letter agreement (the “Founder Side Letter”), dated as of May 10, 2021, with Vishal Garg (the “Founder”), pursuant to which the Founder is permitted to pledge Aurora common stock held by the Founder or his affiliates or associates (the “Founder Related Entities”) following the Closing, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $150,000,000 (“Pledge Amount”), to support loans made to the Founder or the Founder Related Entities (as defined in the Founder Side Letter) by third-party lenders or depository institutions. Under the Founder Side Letter, the Founder will also promptly donate or cause the donation of any cash received by himself pursuant to Article III of the Merger Agreement to one or more charitable or political organizations of his choice.

 

The foregoing description of the Founder Side Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Founder Side Letter filed as Exhibit 10.9 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Amended & Restated Promissory Note

 

Aurora entered into an amended and restated promissory note (the “Amended & Restated Promissory Note”), dated as of May 10, 2021, with Sponsor, pursuant to which Aurora extends the maturity date of such note and promises to pay to the order of the Sponsor or its registered assigns or successors in interest the principal sum of Two Million U.S. Dollars (U.S. $2,000,000) or such lesser amount as shall have been advanced and shall remain unpaid on the maturity date set forth therein in lawful money of the United States of America, on the terms and conditions described therein.

 

The foregoing description of the Amended & Restated Promissory Note does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Amended & Restated Promissory Note filed as Exhibit 10.10 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

 

Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

The disclosure set forth above in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K under the heading “Subscription Agreement,” “Novator Subscription Agreement” and “Redemption Subscription Agreement” is incorporated by reference herein. The shares of common stock issuable in connection with the private placement will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder.

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

 

The transcript of a webcast presentation held on May 11, 2021 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Important Information About the Business Combination and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the proposed Business Combination, Aurora intends to file with the SEC a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a proxy statement/prospectus, and certain other related documents, which will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Aurora’s common stock in connection with Aurora’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Aurora’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination and other matters as may be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer and sale of the securities of Aurora to be issued in the Business Combination. Aurora’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as these materials will contain important information about the parties to the Merger Agreement, Aurora and the Business Combination. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of Aurora as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination and other matters as may be described in the Registration Statement. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s web site at sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Aurora Acquisition Corp., 20 North Audley Street, London W1K 6LX, United Kingdom, Attention: Arnaud Massenet, Chief Executive Officer, +44 (0)20 3931 9785.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

Aurora and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Aurora’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Aurora is contained in Aurora’s registration statement on Form S-1, which was initially filed with the SEC on February 12, 2021, and is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at sec.gov, or by directing a request to Aurora Acquisition Corp., 20 North Audley Street, London W1K 6LX, United Kingdom, Attention: Arnaud Massenet, Chief Executive Officer, +44 (0)20 3931 9785. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement when available.

 

Better and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Aurora in connection with the Business Combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the Business Combination will be contained in the Registration Statement when available.

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K only speaks at the date hereof and contains, and related discussions may contain, “forward- looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. These statements include descriptions regarding the intent, belief, estimates, assumptions or current expectations of Aurora, Better or their respective officers with respect to the consolidated results of operations and financial condition, future events and plans of Aurora and Better. These forward-looking statements may be identified by a reference to a future period or by the use of forward-looking terminology. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expect”, “believe”, “foresee”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “goal”, “strategy”, “plan”, “target” and “project” or conditional verbs such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “could” or “would” or the negative of these terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management’s current expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which are inherently uncertain and beyond Aurora’s and Better’s control. Such expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections are expressed in good faith, and management believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. We are experiencing significant changes within the mortgage lending and servicing ecosystem which have magnified such uncertainties. In the past, actual results have differed from those suggested by forward -looking statements and this may happen again.

 

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward- looking statements include, but are not limited to, Better’s performance, capabilities, strategy, and outlook; our expectations regarding the sustainability of Better’s rapid growth and its ability to manage its growth effectively; the demand for Better’s solutions and products and services, including the size of Better’s addressable market, market share, and market trends; our ability to operate under and maintain Better’s business model; Better’s ability to develop and protect its brand; our expectations regarding financial performance including Better’s operational and financial targets; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and Better’s need for additional financing; the degree of business and financial risk associated with certain of Better’s loans; the high volatility in, or any inaccuracies in the estimates of, the value of Better’s assets; any changes in macro-economic conditions and in U.S. residential real estate market conditions, including changes in prevailing interest rates or monetary policies and the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; our expectations regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Better’s business including on the volume of consumers refinancing existing loans, Better’s ability to produce loans, liquidity and employees; Better’s competitive position; Better’s ability to improve and expand its information technology and financial infrastructure, security and compliance requirements and operating and administrative systems; Better’s future investments in its technology and operations; Better’s intellectual property position, including its ability to maintain, protect and enhance Better’s intellectual property; the need to hire additional personnel and Better’s ability to attract and retain such personnel; Better’s ability to obtain additional capital and maintain cash flow or obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us; the effects of Better’s existing and future indebtedness on its liquidity and Better’s ability to operate our business; our expectations concerning relationships with third parties; Better’s plans to adopt the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”); the impact of laws and regulations and Better’s ability to comply with such laws and regulations including laws and regulations relating to fair lending, real estate brokerage matters, title and settlement services, consumer protection, advertising, tax, title insurance, loan production and servicing activities, data privacy, and anti-corruption; any changes in certain U.S. government-sponsored entities and government agencies, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the FHA; our expectations regarding the period during which we will qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act; the increased expenses associated with being a public company; and Better’s anticipated use of existing resources and the proceeds from the business combination.

 

There may be other risks not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results to differ materially. Analysis and opinions contained in this document may be based on assumptions that, if altered, can change the analysis or opinions expressed. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this report, the inclusion of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the objectives and plans set forth in this report will be achieved, and you are cautioned not to place substantial weight or undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, Aurora disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

 

 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Business Combination. This Current Report on Form 8-K shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
2.1†   Merger Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc. and Better HoldCo, Inc.
10.1   Subscription Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp. and SB Northstar LP.
10.2   Novator Subscription Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., BB Trustees S.A., as Trustee of The Future Holdings Trust and Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd.
10.3   Redemption Subscription Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd., BB Trustees S.A., as Trustee of The Future Holdings Trust and the additional subscribers.
10.4   Form of Registration Rights Agreement.
10.5   Company Holder Support Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., Better HoldCo, Inc. and certain of Better’s stockholders.
10.6   Acquiror Holder Support Agreement, dated as of May 10 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., Better HoldCo, Inc. and certain of Aurora’s shareholders.
10.7   Sponsor Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd. and Aurora Acquisition Corp.
10.8   Amended and Restated Insider Letter Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd. and certain Insiders.
10.9   Founder Side Letter, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp. and Vishal Garg.
10.10   Amended & Restated Promissory Note, dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Capital Holding Corp. and Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd.
99.1   Transcript of Webcast Presentation, dated May 11, 2021.

 

† Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.

     
     
  By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
  Name: Arnaud Massenet
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 13, 2021

   

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 2.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

by and among

 

AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.,

 

AURORA MERGER SUB I, INC.,

 

and

 

BETTER HOLDCO, INC.

 

dated as of MAY 10, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
     
Article I CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
     
Section 1.1 Definitions 3
Section 1.2 Construction 22
Section 1.3 Knowledge 22
     
Article II THE MERGERS; CLOSING
     
Section 2.1 The Mergers 22
Section 2.2 Effects of the Mergers 23
Section 2.3 Closing; First Effective Time; Second Effective Time 23
Section 2.4 Closing Deliverables 24
Section 2.5 Governing Documents of the Surviving Corporations 25
Section 2.6 Directors and Officers of the First-Step Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Corporation 25
Section 2.7 Tax Free Reorganization Matters 26
     
Article III EFFECTS OF THE MERGERS ON THE COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK AND EQUITY AWARDS
     
Section 3.1 Conversion of Securities 26
Section 3.2 Exchange Procedures 28
Section 3.3 Treatment of Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards 31
Section 3.4 Withholding 32
Section 3.5 Dissenting Shares 32
     
Article IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
     
Section 4.1 Company Organization 32
Section 4.2 Subsidiaries 33
Section 4.3 Due Authorization 33
Section 4.4 No Conflict 34
Section 4.5 Governmental Authorities; Consents 34
Section 4.6 Capitalization of the Company 34
Section 4.7 Capitalization of Subsidiaries 36
Section 4.8 Financial Statements 37
Section 4.9 Undisclosed Liabilities 37
Section 4.10 Litigation and Proceedings 38
Section 4.11 Legal Compliance 38
Section 4.12 Contracts; No Defaults 38
Section 4.13 Company Benefit Plans 40
Section 4.14 Labor Relations; Employees 42
Section 4.15 Taxes 43
Section 4.16 Brokers' Fees 45
Section 4.17 Insurance 45
Section 4.18 Permits 45

 

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Section 4.19 Equipment and Other Tangible Property 46
Section 4.20 Real Property 46
Section 4.21 Intellectual Property 47
Section 4.22 Privacy and Cybersecurity 48
Section 4.23 Environmental Matters 49
Section 4.24 Absence of Changes 49
Section 4.25 Anti-Corruption Compliance 49
Section 4.26 Sanctions and International Trade Compliance 49
Section 4.27 Critical Technologies 50
Section 4.28 Information Supplied 50
Section 4.29 Mortgage Loans. 50
Section 4.30 No Additional Representation or Warranties. 51
     
Article V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR AND MERGER SUB
     
Section 5.1 Company Organization 51
Section 5.2 Due Authorization 52
Section 5.3 No Conflict 53
Section 5.4 Litigation and Proceedings 53
Section 5.5 SEC Filings 53
Section 5.6 Internal Controls; Listing; Financial Statements 54
Section 5.7 Governmental Authorities; Consents. 55
Section 5.8 Trust Account 55
Section 5.9 Investment Company Act; JOBS Act 55
Section 5.10 Absence of Changes 55
Section 5.11 No Undisclosed Liabilities 56
Section 5.12 Capitalization of Acquiror 56
Section 5.13 Brokers' Fees 58
Section 5.14 Indebtedness 58
Section 5.15 Taxes 58
Section 5.16 Business Activities 59
Section 5.17 Nasdaq Stock Market Quotation 60
Section 5.18 Acquiror Shareholders 60
Section 5.19 Registration Statement, Proxy Statement and Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement 60
Section 5.20 No Outside Reliance 61
Section 5.21 Anti-Corruption Compliance 61
Section 5.22 Sanctions and International Trade Compliance 61
Section 5.23 No Additional Representation or Warranties 62
     
Article VI COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
     
Section 6.1 Conduct of Business 62
Section 6.2 Inspection 64
Section 6.3 Preparation and Delivery of Additional Company Financial Statements 65

 

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Section 6.4 Affiliate Agreements 65
Section 6.5 Preferred Stock Conversion 65
Section 6.6 Acquisition Proposals 65
     
Article VII COVENANTS OF ACQUIROR
     
Section 7.1 Employee Matters 66
Section 7.2 Trust Account Proceeds 67
Section 7.3 Listing 67
Section 7.4 No Solicitation by Acquiror 68
Section 7.5 Acquiror Conduct of Business 68
Section 7.6 Post-Closing Directors and Officers of Acquiror 69
Section 7.7 Domestication 70
Section 7.8 Indemnification and Insurance 70
Section 7.9 Acquiror Public Filings 71
Section 7.10 Subscription Agreements 72
Section 7.11 Stockholder Litigation 73
     
Article VIII JOINT COVENANTS
     
Section 8.1 Efforts; Regulatory Filings and Other Actions 73
Section 8.2 Preparation of Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement; Shareholders' Meeting and Approvals 74
Section 8.3 Section 16 Matters 77
Section 8.4 Financing; Consultation 77
     
Article IX CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS
     
Section 9.1 Conditions to Obligations of Acquiror, Merger Sub, and the Company 78
Section 9.2 Conditions to Obligations of Acquiror and Merger Sub 78
Section 9.3 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company 79
     
Article X TERMINATION/EFFECTIVENESS
     
Section 10.1 Termination 80
Section 10.2 Effect of Termination 80
     
Article XI MISCELLANEOUS
     
Section 11.1 Trust Account Waiver 81
Section 11.2 Waiver 81
Section 11.3 Notices 82
Section 11.4 Assignment 83
Section 11.5 Rights of Third Parties 83
Section 11.6 Expenses 83
Section 11.7 Governing Law 83
Section 11.8 Headings; Counterparts 83
Section 11.9 Company and Acquiror Disclosure Letters 83
Section 11.10 Entire Agreement 84
Section 11.11 Amendments 84
Section 11.12 Publicity 84
Section 11.13 Severability 84
Section 11.14 Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial 85
Section 11.15 Enforcement 85
Section 11.16 Non-Recourse 86
Section 11.17 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants 86
Section 11.18 Legal Representation 86

 

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Exhibits

Exhibit A Form of Certificate of Incorporation of Acquiror upon Domestication
Exhibit B Form of Bylaws of Acquiror upon Domestication
Exhibit C Form of Amended and Restated IPO Insider Letter Agreement
Exhibit D Form of Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit E Form of Incentive Equity Plan
Exhibit F Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award
Exhibit G Form of Stock Option Grant
Exhibit H Form of Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

This Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 10, 2021 (this "Agreement"), is made and entered into by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (which shall migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation prior to the First Effective Time (as defined below)) ("Acquiror"), Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror ("Merger Sub"), and Better HoldCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Acquiror is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company and incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses;

 

WHEREAS, at least one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing Date (as defined below) and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Acquiror shall migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the "DGCL") and the Cayman Islands Companies Act (As Revised) (the "Domestication");

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the Domestication, Acquiror shall file a certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware and adopt bylaws (in the forms attached as Exhibits A and B hereto), with such changes as may be agreed in writing by Acquiror and the Company;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Domestication, (a) each then issued and outstanding share of Acquiror Class A Common Stock (as defined below) shall convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Acquiror (after its domestication as a corporation incorporated in the State of Delaware) (the "Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock"); (b) each then issued and outstanding share of Acquiror Class B Common Stock (as defined below) shall convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock; (c) the terms of the Acquiror Class B Common Stock shall be modified to, among other things, provide that each share of Acquiror Class B Common Stock shall carry three (3) votes (the "Domesticated Acquiror Class B Common Stock"); (d) a new class of non-voting common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Acquiror shall be created (the "Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock"), (e) each then issued and outstanding warrant of Acquiror shall convert automatically into a warrant to acquire one share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock ("Domesticated Acquiror Warrant"), pursuant to the Warrant Agreement (as defined below); and (f) each then issued and outstanding unit of Acquiror (the "Cayman Acquiror Units") shall convert automatically into a unit of Acquiror (after its domestication as a corporation incorporated in the State of Delaware) (the "Domesticated Acquiror Units"), with each Domesticated Acquiror Unit representing one share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock and one-quarter of one Domesticated Acquiror Warrant;

 

WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the DGCL, (a) Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease and the Company will be the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror (the "First Merger"); (b) the surviving corporation of the First Merger will merge with and into Acquiror (the "Second Merger" and together with the First Merger, the "Mergers"), and (c) Acquiror will change its name in accordance with Section 2.5(b);

 

WHEREAS, upon the First Effective Time (as defined below), all shares of the Company Capital Stock (as defined below) will be converted into the right to receive the applicable Aggregate Merger Consideration as set forth in this Agreement;

 

 

 

WHEREAS, each of the parties hereto intends that, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Mergers, taken together, will constitute an integrated plan described in Rev. Rul. 2001-46, 2001-2 C.B. 321 and qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and the Treasury Regulations, to which each of Acquiror and the Company are to be parties under Section 368(b) of the Code, and this Agreement is intended to constitute a "plan of reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations;

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has (a) determined that it is advisable for the Company to enter into this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby, (b) approved the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (c) recommended the adoption and approval by the Company's stockholders of this Agreement and the other documents contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

 

WHEREAS, at the Closing, Acquiror, Sponsor and certain Affiliates and stockholders of the Company, as applicable, shall enter into an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (with such changes as may be agreed in writing by Acquiror and the Company), which shall be effective as of the Closing;

 

WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Acquiror's and the Company's (as applicable) willingness to enter into this Agreement, simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement:

 

(a) the Major Company Stockholders (as defined below) have each executed and delivered to Acquiror a Company Holders Support Agreement (as defined below) pursuant to which the Major Company Stockholders have agreed, among other things, to (x) provide their written consent upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement to (i) adopt and approve, this Agreement and the other documents contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and (ii) adopt and approve, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Company's Governing Documents, the Preferred Stock Conversion, and (y) certain transfer restrictions, to be effective as of the Closing,

 

(b) the Major Acquiror Shareholders (as defined below) have each executed and delivered to the Company an Acquiror Holders Support Agreement (as defined below) pursuant to which the Major Acquiror Shareholders have agreed, among other things, to vote in favor of (i) the adoption and approval, upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, this Agreement and the other documents contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (ii) the adoption and approval, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Acquiror's Governing Documents, the Domestication,

 

(c) SoftBank (as defined below) has executed a PIPE Subscription Agreement (as defined below) pursuant to which SoftBank has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions therein, to subscribe for and purchase (or cause one of its Affiliates to subscribe for and purchase) that number of shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock and Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock, as applicable, whose gross purchase price is equal to $1,500,000,000, subject to adjustment as described therein,

 

(d) Sponsor (as defined below) has executed (i) the Redemption Subscription Agreement (as defined below) pursuant to which Sponsor has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions therein, to subscribe for and purchase (or cause one of its Affiliates to subscribe for and purchase) that number of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock that is equal to the number of Acquiror Class A Common Stock elected to be redeemed by the stockholders of Acquiror in the Acquiror Share Redemption (as defined below) and (ii) the Sponsor Subscription Agreement (as defined below) pursuant to which Sponsor has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions therein, to subscribe for purchase (or cause one of its Affiliates to subscribe for and purchase) that number of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock whose gross purchase price is equal to $200,000,000,

 

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(e) Sponsor has executed the Sponsor Letter (as defined below) pursuant to which Sponsor has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions therein, to (i) forfeit upon the Closing (as defined below) fifty percent (50%) of the Acquiror Private Placement Warrants (as defined below) held by Sponsor as of the date of this Agreement, (ii) redeem its Acquiror Private Placement Warrants if the Surviving Corporation's volume-weighted average share price is above $18.00 for any twenty (20) trading days within any consecutive thirty (30)-trading days, and (iii) subject certain of the shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock held by it to transfer restrictions, and

 

(f) the parties to the IPO Insider Letter Agreement have amended and restated such agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C;

 

WHEREAS, each of the Boards of Directors of Acquiror and Merger Sub has (a) determined that it is advisable for Acquiror and Merger Sub, as applicable, to enter into this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby, (b) approved the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (c) recommended the adoption and approval of this Agreement and the other documents contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by the Acquiror Shareholders and sole shareholder of Merger Sub, as applicable;

 

WHEREAS, Acquiror, as sole shareholder of Merger Sub has approved and adopted this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and

 

WHEREAS, in furtherance of the Mergers and in accordance with the terms hereof, Acquiror shall provide an opportunity to its shareholders to have their outstanding shares of Acquiror Common Stock redeemed on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and Acquiror's Governing Documents (as defined below) in connection with obtaining the Acquiror Shareholder Approval (as defined below).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement and intending to be legally bound hereby, Acquiror, Merger Sub and the Company agree as follows:

 

Article I
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1         Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

"A&R Promissory Note" has the meaning specified in Section 7.5(a)(vi).

 

"Acquiror" has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.

 

"Acquiror Class A Common Stock" means (a) prior to the Domestication, Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of Acquiror, and (b) from and following the Domestication, shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock.

 

"Acquiror Class B Common Stock" means (a) prior to the Domestication, Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of Acquiror, and (b) from and following the Domestication, shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class B Common Stock.

 

"Acquiror Common Share" means a share of Acquiror Common Stock.

 

"Acquiror Common Stock" means Acquiror Class A Common Stock and Acquiror Class B Common Stock, and, from and following the Domestication, the Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock.

 

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"Acquiror Common Warrant" means a warrant to purchase one (1) share of Acquiror Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of eleven Dollars fifty cents ($11.50) that was included in the units sold as part of Acquiror's initial public offering.

 

"Acquiror Cure Period" has the meaning specified in Section 10.1(g).

 

"Acquiror Disclosure Letter" has the meaning specified in the introduction to Article V.

 

"Acquiror Financial Statements" has the meaning specified in Section 5.6(d).

 

"Acquiror Fundamental Representations" means the representations and warranties made pursuant to the first and second sentences of Section 5.1 (Company Organization), Section 5.2 (Due Authorization), the first sentence of clause (a), the first sentence of clause (b), clause (c) and clause (g) of Section 5.12 (Capitalization of Acquiror), Section 5.8 (Trust Account), Section 5.13 (Brokers' Fees) and Section 5.14 (Indebtedness).

 

"Acquiror Option" has the meaning specified in Section 3.3(a).

 

"Acquiror Private Placement Warrant" means a warrant to purchase one (1) share of Acquiror Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of eleven Dollars fifty cents ($11.50) issued to the Sponsor and directors, and executive officers of Acquiror.

 

"Acquiror SEC Filings" has the meaning specified in Section 5.5.

 

"Acquiror Securities" has the meaning specified in Section 5.12(a).

 

"Acquiror Share Redemption" means the election of an eligible (as determined in accordance with Acquiror's Governing Documents) holder of Acquiror Class A Common Stock to redeem all or a portion of the shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock held by such holder at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to a pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account (including any interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account) (as determined in accordance with Acquiror's Governing Documents) in connection with the Transaction Proposals.

 

"Acquiror Shareholder Approval" means the approval of (a) those Transaction Proposals identified in clauses (A), (B) and (C) of Section 8.2(b)(ii), in each case, by an affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Acquiror Common Shares entitled to vote, who attend and vote, who attend and vote thereupon (as determined in accordance with Acquiror's Governing Documents) at a shareholders' meeting duly called by the Board of Directors of Acquiror and held for such purpose, (b) those Transaction Proposals identified in clauses (D), (E), (F), (G), and (J) of Section 8.2(b)(ii), in each case, by an affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Acquiror Common Shares entitled to vote thereupon (as determined in accordance with Acquiror's Governing Documents), in each case, at an Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting duly called by the Board of Directors of Acquiror and held for such purpose and (c) those Transaction Proposals identified in clauses (H) and (I) of Section 8.2(b)(ii).

 

"Acquiror Shareholders" means the shareholders of Acquiror as of immediately prior to the Second Effective Time.

 

"Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(b).

 

"Acquiror Transaction Expenses" means, without duplication, (i) the following accrued and unpaid fees and expenses of Acquiror and its Affiliates (to the extent then owed by Acquiror): (w) all fees, costs, expenses, brokerage fees, commissions, finders' fees and disbursements of financial advisors, investment banks, data room administrators, attorneys, accountants and other advisors and service providers, in each case in connection with the negotiation, documentation and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (x) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with preparing and filing the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement or the Proxy Statement/Registration Statement under Section 8.2 and obtaining approval of Nasdaq (as applicable) under Section 7.3, (y) repayment of any Working Capital Loans and (z) any deferred underwriting commissions and other fees relating to Acquiror's initial public offering that are not paid out of the Trust Account.

 

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"Acquiror Warrants" means the Acquiror Common Warrants and the Acquiror Private Placement Warrants.

 

"Acquisition Proposal" means, as to any Person, other than the transactions contemplated hereby and other than the acquisition or disposition of any assets in the ordinary course of business, any offer or proposal relating to: (a) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of (i) 20% or more of the consolidated assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries or (ii) 20% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of (x) such Person or (y) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person holding assets constituting, individually or in the aggregate, 20% or more of the consolidated assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries; (b) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any Person beneficially owning 20% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of (x) such Person or (y) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person holding assets constituting, individually or in the aggregate, 20% or more of the consolidated assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries; or (c) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, sale of substantially all the assets, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving (i) such Person or (ii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person holding assets constituting, individually or in the aggregate, 20% or more of the consolidated assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries.

 

"Action" means any claim, action, suit, audit, examination, assessment, arbitration, mediation or inquiry, or any proceeding, or investigation, subpoena or request for information, by or before any Governmental Authority.

 

"Acquiror Counsel" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(b).

 

"Acquiror Holders Support Agreement" means that certain Support Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and among the directors and officers of Acquiror, the Major Acquiror Shareholders, Acquiror and the Company, as amended or modified from time to time.

 

"Acquiror Nominee Director" has the meaning specified in Section 7.6(b).

 

"Acquiror Privileged Communications" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(b).

 

"Acquiror Waiving Parties" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(b).

 

"Acquiror WP Group" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(b).

 

"Adjusted Restricted S tock Award" has the meaning specified in Section 3.3(c).

 

"Adjusted Restricted Stock Unit Award" has the meaning specified in Section 3.3(b).

 

"Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person, whether through one or more intermediaries or otherwise. The term "control" (including the terms "controlling", "controlled by" and "under common control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by Contract or otherwise. With respect to the Sponsor, the term "Affiliate" shall not include the portfolio companies of Sponsor or its Affiliates (other than Acquiror).

 

"Affiliate Agreements" has the meaning specified in Section 4.12(a)(xiii).

 

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"Agency" means the FHA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Government National Mortgage Association, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

"Agency Guides" means the Fannie Mae Single Family Selling Guide, the Fannie Mae Single Family Servicing Guide, the Freddie Mac Single Family Seller/Servicer Guide, the Ginnie Mae Mortgage Backed Securities Guide and any other guide issued by any Agency.

 

"Aggregate Fully Diluted Company Common Shares" means, without duplication, (a) the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock that are (i) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time (including any Restricted Stock Awards) or (ii) issuable upon, or subject to, the settlement of Options and Restricted Stock Unit Awards (in each case, whether or not then vested or exercisable) and Company Warrants, in each case, that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time, or (iii) issued or to issuable in connection with the conversion of Company Preferred Stock pursuant to the Preferred Stock Conversion, minus (b) the Treasury Shares outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time, minus (c) a number of shares equal to the Aggregate Exercise Price divided by the Per Share Merger Consideration; provided, that any Option or Company Warrant with an exercise price equal to or greater than the Per Share Merger Consideration shall not be counted for purposes of determining the number of Aggregate Fully Diluted Company Common Shares.

 

"Aggregate Merger Consideration" means, together, the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration.

 

"Aggregate Exercise Price" means the sum of the aggregate cash exercise prices of all Options and Company Warrants outstanding, unexercised and in the money as of immediately prior to the First Effective Time.

 

"Agreement" has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.

 

"Agreement End Date" has the meaning specified in Section 10.1(e).

 

"AICPA" means the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

Alternative Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.10(c).

 

"Ancillary Agreements" has the meaning specified in Section 11.10.

 

"Anti-Bribery Laws" means the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and all other applicable anti-corruption and bribery Laws (including the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and any rules or regulations enacted pursuant to, or arising under, the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Officials, or any other laws or regulations relating to bribery or corruption in any jurisdiction in which the Company or its Subsidiaries conduct business).

 

"Applicable Requirements" means (a) the responsibilities and obligations of the Company relating to any Mortgage Loan set forth in any Servicing Agreement, mortgage broker agreement, loan correspondent agreement, mortgage loan purchase or sale Contract, or other Contract between the Company, on the one hand, and any third party originator, loan correspondent, loan seller, Agency, Investor or Insurer, on the other hand, (b) the applicable Credit Policies, guidelines and handbooks of the Company and all applicable guidelines, handbooks and other published written requirements of any Investor, Agency or Insurer with respect to the origination, funding, sale or Servicing of Mortgage Loans by the Company, (c) the applicable terms and provisions of the Mortgage Loans and (d) the applicable terms and provisions of the Warehouse Lines.

 

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"Approval" means, with respect to the approval of any Requisite Regulatory Approval other than those required under the HSR Act, that the applicable Governmental Authority has, with respect to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (i) approved in writing such transactions, (ii) stated in writing that such Governmental Authority conditionally approves or does not object to such transactions, (iii) orally stated, such statement made by an official at such Governmental Authority and made in the presence of a representative of the Company, a statement that the Company and Acquiror mutually and reasonably agree has the effect of one of the statements described in clause (ii) immediately above, or (iv) by its own procedures and rules, requires only notice of the intended transaction, but does not require the regulator's prior approval, and notice has been timely given; provided that, in each case of clauses (i) through (iii), any such approval or non-objection have not been revoked or rescinded and, in the case of clause (iii), no official at a Governmental Authority has made a written or oral statement rescinding the statement described in clause (iii).

 

"Audited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(a).

 

"Available Cash Consideration Amount" means $950,000,000.

 

"Available Stock Consideration Amount" means a number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to (1) the Maximum Implied Stock Consideration, minus (2) the aggregate amount of Acquiror Class B Common Stock that would be issuable upon the net exercise or conversion, as applicable, of all Acquiror Options, Adjusted Restricted Stock Awards and Adjusted Restricted Stock Unit Awards immediately after the First Effective Time, minus (3) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the Available Cash Consideration Amount, by (y) $10.00; provided, that any Option an exercise price equal to or greater than the Per Share Merger Consideration shall not be counted for purposes of determining the Available Stock Consideration Amount.

 

"Bank Holding Company" means a company registered as a bank holding company (or any Affiliate of any such bank holding company) with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursuant to 12 U.S.C. §1842 and the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System thereunder.

 

"Base Purchase Price" means $6,900,000,000.00.

 

"BHC Stock Electing Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(ii).

 

"BHC Stock Election" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(ii).

 

"BHC Stock Election Consideration" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(ii).

 

BMC” means Better Mortgage Corporation, a California corporation.

 

"Business Combination" has the meaning set forth in Article 1.1 of Acquiror's Governing Documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

 

"Business Combination Proposal" means any offer, inquiry, proposal or indication of interest (whether written or oral, binding or non-binding, and other than an offer, inquiry, proposal or indication of interest with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby), relating to a Business Combination.

 

"Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York; London, United Kingdom or Governmental Authorities in the Cayman Islands (for so long as Acquiror remains domiciled in Cayman Islands) are authorized or required by Law to close.

 

"Cash Consideration" means the aggregate cash consideration payable with respect to shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.1 (as adjusted pursuant to Section 3.1(b)).

 

"Cash Electing Shares" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(iv).

 

"Cash Election" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(iv).

 

-7-

 

 

"Cash Election Amount" means the product of (x) the aggregate number of Cash Electing Shares multiplied by (y) the Cash Election Consideration (before giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to Section 3.1(b)).

 

"Cash Election Consideration" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(iv).

 

"Cash Election Cutback Amount" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b)(i)(A).

 

"Cayman Acquiror Unit" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Cayman Registrar" means the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands under the Cayman Islands Companies Act (2018 Revision).

 

"Cayman Securities" has the meaning specified in Section 5.12(a).

 

"Certificates of Merger" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(c).

 

"Class A Common Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a)(i)(A).

 

"Class B Common Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a)(i)(A).

 

"Class B-1 Common Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a)(i)(A).

 

"Class O Common Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a)(i)(A).

 

"Closing" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(a).

 

"Closing Date" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(a).

 

"Code" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Company" has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.

 

"Company Award" means an Option or a Restricted Stock Unit Award.

 

"Company Benefit Plan" has the meaning specified in Section 4.13(a).

 

"Company Capital Stock" means the shares of the Company Common Stock and the Company Preferred Stock.

 

"Company Common Shares" means the shares of Company Common Stock.

 

"Company Common Stock" means the shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company, whether such shares are designated Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class B-1 Common Stock or Class O Common Stock.

 

"Company Cure Period" has the meaning specified in Section 10.1(e).

 

"Company Disclosure Letter" has the meaning specified in the introduction to Article IV.

 

"Company Fundamental Representations" means the representations and warranties made pursuant to the first and second sentences of Section 4.1 (Company Organization), the second sentence of Section 4.2 (Subsidiaries) (but only with respect to BMC), Section 4.3 (Due Authorization), clauses (a), (b) and (e), and the first sentence of clause (d) of Section 4.6 (Capitalization of the Company), Section 4.7 (Capitalization of Subsidiaries) (but only with respect to BMC) and Section 4.16 (Brokers' Fees).

 

-8-

 

 

"Company Holders Support Agreement" means that certain Support Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and among the Major Company Stockholders, Acquiror and the Company, as amended or modified from time to time.

 

"Company Incentive Plans" means, collectively, the Better Holdco, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and the Better Holdco, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

"Company Indemnified Parties" has the meaning specified in Section 7.8(a).

 

"Company Material Adverse Effect" means any event, state of facts, development, circumstance, occurrence or effect (collectively, "Events") that (a) has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, assets, results of operations or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (b) does or would reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent the ability of the Company to consummate the Mergers; provided, however, that in no event would any of the following, alone or in combination, be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a "Company Material Adverse Effect": (i) any change in applicable Laws or GAAP or any COVID-19 Measures or, in each case, any interpretation thereof following the date of this Agreement, (ii) any change in interest rates or economic, political, business or financial market conditions generally, (iii) the taking of any action required by this Agreement, (iv) any natural disaster (including hurricanes, storms, tornados, flooding, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or similar occurrences), pandemic, outbreak of disease or illness or public health event (including COVID-19) or change in climate, (v) any acts of terrorism or war, the outbreak or escalation of hostilities, geopolitical conditions, civil unrest, local, national or international political conditions, (vi) any failure of the Company to meet any projections or forecasts (provided that this clause (vi) shall not prevent a determination that any Event not otherwise excluded from this definition of Company Material Adverse Effect underlying such failure to meet projections or forecasts has resulted in a Company Material Adverse Effect), (vii) any Events generally applicable to the industries or markets in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate (including changes in the U.S. housing markets), (viii) the announcement of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including any termination of, reduction in or similar adverse impact (but in each case only to the extent attributable to such announcement or consummation) on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with any landlords, customers, suppliers, distributors, partners or employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries (it being understood that this clause (viii) shall be disregarded for purposes of the representation and warranty set forth in Section 4.4 and the condition to Closing with respect thereto), or (ix) any action taken by, or at the request of, Acquiror or Merger Sub; provided, further, that any Event referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (v) or (vii) above may be taken into account in determining if a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred to the extent it has a disproportionate and adverse effect on the business, assets, results of operations or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to similarly situated companies in the industry in which the Company and its Subsidiaries conduct their respective operations, but only to the extent of the incremental disproportionate effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to similarly situated companies in the industry in which the Company and its Subsidiaries conduct their respective operations.

 

"Company Permits" has the meaning specified in Section 4.18(b).

 

"Company Preferred Stock" means the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series B-1 Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series C-1 Preferred Stock, Series C-2 Preferred Stock, Series C-3 Preferred Stock, Series C-4 Preferred Stock, Series C-5 Preferred Stock, Series C-6 Preferred Stock, Series C-7 Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series D-1 Preferred Stock, Series D-2 Preferred Stock, Series D-3 Preferred Stock, Series D-4 Preferred Stock and Series D-5 Preferred Stock.

 

-9-

 

 

"Company Record Date" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(d)(ii).

 

"Company Registered Intellectual Property" has the meaning specified in Section 4.21(a).

 

"Company Stockholder Approval" means the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Mergers and the Preferred Stock Conversion) and the making of any filings, notices or information statements in connection with the foregoing, by:

 

(a)        the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting Company Capital Stock voting as a single class and on an as-converted basis;

 

(b)        the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Company Voting Preferred Stock voting as a single class; and

 

(c)        the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least (i) a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Company Preferred Stock (other than the Series C-7 Preferred Stock and Series D-3 Preferred Stock), voting as a single class and (ii) a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock, Series D-2 Preferred Stock and Series D-4 Preferred Stock, voting as a single class,

 

in each of case clauses (a) through (c), in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Company's Governing Documents and applicable Law.

 

"Company Transaction Expenses" means the following out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether or not billed or accrued for) as a result of or in connection with the negotiation, documentation and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby: (a) all fees, costs, expenses, brokerage fees, commissions, finders' fees and disbursements of financial advisors, investment banks, data room administrators, attorneys, accountants and other advisors and service providers, paid or payable by the Company and (b) any and all filing fees payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with obtaining the Requisite Regulatory Approvals, but solely to the extent such fees have not been reimbursed or otherwise paid by Acquiror prior to the Closing pursuant to Section 8.1(b).

 

"Company Voting Preferred Stock" means Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series C-2 Preferred Stock, Series C-3 Preferred Stock, Series C-4 Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series D-2 Preferred Stock and Series D-4 Preferred Stock.

 

"Company Warrant" means those warrants as set forth on Section 1.1 of the Company Disclosure Letter.

 

"Confidentiality Agreement" has the meaning specified in Section 11.10.

 

"Continuing Employees" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(a).

 

"Contracts" means any legally binding contracts, agreements, subcontracts, leases, and purchase orders.

 

"Copyleft License" means any license that requires, as a condition of use, modification and/or distribution of software subject to such license, that such software subject to such license, or other software incorporated into, derived from, or used or distributed with such software subject to such license (a) be made available or distributed in source code form, (b) be licensed for the purpose of preparing derivative works, (c) be licensed under terms that allow such software to be reverse engineered, reverse assembled or disassembled (other than by operation of Law) or (d) be redistributable at no charge. Copyleft Licenses include the GNU General Public License, the GNU Lesser General Public License, the Common Development and Distribution License, and the Eclipse Public License.

 

-10-

 

 

"COVID-19" means SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and any evolutions or mutations thereof or related or associated epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks.

 

"COVID-19 Measures" means any quarantine, "shelter in place," "stay at home," workforce reduction, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester or any other Law, Governmental Order, Action, directive, guidelines or recommendations by any Governmental Authority in connection with or in response to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

 

"Credit Policies" means any Agency or other Investor policies and procedures to which the Company is subject as such relate to the extension of credit with respect to the Mortgage Loans in effect at the time each Mortgage Loan was originated.

 

"Custodial Account" means all funds held or controlled by or on behalf of the Company with respect to any Mortgage Loan, including all principal and interest funds and any other funds due, buydown funds, suspense funds, funds for the payment of Taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, ground rents and similar charges, funds for the payment of bankruptcy and fraud coverage, funds from hazard insurance loss drafts and other mortgage escrow and impound amounts (including interest thereon for the benefit of mortgagors, if applicable).

 

"D&O Indemnified Parties" has the meaning specified in Section 7.8(a).

 

"Designated Courts" has the meaning specified in Section 11.14(a).

 

"DGCL" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Disclosure Letter" means, as applicable, the Company Disclosure Letter or the Acquiror Disclosure Letter.

 

"Dissenting Shares" has the meaning specified in Section 3.5.

 

"Dollars" or "$" means lawful money of the United States.

 

"Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Domesticated Acquiror Class B Common Stock" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Domesticated Acquiror Unit" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Domesticated Acquiror Warrant" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Domesticated Acquiror Certificate of Incorporation" has the meaning specified in Section 7.7.

 

"Domestication" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Election" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(d)(i).

 

"Election Deadline" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(d).

 

"Election Period" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(d)(ii).

 

"Employee Census" means a list of the name of each employee, consultant, or other service provider of the Company and each of the Company's Subsidiaries (anonymized to the extent required by applicable Law) along with such Person's title, work location (including country, state, and city), the name of employing entity, benefits, hire date, annual salary or hourly rate, classification as exempt or non-exempt under applicable Law, commission or bonus arrangement with respect to such Person (including any commissions or bonuses earned that have not yet been paid), part time/full time status, leave of absence status (and type of leave), visa or work permit status (and type of visa or work permit).

 

-11-

 

 

"Employee Permits" has the meaning specified in Section 4.18(b).

 

"Environmental Laws" means any and all applicable Laws relating to Hazardous Materials, pollution, or the protection or management of the environment or natural resources, or protection of human health (with respect to exposure to Hazardous Materials).

 

"Equityholder Counsel" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(a).

 

"Equityholder Privileged Communications" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(a).

 

"Equityholder Waiving Parties" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(a).

 

"Equityholder WP Group" has the meaning specified in Section 11.18(a).

 

"ERISA" has the meaning specified in Section 4.13(a).

 

"ERISA Affiliate" means any entity, trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, would be deemed to be a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA.

 

"ESPP" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(c).

 

"Estimated Acquiror Transaction Expenses" means those Acquiror Transaction Expenses set forth in Section 5.16(f) of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter.

 

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

"Exchange Agent" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(a).

 

"Exchange Ratio" means the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the number of shares constituting the Maximum Implied Stock Consideration by (b) the number of Aggregate Fully Diluted Company Common Shares.

 

"Executive Loans" means any loan made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that, if outstanding immediately following the Closing, would be in violation of Section 402 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

 

"Existing Credit Facilities" means those Warehouse Lines and other Contracts listed in Section 6.1(b)(xi).

 

"Export Approvals" has the meaning specified in Section 4.26(a).

 

"Financial Statements" has the meaning specified in Section 4.8(a).

 

"First Effective Time" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(b).

 

"First Acquiror Nominee Director" has the meaning specified in Section 7.6(a).

 

"First Merger" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"First Merger Certificate" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).

 

"First-Step Constituent Corporations" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).

 

"First-Step Surviving Corporation" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(b).

 

"Form of Election" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(d)(ii).

 

-12-

 

 

"Funding Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, including the (a) the Existing Credit Facilities and (b) any Replacement Facilities.

 

"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect from time to time.

 

"Governing Documents" means the legal document(s) by which any Person (other than an individual) establishes its legal existence or which govern its internal affairs. For example, the "Governing Documents" of a corporation are its certificate of incorporation and by-laws, the "Governing Documents" of a limited partnership are its limited partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership, the "Governing Documents" of a limited liability company are its operating agreement and certificate of formation and the "Governing Documents" of an exempted company are its memorandum and articles of association.

 

"Governmental Authority" means any (a) nation, region, state, county, city, town, village, district or other jurisdiction, (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government, (c) department, agency or instrumentality of a federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government, including any state-owned, - sponsored or -controlled instrumentality of the foregoing (including each Agency), (d) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department and any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction), (e) public international organization or multinational organization.

 

"Governmental Authorization" has the meaning specified in Section 4.5.

 

"Government Official" includes, but is not limited to: (i) officers, employees or representatives of any Governmental Authority; (ii) any individual who, although temporarily or without payment, holds a public position, employment, or function; (iii) any private person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any Governmental Authority (such as a consultant retained by a Governmental Authority); (iv) candidates for political office at any level; (v) political parties and their officials; (vi) royal family members, including ones who may lack formal authority, but could otherwise be influential in advancing business interests, through, for example, partially owning or managing a state-owned or state-controlled entity; and (vii) officers, employees or representatives of public international organizations (such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund).

 

"Governmental Order" means any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority.

 

"Hazardous Material" means any (a) pollutant, contaminant, chemical, (b) industrial, solid, liquid or gaseous toxic or hazardous substance, material or waste, (c) petroleum or any fraction or product thereof, (d) asbestos or asbestos-containing material, (e) polychlorinated biphenyl, (f) chlorofluorocarbons, and (g) other substance, material or waste, in each case, which are regulated under any Environmental Law or as to which liability may be imposed pursuant to Environmental Law.

 

"Holder" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(d).

 

"HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

"Incentive Equity Plan" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(c).

 

-13-

 

 

"Indebtedness" means with respect to any Person, without duplication, any obligations, contingent or otherwise, in respect of (a) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of all indebtedness for borrowed money, including accrued interest and any per diem interest accruals, (b) the principal and interest components of capitalized lease obligations under GAAP, (c) amounts drawn (including any accrued and unpaid interest) on letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers' acceptances and other similar instruments (solely to the extent such amounts have actually been drawn), (d) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes and similar instruments, (e) the termination value of interest rate protection agreements and currency obligation swaps, hedges or similar arrangements (without duplication of other indebtedness supported or guaranteed thereby), (f) the principal component of all obligations to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property and equipment which have been delivered, including "earn outs" and "seller notes", (g) pursuant to securitization or factoring programs or arrangements, (h) breakage costs, prepayment or early termination premiums, penalties, or other fees or expenses payable as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby in respect of any of the items in the foregoing clauses (a) through (h), and (i) all Indebtedness of another Person referred to in clauses (a) through (h) above guaranteed directly or indirectly, jointly or severally. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Indebtedness" shall not include any (x) expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby, including the Transaction Expenses of such Person, or (y) accounts payable to trade creditors and accrued expenses arising in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

 

"Insurer" means any Person or Agency that insures or guarantees all or any portion of the risk of loss on any Mortgage Loan or the real property to which such Mortgage Loan relates, in each case duly authorized and licensed in such state to transact the applicable insurance business and to write the insurance provided by the insurance policy (including title insurance) issued by it.

 

"Intellectual Property" means any worldwide rights in or to the following: (a) patents, patent applications, invention disclosures, and all related continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, reissues, re-examinations, substitutions, and extensions thereof; (b) registered and unregistered trademarks, logos, service marks, trade dress and trade names, slogans, pending applications therefor, internet domain names, social media identifiers and other source indicators, together with the goodwill symbolized by or associated with any of the foregoing; (c) registered and unregistered copyrights, and applications for registration of copyright, including such corresponding rights in software and other works of authorship; and (d) trade secrets, know-how, processes, and other confidential information or proprietary rights.

 

"Interim Period" has the meaning specified in Section 6.1.

 

"International Trade Laws" means all Laws relating to the import, export, re-export, deemed export, deemed re-export, or transfer of information, data, goods, and technology, including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations administered by the United States Department of Commerce, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations administered by the United States Department of State, customs and import Laws administered by United States Customs and Border Protection, any other export or import controls administered by an agency of the United States government, the anti-boycott regulations administered by the United States Department of Commerce and the United States Department of the Treasury, and other Laws adopted by Governmental Authorities of other countries relating to the same subject matter as the United States Laws described above, including but not limited to EU Dual Use Regulation No. 428/2009, as amended.

 

"Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

"Investor" means any Agency, private investor, trust or other Person who owns or holds or is committed to purchase or acquire Mortgage Loans, any interest therein or any Mortgage Servicing Rights with respect thereto, or to the extent any Mortgage Loans are pooled into mortgage-backed securities, partial interests in such mortgage-backed securities backed by such Mortgage Loans, excluding any Warehouse Lender.

 

"Investor Agreement" means any Contract between the Company or any of its Affiliates and any Investor for the purchase or acquisition of any Mortgage Loans, any interest therein or any Mortgage Servicing Rights with respect thereto, or to the extent any Mortgage Loans are pooled into mortgage-backed securities, partial interests in such mortgage-backed securities backed by such Mortgage Loans.

 

-14-

 

 

"IPO Insider Letter Agreement" means that certain letter agreement, dated as of March 3, 2021, by and among, inter alia, Acquiror, Sponsor, Thor Björgólfsson, Arnaud Massenet, Prabhu Narasimhan, Shravin Mittal, Sangeeta Desai, and Michael Edelstein.

 

"IRS" means Internal Revenue Service.

 

"JOBS Act" has the meaning specified in Section 5.6(a).

 

"Law" means any statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation or Governmental Order, in each case, of any Governmental Authority, including any Mortgage Loan Regulation.

 

"Leased Real Property" means all real property leased, licensed, subleased or otherwise used or occupied (except for Owned Land) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

"Legal Proceedings" has the meaning specified in Section 4.10.

 

"Letter of Transmittal" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(b).

 

"Lien" means all liens, mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, hypothecations, encumbrances, security interests, options, leases, subleases, restrictions, claims or other liens of any kind whether consensual, statutory or otherwise.

 

"Major Acquiror Shareholder" means any holder of record of shares of Acquiror Common Stock that, together with its Affiliates, beneficially owns greater than five percent (5%) of the outstanding voting Acquiror Capital Stock as of the date of this Agreement.

 

"Major Company Stockholder" means those directors, executive officers and holders of Company Capital Stock listed on Schedule I to the Company Holders Support Agreement.

 

"Management Transaction Bonus Plan" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(c).

 

"Material Contracts" has the meaning specified in in Section 4.12.

 

"Maximum Implied Stock Consideration" means a number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Base Purchase Price, by (ii) $10.00.

 

"Merger Sub" has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.

 

"Merger Sub Capital Stock" means the shares of the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Merger Sub.

 

"Mergers" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

"Minimum Available Cash Condition" has the meaning specified in Section 9.3(c).

 

"Modification in Recommendation" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(b).

 

"Mortgage Loan" means each residential mortgage loan, or line of credit originated in whole or in part, acquired, sold or otherwise held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at any time, including all of the Company's or any its Subsidiaries' rights, title and interest in and to such Mortgage Loan, Mortgage Servicing Rights, the related mortgage note, all mortgage loan documents, the mortgage file, credit file and Servicing file, collateral and all other material and information collected by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with such Mortgage Loan.

 

"Mortgage Loan Regulations" means applicable federal, state and local Laws and guidelines applicable to the origination, funding, sale, securitization or Servicing of Mortgage Loans, including Laws and guidelines relating to real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, truth-in-lending, usury limitations, fair housing, false claims, collection practices, equal credit opportunity and adjustable rate mortgages, and applicable Orders with respect to the Company pertaining to Mortgage Loans.

 

-15-

 

 

"Mortgage Servicing Rights" means, with respect to a mortgage loan, the right or rights to Service such mortgage loan, receive compensation therefor, and the duties and obligations associated therewith.

 

"Nasdaq" means Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

"Non-Voting Stock Electing Shares" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(iii).

 

"Non-Voting Stock Election" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(iii).

 

"Non-Voting Stock Election Consideration" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(iii).

 

"Offer Documents" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(a)(i).

 

"Open Source License" means any license meeting the Open Source Definition (as promulgated by the Open Source Initiative) or the Free Software Definition (as promulgated by the Free Software Foundation), including any license approved by the Open Source Initiative or any Creative Commons license. "Open Source Licenses" shall include Copyleft Licenses.

 

"Open Source Materials" means any software subject to an Open Source License.

 

"Option" means an option to purchase shares of Company Common Stock granted under any Company Incentive Plan.

 

"Ordinary Stock Electing Shares" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(i).

 

"Ordinary Stock Election" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(i).

 

"Ordinary Stock Election Consideration" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a)(i).

 

"Owned Land" has the meaning specified in Section 4.20(b).

 

"PCAOB" means the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (or any successor thereto).

 

"PCAOB Uplift Financial Statements" has the meaning specified in Section 6.3(a).

 

"Per Share Merger Consideration" means the product obtained by multiplying (a) the Exchange Ratio by (b) $10.00.

 

"Permits" means any approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses, registrations, permits or certificates of a Governmental Authority (including all mortgage banker, mortgage lender, mortgage company, mortgage servicer, mortgage broker, mortgage loan originator and similar licenses, and accreditations or similar consents obtained from the National Mortgage Licensing System).

 

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"Permitted Liens" means (i) mechanic's, materialmen's and similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business with respect to any amounts (A) not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith through (if then appropriate) appropriate proceedings and (B) for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (ii) Liens for Taxes (A) not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings and (B) for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (iii) easements, encroachments, covenants, rights-of-way, conditions, restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances that are not violated by the current use and operation of the Leased Real Property and do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair the value or materially interfere with the present use of the Leased Real Property, (iv) with respect to any Leased Real Property (A) the interests and rights of the respective lessors with respect thereto, including any statutory landlord liens and any Lien thereon, (B) any Lien permitted under the Real Property Lease, and (C) any Liens encumbering the Owned Land of which the Leased Real Property is a party, (v) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use and environmental regulations promulgated by any Governmental Authority that are not violated by the current use and operation of the Leased Real Property and do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with the current use of, or materially impair the value of, the Leased Real Property, (vi) non-exclusive licenses and other non-exclusive rights with respect to Intellectual Property, (vii) ordinary course purchase money Liens and Liens securing rental payments under operating or capital lease arrangements for amounts not yet due or payable, (viii) other Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money and on a basis consistent with past practice in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance or other types of social security, (ix) reversionary rights in favor of landlords under any Real Property Leases with respect to any of the buildings or other improvements owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (x) Liens securing Existing Credit Facilities and any other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 6.1(d) and (xi) all other Liens that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair the use, occupancy or value of the applicable assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

"Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, Governmental Authority or instrumentality or other entity of any kind.

 

"PIPE Investment" means the purchase of shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock and Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock, as applicable, pursuant to the PIPE Other Subscription Agreements.

 

"PIPE Other Subscription Agreements" means the subscription agreements with Acquiror pursuant to which Class A Common stock otherwise to be acquired by SoftBank under the PIPE Subscription Agreement, and rights and obligations in connection therewith, will be acquired by subscriber parties, which party(ies) will be Persons identified prior to or on the date of this Agreement as provided in the PIPE Subscription Agreement.

 

"PIPE Subscription Agreement" means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and between SoftBank and Acquiror.

 

"Preferred Stock Conversion" has the meaning specified in Section 6.5(a).

 

"Privacy/Cybersecurity Requirements" means all Laws, Contracts and public-facing policies applicable to (a) privacy or personal information, (b) the collection, retention, use, storage, processing, recording, distribution, transfer, import, export, protection (including security measures), disposal, destruction, disclosure or use of personal information or (c) cybersecurity.

 

"Prospectus" has the meaning specified in Section 11.1.

 

"Proxy Statement" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(a)(i).

 

"Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(a)(i).

 

"Q1 Financial Statements" has the meaning specified in Section 6.3(a).

 

"Q2 Financial Statements" has the meaning specified in Section 6.3(a).

 

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"Real Property Leases" has the meaning specified in Section 4.20(a)(ii).

 

"Redemption Subscription Agreement" means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and between, inter alia, Sponsor, Sponsor Guarantor and Acquiror.

 

"Registration Statement" means the Registration Statement on Form S-4, or other appropriate form, including any pre-effective or post-effective amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed with the SEC by Acquiror under the Securities Act with respect to the Registration Statement Securities.

 

"Registration Statement Securities" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(a).

 

"Replacement Facilities" has the meaning specified in Section 6.1(d).

 

"Repurchase Obligations" means all liabilities, including repurchase, indemnification, make-whole or similar obligations, relating to any Mortgage Loans originated, funded, sold, transferred, assigned, conveyed, Serviced or acquired by the Company at any time on or prior to the date of this Agreement, including pursuant to any Contract with, or breach of Contract or other act or omission of, any broker, correspondent or other Person, which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not in any case include any obligation of the Company to purchase or repurchase a Mortgage Loan pursuant to a Warehouse Line.

 

"Requisite Regulatory Approvals" has the meaning specified in Section 8.1(a).

 

"Restricted Stock Award" means an award of restricted shares of Company Common Stock granted under any Company Incentive Plan, which includes any shares of Company Common Stock issued pursuant to early exercised Options that remain subject to vesting conditions, Company repurchase rights or other transfer restrictions.

 

"Restricted Stock Unit Award" means an award of restricted stock units based on shares of Company Common Stock (whether to be settled in cash or shares), granted under any Company Incentive Plan.

 

"Sanctioned Country" means at any time, a country or territory which is itself the subject or target of any country wide or territory wide Sanctions Laws (at the time of this Agreement, the Crimea region, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

 

"Sanctioned Person" means any Person targeted by United States, United Kingdom, European Union, or United Nations trade or economic sanctions or export controls who is identified in any sanctions-related list maintained by (i) the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, the United States Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, or the United States Department of State; (ii) Her Majesty's Treasury of the United Kingdom; (iii) any committee of the United Nations Security Council; or (iv) the European Union; (v) any Person located, organized, or resident in, or is a Governmental Authority or government instrumentality of, any Sanctioned Country; and (vi) any Person directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting for the benefit or on behalf of, a Person described in clause (i) through (v), either individually or in the aggregate.

 

"Sanctions Laws" means those trade, economic and financial sanctions Laws administered, enacted or enforced from time to time by (i) the United States (including without limitation the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of State), (ii) the European Union and enforced by its member states, (iii) the United Nations, or (iv) Her Majesty's Treasury of the United Kingdom.

 

"Sarbanes-Oxley Act" means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

"SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

"Second Effective Time" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(c).

 

"Second Merger" has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.

 

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"Second Merger Certificate" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(c).

 

"Second Acquiror Nominee Director" has the meaning specified in Section 7.6(a).

 

"Second-Step Constituent Corporations" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(c).

 

"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

"Seller/Lender/Servicer" means an entity approved by, or registered with applicable Governmental Authorities to do business with such Governmental Authorities as a loan originator and seller and/or loan servicer, and/or to acquire mortgage insurance or securitization guarantees from such Governmental Authorities.

 

"Series A Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series A-1 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series B Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series B-1 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C-1 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C-2 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C-3 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C-4 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C-5 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C-6 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series C-7 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series D Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series D-1 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series D-2 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series D-3 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series D-4 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Series D-5 Preferred Stock" has the meaning specified in Section 4.6(a).

 

"Servicing" (and corollary terms such as "Service" or "Serviced") means the responsibilities with respect to servicing and administration of Mortgage Loans under applicable Laws or other Applicable Requirements, whether performed as a servicer, subservicer or interim servicer, including all collection activities related thereto.

 

"Servicing Agreement" means any Contract, including the Agency Guides, whereby the Company has agreed to Service any Mortgage Loan on behalf of a third Person (including any Agency) or designate such duties to an approved subservicer under a Subservicing Agreement, excluding in all cases any Warehouse Lines and Investor Agreements.

 

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"Servicing Policies" means any Agency or other Investor policies and procedures to which the Company is subject as such relate to the Servicing of Mortgage Loans in effect during the time the Mortgage Loans were Serviced by the Company or its Subsidiaries (either directly or through a subservicing arrangement).

 

"SoftBank" means SB Northstar LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp., a corporation formed under the laws of Japan.

 

"Sponsor" means Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Cyprus.

 

Sponsor Guarantor” means BB Trustees S.A., a regulated trustee governed by the laws of Switzerland, as trustee of The Future Holdings Trust.

 

"Sponsor Letter" means that certain Letter Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and between Sponsor and Acquiror.

 

"Sponsor Subscription Agreement" means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and between, inter alia, Sponsor and Acquiror.

 

"Sponsor Support Agreement" means that certain Support Agreement, dated as of the date of this Agreement, by and among the Sponsor, Acquiror and the Company, as amended or modified from time to time.

 

"Stock Consideration" means a number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to (i) the Maximum Implied Stock Consideration, minus (ii) a number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the Available Cash Consideration Amount, by (B) $10.00.

 

"Stock Electing Shares" means the Ordinary Stock Electing Shares, the BHC Stock Electing Shares and the Non-Voting Stock Electing Shares.

 

"Stock Election Consideration" means (a) with respect to Ordinary Stock Electing Shares, the Ordinary Stock Election Consideration, (b) with respect to the BHC Stock Electing Shares, the BHC Stock Election Consideration and (c) with respect to the Non-Voting Stock Election Shares, the Non-Voting Stock Election Consideration.

 

"Stock Election Cutback Amount" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b)(ii)(A).

 

"Subscription Agreements" means, collectively, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, the Redemption Subscription Agreement and the Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

"Subservicing Agreement" means any Contract whereby the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has a Contract with a Person other than the Company or its Subsidiaries to subservice or otherwise Service any Mortgage Loans on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

"Subsidiary" means, with respect to a Person, a corporation or other entity of which more than 50% of the voting power of the equity securities or equity interests is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

 

"Supplemental Stock Amount" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b)(i)(A).

 

"Surviving Corporation" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(d).

 

"Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, statement, information statement or other document filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Authority with respect to Taxes, including any claims for refunds of Taxes, any information returns and any schedules, attachments, amendments or supplements of any of the foregoing.

 

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"Taxes" means any and all federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority, including all income, gross receipts, license, payroll, recapture, net worth, employment, escheat and unclaimed property obligations, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental, customs duties, capital stock, ad valorem, value added, inventory, franchise, profits, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, assessments, sales, use, transfer, registration, governmental charges, duties, levies and other similar charges, in each case to the extent in the nature of a tax, alternative or add-on minimum, or estimated taxes, and including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto.

 

"Terminating Acquiror Breach" has the meaning specified in Section 10.1(g).

 

"Terminating Company Breach" has the meaning specified in Section 10.1(e).

 

"Transaction Proposals" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(b).

 

"Treasury Regulations" means the regulations promulgated under the Code by the United States Department of the Treasury (whether in final, proposed or temporary form), as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

"Treasury Share" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a).

 

"Trust Account" has the meaning specified in Section 11.1.

 

"Trust Agreement" has the meaning specified in Section 5.8.

 

"Trust Amount" has the meaning specified in Section 5.8.

 

"Trustee" has the meaning specified in Section 5.8.

 

"Unaudited Financial Statements" has the meaning specified in Section 4.8(a).

 

"Unpaid Transaction Expenses" has the meaning specified in Section 2.4(c).

 

"Warehouse Lender" means a financial institution that provides a Warehouse Line to the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

"Warehouse Line" means warehouse lines of credit, repurchase agreements and indebtedness secured by mortgage loans and related assets in the ordinary course of the Company's mortgage lending business and which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any term loan or credit agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries that is available to the Company or its Subsidiaries to finance aspects of their operations or capital expenditures more generally outside of the funding, purchase and sale of Mortgage Loans.

 

"WARN Act" has the meaning specified in Section 4.14(g).

 

"Warrant Agreement" means the Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2021, between Acquiror and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

 

"Working Capital Loans" means any loan made to Acquiror by any of the Sponsor, an Affiliate of the Sponsor or Acquiror's officers or directors, and evidenced by a promissory note, for the purpose of financing costs incurred in connection with a Business Combination, which for the avoidance of doubt shall not include any loan under the A&R Promissory Note.

 

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Section 1.2            Construction.

 

(a)            Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender; (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively; (iii) the terms "hereof," "herein," "hereby," "hereto" and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement; (iv) the terms "Article" or "Section" refer to the specified Article or Section of this Agreement; (v) the word "including" shall mean "including, without limitation" and (vi) the word "or" shall be disjunctive but not exclusive.

 

(b)            Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, references to statutes shall include all regulations promulgated thereunder and references to statutes or regulations shall be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing the statute or regulation.

 

(c)            Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified.

 

(d)            All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.

 

(e)            The term "actual fraud" means, with respect to a party to this Agreement, an actual and intentional fraud with respect to the making of the representations and warranties pursuant to Article IV or Article V (as applicable), provided, that such actual and intentional fraud of such Person shall only be deemed to exist if any of the individuals included on Section 1.3 of the Company Disclosure Letter (in the case of the Company) or Section 1.3 of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter (in the case of Acquiror) had actual knowledge (as opposed to imputed or constructive knowledge) that the representations and warranties made by such Person pursuant to, in the case of the Company, Article IV as qualified by the Company Disclosure Letter, or, in the case of Acquiror, Article V as qualified by the Acquiror Disclosure Letter, were actually breached when made, with the express intention that the other party to this Agreement rely thereon to its detriment.

 

Section 1.3            Knowledge. As used herein, (i) the phrase "to the knowledge" of the Company shall mean the knowledge of the individuals identified on Section 1.3 of the Company Disclosure Letter and (ii) the phrase "to the knowledge" of Acquiror shall mean the knowledge of the individuals identified on Section 1.3 of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter, in each case, as such individuals would have acquired in the exercise of a reasonable inquiry of direct reports; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, such reasonable inquiry shall not require such individuals to conduct (or have conducted) any Intellectual Property availability searches or clearance analysis (including clearance or prior art searches) or legal opinions (including freedom-to-operate opinions).

 

Article II
THE MERGERS; CLOSING

 

Section 2.1            The Mergers.

 

(a)            Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and following the Domestication, Acquiror, Merger Sub and the Company (Merger Sub and the Company sometimes being referred to herein as the "First-Step Constituent Corporations") shall cause Merger Sub to be merged with and into the Company, with the Company being the surviving corporation in the First Merger. The First Merger shall be consummated in accordance with this Agreement and shall be evidenced by a certificate of merger with respect to the First Merger (as so filed, the "First Merger Certificate"), executed by the First-Step Constituent Corporations in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL, such First Merger to be effective as of the First Effective Time.

 

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(b)            Upon consummation of the First Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company, as the surviving corporation of the First Merger (hereinafter referred to for the periods at and after the First Effective Time as the "First-Step Surviving Corporation"), shall continue its corporate existence under the DGCL, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror.

 

(c)            Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Acquiror and the First-Step Surviving Corporation (Acquiror and the First-Step Surviving Corporation sometimes being referred to herein as the "Second-Step Constituent Corporations") shall cause the First-Step Surviving Corporation to be merged with and into Acquiror, with Acquiror being the surviving corporation in the Second Merger. The Second Merger shall be consummated in accordance with this Agreement and evidenced by a certificate of merger with respect to the Second Merger (as so filed, the "Second Merger Certificate" and, together with the First Merger Certificate, the "Certificates of Merger") executed by the Second-Step Constituent Corporations in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL.

 

(d)            Upon consummation of the Second Merger, the separate corporate existence of the First-Step Surviving Corporation shall cease and Acquiror, as the surviving corporation of the Second Merger (hereinafter referred to for the periods at and after the Second Effective Time as the "Surviving Corporation"), shall continue its corporate existence under the DGCL.

 

Section 2.2            Effects of the Mergers.

 

(a)            At and after the First Effective Time, the First-Step Surviving Corporation shall thereupon and thereafter possess all of the rights, privileges, powers and franchises, of a public as well as a private nature, of the First-Step Constituent Corporations, and shall become subject to all the restrictions, disabilities and duties of each of the First-Step Constituent Corporations; and all rights, privileges, powers and franchises of each First-Step Constituent Corporation, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to each such First-Step Constituent Corporation, on whatever account, shall become vested in the First-Step Surviving Corporation; and all property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises, and all and every other interest shall become thereafter the property of the First-Step Surviving Corporation as they are of the First-Step Constituent Corporations; and the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise or any other interest in real estate vested by any instrument or otherwise in either of such First-Step Constituent Corporations shall not revert or become in any way impaired by reason of the First Merger; all of the foregoing in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL.

 

(b)            At and after the Second Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall thereupon and thereafter possess all of the rights, privileges, powers and franchises, of a public as well as a private nature, of the Second-Step Constituent Corporations, and shall become subject to all the restrictions, disabilities and duties of each of the Second-Step Constituent Corporations; and all rights, privileges, powers and franchises of each Second-Step Constituent Corporation, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to each such Second-Step Constituent Corporation, on whatever account, shall become vested in the Surviving Corporation; and all property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises, and all and every other interest shall become thereafter the property of the Surviving Corporation as they are of the Second-Step Constituent Corporations; and the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise or any other interest in real estate vested by any instrument or otherwise in either of such Second-Step Constituent Corporations shall not revert or become in any way impaired by reason of the Second Merger; all of the foregoing in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL.

 

Section 2.3            Closing; First Effective Time; Second Effective Time.

 

(a)            In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the First Merger (the "Closing") shall take place remotely, via electronic exchange of documents, at 10:00 a.m. (New York time) on the date which is three (3) Business Days after the first date on which all conditions set forth in Article IX shall have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof) or such other time and place as Acquiror and the Company may mutually agree in writing. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is referred to in this Agreement as the "Closing Date".

 

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(b)            Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions set forth in Article IX of this Agreement, and provided this Agreement has not theretofore been terminated pursuant to its terms, Acquiror, Merger Sub, and the Company shall cause the First Merger Certificate to be executed and duly submitted for filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL. The First Merger shall become effective at the time when the First Merger Certificate has been accepted for filing by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such later time as may be agreed by Acquiror and the Company in writing and specified in each of the First Merger Certificate (the "First Effective Time").

 

(c)            Promptly after the First Effective Time, but in all cases within one (1) Business Day thereafter, Acquiror and the First-Step Surviving Corporation shall cause the Second Merger Certificate to be executed and duly submitted for filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL. The Second Merger shall become effective at the time when the Second Merger Certificate has been accepted for filing by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such later time as may be agreed by Acquiror and the Company in writing and specified in the Second Merger Certificate (the "Second Effective Time").

 

(d)            For the avoidance of doubt, the Closing, the First Effective Time and the Second Effective Time shall not occur prior to the completion of the Domestication.

 

Section 2.4            Closing Deliverables.

 

(a)            At the Closing, the Company will deliver or cause to be delivered:

 

(i)              to Acquiror, a certificate signed by an officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that, to the knowledge and belief of such officer, the conditions specified in Section 9.2(a) and Section 9.2(b) have been fulfilled;

 

(ii)             to Acquiror, the written resignations of all of the directors of the Company (other than those Persons identified as the initial directors and officers, respectively, of the Surviving Corporation, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.6 and Section 7.6), effective as of the First Effective Time;

 

(iii)            to Acquiror, evidence that all Affiliate Agreements set forth on Section 6.4 of the Company Disclosure Letter have been terminated or settled at or prior to the Closing without further liability to Acquiror, the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries;

 

(iv)            to Acquiror, evidence reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror that the Preferred Stock Conversion has been consummated;

 

(v)             to the Acquiror, duly executed signatures pages of the Affiliates of the Company who are counterparties to the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(vi)            to Acquiror, a certificate on behalf of the Company, prepared in a manner consistent and in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Sections 1.897-2(g), (h) and 1.1445-2(c)(3), certifying that no interest in the Company is, or has been during the relevant period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code, a "U.S. real property interest" within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code, and a form of notice to the Internal Revenue Service prepared in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.897-2(h)(2); and

 

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(vii)           evidence reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror that any and all Executive Loans have been satisfied in full or forgiven.

 

(b)            At the Closing, Acquiror will deliver or cause to be delivered:

 

(i)              to the Exchange Agent, the Aggregate Merger Consideration for further distribution to the Company's stockholders pursuant to Section 3.2.

 

(ii)             to the Company, a certificate signed by an officer of Acquiror, dated the Closing Date, certifying that, to the knowledge and belief of such officer, the conditions specified in Section 9.3(a) and Section 9.3(b) have been fulfilled;

 

(iii)            to the Company, the written resignations of all of the directors and officers of Acquiror and Merger Sub (other than those Persons identified as the initial directors and officers, respectively, of the Surviving Corporation, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.6 and Section 7.6), effective as of the Second Effective Time;

 

(iv)            to the Company, a duly executed signature page to the Registration Rights Agreement; and

 

(v)             to the Company, a time-stamped copy of the certificate issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in relation to the Domestication.

 

(c)            On the Closing Date, concurrently with the Second Effective Time, Acquiror shall pay or cause to be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds, (i) all Acquiror Transaction Expenses as set forth on a written statement to be delivered to the Company not less than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date and (ii) all accrued and unpaid Company Transaction Expenses ("Unpaid Transaction Expenses") as set forth on a written statement to be delivered to Acquiror by or on behalf of the Company not less than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, which shall include the respective amounts and wire transfer instructions for the payment thereof, together with corresponding invoices for the foregoing; provided, that any Unpaid Transaction Expenses due to current or former employees, independent contractors, officers, or directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be paid to the Company for further payment to such employee, independent contractor, officer or director through the Company's payroll.

 

Section 2.5            Governing Documents of the Surviving Corporations.

 

(a)            The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the First Effective Time, shall be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of First-Step Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided therein and under the DGCL.

 

(b)            The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Acquiror (which shall be in substantially the form attached as Exhibits A and B hereto upon effectiveness of the Domestication), except that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall include "Better", or such other name as agreed by Acquiror and the Company, until thereafter amended as provided therein and under the DGCL.

 

Section 2.6            Directors and Officers of the First-Step Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Corporation.

 

(a)            The directors and officers of Merger Sub, as of immediately prior to the First Effective Time, shall be the initial directors and officers of the First-Step Surviving Corporation from and after the First Effective Time, each to hold office in accordance with the Governing Documents of the First- Step Surviving Corporation.

 

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(b)      From and after the Second Effective Time, the Persons identified as the initial directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.6 shall be the directors and officers (and in the case of such officers, holding such positions as set forth on Section 2.6 of the Company Disclosure Letter), respectively, of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Governing Documents of the Surviving Corporation.

 

Section 2.7              Tax Free Reorganization Matters. The parties hereto intend that, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Mergers, will constitute an integrated plan described in Rev. Rul. 2001-46, 2001-2 C.B. 321 that qualifies as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations to which each of Acquiror and the Company are to be parties under Section 368(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and this Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and the 368 of the Code and within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-2(g). The parties hereto further intend that as a result of the Domestication Acquiror will be treated as a "domestic" corporation (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(4) of the Code and corresponding provisions of state and local Law) prior to the First Effective Time. None of the parties hereto knows of any fact or circumstance (without conducting independent inquiry or diligence of the other relevant party), or has knowingly taken or will knowingly take any action, if such fact, circumstance or action would be reasonably expected to cause the Mergers, taken together, to fail to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations. The Mergers, taken together, and the Domestication, shall be reported by the parties hereto for all Tax purposes in accordance with the foregoing, unless otherwise required by a Governmental Authority as a result of a "determination" within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code or a change in applicable Law after the date of this Agreement. The parties hereto shall reasonably cooperate in good faith with each other and their respective counsel to document and support the Tax treatment of the Mergers as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, including providing reasonable and customary factual support letters.

 

Article III
EFFECTS OF THE MERGERS ON THE COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK AND EQUITY AWARDS

 

Section 3.1              Conversion of Securities.

 

(a)            At the First Effective Time, by virtue of the First Merger and without any action on the part of any holder of Company Capital Stock, each share of the Company Common Stock, in each case, that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time (other than (i) any shares of Company Common Stock subject to Options or Restricted Stock Unit Awards (which shall be respectively subject to Section 3.3), (ii) any shares of Company Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company, which treasury shares shall be canceled as part of the First Merger and shall not constitute "Company Capital Stock" hereunder (each such share, a "Treasury Share"), and (iii) any shares of Company Common Stock held by stockholders of the Company who have perfected and not withdrawn a demand for appraisal rights pursuant to the applicable provisions of the DGCL (clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), collectively, the "Excluded Shares")) shall be canceled and converted into the right to receive, subject to clause (b), Section 3.1(e) and Section 3.2(f):

 

(i)          in the case of a share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive Acquiror Class B Common Stock (an "Ordinary Stock Election") has been properly made and not revoked pursuant to Section 3.2 (each, an "Ordinary Stock Electing Share"), a number of shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio (in aggregate with respect to all Ordinary Stock Electing Shares of any Holder, as adjusted pursuant to clause (b), the "Ordinary Stock Election Consideration");

 

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(ii)            in the case of a share of Company Common Stock held by a Bank Holding Company with respect to which an election to receive Acquiror Class A Common Stock (a "BHC Stock Election") has been properly made and not revoked pursuant to Section 3.2 (each, an "BHC Stock Electing Share"), a number of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio (in aggregate with respect to all BHC Stock Electing Shares of any Holder, as adjusted pursuant to clause (b), the "BHC Stock Election Consideration"); or

 

(iii)           in the case of a share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock (a "Non-Voting Stock Election") has been properly made and not revoked pursuant to Section 3.2 (each, a "Non-Voting Stock Electing Share"), a number of shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio (in aggregate with respect to all Non-Voting Stock Electing Shares of any Holder, as adjusted pursuant to clause (b), the "Non-Voting Stock Election Consideration"); or

 

(iv)           in the case of a share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive cash (a "Cash Election") has been properly made and not revoked pursuant to Section 3.2 or with respect to which no election has been made (each, a "Cash Electing Share"), an amount in cash equal to the Per Share Merger Consideration, without interest (in aggregate with respect to all Cash Electing Shares of any Holder, as adjusted pursuant to clause (b), the "Cash Election Consideration").

 

(b)            Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, the Ordinary Stock Election Consideration, BHC Stock Election Consideration, the Non-Voting Stock Election Consideration and the Cash Election Consideration shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to this clause (b):

 

(i)             if the Cash Election Amount exceeds the Available Cash Consideration Amount, then (x) all Stock Electing Shares shall be converted to the right to receive the Stock Election Consideration, and (y) the following consideration shall be paid in respect of each Holder's Cash Electing Shares:

 

(A)      an amount in cash (such amount, the "Cash Election Cutback Amount") equal to (1) the quotient of (x) such Holder's Cash Election Consideration (before giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this clause (b)), divided by (y) the aggregate amount of cash elected in respect of all Holders' Cash Electing Shares, multiplied by (2) the Available Cash Consideration Amount; and

 

(B)       a number of shares (such number the "Supplemental Stock Amount") of Acquiror Class B Common Stock equal to (1) the Exchange Ratio, multiplied by (2) the quotient of (x) the difference of such Holder's Cash Election Consideration, less the Cash Election Cutback Amount, divided by (y) such Holder's Cash Election Consideration, unless the Holder of the Cash Electing Share has (i) established that it is a Bank Holding Company electing to receive Acquiror Class A Common Stock, in which case the consideration paid in respect of each such Holder's Cash Electing Shares shall be a number of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock equal to the Supplemental Stock Amount or (ii) elected to receive Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock, in which case the consideration paid in respect of each such Holder's Cash Electing Shares shall be a number of shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock equal to the Supplemental Stock Amount; and

 

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(ii)            if the Available Cash Consideration Amount exceeds the Cash Election Amount, then (x) all Cash Electing Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Election Consideration, and (y) the following consideration shall be paid in respect of each Holder's Stock Electing Shares:

 

(A)       a number of shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock (such number, the "Stock Election Cutback Amount") equal to (1) the quotient of (x) such Holder's Stock Election Consideration (before giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this clause (b)), divided by (y) the aggregate number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock elected in respect of all Holders' Stock Electing Shares, multiplied by the Available Stock Consideration Amount, unless the Holder of the Stock Electing Share has (i) established that it is a Bank Holding Company electing to receive Acquiror Class A Common Stock, in which case the consideration paid in respect of each such Holder's Stock Electing Shares shall be a number of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock equal to the Stock Election Cutback Amount or (ii) elected to receive Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock, in which case the consideration paid in respect of each such Holder's Stock Electing Shares shall be a number of shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock equal to the Stock Election Cutback Amount; and

 

(B)       an amount in cash equal to (1) such Holder's Stock Election Consideration (before giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this clause (b)), less the Stock Election Cutback Amount, multiplied by (2) $10.00; and

 

(iii)           if the Available Cash Consideration Amount equals the Cash Election Amount, then there shall be no adjustment pursuant to this clause (b).

 

(iv)           For purposes of this Section 3.1, all Dissenting Shares shall be deemed to be Cash Electing Shares.

 

(c)            At the First Effective Time, by virtue of the First Merger and without any action on the part of any holder of Company Capital Stock, each Company Warrant that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time (unless exercised prior to Closing), shall be exchanged and converted into a right to receive an Acquiror Common Warrant equivalent in value to that which a holder of shares of Company Capital Stock deliverable upon exercise of such Company Warrant would have been entitled in accordance with Section 3.1, if the right to purchase the shares of Company Capital Stock had been exercised by the holder of the Company Warrant immediately prior to the First Effective Time.

 

(d)            (i) At the First Effective Time, by virtue of the First Merger and without any action on the part of Acquiror or Merger Sub, each share of Merger Sub Capital Stock, shall be converted into a share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the First-Step Surviving Corporation; and (ii) at the Second Effective Time, by virtue of the Second Merger and without any action on the part of Acquiror or the First-Step Surviving Corporation, each share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the First-Step Surviving Corporation shall be canceled.

 

(e)            Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no fractional shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock shall be issued in the Merger.

 

Section 3.2              Exchange Procedures.

 

(a)            Prior to the Closing, Acquiror shall appoint an exchange agent reasonably acceptable to the Company (the "Exchange Agent") to act as the agent for the purpose of paying the Aggregate Merger Consideration to the Company's stockholders. At or before the First Effective Time, Acquiror shall deposit with the Exchange Agent (i) a cash amount in immediately available funds equal to the Cash Consideration, (ii) the number of shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock equal to the Ordinary Stock Election Consideration, (iii) the number of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock equal to the BHC Stock Election Consideration and (iv) the number of shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock equal to the Non-Voting Stock Election Consideration.

 

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(b)            Prior to the First Effective Time (and in any event within two (2) Business Days of the First Effective Time), Acquiror shall send or shall cause the Exchange Agent to send, to each record holder of shares of Company Common Stock as of immediately prior to the First Effective Time, whose Company Common Stock was converted pursuant to Section 3.1(a) into the right to receive a portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration, a letter of transmittal and instructions (which shall specify that the delivery shall be effected, and the risk of loss and title shall pass, only upon proper transfer of each share to the Exchange Agent, and which letter of transmittal will be in customary form and have such other provisions as Acquiror may reasonably specify) for use in such exchange (each, a "Letter of Transmittal"), which shall contain the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 3.1(a) of the Company Holders Support Agreement for any Holder who (i) beneficially owns greater than one percent (1%) of the outstanding Company Capital Stock as of the date of this Agreement and (ii) is not a party to the Company Holders Support Agreement.

 

(c)            Each holder of shares of Company Common Stock that have been converted into the right to receive a portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration, pursuant to Section 3.1(a), shall be entitled to receive such portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration, upon receipt of an "agent's message" by the Exchange Agent (or such other evidence, if any, of transfer as the Exchange Agent may reasonably request), together with a duly completed and validly executed Letter of Transmittal and such other documents as may reasonably be requested by the Exchange Agent. No interest shall be paid or accrued upon the transfer of any share.

 

(d)            Each holder of record of shares of Company Common Stock (not including the Excluded Shares) (each, a "Holder") shall have the right, subject to the limitations set forth in this Article III, to submit an Election in accordance with this clause (d) on or prior to the Election Deadline. The Company shall not waive the Election Deadline unless such Election Deadline is waived with respect to all Holders, the new election deadline is disclosed by the Company to all Holders on a date agreed to by Acquiror, and Acquiror has otherwise given its prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to such waiver. "Election Deadline" means 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date which the parties shall agree is as near as practicable to two (2) Business Days preceding the Closing Date. The parties shall cooperate to inform each Holder of the selected date of the Election Deadline not more than fifteen (15) Business Days before, and at least five (5) Business Days prior to, the Election Deadline.

 

(i)             Each Holder may specify in a request made in accordance with the provisions of this clause (d)(i) (an "Election") whether such Holder desires to make a (A) Cash Election, (B) Ordinary Stock Election, (C) solely in the event that such Holder establishes that it is a Bank Holding Company, a BHC Stock Election, or (D) Non-Voting Stock Election, in each case with respect to some or all of the shares of Company Common Stock held by such Holder. If any Holder fails to apply an Election to all of such Holder's shares of Company Common Stock, the portion of such Holder's shares of Company Common Stock with respect to which such Holder did not attempt to make an Election shall be automatically treated as if such Holder made an Ordinary Stock Election and, if applicable, a BHC Stock Election or Non-Voting Stock Election.

 

(ii)            Acquiror shall prepare a form of election that is reasonably acceptable to the Company (the "Form of Election"), which shall include the transmittal materials contemplated by clause (b), and Acquiror shall mail, or shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail and deliver, together with the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement, the Form of Election to Holders as of the record date established by the Board of Directors of the Company, in consultation with Acquiror, for purposes of obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval by written consent (the "Company Record Date") not less than 10 Business Days prior to the anticipated Election Deadline (the period between such mailing and the Election Deadline, the "Election Period"). Acquiror shall use reasonable best efforts to make available one or more Forms of Election as may reasonably be requested from time to time by all persons who become Holders during the period following the Company Record Date and prior to the Election Deadline.

 

(iii)           Any Election shall have been made properly only if the Exchange Agent shall have received, by the Election Deadline, (A) a Form of Election properly completed and signed in accordance with the instructions therein, and (B) the properly completed and executed documents required to be delivered by such Holder pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 3.2. Any Holder that does not make a valid Election by the Election Deadline shall be deemed to have made an Ordinary Stock Election and, if applicable, a BHC Stock Election or Non-Voting Stock Election.

 

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(iv)           Any Holder may, at any time during the Election Period, revoke his, her or its Election by written notice to the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline, together with a properly completed and signed revised Form of Election. Any subsequent transfer of such Holder's shares of Company Common Stock after such Holder has made an Election shall automatically revoke such Election (and such subsequent transferee may make a new Election pursuant to and if permitted by the terms of this clause (d)). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, all Elections shall be automatically deemed revoked upon receipt by the Exchange Agent of written notification from the Company or Acquiror that this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Article X. The Exchange Agent shall have reasonable discretion to determine if any Election is not properly made, changed or revoked with respect to any shares of Company Common Stock (none of the Company, Acquiror, Merger Sub or the Exchange Agent being under any duty to notify any Holder of any applicable defect). In the event the Exchange Agent makes a reasonable determination that an Election was not properly made (including as a result of the Exchange Agent not receiving an Election by the Election Deadline), such Election shall be deemed to be ineffective, and the Holder shall be deemed to have made an Ordinary Stock Election and, if applicable, a BHC Stock Election or Non-Voting Stock Election, with respect to the shares of Company Common Stock covered by the ineffective Election.

 

(e)            Promptly following the date that is one (1) year after the First Effective Time, Acquiror shall instruct the Exchange Agent to deliver to Acquiror all documents in its possession relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Exchange Agent's duties shall terminate. Thereafter, any portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration that remains unclaimed shall be returned to Acquiror, and any Person that was a holder of shares of Company Common Stock as of immediately prior to the First Effective Time that has not exchanged such shares of Company Common Stock for an applicable portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration in accordance with this Section 3.2 prior to the date that is one (1) year after the First Effective Time, may transfer such shares of Company Common Stock to Acquiror and (subject to applicable abandoned property, escheat and similar Laws) receive in consideration therefor, and Acquiror shall promptly deliver, such applicable portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration without any interest thereupon. None of Acquiror, Merger Sub, the Company, the First-Step Surviving Corporation, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any Person in respect of any of the Aggregate Merger Consideration delivered to a public official pursuant to and in accordance with any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws. If any such shares shall not have not been transferred immediately prior to such date on which any amounts payable pursuant to this Article III would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any Governmental Authority, any such amounts shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear of all claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.

 

(f)             In the event that the Company or Acquiror changes the number of shares of Company Common Stock, Acquiror Common Stock, shares of capital stock of the Company, shares of capital stock of Acquiror or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for shares of Company Common Stock, Acquiror Common Stock, shares of capital stock of the Company or shares of capital stock of Acquiror, as applicable, issued and outstanding prior to the First Effective Time as a result of a reclassification, stock split (including a reverse stock split), stock dividend or distribution, subdivision, exchange or readjustment of shares, or other similar transaction (other than the Preferred Stock Conversion, the Domestication, the PIPE Investment and any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements), then any number or amount contained herein which is based upon the price of Acquiror Common Stock, or the number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock or Company Common Stock, as the case may be, the Stock Consideration, the Cash Consideration, and any other similarly dependent items shall be equitably adjusted to reflect such change; provided, however, that nothing in this (f) shall be deemed to permit or authorize any party hereto to effect any such change that it is not otherwise authorized or permitted to undertake pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.3              Treatment of Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

 

(a)            As of the First Effective Time, the Company shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so that, as of the First Effective Time, each Option, whether vested or unvested that is outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall be converted into an option to acquire shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock upon substantially the same terms and conditions as are in effect with respect to such Option immediately prior to the First Effective Time, including with respect to vesting, exercisability and termination-related provisions (each, an "Acquiror Option") except that (i) such Acquiror Option shall relate to that whole number of shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) equal to the number of Company Common Shares subject to such Option, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and (ii) the exercise price per share for each such Acquiror Option shall be equal to the exercise price per share of such Option in effect immediately prior to the First Effective Time, divided by the Exchange Ratio (the exercise price per share, as so determined, being rounded up to the nearest full cent); provided, that the conversion of the Options will be made in a manner consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.424-1, such that such conversion will not constitute a "modification" of such Options for purposes of Section 409A or Section 424 of the Code.

 

(b)            As of the First Effective Time, each Restricted Stock Unit Award that is outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive restricted stock units based on shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock (each, an "Adjusted Restricted Stock Unit Award") with substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Restricted Stock Unit Award immediately prior to the First Effective Time (including with respect to vesting, settlement and termination-related provisions), except that such Adjusted Restricted Stock Unit Award shall relate to such number of shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock as is equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Restricted Stock Unit Award immediately prior to the First Effective Time, multiplied by (ii) the Exchange Ratio, with any fractional shares rounded down to the nearest whole share.

 

(c)             As of the First Effective Time, each Restricted Stock Award that is outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive restricted shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock (each, an “Adjusted Restricted Stock Award”) with substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Restricted Stock Award immediately prior to the First Effective Time (including with respect to vesting and termination-related provisions), except that such Adjusted Restricted Stock Award shall relate to such number of shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock as is equal to the product of (i) the number of Company Common Shares subject to such Restricted Stock Award immediately prior to the First Effective Time, multiplied by (ii) the Exchange Ratio, with any fractional shares rounded down to the nearest whole share.

 

(d)            The Company shall take all necessary actions to effect the treatment of Options, Restricted Stock Unit Awards and Restricted Stock Awards pursuant to Section 3.3(a), Section 3.3(b) and Section 3.3(c) in accordance with the Company Incentive Plans and the applicable award agreements thereunder.

 

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Section 3.4              Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision to this Agreement, Acquiror, the Company and the Exchange Agent, as applicable, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amount payable pursuant to this Agreement any such Taxes as may be required to be deducted and withheld from such amounts under the Code or any other applicable Law (as reasonably determined by Acquiror, the Company, and the Exchange Agent, respectively); provided, that Acquiror shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Company with at least five (5) Business Days prior written notice of any amounts that it intends to withhold in connection with the payment of the Aggregate Merger Consideration (other than any compensatory payments to be made pursuant to this Agreement) and will reasonably cooperate with the Company to reduce or eliminate any applicable withholding. To the extent that any amounts are so deducted and withheld, such deducted and withheld amounts shall be (a) timely remitted to the appropriate Governmental Authority and (b) treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.

 

Section 3.5              Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, shares of Company Capital Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time and held by a holder who has not voted in favor of adoption of this Agreement or consented thereto in writing and who is entitled to demand and has properly exercised appraisal rights of such shares in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL (such shares of Company Common Stock being referred to collectively as the "Dissenting Shares" until such time as such holder fails to perfect or otherwise waives, withdraws, or loses such holder's appraisal rights under the DGCL with respect to such shares) shall not be converted into a right to receive a portion of the Aggregate Merger Consideration, but instead shall be entitled to only such rights as are granted by Section 262 of the DGCL; provided, however, that if, after the First Effective Time, such holder fails to perfect, waives, withdraws, or loses such holder's right to appraisal pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL or if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that such holder is not entitled to the relief provided by Section 262 of the DGCL such shares of Company Common Stock shall be treated as if they had been converted as of the First Effective Time into the right to receive the Cash Election Consideration in accordance with Section 3.1 without interest thereon, upon transfer of such shares. The Company shall provide Acquiror prompt written notice of any demands received by the Company for appraisal of shares of Company Common Stock, any waiver or withdrawal of any such demand, and any other demand, notice, or instrument delivered to the Company prior to the First Effective Time that relates to such demand. Except with the prior written consent of Acquiror (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld, delayed or denied), the Company shall not make any payment with respect to, or settle, or offer to settle, any such demands.

 

Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

 

Except (a) as set forth in the disclosure letter delivered to Acquiror and Merger Sub by the Company on the date of this Agreement (the "Company Disclosure Letter") (each section of which, subject to Section 11.9, qualifies the correspondingly numbered and lettered representations in this Article IV) and (b) as otherwise contemplated by the Preferred Stock Conversion, in each case, the Company represents and warrants to Acquiror and Merger Sub as follows:

 

Section 4.1              Company Organization. The Company has been duly formed or organized and is validly existing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, and has the requisite company or corporate power, as applicable, and authority to own, lease or operate all of its properties, rights and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted in all material respects. The Governing Documents of the Company, as amended to the date of this Agreement and as previously made available by or on behalf of the Company to Acquiror, are true, correct and complete. The Company is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing as a foreign or extra-provincial corporation (or other entity, if applicable) in each jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified or in good standing, as applicable, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified or in good standing would not have, or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4.2              Subsidiaries. A complete list of each Subsidiary of the Company as of the date of this Agreement and its jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organization, as applicable, is set forth on Section 4.2 of the Company Disclosure Letter. The Subsidiaries of the Company have been duly formed or organized and are validly existing under the Laws of their jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and have the requisite company or corporate power and authority, as applicable, to own, lease or operate all of their respective properties, rights and assets and to conduct their respective businesses as they are now being conducted in all material respects. True, correct and complete copies of the Governing Documents of the Company's material Subsidiaries, in each case, as amended to the date of this Agreement, have been previously made available to Acquiror by or on behalf of the Company. Each Subsidiary of the Company is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing as a foreign or extra-provincial corporation (or other entity, if applicable) in each jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified or in good standing, as applicable, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified or in good standing would not have, or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.3              Due Authorization.

 

(a)            Other than the Company Stockholder Approval, the Company has all requisite company or corporate power, as applicable, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other documents to which it is a party contemplated hereby and (subject to the approvals described in Section 4.5) to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and to perform all of its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, and no other company or corporate proceeding on the part of the Company (other than the Company Stockholder Approval) is necessary to authorize this Agreement and the other documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been, and on or prior to the Closing and upon execution by the Company, such other documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and this Agreement constitutes, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, and on or prior to the Closing, the other documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby will constitute, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity (the "Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions").

 

(b)            On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Company has duly adopted resolutions (i) determining that this Agreement and the other documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders, as applicable, and (ii) authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the other documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. No other corporate action is required on the part of the Company or any of its stockholders to enter into this Agreement or the documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby or to approve the Mergers or the Preferred Stock Conversion other than the Company Stockholder Approval.

 

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Section 4.4              No Conflict. Subject to the receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval and the consents, approvals, authorizations and other requirements set forth in Section 4.5 and except as set forth on Section 4.4 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the documents to which the Company is a party contemplated hereby and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (a) violate or conflict with any provision of, or result in the breach of, or default under the Governing Documents of the Company, (b) violate or conflict with any provision of, or result in the breach of, or default under any Law or Governmental Order applicable to the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, (c) violate or conflict with any provision of, or result in the breach of, result in the loss of any right or benefit, or cause acceleration, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under any Material Contract of the type described in Section 4.12(a) to which the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries may be bound, or terminate or result in the termination of any such foregoing Material Contract or (d) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the properties, rights or assets of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, except, in the case of clauses (b) through (d), to the extent that the occurrence of the foregoing would not (i) have, or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to enter into and perform their obligations under this Agreement or (ii) have, or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.5              Governmental Authorities; Consents. Assuming the truth and completeness of the representations and warranties of Acquiror contained in this Agreement, no consent, waiver, approval or authorization of, or designation, declaration or filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority (each, a "Governmental Authorization") is required on the part of the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Company's execution or delivery of this Agreement or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for (i) applicable requirements of the HSR Act; (ii) the Governmental Authorizations set forth in Section 4.5 of the Company Disclosure Letter, (iii) any consents, approvals, authorizations, designations, declarations, waivers or filings, the absence of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to perform or comply with on a timely basis any material obligation of the Company under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) the filing of the Certificates of Merger in accordance with the DGCL.

 

Section 4.6              Capitalization of the Company.

 

(a)            As of the date of this Agreement, and without giving effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion:

 

(i)             the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of:

 

(A)      355,309,046 shares of Company Common Stock (of which (i) 8,000,000 shares are designated Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Class A Common Stock"), (ii) 192,457,901 shares are designated Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Class B Common Stock"), (iii) 77,517,666 shares are designated Class B-1 Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Class B-1 Common Stock") and (iv) 77,333,479 shares are designated Class O Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Class O Common Stock")); and

 

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(B)       197,085,530 shares of Company Preferred Stock (of which (i) 30,704,520 shares are designated Series A Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), (ii) 8,158,764 shares are designated Series A-1 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series A-1 Preferred Stock"), (iii) 13,005,760 shares are designated Series B Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), (iv) 4,100,000 shares are designated Series B-1 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series B-1 Preferred Stock"), (v) 43,495,421 shares are designated Series C Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock"), (vi) 43,495,421 shares are designated Series C-1 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C-1 Preferred Stock"), (vii) 6,093,219 shares are designated Series C-2 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C-2 Preferred Stock"), (viii) 6,458,813 shares are designated Series C-3 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C-3 Preferred Stock"), (ix) 710,294 shares are designated Series C-4 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C-4 Preferred Stock"), (x) 6,093,219 shares are designated Series C-5 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C-5 Preferred Stock"), (xi) 6,458,813 shares are designated Series C-6 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C-6 Preferred Stock"), (xii) 3,217,220 shares are designated Series C-7 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C-7 Preferred Stock"), (xiii) 8,564,688 shares are designated Series D Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series D Preferred Stock"), (xiv) 8,564,688 shares are designated Series D-1 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series D-1 Preferred Stock"), (xv) 6,970,478 shares are designated Series D-2 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series D-2 Preferred Stock"), (xvi) 299,310 shares are designated Series D-3 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series D-3 Preferred Stock"), (xvii) 347,451 shares are designated Series D-4 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series D-4 Preferred Stock") and (xviii) 347,451 shares are designated Series D-5 Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series D-5 Preferred Stock")).

 

(b)            As of the date of this Agreement, and without giving effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion, the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company consists:

 

(i)             98,072,564 shares of Company Common Stock (of which (i) 8,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, (ii) 56,089,586 shares of Class B Common Stock, (iii) 0 shares of Class B-1 Common Stock and (iv) 33,982,978 shares of Class O Common Stock) (including 20,014,871 shares of Company Common Stock subject to Restricted Stock Awards); and

 

(ii)            108,442,007 shares of Company Preferred Stock (of which (i) 22,661,786 shares are Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) 7,542,734 shares are Series A-1 Preferred Stock, (ii) 9,351,449 shares are Series B Preferred Stock, (iii) 3,654,311 shares are Series B-1 Preferred Stock, (iv) 32,482,305 shares are Series C Preferred Stock, (v) 2,924,746 shares are Series C-1 Preferred Stock, (vi) 4,586,357 shares are Series C-2 Preferred Stock, (vii) 2,737,502 shares are Series C-3 Preferred Stock, (viii) 710,294 shares are Series C-4 Preferred Stock, (ix) 1,506,862 shares are Series C-5 Preferred Stock, (x) 3,721,311 shares are Series C-6 Preferred Stock, (xi) 1,462,373 shares are Series C-7 Preferred Stock, (xii) 7,782,048 shares are Series D Preferred Stock, (xiii) 0 shares are Series D-1 Preferred Stock, (xiv) 6,671,168 shares are Series D-2 Preferred Stock, (xv) 299,310 shares are Series D-3 Preferred Stock, (xvi) 347,451 shares are Series D-4 Preferred Stock and (xvii) 0 shares are Series D-5 Preferred Stock)).

 

(c)            Each of the shares of issued and outstanding Company Capital Stock (A) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; (B) have been offered, sold and issued (1) in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law, including federal and state securities Laws, and all requirements set forth in the Governing Documents of the Company and (2) in compliance in all material respects with any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such securities; (C) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, the Governing Documents of the Company or any Contract to which the Company is a party or otherwise bound; and (D) are free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens. All shares of Company Common Stock are book-entry shares in the form of electronic stock certificates on the electronic capitalization management system provided by eShares, Inc., d/b/a Carta, Inc.

 

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(d)            As of the date of this Agreement, (i) Options to purchase 30,424,798 shares of Company Common Stock are outstanding, of which 30,424,798 Options have early exercise features, (ii) Restricted Stock Awards with respect to 20,014,871 shares of Company Common Stock, of which 20,014,871 have been received upon the early exercise of Options, are outstanding, and (ii) Restricted Stock Unit Awards with respect to 0 shares of Company Common Stock are outstanding. The Company has provided to Acquiror, prior to the date of this Agreement, a true and complete list of the following information with respect to each Company Award that is outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, as applicable: (A) the name of the holder thereof, (B) the Company Incentive Plan pursuant to which the Company Award was granted, (C) the type of Company Award, (D) the date of grant, (E) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject thereto (by grant), (F) the term of the Company Award, (G) the vesting schedule (including any accelerated vesting provisions) and the number of shares subject thereto that are vested and unvested as of the date of this Agreement, (H) in the case of an Option, the exercise price per share thereof, (I) in the case of any Option, whether such Option is intended to qualify as an "incentive stock option" (as defined in Section 422 of the Code) and (J) in the case of any Option, whether early exercise is permitted with respect to such Option. Each Option is intended to either qualify as an "incentive stock option" under Section 422 of the Code or to be exempt under Section 409A of the Code.

 

(e)            Except as set forth on Section 4.6(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Company has not granted any outstanding subscriptions, options, stock appreciation rights, warrants, rights or other securities (including debt securities) convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Company Capital Stock, any other commitments, calls, conversion rights, rights of exchange or privilege (whether pre-emptive, contractual or by matter of Law), plans or other agreements of any character providing for the issuance of additional shares, the sale of treasury shares or other equity interests, or for the repurchase or redemption of shares or other equity interests of the Company or the value of which is determined by reference to shares or other equity interests of the Company, and there are no voting trusts, proxies or agreements of any kind which may obligate the Company to issue, purchase, register for sale, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Company Capital Stock.

 

Section 4.7              Capitalization of Subsidiaries.

 

(a)            The outstanding shares of capital stock or equity interests of each of the Company's Subsidiaries (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued, are, to the extent applicable, fully paid and non-assessable; (ii) have been offered, sold and issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law, including federal and state securities Laws, and all requirements set forth in (A) the Governing Documents of each such Subsidiary, and (B) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such securities; (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, the Governing Documents of each such Subsidiary or any Contract to which each such Subsidiary is a party or otherwise bound; and (iv) are free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens.

 

(b)            Except as set forth in Section 4.7(b), the Company owns, directly or indirectly, of record and beneficially all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or equity interests of such Subsidiaries free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens or Liens arising under applicable securities Laws or the Governing Documents of such Subsidiary.

 

(c)            Except as set forth on Section 4.7(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter or permitted in accordance with Section 6.1 of this Agreement, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, rights or other securities (including debt securities) exercisable or exchangeable for any capital stock of such Subsidiaries, any other commitments, calls, conversion rights, rights of exchange or privilege (whether pre-emptive, contractual or by matter of Law), plans or other agreements of any character providing for the issuance of additional shares, the sale of treasury shares or other equity interests, or for the repurchase or redemption of shares or other equity interests of such Subsidiaries or the value of which is determined by reference to shares or other equity interests of the Subsidiaries, and there are no voting trusts, proxies or agreements of any kind which may obligate any Subsidiary of the Company to issue, purchase, register for sale, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its capital stock.

 

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Section 4.8              Financial Statements.

 

(a)            Attached as Section 4.8(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter are true and complete copies of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet and statements of operations and comprehensive income, statement of changes in stockholders' equity and statement of cash flows of BMC and its Subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, together with the auditor's reports thereon, each audited in accordance with AICPA standards (the "Audited Financial Statements") and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet and statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 (the "Unaudited Financial Statements", together with the Audited Financial Statements and if and when delivered, the PCAOB Uplift Financial Statements, Q1 Financial Statements and Q2 Financial Statements, the "Financial Statements").

 

(b)            The Audited Financial Statements, Unaudited Financial Statements and, if and when delivered pursuant to Section 6.3, the PCAOB Uplift Financial Statements, Q1 Financial Statements and Q2 Financial Statements, in each case, (i) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, as at the respective dates thereof, and the consolidated results of their operations, their consolidated incomes, their consolidated changes in stockholders' equity and their consolidated cash flows for the respective periods then ended (subject, in the case of the Q1 Financial Statements and Q2 Financial Statements, to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes), (ii) were prepared in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto and, in the case of the Q1 Financial Statements and Q2 Financial Statements, the absence of footnotes or the inclusion of limited footnotes), (iii) were prepared from, and are in accordance in all material respects with, the books and records of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries and (iv) when delivered by the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement for filing with the SEC following the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 6.3, will comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and with the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act applicable to a registrant, in effect as of the respective dates thereof.

 

(c)            Except as set forth on Section 4.8 of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither the Company (including, to the knowledge of the Company, any employee thereof) nor any independent auditor of the Company has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by the Company, (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Company's management or other employees who have a role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal accounting controls utilized by the Company or (iii) any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing.

 

Section 4.9              Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth on Section 4.9 of the Company Disclosure Letter, there is no other liability, debt or obligation of, or claim or judgment against, the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries (whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due), except for liabilities, debts, obligations, claims or judgments (a) reflected or reserved for on the Financial Statements or disclosed in the notes thereto, (b) that have arisen since the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the Financial Statements in the ordinary course of the operation of business, consistent with past practice, of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (c) that will be discharged or paid off prior to or at the Closing, (d) have arisen in connection with the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and will be disclosed or otherwise taken into account in the notice of Unpaid Transaction Expenses to be delivered to Acquiror by the Company pursuant to Section 2.4(a)(ii) or (e) which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4.10            Litigation and Proceedings. Except as set forth on Section 4.10 of the Company Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this Agreement (a) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, lawsuits, actions, suits, judgments, claims, proceedings or any other Actions (including any investigations or inquiries initiated, pending or threatened) by any Governmental Authority, or other pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened proceedings at law or in equity (collectively, "Legal Proceedings"), against the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets; and (b) there is no outstanding Governmental Order imposed upon the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries; nor are any properties or assets of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries' respective businesses bound or subject to any Governmental Order, except in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), as would not be, or would not reasonably be expected to be, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

Section 4.11            Legal Compliance.

 

(a)            Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is, and for the prior three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement has been, in compliance with applicable Law, except where the failure to be in compliance has not been, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

(b)            The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain a program of policies, procedures, and internal controls reasonably designed and implemented to (i) prevent the use of the products and services of the Company and its Subsidiaries in a manner that violates applicable Law, and (ii) otherwise provide reasonable assurance that violations of applicable Law by any of the Company's or its Subsidiaries' directors, officers, employees or its or their respective agents, representatives or other Persons, acting on behalf of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, will be prevented, detected and deterred.

 

(a)            This Section 4.11 does not relate to (i) ERISA or other Laws regarding employee benefit or labor matters, which are governed by Section 4.13, (ii) Environmental Laws, which are governed by Section 4.23, (iii) labor matters, which are governed by Section 4.14, (iv) Tax Laws and Permits, which are governed by Sections 4.6, 4.13 and 4.15, (v) the Anti-Bribery Laws or Sanctions, which are governed by Section 4.25 and Section 4.26, and (vi) Laws regarding Privacy/Cybersecurity Requirements, which are governed by Section 4.22.

 

Section 4.12            Contracts; No Defaults.

 

(a)            Section 4.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter contains a listing of all Contracts described in clauses (i) through (xiv) (the "Material Contracts") below to which, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries is a party or by which they are bound, other than a Company Benefit Plan. True, correct and complete copies of the Contracts listed on Section 4.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter have been previously made available to Acquiror or its agents or representatives, together with all amendments thereto.

 

(i)             any Contract that is an agreement with a Governmental Authority, other than in the ordinary course;

 

(ii)            each Contract evidencing outstanding Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including any Warehouse Line and any other Contract evidencing Funding Indebtedness), in each case in an aggregate amount thereunder in excess of $100,000,000;

 

(iii)           any Contract with a third party establishing any joint venture, partnership, strategic alliance or other collaboration (which includes the sharing of the Company's revenues or profits, in each case, that are material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(iv)           each Contract entered into on or after December 31, 2018 that involves the acquisition or disposition of capital stock or other equity interests of another Person, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise;

 

(v)            each Subservicing Agreement involving Mortgage Loans in aggregate amounts in excess of $1,000,000;

 

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(vi)           any Contract that contains an existing obligation (contingent or otherwise) to pay any material amounts in respect of indemnification obligations, purchase price adjustment, earn-outs, backend payment or similar obligation, in all cases in connection with any completed acquisition or disposition by the Company;

 

(vii)          each Contract that prohibits the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from engaging in any line of business or competing with any Person or in any geographic area in any material respect, in each case, excluding confidentiality agreements and agreements that contain confidentiality or non-solicitation covenants entered into in the ordinary course;

 

(viii)         each Contract pursuant to which the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries (A) grants to a third Person the right to use material Intellectual Property of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than those non-exclusive rights granted in the ordinary course of business pursuant to standardized terms that have been made available to Acquiror or its agents or representatives) or (B) is granted by a third Person the right to use Intellectual Property that is material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than Contracts granting non-exclusive rights to use commercially available off-the-shelf software);

 

(ix)            any Contract (other than those made in the ordinary course of business) providing for: (A) the grant of any preferential rights to purchase or lease any asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (B) any right (exclusive or non-exclusive) to sell or distribute any material product or service of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(x)             each Contract with an employee or individual consultant of the Company or its Subsidiaries that provides for annual compensation in excess of $300,000, other than at will agreements that can be terminated at any time for any legal reason without material severance or similar liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(xi)            each Investor Agreement pursuant to which the Company has sold an aggregate of more than 5% of the aggregate amount of Mortgage Loans sold since December 31, 2018; and

 

(xii)           each Servicing Agreement pursuant to which the Company has Serviced an aggregate of more than 5% of the aggregate amount of Mortgage Loans sold since December 31, 2018;

 

(xiii)          Contracts (other than Company Benefit Plans, employment agreements, employee confidentiality and invention assignment agreements, individual consulting or advisor agreements, equity or incentive equity documents and Governing Documents) between the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Affiliates of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries (other than the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries), the current executive officers and directors (or equivalents) of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, the Major Company Stockholders or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, or a member of the immediate family of the foregoing Persons, on the other hand (collectively, "Affiliate Agreements"); and

 

(xiv)         the Contract listed in Section 4.12(a)(xv) of the Company Disclosure Letter.

 

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(b)            Except for any Material Contract that will terminate upon the expiration of the stated term thereof prior to the Closing Date and except as otherwise would not be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, all Material Contracts listed pursuant to Section 4.12(a) in the Company Disclosure Letter are (i) in full force and effect and (ii) represent the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company or the Subsidiary of the Company party thereto and, to the knowledge of the Company, represent the legal, valid and binding obligations of the counterparties thereto. Except, in each case, where the occurrence of such breach or default or failure to perform would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (x) the Company and its Subsidiaries have performed in all respects all respective obligations required to be performed by them to date under such Material Contracts listed pursuant to Section 4.12(a), and neither the Company, the Company's Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto is in material breach of or default under any such Material Contract, (y) during the last twelve (12) months prior to the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written claim or written notice of termination or breach of or default under any such Contract, and (z) to the knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which individually or together with other events, would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of or a default under any such Material Contract by the Company or its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto (in each case, with or without notice or lapse of time or both).

 

Section 4.13            Company Benefit Plans.

 

(a)            Section 4.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete list, as of the date of this Agreement, of each material Company Benefit Plan. The term "Company Benefit Plan" means each "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, ("ERISA"), whether or not subject to ERISA, and any other employment, bonus, incentive or deferred compensation, employee loan, note or pledge agreement, equity or equity-based compensation, severance, termination, retention, change in control, health, welfare, pension, retirement, supplemental retirement, profit-sharing, retiree health, fringe benefit or other benefit or compensation plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement, in each case, which are currently maintained, sponsored, contributed to or required to be contributed to by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries for the benefit of any current or former director, officer, or employee, or to which the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries is a party or has or may have any liability (whether actual or contingent), and, in each case, whether or not (i) subject to the Laws of the United States, (ii) in writing or (iii) funded, but excluding in each case any statutory plan, program or arrangement that is required under applicable law and maintained by any Governmental Authority. With respect to each material Company Benefit Plan, the Company has made available to Acquiror, to the extent applicable, true, complete and correct copies of (A) the plan document, including all amendments thereto (or, if not written a written summary of its material terms), (B) the most recent summary plan description, including any summary of material modifications thereto, (C) the most recent annual report (Form 5500 series) filed with the IRS with respect to such Company Benefit Plan, (D) the most recent actuarial report or other financial statement relating to such Company Benefit Plan, and (E) the most recent determination or opinion letter, if any, issued by the IRS with respect to any Company Benefit Plan.

 

(b)            Except as set forth on Section 4.13(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, (i) each Company Benefit Plan has been established, operated and administered in material compliance with its terms and all applicable Laws, including ERISA and the Code; (ii) all contributions, premiums or payments required to be made with respect to any Company Benefit Plan on or before the date of this Agreement have been timely made or have been properly accrued and reflected in the Company's financial statements to the extent required by GAAP in all material respects; (iii) each Company Benefit Plan which is intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination or opinion letter from the IRS as to its qualification or may rely upon an opinion letter for a prototype plan and, to the knowledge of the Company, no fact or event has occurred that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such Company Benefit Plan; (iv) to the knowledge of the Company, there has not been any "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, other than a transaction that is exempt under a statutory or administrative exemption) with respect to any Company Benefit Plan; (v) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any material liability for breach of fiduciary duty or any other failure to act or comply in connection with the administration or investment of the assets of any Company Benefit Plan; and (vi) with respect to any Company Benefit Plan no event has occurred that could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of an excise tax upon the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates or Subsidiaries under Chapter 43 of the Code.

 

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   (c)            No Company Benefit Plan is, and neither the Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor any ERISA Affiliate has at any time within the previous six (6) years preceding the date of this Agreement sponsored, maintained or contributed to, been required to contribute to, or had any actual or contingent liability with respect to (i) a multiemployer pension plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA), (ii) a plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, (iii) a plan that has two or more contributing sponsors that are not ERISA Affiliates or (iv) a multiple employer welfare arrangement (within the meaning of Section 3(40) of ERISA).

 

   (d)            With respect to each Company Benefit Plan, no actions, suits or claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course) are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, except as would not be, or would not reasonably be expected to be, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

   (e)            No Company Benefit Plan provides medical, surgical, hospitalization, death or similar benefits (whether or not insured) for employees or former employees of the Company or any Subsidiary for periods extending beyond their retirement or other termination of service, other than coverage mandated by Section 4980B of the Code or any similar Law.

 

   (f)             Except as set forth on Section 4.13(f) of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements will, either alone or in combination with another event(s), (i) entitle any current or former employee, officer or other individual service provider of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to any severance pay, bonus or any other compensation or benefits payable or to be provided by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company , (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, trigger any payment or funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise), or increase the amount of compensation or benefits due any such current or former employee, officer or other individual service provider by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, or (iii) forgive any indebtedness.

 

   (g)           Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements will, either alone or in combination with another event(s), result in any "excess parachute payment" under Section 280G of the Code. No Company Benefit Plan provides for a Tax gross-up, make whole or similar payment with respect to the Taxes imposed under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code.

 

   (h)            With respect to each Company Benefit Plan subject to the Laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States, (i) all employer contributions to each such Company Benefit Plan required by Law or by the terms of such Company Benefit Plan have been made, (ii) each such Company Benefit Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities and, to the knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred since the date of the most recent approval or application therefor relating to any such Company Benefit Plan that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect any such approval or good standing, and (iii) each such Company Benefit Plan required to be fully funded or fully insured, is fully funded or fully insured, on an ongoing and termination or solvency basis (determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions) in compliance with applicable Laws. Each Company Benefit Plan subject to the Laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States which provides retirement benefits is a defined contribution plan.

 

   (i)             All Company Awards have been granted in accordance with applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Company Incentive Plan. All Company Awards are evidenced by award agreements in substantially the forms made available to Acquiror or if any individual award agreements contain terms that materially deviate from such form, copies of such individual award agreements. Each grant of an Option was validly issued and either properly approved by or issued pursuant to an Option properly approved by the Board of Directors of the Company (or appropriate committee thereof) as of the applicable date of grant. Each Option has been granted with an exercise price that is no less than the fair market value of the underlying Company Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

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Section 4.14      Labor Relations; Employees.

 

   (a)            Except as set forth on Section 4.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement or any similar agreement, no such agreement is being negotiated by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, and no labor union or any other employee representative body (the "Employee Representative") has requested or, to the knowledge of the Company, has sought to represent any of the employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

   (b)            Except as set forth on Section 4.14(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, there is no Employee Representative which must be notified or consulted in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no labor organization activity involving any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. In the past three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, there has been no strike, slowdown, work stoppage, unfair labor claim, lockout or other material labor dispute against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

 

   (c)            Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and have been for the past three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, in compliance with all applicable Laws respecting labor and employment in all material respects including, but not limited to, all Laws respecting terms and conditions of employment, health and safety, wages and hours (including minimum wage and payment of overtime), meal and rest breaks, holiday pay and the calculation of holiday pay, working time, employee classification (with respect to both exempt vs. non-exempt status and employee vs. independent contractor and worker status), child labor, immigration, employment discrimination, disability rights or benefits, equal opportunity and equal pay, plant closures and layoffs, affirmative action, workers' compensation, and labor relations. The Company and its Subsidiaries have in their files a Form I-9 that, to the knowledge of the Company, was completed in accordance with applicable Law in all material respects for each employee for whom such form was required under applicable Law.

 

   (d)            Except as set forth on Section 4.14(d) of the Company Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this Agreement, and in the past three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement,] there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened lawsuits, actions, suits, judgements, claims proceedings under any labor and employment Laws against the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, except as would not be, or would not reasonably be expected to be, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. In the past three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not received (i) notice of any unfair labor practice charge or complaint pending or threatened before the National Labor Relations Board or any other Governmental Authority against them, (ii) notice of any complaints, audits, grievances or arbitrations arising out of any collective bargaining agreement, (iii) notice of any charge or complaint with respect to or relating to them pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other Governmental Authority responsible for the prevention of unlawful employment practices, or (iv) notice of the intent of any Governmental Authority responsible for the enforcement of labor, employment, wages and hours of work, child labor, immigration, or occupational safety and health Laws to conduct an investigation with respect to or relating to them or notice that such investigation is in progress, except in each case as would not be, or would not reasonably be expected to be, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

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   (e)            Neither the Company nor any of the Company's Subsidiaries is party to a settlement agreement with a current or former officer, employee or individual independent contractor of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries that that has outstanding unfulfilled obligations in excess of $100,000 involves allegations relating to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or discrimination by either (i) an officer of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries or (ii) an employee of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries at the level of Vice President or above. To the knowledge of the Company, in the last three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, no Legal Proceedings alleging sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or discrimination have been made against (i) an officer of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries or (ii) an employee of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries at the level of Vice President or above.

 

   (f)             In the past four (4) years preceding the date of this Agreement, the Company has not implemented any plant closing or layoff of employees that could implicate the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988 (the "WARN Act"), or any similar foreign, state or local Law, and no such action will be implemented without advance notification to Acquiror.

 

   (g)           The Company delivered to Acquiror an Employee Census prior to the date hereof that was true, correct and complete in all material respects as of the date on which it is delivered.

 

   (h)           Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is liable for any material delinquent payment to any trust or other fund governed by or maintained by or on behalf of any Governmental Authority (other than the United States) in violation of a statutory obligation, or with respect to any material unemployment compensation benefits, social security, insurance, work or other statutory benefits or obligations including gratuity payments and provident fund contributions, in each case required by any Governmental Authority (other than the United States) (other than routine payments to be made in the normal course of business and consistent with past practice).

 

Section 4.15      Taxes.

 

   (a)            All material Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been timely filed (taking into account any applicable extensions), all such Tax Returns (taking into account all amendments thereto) are true, complete and accurate in all material respects and all amounts of Taxes due and payable (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid.

 

   (b)            The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have withheld from amounts owing to any employee, creditor or other Person all material Taxes required by Law to be withheld, paid over to the proper Governmental Authority in a timely manner all such withheld amounts and complied in all material respects with all applicable withholding and related reporting requirements with respect to such Taxes.

 

   (c)            There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Permitted Liens) upon the property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

   (d)            No claim, assessment, deficiency or proposed adjustment for any amount of Tax has been asserted or assessed by any Governmental Authority against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that remains unpaid.

 

   (e)            There are no Tax audits or other examinations by a Governmental Authority of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries presently in progress, nor has the Company or any of its Subsidiaries been notified in writing by a Governmental Authority of (nor to the knowledge of the Company has there been) any request or threat for such an audit or other examination.

 

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   (f)            There are no waivers, extensions or requests by a Governmental Authority for any waivers or extensions of any statute of limitations currently in effect with respect to Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

   (g)            Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has made a request for an advance tax ruling, request for technical advice, a request for a change of any method of accounting or any similar request that is in progress or pending with any Governmental Authority with respect to any Taxes.

 

   (h)            Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any Tax indemnification or Tax sharing agreement.

 

   (i)             Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a party to any transaction treated by the parties as a distribution of stock qualifying for Tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code in the two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

   (j)             Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) is liable for Taxes of any other Person (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law or as a transferee or successor or by Contract (other than customary commercial Contracts not primarily related to Taxes) or (ii) has ever been a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group filing for U.S. federal, state or local income Tax purposes, other than a group the common parent of which was or is the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

   (k)            No written claim has been made to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any Governmental Authority where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction.

 

   (l)             Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in a "listed transaction" within the meaning of Section 6707A(c)(2) of the Code.

 

   (m)           Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any material amount in taxable income, exclude any item of deduction or loss from taxable income, incur any liability for Taxes, or make any adjustment under Section 481 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (i) installment sale, intercompany transaction described in the Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) or open transaction disposition made prior to the Closing, (ii) prepaid amount received or deferred revenue recognized prior to the Closing, (iii) change in method of accounting made prior to the Closing, (iv) "closing agreement" as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) executed prior to the Closing or (v) by reason of Section 965(a) of the Code or election pursuant to Section 965(h) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law).

 

   (n)            The Company has not taken any action, nor to the knowledge of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are there any facts or circumstances, that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Mergers, taken together, from constituting an integrated transaction described in Rev. Rul. 2001- 46, 2001-2 C.B. 321 that qualifies as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations. The Company has not been, is not, and immediately prior to the First Effective Time will not be, treated as an "investment company" within the meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(F) of the Code.

 

   (o)            The knowledge of the Company, all holders of Restricted Stock Awards who have filed an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code in respect of such Restricted Stock Awards have timely filed such elections.

 

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Section 4.16      Brokers' Fees. Except as set forth on Section 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Letter, no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders' fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by the Company, any of the Company's Subsidiaries' or any of their Affiliates for which Acquiror, the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries has any obligation.

 

Section 4.17      Insurance. Section 4.17 of the Company Disclosure Letter contains a list of, as of the date of this Agreement, all material policies or binders of property, fire and casualty, product liability, workers' compensation, fidelity bond, surety bond and other forms of insurance held by, or for the benefit of, the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement. True, correct and complete copies of such insurance policies as in effect as of the date of this Agreement have been previously made available to Acquiror. All such policies are in full force and effect, all premiums due have been paid, and no notice of cancellation or termination has been received by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries with respect to any such policy. Except as set forth on Section 4.17 of the Company Disclosure Letter, no insurer has denied or disputed coverage of any material claim under an insurance policy during the last twelve (12) months.

 

Section 4.18      Permits.

 

   (a)            Each of the Company and its Company Subsidiaries is in possession of all material Permits necessary for the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted (the "Company Permits") in compliance with all applicable Laws, except where the failure to have such Company Permits would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. All such Company Permits are valid and in full force and effect, except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. There are no Actions pending, or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened that seek the revocation, cancellation, suspension or adverse modification of any Company Permit, in each case which revocation, cancellation, suspension or adverse modification would, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

   (b)            Each employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries whose job function requires the employee to have a Permit is in possession of all material Permits necessary for that employee to carry on employee's job function as it is now being conducted (the "Employee Permits") in compliance with all applicable Laws, except where the failure to have such Employee Permits would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. All such Employee Permits are valid and in full force and effect, except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. There are no Actions pending, or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened that seek the revocation, cancellation, suspension or adverse modification of any Employee Permit, in each case which revocation, cancellation, suspension or adverse modification would, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

           (c)            To the extent required by Applicable Requirements and except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company is approved by and is in good standing to originate and/or service, as applicable: (i) as a supervised mortgagee by the HUD with respect to Title I FHA mortgage loans; (ii) as a GNMA I and II Issuer by the Government National Mortgage Association; (iii) by the VA with respect to VA loans; and (iv) as a seller/servicer by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation with respect to conventional residential mortgage loans]. Except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company has complied with all requirements in connection with such Company Permits and such Company Permits are in full force and effect and no suspension or cancellation of any of them has been threatened. The Company has not received any written notice or other written communication from any Governmental Authority identified in this Section 4.18(c) that such Governmental Authority intends to terminate or restrict the Company's status as an approved participant in its programs involving the businesses for which the Company is as of the date of this Agreement registered, approved or authorized. The Company is properly licensed and qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such licensing and qualification is necessary to act under any Servicing Agreement and applicable Law, and qualified to act under each Servicing Agreement, except for such failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

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    (d)           Except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, all Custodial Accounts required to be maintained by the Company, or that are or have been maintained by or on behalf of the Company by any subservicer or other Person, are and, since December 31, 2018, have been, maintained in accordance with Applicable Requirements in all material respects, including Insurer requirements.

 

Section 4.19      Equipment and Other Tangible Property. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries owns and has good title to, and has the legal and beneficial ownership of or a valid leasehold interest in or right to use by license or otherwise, all material machinery, equipment and other tangible property reflected on the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries as owned by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens. All material personal property and leased personal property assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries are structurally sound and in good operating condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear expected) and are suitable for their present use.

 

Section 4.20      Real Property.

 

   (a)            Section 4.20 of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, correct and complete list as of the date of this Agreement of all Leased Real Property and all Real Property Leases (as hereinafter defined) pertaining to such Leased Real Property. With respect to each parcel of material Leased Real Property:

 

    (i)            The Company or one of its Subsidiaries holds a good and valid leasehold estate in, subleasehold, license, or other use and occupancy such Leased Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens.

 

    (ii)           The Company and its Subsidiaries have delivered to Acquiror true, correct and complete copies of all leases, lease guaranties, subleases, agreements for the leasing, use or occupancy of, or otherwise granting a right in and to such Leased Real Property by or to the Company and its Subsidiaries, including all amendments, terminations and modifications thereof (collectively, the "Real Property Leases"), and none of such Real Property Leases have been modified in any material respect, except to the extent that such modifications have been disclosed by the copies delivered to Acquiror.

 

    (iii)          The Company and its Subsidiaries are in material compliance with all Liens, encumbrances, easements, restrictions, and other matters of record affecting such Leased Real Property, and neither the Company nor any of the Company's Subsidiaries has received any written notice alleging any default or breach under any of such Liens, encumbrances, easements, restrictions, or other matters and, to the knowledge of the Company, no default or breach, nor any event that with notice or the passage of time would result in a default or breach, by any other contracting parties has occurred thereunder. To the knowledge of the Company, there are no material disputes or defaults with respect to such Real Property Leases. To the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has exercised or given any notice of exercise of, nor has any lessor or landlord exercised or given any notice of exercise by such party of, any option, right of first offer or right of first refusal contained in any such Real Property Lease.

 

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    (iv)         Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have received written notice of any current condemnation proceeding or proposed similar Action or agreement for taking in lieu of condemnation with respect to any portion of such Leased Real Property.

 

    (v)          Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries use or occupy any real property material to the business other than such Leased Real Property.

 

   (b)            None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries owns any land ("Owned Land").

 

Section 4.21      Intellectual Property.

 

   (a)            Section 4.21(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter lists each item of Intellectual Property that is registered or applied-for with a Governmental Authority or domain name registrar and is owned by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement ("Company Registered Intellectual Property"). The Company or one of the Company's Subsidiaries is the sole and exclusive beneficial and record owner of all of the items of Company Registered Intellectual Property, and all such items that are registered or issued are subsisting and unexpired, and to the knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable.

 

   (b)            Except as would not be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company or one of its Subsidiaries owns, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), or has a valid right to use, all Intellectual Property used in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries in substantially the same manner as such business has been operated during the twelve (12) months prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

   (c)            Except as would not be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (i) the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate any Intellectual Property of any third Person (provided that, with respect to patents, the foregoing representation is being made to the knowledge of the Company), and (ii) there is no Action (including any cease and desist letters or invitations to take a patent license) pending to which the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries is a named party, or to the knowledge of the Company, that is threatened in writing, alleging the Company's or its Subsidiaries' infringement, misappropriation or other violation of any Intellectual Property of any third Person.

 

   (d)            To the knowledge of the Company (i) no Person is infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise violating any material Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries in any material respect, and (ii) in the three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not sent to any Person any written notice, charge, complaint, claim or other written assertion against such third Person claiming infringement or violation by or misappropriation of any material Intellectual Property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

   (e)            The Company and its Subsidiaries take commercially reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets included in their Intellectual Property that are material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries. There has not been any unauthorized disclosure of or unauthorized access to any material trade secrets of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries to or by any Person in a manner that has resulted or may result in the misappropriation of, or loss of such trade secrets.

 

   (f)            With respect to the software used in the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to the knowledge of the Company, no such software contains any undisclosed or hidden device or feature designed to disrupt, disable, or otherwise impair the functioning of any software or any "back door," "time bomb", "Trojan horse," "worm," "drop dead device," or other malicious code or routines that permit unauthorized access or the unauthorized disablement or erasure of such or other software or information or data (or any parts thereof) of the Company or its Subsidiaries or customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case, except as would not be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

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   (g)            The Company's and its Subsidiaries' use and distribution of Open Source Materials is in material compliance with all Open Source Licenses applicable thereto. Except as would not be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary of the Company has used any Open Source Materials in a manner that requires any software or Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries to be subject to Copyleft Licenses.

 

   (h)            Each current or former employee, consultant and independent contractor who has developed any material Intellectual Property for or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has executed and delivered to the Company or the Company's Subsidiary proprietary information, confidentiality and assignment agreements substantially in the Company's standard forms that have been made available to Acquiror.

 

Section 4.22      Privacy and Cybersecurity.

 

   (a)           The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain, and during the three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, have adopted, implemented and maintained, a data privacy and security compliance program that (i) complies in all material respects with all applicable Privacy/Cybersecurity Requirements; (ii) protects the Company's information technology systems in its possession and control against reasonably anticipated threats, hazards to their security and the unauthorized use or disclosure of thereof; and (iii) includes commercially reasonable plans, policies, procedures and administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed for the integrity, operation, redundancy, disaster recovery and security of their information technology systems.

 

   (b)           The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with (i) all applicable Privacy/Cybersecurity Requirements, (ii) the Company's and its Subsidiaries' publicly facing privacy policies, and (iii) the Company's and its Subsidiaries' contractual obligations concerning cybersecurity, data security and the security of the Company's and each of its Subsidiaries' information technology systems.

 

   (c)            There are no Actions by any Person (including any Governmental Authority) pending as of the date of this Agreement to which the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries is a named party or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against the Company or its Subsidiaries, alleging a violation of any third Person's privacy or personal information rights.

 

   (d)            During the three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, (i) there have been no material breaches of the security of the information technology systems of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and (ii) there have been no disruptions in any information technology systems that materially adversely affected the Company's and its Subsidiaries' business or operations. The Company and its Subsidiaries take commercially reasonable and legally compliant measures designed to protect confidential or personally identifiable information in its possession or control against unauthorized access, use, modification, disclosure or other misuse, including through administrative, technical and physical safeguards, in each case, except as would not be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

   (e)            The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall not breach or otherwise cause any violation in any material respect of any Privacy/Cybersecurity Requirements.

 

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Section 4.23      Environmental Matters.

 

   (a)            The Company and its Subsidiaries are and, except for matters which have been fully resolved, have been in material compliance with all Environmental Laws.

 

   (b)            There has been no material release of any Hazardous Materials by the Company or its Subsidiaries (i) at, in, on or under any Leased Real Property or in connection with the Company's and its Subsidiaries' operations off-site of the Leased Real Property or (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, at, in, on or under any formerly owned or Leased Real Property during the time that the Company owned or leased such property or at any other location where Hazardous Materials generated by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries have been transported to, sent, placed or disposed of.

 

   (c)            Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries are subject to any current Governmental Order relating to any material non-compliance with Environmental Laws by the Company or its Subsidiaries or the investigation, sampling, monitoring, treatment, remediation, removal or cleanup of Hazardous Materials.

 

   (d)            No material Legal Proceeding is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened with respect to the Company's and its Subsidiaries' compliance with or liability under Environmental Laws, and, to the knowledge of the Company, there are no facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to form the basis of such a Legal Proceeding.

 

   (e)            The Company has previously made available to Acquiror all material environmental reports, assessments, audits and inspections and any material communications or notices from or to any Governmental Authority concerning any material non-compliance of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries with, or liability of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries under, Environmental Law.

 

Section 4.24     Absence of Changes. From the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the Financial Statements to the date of this Agreement, there has not been any Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.25      Anti-Corruption Compliance.

 

   (a)            For the past five (5) years preceding the date of this Agreement, neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of Company, any director, officer, employee or agent acting on behalf of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, has directly or indirectly offered or given anything of value to: (i) any Government Official or (ii) any other Person in violation of the Anti-Bribery Laws.

 

   (b)            Any and all Governmental Authorizations held or obtained by the Company or its Subsidiaries have not been procured in violation of the Anti-bribery Laws.

 

   (c)            To the knowledge of the Company, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no current or pending internal investigations, third party investigations (including by any Governmental Authority), or internal or external audits that address any material allegations or information concerning possible material violations of the Anti-Bribery Laws related to the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries.

 

Section 4.26      Sanctions and International Trade Compliance.

 

   (a)            The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) are, and have been for the past five (5) years preceding the date of this Agreement, in compliance in all material respects with all International Trade Laws and Sanctions Laws, and (ii) have obtained all required licenses, consents, notices, waivers, approvals, orders, registrations, declarations, or other authorizations from, and have made any material filings with, any applicable Governmental Authority for the import, export, re- export, deemed export, deemed re-export, or transfer required under the International Trade Laws and Sanctions Laws (the "Export Approvals"). There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, claims, complaints, charges, investigations, voluntary disclosures or Legal Proceedings against the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries related to any International Trade Laws or Sanctions Laws or any Export Approvals.

 

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   (b)            None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors or officers, or to the knowledge of the Company, employees or any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries' respective agents, representatives or other Persons acting on behalf of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, (i) is, or has during the past five (5) years preceding the date of this Agreement, been a Sanctioned Person or (ii) has transacted business directly or knowingly indirectly with any Sanctioned Person or in or with any Sanctioned Country in violation of Sanctions Laws.

 

Section 4.27      Critical Technologies The Company does not produce, design, test, manufacture, fabricate, or develop one or more "critical technologies" (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.215) not otherwise eligible for export, reexport, or transfer (in country) pursuant to License Exception ENC of the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 740.17) such that a filing with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States would be mandatory under 31 C.F.R. § 800.401(c).

 

Section 4.28      Information Supplied. To the knowledge of the Company, none of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries specifically in writing for inclusion in the Registration Statement will, at the date on which the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement is first mailed to the Acquiror Shareholders or at the time of the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; it being understood Company is making no representation with respect to third party data included in the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement.

 

Section 4.29      Mortgage Loans.

 

   (a)            The Credit Policies and Servicing Policies have been designed to comply in all material respects with the applicable Agency Guides, applicable Law and Applicable Requirements. The Company has endeavored to follow all such Credit Policies and Servicing Policies, except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The Company has made true and correct copies of all of its and its Subsidiaries' Credit Policies and Servicing Policies, in each case which are material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, available to Acquiror prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

   (b)           Since December 31, 2018, there have been no Actions against the Company relating to (i) any failure to comply with the Applicable Requirements in connection with the underwriting, origination, Servicing or sale of any Mortgage Loan, or (ii) the rescission of any insurance or guaranty Contract of the Company, in eachse case, except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

   (c)            Except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company is a member in good standing of the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Incorporated system.

 

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   (d)           Since December 31, 2018, (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Mortgage Loans that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has repurchased from any Persons pursuant to any Repurchase Obligation, together with all amounts otherwise paid to any other Persons due to a breach or claimed breach of any representation or warranty made by the Company in order to satisfy any Repurchase Obligations to any other Persons (all such amounts for the applicable period collectively, "Completed Repurchase Obligations"), is not material to the financial results of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and (ii) the Company has not received notices that it is in breach of any representation or warranty made by Company or its Subsidiary in connection with the sale, transfer, assignment or conveyance of any Mortgage Loan, or received any requests, notices or demands for the repurchase, indemnification, exercise of a make-whole obligation or similar right with respect to any Mortgage Loan or associated Repurchase Obligation, with respect to Mortgage Loans which would be material to the financial results of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Except for obligations arising under the Company's Warehouse Lines, Investor Agreements, Servicing Agreements or sales of Mortgage Servicing Rights, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Contract pursuant to which the Company or its Subsidiary may have any Repurchase Obligations with respect to any Mortgage Loans.

 

   (e)            The Company's compensation policies and procedures with respect to compensation paid or other incentives made available by the Company to any third party (including, as applicable, a broker or correspondent lender) in connection with any Mortgage Loans are designed to comply with applicable Law and Applicable Requirements. Any deviations from such policies and procedures, individually or in the aggregate, have not and are not expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

   (f)            All sales, assignments, conveyances, assignments, purchases, assumptions and related transfers of any Mortgage Loan or Servicing Rights by or to the Company, including any related transfers of Servicing or Servicing Rights, were effected in compliance with all Applicable Requirements at such time, except as would not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company and its Subsidiaries timely obtained all Governmental Authorizations or Permits in connection with the sale of any Servicing Rights.

 

   (g)            Since December 31, 2018, all of the Company's and its Subsidiaries' mortgage backed securities and forward contracts were entered into in accordance in all material respects with all Applicable Requirements.

 

Section 4.30      No Additional Representation or Warranties. Except as provided in and this Article IV, neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates, nor any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, equityholders, partners, members or representatives has made, or is making, any representation or warranty whatsoever to Acquiror or Merger Sub or their Affiliates and no such party shall be liable in respect of the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to Acquiror or Merger Sub or their Affiliates.

 

Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR AND MERGER SUB

 

Except as set forth in (a) in the case of Acquiror, any Acquiror SEC Filings filed or submitted prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding (i) any disclosures in any risk factors section that do not constitute statements of fact, disclosures in any forward-looking statements disclaimer and other disclosures that are generally cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature and (ii) any exhibits or other documents appended thereto) (it being acknowledged that nothing disclosed in such Acquiror SEC Filings will be deemed to modify or qualify the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.8, Section 5.12 and Section 5.15), or (b) in the case of Acquiror and Merger Sub, in the disclosure letter delivered by Acquiror and Merger Sub to the Company (the "Acquiror Disclosure Letter") on the date of this Agreement (each section of which, subject to Section 11.9, qualifies the correspondingly numbered and lettered representations in this Article V), Acquiror and Merger Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

 

Section 5.1      Company Organization. Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub has been duly incorporated, organized or formed and is validly existing as a corporation or exempted company in good standing (or equivalent status, to the extent that such concept exists) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation, and has the requisite company power and authority to own, lease or operate all of its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. The copies of Acquiror's Governing Documents and the Governing Documents of Merger Sub, in each case, as amended to the date of this Agreement, previously delivered by Acquiror to the Company, are true, correct and complete. Merger Sub has no assets or operations other than those required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby. All of the equity interests of Merger Sub are held directly by Acquiror. Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation or company in all jurisdictions in which its ownership of property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to Acquiror.

 

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Section 5.2      Due Authorization.

 

   (a)            Other than the Acquiror Shareholder Approval, each of Acquiror and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to (i) execute and deliver this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby, and (ii) consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been (A) duly and validly authorized and approved by each of the Boards of Directors of Acquiror and Merger Sub, (B) determined by each of the Boards of Directors of Acquiror and Merger Sub as advisable to Acquiror and the Acquiror Shareholders and the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, as applicable, and recommended for approval by the Acquiror Shareholders and the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, as applicable, and (C) duly and validly authorized and approved by Acquiror as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub. No other company or corporate proceeding on the part of Acquiror or Merger Sub is necessary to authorize this Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby (other than the Acquiror Shareholder Approval). This Agreement has been, and at or prior to the Closing, the other documents contemplated hereby will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Acquiror and Merger Sub, and this Agreement constitutes, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, and at or prior to the Closing, the other documents contemplated hereby will constitute, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Acquiror and Merger Sub, enforceable against Acquiror and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions.

 

   (b)            Assuming that a quorum (as determined pursuant to Acquiror's Governing Documents) is present:

 

    (i)            each of those Transaction Proposals identified in clauses (A), (B) and (C) of Section 8.2(b)(ii) shall require approval by an affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Acquiror Common Shares entitled to vote, who attend and vote thereupon (as determined in accordance with Acquiror's Governing Documents) at a shareholders' meeting duly called by the Board of Directors of Acquiror and held for such purpose;

 

    (ii)           each of those Transaction Proposals identified in clauses (D), (E), (F), (G), and (J) of Section 8.2(b)(ii), in each case, shall require approval by an affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Acquiror Common Shares entitled to vote, who attend and vote thereupon (as determined in accordance with Acquiror's Governing Documents) at a shareholders' meeting duly called by the Board of Directors of Acquiror and held for such purpose;

 

   (c)            The foregoing votes are the only votes of any of Acquiror's share capital necessary in connection with entry into this Agreement by Acquiror and Merger Sub and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Closing, assuming that the Transaction Proposals identified in clauses (H) and (I) of Section 8.2(b)(ii) are not necessary.

 

   (d)            At a meeting duly called and held, the Board of Directors of Acquiror has unanimously approved the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as a Business Combination.

 

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Section 5.3      No Conflict. Subject to the Acquiror Shareholder Approval, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Acquiror and Merger Sub and the other documents contemplated hereby by Acquiror and Merger Sub and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (a) violate or conflict with any provision of, or result in the breach of or default under the Governing Documents of Acquiror or Merger Sub, (b) violate or conflict with any provision of, or result in the breach of, or default under any applicable Law or Governmental Order applicable to Acquiror or Merger Sub, (c) violate or conflict with any provision of, or result in the breach of, result in the loss of any right or benefit, or cause acceleration, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under any Contract to which Acquiror or Merger Sub is a party or by which Acquiror or Merger Sub may be bound, or terminate or result in the termination of any such Contract or (d) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Acquiror or Merger Sub, except, in the case of clauses (b) through (d), to the extent that the occurrence of the foregoing would not (i) have, or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the ability of Acquiror or Merger Sub to enter into and perform their obligations under this Agreement or (ii) be material to Acquiror.

 

Section 5.4      Litigation and Proceedings. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, threatened Legal Proceedings against Acquiror or Merger Sub, their respective properties or assets, or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, any of their respective directors, managers, officers or employees (in their capacity as such). There are no investigations or other inquiries pending or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, threatened by any Governmental Authority, against Acquiror or Merger Sub, their respective properties or assets, or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, any of their respective directors, managers, officers or employees (in their capacity as such). There is no outstanding Governmental Order imposed upon Acquiror or Merger Sub, nor are any assets of Acquiror's or Merger Sub's respective businesses bound or subject to any Governmental Order the violation of which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to Acquiror. As of the date of this Agreement, each of Acquiror and Merger Sub is in compliance with all applicable Laws in all material respects. For the past three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement, Acquiror and Merger Sub have not received any written notice of or been charged with the violation of any Laws, except where such violation has not been, individually or in the aggregate, material to Acquiror.

 

Section 5.5      SEC Filings. Acquiror has timely filed or furnished all statements, prospectuses, registration statements, forms, reports and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC (collectively, as amended or may be amended after their respective filing dates, the "Acquiror SEC Filings") pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Securities Act. Each of the Acquiror SEC Filings, as of the respective date of its filing, and as of the date of any amendment, except in the case of the accounting treatment of warrants, complied, as to form, in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to the Acquiror SEC Filings. As of the respective date of its filing (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement or the Closing Date, as applicable, then on the date of such filing), the Acquiror SEC Filings did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters received from the SEC with respect to the Acquiror SEC Filings filed on or prior to the date of this Agreement. To the knowledge of Acquiror, none of the Acquiror SEC Filings filed on or prior to the date of this Agreement is subject to ongoing SEC review or investigation as of the date of this Agreement.

 

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Section 5.6      Internal Controls; Listing; Financial Statements.

 

  (a)             Except as not required in reliance on exemptions from various reporting requirements by virtue of Acquiror's status as an "emerging growth company" within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 ("JOBS Act"), Acquiror has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to Acquiror, including its consolidated Subsidiaries, if any, is made known to Acquiror's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within those entities, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared. Such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting Acquiror's principal executive officer and principal financial officer to material information required to be included in Acquiror's periodic reports required under the Exchange Act. Since February 12, 2021, Acquiror has established and maintained a system of internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of Acquiror's financial reporting and the preparation of Acquiror Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

 

  (b)             Each director and executive officer of Acquiror has filed with the SEC on a timely basis all statements required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Acquiror has not taken any action prohibited by Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

  (c)             Since February 12, 2021, Acquiror has complied in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the Nasdaq. The Acquiror Class A Common Stock, Acquiror Class B Common Stock, Acquiror Warrants and Cayman Acquiror Units are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and listed for trading on the Nasdaq. There is no Legal Proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, threatened against Acquiror by the Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister the Acquiror Class A Common Stock, Acquiror Class B Common Stock, Acquiror Warrants or Cayman Acquiror Units, or prohibit or terminate the listing of any of the foregoing on the Nasdaq.

 

  (d)            The Acquiror SEC Filings contain true and complete copies of the audited balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, and statement of operations, cash flow and shareholders' equity of Acquiror for the period from October 7, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020, together with the auditor's reports thereon (the "Acquiror Financial Statements"). The Acquiror Financial Statements present (i) fairly present in all material respects the financial position of Acquiror, as at the respective dates thereof, and the results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the respective periods then ended, (ii) were prepared in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto), and (iii) comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and with the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act in effect as of the respective dates thereof. The books and records of Acquiror have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements.

 

   (e)            There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by Acquiror to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of Acquiror. Acquiror has not taken any action prohibited by Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

   (f)            Neither Acquiror (including any employee thereof) nor Acquiror's independent auditors has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by Acquiror, (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves Acquiror's management or other employees who have a role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal accounting controls utilized by Acquiror or (iii) any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing.

 

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Section 5.7      Governmental Authorities; Consents. Assuming the truth and completeness of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement, no consent, waiver, approval or authorization of, or designation, declaration or filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority or other Person is required on the part of Acquiror or Merger Sub with respect to Acquiror's or Merger Sub's execution or delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for (a) applicable requirements of the HSR Act, (b) in connection with the Domestication, the applicable requirements and required approval of the Cayman Registrar, and (c) as otherwise disclosed on Section 5.7 of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter.

 

Section 5.8      Trust Account. As of the date of this Agreement, Acquiror has at least $278,002,869.60 in the Trust Account, such amount including, if applicable, an aggregate of approximately $8,505,100 of deferred underwriting commissions and other fees being held in the Trust Account (the "Trust Amount"), such monies invested in United States government securities or money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act pursuant to the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2021, between Acquiror and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee") (the "Trust Agreement"). Except as set forth in Section 5.8 of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter, there are no separate Contracts, side letters or other arrangements or understandings (whether written or unwritten, express or implied) that would cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the Acquiror SEC Filings to be inaccurate or that would entitle any Person (other than shareholders of Acquiror holding Acquiror Common Shares sold in Acquiror's initial public offering who shall have elected to redeem their shares of Acquiror Common Stock pursuant to Acquiror's Governing Documents and the underwriters of Acquiror's initial public offering with respect to deferred underwriting commissions) to any portion of the proceeds in the Trust Account or that otherwise relate to the Trust Account or the funds therein. Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Trust Account may be released other than to pay Taxes and payments with respect to all Acquiror Share Redemptions. There are no claims or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, threatened with respect to the Trust Account. Acquiror has performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date under, and is not in default, breach or delinquent in performance or any other respect (claimed or actual) in connection with, the Trust Agreement, and no event has occurred which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default or breach thereunder. Since March 31, 2021, Acquiror has not released any money from the Trust Account (other than interest income earned on the principal held in the Trust Account as permitted by the Trust Agreement). As of the First Effective Time, the obligations of Acquiror to dissolve or liquidate pursuant to Acquiror's Governing Documents shall terminate, and as of the First Effective Time, Acquiror shall have no obligation whatsoever pursuant to Acquiror's Governing Documents to dissolve and liquidate the assets of Acquiror by reason of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. As of the date of this Agreement, following the First Effective Time, no Acquiror Shareholder shall be entitled to receive any amount from the Trust Account except to the extent such Acquiror Shareholder is exercising an Acquiror Share Redemption. As of the date of this Agreement, assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein and the compliance by the Company with its obligations hereunder, neither Acquiror or Merger Sub have any reason to believe that any of the conditions to the use of funds in the Trust Account will not be satisfied or funds available in the Trust Account will not be available to Acquiror and Merger Sub on the Closing Date. The Trust Agreement has not been terminated, repudiated, rescinded, amended or supplemented or modified, in any respect, and, to the knowledge of Acquiror, no such termination, repudiation, rescission, amendment, supplement or modification is contemplated.

 

Section 5.9      Investment Company Act; JOBS Act. Acquiror is not an "investment company" or a Person directly or indirectly "controlled" by or acting on behalf of an "investment company", in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. Acquiror constitutes an "emerging growth company" within the meaning of the JOBS Act.

 

Section 5.10      Absence of Changes. Since March 31, 2021, (a) there has not been any event or occurrence that has had, or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the ability of Acquiror or Merger Sub to enter into and perform their obligations under this Agreement and (b) except as set forth in Section 5.10 of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter, Acquiror and Merger Sub have, in all material respects, conducted their business and operated their properties in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

 

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Section 5.11    No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for any fees and expenses payable by Acquiror or Merger Sub as a result of or in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, there is no liability, debt or obligation of or claim or judgment against Acquiror or Merger Sub (whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due), except for liabilities and obligations (a) reflected or reserved for on the financial statements or disclosed in the notes thereto included in Acquiror SEC Filings, (b) that have arisen since the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the Acquiror SEC Filings in the ordinary course of business of Acquiror and Merger Sub, or (c) which would not be, or would not reasonably be expected to be, material to Acquiror.

 

Section 5.12     Capitalization of Acquiror.

 

(a)            As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized share capital of Acquiror is $55,500.00 divided into (i) 500,000,000 shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock, 27,800,287 of which are issued and outstanding (subject to all Cayman Acquiror Units separating in full), (ii) 50,000,000 shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock, of which 6,950,072 shares are issued and outstanding and (iii) 5,000,000 preferred shares of which none and issued and outstanding (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, the "Cayman Securities"). As of immediately prior to the First Effective Time (without giving effect to any subscriptions under the Subscription Agreements or the PIPE Other Subscription Agreement), the authorized share capital of Acquiror will be $325,000.00 divided into (i) 1,750,000,000 shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock, 34,750,359 of which will be issued and outstanding (subject to all Domesticated Acquiror Units separating in full), (ii) 600,000,000 shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock, of which 0 shares will be issued and outstanding, (iii) 800,000,000 shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock, of which 0 shares will be issued and outstanding, and (iv) 100,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock, of which 0 shares will be issued and outstanding (clauses (i) through (iv), together with the Cayman Securities, the "Acquiror Securities"). The foregoing represents all of the issued and outstanding Acquiror Securities. All issued and outstanding Acquiror Securities (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; (ii) have been offered, sold and issued in compliance with applicable Law, including federal and state securities Laws, and all requirements set forth in (A) Acquiror's Governing Documents, and (B) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such securities; and (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, Acquiror's Governing Documents or any Contract to which Acquiror is a party or otherwise bound.

 

(b)          Subject to the terms of conditions of the Warrant Agreement, the Acquiror Warrants will be exercisable after giving effect to the Mergers for one share of Acquiror Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of eleven Dollars fifty cents ($11.50) per share. As of the date of this Agreement, 6,950,072 Acquiror Common Warrants (subject to all Cayman Acquiror Units separating in full) and 4,573,372 Acquiror Private Placement Warrants are issued and outstanding. Except as otherwise set forth in the Sponsor Letter, the Acquiror Warrants are not exercisable until the later of (x) March 8, 2022 and (y) thirty (30) days after the Closing. All outstanding Acquiror Warrants (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and constitute valid and binding obligations of Acquiror, enforceable against Acquiror in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity; (ii) have been offered, sold and issued in compliance with applicable Law, including federal and state securities Laws, and all requirements set forth in (A) Acquiror's Governing Documents and (B) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such securities; and (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, Acquiror's Governing Documents or any Contract to which Acquiror is a party or otherwise bound. Except for the Subscription Agreements, PIPE Other Subscription Agreements, Acquiror's Governing Documents and this Agreement, there are no outstanding Contracts of Acquiror to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Acquiror Securities. Except as disclosed in the Acquiror SEC Filings and except for the Subscription Agreements and PIPE Other Subscription Agreements, Acquiror is not a party to any shareholders agreement, voting agreement or registration rights agreement relating to Acquiror Common Stock or any other equity interests of Acquiror.

 

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(c)            Other than in connection with the PIPE Investment and the Subscription Agreements, Acquiror has not granted any outstanding options, stock appreciation rights, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Acquiror Securities, or any other commitments or agreements providing for the issuance of additional shares, the sale of treasury shares, for the repurchase or redemption of any Acquiror Securities or the value of which is determined by reference to the Acquiror Securities, and there are no Contracts of any kind which may obligate Acquiror to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Acquiror Securities.

 

(d)            The Acquiror Common Stock, when issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, shall be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and issued in compliance with all applicable state and federal securities Laws and not subject to, and not issued in violation of, any Lien, purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of applicable Law, Acquiror's Governing Documents, or any Contract to which Acquiror is a party or otherwise bound.

 

(e)            On or prior to the date of this Agreement, Acquiror has entered into the Subscription Agreements. The Subscription Agreements are in full force and effect with respect to, and binding on, Acquiror and, to the knowledge of Acquiror, SoftBank, Sponsor and the Sponsor Guarantor, as applicable, in accordance with their respective terms. To the knowledge of Acquiror the Subscription Agreements have not been withdrawn or terminated, or otherwise amended or modified, in any respect, and no withdrawal, termination, amendment or modification is contemplated by Acquiror, except for such assignments or transfers contemplated or permitted by the Subscription Agreements in accordance with their respective terms and except for such actions permitted by Section 7.10(a). The Subscription Agreements are legal, valid and binding obligations of (x) Acquiror and, (y) to the knowledge of Acquiror, SoftBank, Sponsor and the Sponsor Guarantor, as applicable, in each case, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, and neither the execution or delivery of the Subscription Agreements by Acquiror nor the performance by Acquiror of its obligations under the Subscription Agreements violates or conflicts with any applicable Laws or the Governing Documents of Acquiror. There are no agreements, side letters or arrangements between Acquiror and SoftBank or Sponsor or the Sponsor Guarantor (or their respective Affiliates), as applicable, relating to the Subscription Agreements and, as of the date of this Agreement, Acquiror does not have knowledge of any facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions set forth in the Subscription Agreements not being satisfied, on the Closing Date. No event has occurred that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or breach on the part of Acquiror under any material term or condition of any the Subscription Agreements and, as of the date of this Agreement, Acquiror has no reason to believe that it will be unable to satisfy in all material respects on a timely basis any term or condition of closing to be satisfied by it contained in the Subscription Agreements. The Subscription Agreements contain all of the conditions precedent (other than the conditions contained in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable) to the obligations of SoftBank and Sponsor to contribute to Acquiror the amount set forth in the Subscription Agreement on the respective terms therein.

 

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(f)            No fees, cash consideration or other discounts are payable or have been agreed to be paid by Acquiror or any of its Affiliates (including, from and after the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries) to any investor or SoftBank or Sponsor or the Sponsor Guarantor (or their respective Affiliates) in respect of, as applicable, the PIPE Investment or the Subscription Agreements, respectively, except as set forth in the Subscription Agreements that have been previously made available, or any PIPE Other Subscription Agreements made available, to the Company.

 

(g)            Acquiror has no Subsidiaries apart from Merger Sub, and does not own, directly or indirectly, any equity interests or other interests or investments (whether equity or debt) in any Person, whether incorporated or unincorporated. Acquiror is not party to any Contract that obligates Acquiror to invest money in, loan money to or make any capital contribution to any other Person.

 

Section 5.13     Brokers' Fees. Except fees described on Section 5.13 of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter, no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders' fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by Acquiror or any of its Affiliates.

 

Section 5.14     Indebtedness. Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub has any Indebtedness.

 

Section 5.15     Taxes.

 

(a)            All material Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to Acquiror or Merger Sub have been timely filed (taking into account any applicable extensions), all such Tax Returns (taking into account all amendments thereto) are true, complete and accurate in all material respects and all material amounts of Taxes due and payable (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid.

 

(b)            There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Permitted Liens) upon the property or assets of Acquiror or Merger Sub.

 

(c)          No claim, assessment, deficiency or proposed adjustment for any material amount of Tax has been asserted or assessed by any Governmental Authority against Acquiror or Merger Sub that remains unpaid.

 

(d)            No Tax audit or other examination by a Governmental Authority of Acquiror or Merger Sub is presently in progress, nor has Acquiror been notified in writing of (nor to the knowledge of Acquiror has there been) any request or threat for such an audit or other examination.

 

(e)            There are no waivers, extensions or requests for any waivers or extensions of any statute of limitations currently in effect with respect to Taxes of Acquiror or Merger Sub.

 

(f)            No written claim has been made to Acquiror or Merger Sub by any Governmental Authority where Acquiror or Merger Sub does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction.

 

(g)            Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub has participated in a "listed transaction" within the meaning of Section 6707A(c)(2) of the Code.

 

(h)            Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub will be required to include any material amount in taxable income, exclude any item of deduction or loss from taxable income, incur any liability for Taxes, or make any adjustment under Section 481 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (i) installment sale, intercompany transaction described in the Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) or open transaction disposition made prior to the Closing, (ii) prepaid amount received or deferred revenue recognized prior to the Closing, (iii) change in method of accounting made prior to the Closing, (iv) "closing agreement" as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) executed prior to the Closing or (v) by reason of Section 965(a) of the Code or election pursuant to Section 965(h) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law).

 

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(i)            Acquiror has not taken any action, nor to the knowledge of Acquiror are there any facts or circumstances, that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Mergers, taken together, from constituting an integrated transaction described in Rev. Rul. 2001-46, 2001-2 C.B. 321 that qualifies as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations. Acquiror has not been, is not, and immediately prior to the First Effective Time will not be, treated as an "investment company" within the meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(F) of the Code.

 

Section 5.16     Business Activities.

 

(a)            Since formation, neither Acquiror or Merger Sub have conducted any business activities other than activities related to Acquiror's initial public offering or directed toward the accomplishment of a Business Combination. Except as set forth in Acquiror's Governing Documents or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, there is no agreement, commitment, or Governmental Order binding upon Acquiror or Merger Sub or to which Acquiror or Merger Sub is a party which has or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing any business practice of Acquiror or Merger Sub or any acquisition of property by Acquiror or Merger Sub or the conduct of business by Acquiror or Merger Sub as currently conducted or as contemplated to be conducted as of the Closing, other than such effects, individually or in the aggregate, which have not been and would not reasonably be expected to be material to Acquiror or Merger Sub.

 

(b)            Except for Merger Sub and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, Acquiror does not own or have a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, any interest or investment (whether equity or debt) in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business, trust or other entity. Except for this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, Acquiror has no material interests, rights, obligations or liabilities with respect to, and is not party to, bound by or has its assets or property subject to, in each case whether directly or indirectly, any Contract or transaction which is, or would reasonably be interpreted as constituting, a Business Combination. Except for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, Merger Sub does not own or have a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, any interest or investment (whether equity or debt) in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business, trust or other entity.

 

(c)            Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of effecting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and has not engaged in any business activities or conducted any operations other than in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and has no, and at all times prior to the First Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the other documents and transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, will have no, assets, liabilities or obligations of any kind or nature whatsoever other than those incident to its formation.

 

(d)           Except for this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the other documents and transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including with respect to expenses and fees incurred in connection therewith), neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub are party to any Contract with any other Person that would require payments by Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries after the date of this Agreement in excess of $25,000 in the aggregate with respect to any individual Contract, other than Working Capital Loans. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no amounts outstanding under any Working Capital Loans.

 

(e)            Except as described in the Acquiror SEC Filings or in connection with the PIPE Investment and the Subscription Agreements and the Investor Rights Agreement, there are no transactions, Contracts, side letters, arrangements or understandings between Acquiror or Merger Sub, on the one hand, and (i) any director, officer, employee, stockholder, warrant holder or Affiliate of Acquiror or Merger Sub, (ii) Sponsor or any of its Affiliates or (iii) SoftBank or any of its Affiliates.

 

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(f)            The Estimated Acquiror Transaction Expenses made available by Acquiror to the Company are a good faith estimate as of the date of this Agreement of the Acquiror Transaction Expenses.

 

Section 5.17     Nasdaq Stock Market Quotation. The Acquiror Class A Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol "AURC". The Acquiror Common Warrants are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol "AURCW". As of the Closing, after giving effect to the Domestication and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and by the other agreements contemplated hereby) to occur prior to the Closing, the Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock and Domesticated Acquiror Warrants will be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and listed for trading on the Nasdaq. Acquiror is in compliance with the rules of the Nasdaq and there is no Action or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, threatened against Acquiror by the Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister the Acquiror Class A Common Stock or Acquiror Warrants or terminate the listing of Acquiror Class A Common Stock or Acquiror Warrants on the Nasdaq. None of Acquiror, Merger Sub or their respective Affiliates has taken any action in an attempt to terminate the registration of the Acquiror Class A Common Stock or Acquiror Warrants under the Exchange Act except as contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.18     Acquiror Shareholders. No foreign person (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.224) in which the national or subnational governments of a single foreign state have a substantial interest (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.244) will acquire a substantial interest in the Company as a result of the Mergers such that a declaration to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States would be mandatory under 31 C.F.R. § 800.401(b).

 

Section 5.19    Registration Statement, Proxy Statement and Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement. On the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Registration Statement, and when first filed in accordance with Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act and/or filed pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Proxy Statement and the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto), shall comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. On the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Registration Statement will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. On the date of any filing in accordance with Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act and/or pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the date the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, as applicable, is first mailed to the Acquiror Shareholders and certain of the Company's stockholders, as applicable, and at the time of the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting, the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, as applicable, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that Acquiror makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement or the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to Acquiror by or on behalf of the Company specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement or the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement.

 

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Section 5.20     No Outside Reliance. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article V or any other provision hereof, each of Acquiror and Merger Sub, and any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, equityholders, partners, members or representatives, acknowledge and agree that Acquiror has made its own investigation of the Company and that neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates, agents or representatives is making any representation or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, beyond those expressly given by the Company in Article IV, including any implied warranty or representation as to condition, merchantability, suitability or fitness for a particular purpose or trade as to any of the assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is understood that any cost estimates, financial or other projections or other predictions that may be contained or referred to in the Company Disclosure Letter or elsewhere, as well as any information, documents or other materials (including any such materials contained in any "data room" (whether or not accessed by Acquiror or its representatives) or reviewed by Acquiror pursuant to the Confidentiality Agreement) or management presentations that have been or shall hereafter be provided to Acquiror or any of its Affiliates, agents or representatives are not and will not be deemed to be representations or warranties of the Company, and no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the foregoing except as may be expressly set forth in Article IV of this Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, Acquiror understands and agrees that any assets, properties and business of the Company and its Subsidiaries are furnished "as is", "where is" and subject to and except as otherwise provided in the representations and warranties contained in Article IV, with all faults and without any other representation or warranty of any nature whatsoever.

 

Section 5.21     Anti-Corruption Compliance.

 

(a)          Neither the Acquiror, the Sponsor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries, nor, any of their respective directors, officers, employees or, to the knowledge of the Acquiror, any agent acting on behalf of the Acquiror, Sponsor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, has offered or given anything of value to: (i) any Government Official or (ii) any other Person in violation of the Anti-Bribery Laws.

 

(b)          To the knowledge of the Acquiror, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no current or pending internal investigations, third party investigations (including by any Governmental Authority), or internal or external audits that address any material allegations or information concerning possible material violations of the Anti-Bribery Laws related to the Acquiror, the Sponsor or any of their respective Subsidiaries.

 

Section 5.22     Sanctions and International Trade Compliance.

 

(a)          The Acquiror, the Sponsor and their respective Subsidiaries are and have been in compliance in all material respects with all International Trade Laws and Sanctions Laws, and (ii) have obtained all required Export Approvals. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquiror, threatened, claims, complaints, charges, investigations, voluntary disclosures or Legal Proceedings against the Acquiror, the Sponsor or any of any of their respective Subsidiaries related to any International Trade Laws or Sanctions Laws or any Export Approvals.

 

(b)           None of the Acquiror, the Sponsor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or to the knowledge of the Acquiror, any of the Acquiror's, Sponsor's or their respective Subsidiaries' respective agents, representatives or other Persons acting on behalf of the Acquiror, the Sponsor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, (i) is, or has during the past been, a Sanctioned Person or (ii) has transacted business directly or knowingly indirectly with any Sanctioned Person or in any Sanctioned Country in violation of Sanctions Laws.

 

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Section 5.23     No Additional Representation or Warranties. Except as provided in this Article V, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub nor any their respective Affiliates, nor any of their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, stockholders, partners, members or representatives has made, or is making, any representation or warranty whatsoever to the Company or its Affiliates and no such party shall be liable in respect of the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to the Company or its Affiliates. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company acknowledges that the Company and its advisors, have made their own investigation of Acquiror, Merger Sub and their respective Subsidiaries and, except as provided in this Article V, are not relying on any representation or warranty whatsoever as to the condition, merchantability, suitability or fitness for a particular purpose or trade as to any of the assets of Acquiror, Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries, the prospects (financial or otherwise) or the viability or likelihood of success of the business of Acquiror, Merger Sub and their respective Subsidiaries as conducted after the Closing, as contained in any materials provided by Acquiror, Merger Sub or any of their Affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, members or representatives or otherwise.

 

Article VI
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

 

Section 6.1     Conduct of Business. From the date of this Agreement through the earlier of the Closing or valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article X (the "Interim Period"), the Company and its Subsidiaries shall, except as otherwise required or permitted by this Agreement (including pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement), consented to in advance in writing by Acquiror, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, required by any Law, Governmental Order or other directive by a Governmental Authority (including any COVID-19 Measures), or set forth on Section 6.1 of the Company Disclosure Letter:

 

(a)          use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in all material respects; provided, that, in the case of actions that are taken (or omitted to be taken) reasonably in response to an emergency or urgent condition or conditions arising from COVID-19 or legal requirements related to COVID-19, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be acting outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, so long as such actions or omissions are reasonably designed to protect the health or welfare of the Company's employees, directors, officers or agents or to meet legal requirements;

 

(b)            not, directly or indirectly, effect any of the following;

 

(i)          make any change in or amendment to the Company's Governing Documents, or adopt a plan of liquidation, restructuring, recapitalization, dissolution or winding up of the Company or any Subsidiary (other than as contemplated in connection with the Preferred Stock Conversion);

 

(ii)            other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, form or establish a Subsidiary;

 

(iii)           (A) make, declare or pay any dividend or distribution to any equityholder (other than repurchases of Restricted Stock Awards upon termination of service with any employee or other individual service provider pursuant to the underlying award agreements in effect on the date of this Agreement or evidencing an award that is not granted in breach of Section 6.1(b)(xi)), (B) effect any recapitalization, reclassification, split, combination or other change in its capitalization, including any amendment to the terms of its shares, (C) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, transfer, pledge, encumber, dispose of or deliver any additional shares of Company Capital Stock or convertible securities (other than (x) in accordance with the Preferred Stock Conversion, or (y) pursuant to the exercise of Options or Company Warrants, the settlement of Restricted Stock Unit Awards or the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock Awards, in each case described in clause (y), in accordance with their terms and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement or granted not in breach of Section 6.1(b)(xi)) or (D) purchase, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any issued and outstanding share capital of the Company (other than repurchases of Restricted Stock Awards on the terms set forth in clause (A) of this Section 6.1(b)(iii));

 

(iv)            amend or terminate any Material Contract, except in the ordinary course consistent with past practice;

 

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(v)          grant to, or agree to grant to, any Person rights to any Intellectual Property that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, except for non-exclusive licenses granted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or dispose of, abandon or permit to lapse any rights to any Intellectual Property that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries except for the expiration of Company Registered Intellectual Property in accordance with the applicable statutory term (or in the case of domain names, applicable registration period) or in the reasonable exercise of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' business judgment as to the costs and benefits of maintaining the item;

 

(vi)            permit any of its material Intellectual Property to become subject to a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) or sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of any of its material Intellectual Property rights, but excluding licenses to Intellectual Property granted by the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

(vii)            (A) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, (B) amend, modify or otherwise change any filed material Tax Return, (C) adopt or request permission of any taxing authority to change any accounting method for Tax purposes, (D) enter into any "closing agreement" as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) with any Governmental Authority, (E) settle any claim or assessment in respect of a material amount of Taxes, (F) knowingly surrender or allow to expire any right to claim a refund of a material amount of Taxes or (G) consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any claim or assessment in respect of a material amount of Taxes or in respect to any material Tax attribute that would give rise to any claim or assessment of Taxes;

 

(viii)          except as may be required by applicable Law or GAAP, make any material change in its financial or tax accounting methods;

 

(ix)            (A) merge or consolidate with, or purchase substantially all of the assets of, any entity in excess of $50 million individually or $125 million in the aggregate, or (B) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;

 

(x)            other than in the ordinary course of business, sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of any material tangible assets or properties of the Company or its Subsidiaries, including the material Leased Real Property, except for (A) dispositions of obsolete or worthless equipment in the ordinary course of business and (B) transactions among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among its wholly owned Subsidiaries;

 

(xi)            (A) materially increase the aggregate cost of compensation, fees or benefits provided to employees, independent contractors providing services in their personal capacity, or directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (B) adopt, enter into, or amend any collective bargaining or similar agreement; or (C) terminate (other than for cause) any executive officer of the Company, or give notice of any such action; (D) grant any equity or equity-based compensation awards; or (E) other than in the ordinary course of business, terminate, adopt, enter into or amend any Company Benefit Plan (or any plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement that would be a Company Benefit Plan if in effect on the date hereof); or

 

(c)            waive, release, settle, compromise or otherwise resolve any inquiry, investigation, claim, Action, litigation or other Legal Proceedings, except where such waivers, releases, settlements or compromises involve only the payment of monetary damages in an amount less than $5,000,000 individually and less than $10,000,000 in the aggregate;

 

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(d)            incur any Indebtedness or issue any warrants or other rights to acquire any Indebtedness, except (A) borrowings in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice solely to fund the ongoing business operations of the Company and the Company's Subsidiaries, including (1) under the Existing Credit Facilities and (2) under any facility or similar Indebtedness amending, increasing, refinancing (in whole or in part) the Existing Credit Facilities (the “Replacement Facilities”), (B) intercompany Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice among the Company and the Company's Subsidiaries, (C)(1) to the extent not drawn upon and payments are not triggered thereby, letters of credit, bank guarantees, security or performance bonds or similar credit support instruments and (2) overdraft facilities or cash management programs, in each case issued, made and entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (D) hedging arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and not for speculative purposes, or (E) secured or unsecured notes issued by the Company or its Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount for all such notes not to exceed $450,000,000 and which issuance would not result in the incurrence of incremental Indebtedness of more than $250,000,000 (disregarding incremental Indebtedness incurred as original issue discount or to fund related refinancing expenses, including make-whole or other premium, breakage and similar costs, accrued interest or other related fees and expenses);

 

(e)          enter into any Affiliate Agreement, other than as may be required or permitted under this Agreement to effect the transactions contemplated under this Agreement;

 

(f)            knowingly take any action, or knowingly fail to take any action, where such action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to prevent the Mergers, taken together, from constituting an integrated transaction described in Rev. Rul. 2001-46, 2001-2 C.B. 321 that qualifies as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations; or

 

(g)            enter into any agreement to do any action prohibited under this Section 6.1.

 

(h)            Acquiror acknowledges and agrees that: (x) nothing contained in this Agreement, including the restrictions set forth in this Section 6.1, shall give Acquiror, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing, and (y) prior to the Closing, the Company and its Company Subsidiaries shall exercise, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including this Section 6.1, complete control and supervision over its operations.

 

Section 6.2     Inspection. Subject to confidentiality obligations (whether contractual, imposed by applicable Law or otherwise) that may be applicable to information furnished to the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries by third parties that may be in the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' possession from time to time, and except for any information that is subject to attorney-client privilege (provided that, to the extent reasonably possible, the parties shall cooperate in good faith to permit disclosure of such information in a manner that preserves such privilege or compliance with such confidentiality obligation), and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, afford to Acquiror and its accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable access during the Interim Period (including for the purpose of coordinating transition planning for employees), during normal business hours and with reasonable advance notice, in such manner as to not materially interfere with the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to all of their respective properties, books, Contracts, commitments, Tax Returns, records and appropriate officers and employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and shall furnish such representatives with all financial and operating data and other information concerning the affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries as such representatives may reasonably request; provided, that such access shall not include any unreasonably invasive or intrusive investigations or other testing, sampling or analysis of any properties, facilities or equipment of the Company or its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of the Company; and provided, further, that such access shall not be required to the extent the Company reasonably determines, in light of COVID-19 or COVID-19 Measures, that such access would jeopardize the health and safety of any employee of the Company or its Company Subsidiaries (provided, however, that the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make appropriate such substitute arrangements to permit reasonable access or disclosure).

 

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Section 6.3     Preparation and Delivery of Additional Company Financial Statements.

 

(a)          As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to Acquiror (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet and statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, each audited in accordance with PCAOB standards (the "PCAOB Uplift Financial Statements") and (ii) the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders' deficit, and cash flow of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for the three- month period ended March 31, 2021, reviewed in accordance with PCAOB standards (the "Q1 Financial Statements"), in each case, which comply with the applicable accounting requirements and with the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act applicable to a registrant; provided, that upon delivery of such PCAOB Uplift Financial Statements or Q1 Financial Statements, as applicable, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.8 shall be deemed to apply to the PCAOB Uplift Financial Statements or Q1 Financial Statements, as applicable, with the same force and effect as if made as of the date of this Agreement; provided, further, that the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to deliver the PCAOB Uplift Financial Statements by May 21, 2021 and the Q1 Financial Statements by June 15, 2021.

 

(b)            If the First Effective Time has not occurred prior to August 1, 2021, as soon as reasonably practicable following August 1, 2021, the Company shall deliver to Acquiror the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders' deficit, and cash flow of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, reviewed in accordance with PCAOB standards (the "Q2 Financial Statements"), which comply with the applicable accounting requirements and with the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act applicable to a registrant; provided, that upon delivery of such Q2 Financial Statements, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.8 shall be deemed to apply to the Q2 Financial Statements with the same force and effect as if made as of the date of this Agreement.

 

Section 6.4     Affiliate Agreements. Prior to the Closing, the Company shall terminate or settle, or cause to be terminated or settled, without further liability to Acquiror, the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, all Affiliate Agreements set forth on Section 6.4 of the Company Disclosure Letter, and obtain evidence reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror that such Affiliate Agreements have been terminated or settled, effective prior to the Closing.

 

Section 6.5    Preferred Stock Conversion. Prior to the First Effective Time, the Company shall effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of Company Preferred Stock into shares of Company Common Stock (the "Preferred Stock Conversion").

 

Section 6.6     Acquisition Proposals. From the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date or, if earlier, the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article X, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, and the Company shall instruct and use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and their representatives acting on its and their behalf, not to (a) initiate any negotiations with any Person with respect to, or provide any non-public information or data concerning the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries to any Person relating to, an Acquisition Proposal or afford to any Person access to the business, properties, assets or personnel of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries in connection with an Acquisition Proposal, (b) enter into any acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement relating to an Acquisition Proposal, (c) grant any waiver, amendment or release under any confidentiality agreement or the anti-takeover laws of any state relating to an Acquisition Proposal, or (d) otherwise knowingly facilitate any such inquiries, proposals, discussions, or negotiations or any effort or attempt by any Person to make an Acquisition Proposal. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective representatives shall not be restricted pursuant to the foregoing sentence with respect to any actions explicitly contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements (including the PIPE Investment).

 

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Article VII
COVENANTS OF ACQUIROR

 

Section 7.1     Employee Matters.

 

(a)            Employee Matters. Acquiror and the Company shall take all necessary actions to cause each employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Closing to continue in employment with Acquiror and its Affiliates (including the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, if applicable) immediately following the Closing unless such employee objects to the continued employment (such employees who do not object to the employment with Acquiror, the "Continuing Employees").

 

(b)            Service Credit, Etc. Effective as of the Closing and thereafter, Acquiror and its Affiliates shall recognize, or shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to recognize, each Continuing Employee's employment or service with the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries (including any current or former Affiliate thereof or any predecessor of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) prior to the Closing for all purposes, including for purposes of determining, as applicable, eligibility for participation, vesting and entitlement of the Continuing Employee under all employee benefit plans maintained by the Company, its Subsidiaries, Acquiror or an Affiliate of Acquiror, including vacation plans or arrangements, 401(k) or other retirement plans and any welfare plans (excluding equity incentive plans or benefit accruals under a defined benefit pension plan), except to the extent such recognition would result in a duplication of benefits. In addition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, effective as of the Closing and thereafter, Acquiror and its Affiliates shall, or shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to, (i) cause any pre-existing conditions or limitations, eligibility waiting periods, actively at work requirements, evidence of insurability requirements or required physical examinations under any health or similar plan of the Company, its Subsidiaries, Acquiror or an Affiliate of Acquiror to be waived with respect to Continuing Employees and their eligible dependents (provided, that, in the case of any insured arrangements, subject to the consent of the applicable insurer and Acquiror's commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such consent), except to the extent that any waiting period, exclusions or requirements still applied to such Continuing Employee under the comparable Company Benefit Plan in which such Continuing Employee participated immediately before the Closing, and (ii) fully credit each Continuing Employee with all deductible payments, co-payments and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents under the medical, dental, pharmaceutical or vision benefit plans of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries prior to the Closing during the plan year in which the Closing occurs for the purpose of determining the extent to which such Continuing Employee has satisfied the deductible, co-payments, or maximum out-of-pocket requirements applicable to such Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents for such plan year under any medical, dental, pharmaceutical or vision benefit plan of the Company, its Subsidiaries, Acquiror or an Affiliate of Acquiror, as if such amounts had been paid in accordance with such plan (provided, that, in the case of any insured arrangements, subject to the consent of the applicable insurer and Acquiror's commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such consent).

 

(c)            Equity Plans and Transaction Bonuses. Prior to the Closing Date, Acquiror shall approve and adopt (i) an incentive equity plan, pursuant to which a number of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock equal to 11.0% of the fully diluted shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately after the Closing shall be reserved for issuance, subject to an annual evergreen provision of 5.0% for the ten (10) year period following the Closing Date in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit E (the "Incentive Equity Plan"), together with the form of restricted stock unit award grant notice and award agreement thereunder, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F, and the form of stock option grant notice and agreement thereunder, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G, (ii) an Employee Stock Purchase Plan pursuant to which a number of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock equal to 2.0% of the fully diluted shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately after the Closing shall be reserved for issuance, subject to an annual evergreen provision of 1.0% for the ten (10) year period following the Closing Date, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit H (the "ESPP"), and (iii) a management transaction bonus plan permitting bonuses in aggregate of up to $20,000,000 (the "Management Transaction Bonus Plan"), the general terms and conditions of which shall be agreed prior to Closing by the Company and will be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Within two (2) Business Days following the expiration of the sixty (60) day period following the date Acquiror has filed current Form 10 information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company, Acquiror shall file an effective registration statement on Form S-8 (or other applicable form) with respect to the Acquiror Class A Common Stock issuable under the Incentive Equity Plan and the ESPP, and Acquiror shall use reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement(s) (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as awards granted pursuant to the Incentive Equity Plan and the ESPP remain outstanding.

 

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(d)            No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each of the parties to this Agreement acknowledges and agrees that all provisions contained in this Section 7.1 are included for the sole benefit of Acquiror and the Company, and that nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, (i) shall be construed to establish, amend, or modify any employee benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, (ii) shall limit the right of Acquiror, the Company or their respective Affiliates to amend, terminate or otherwise modify any Company Benefit Plan or other employee benefit plan, agreement or other arrangement following the Closing Date, or (iii) shall confer upon any Person who is not a party to this Agreement (including any equityholder, any current or former director, manager, officer, employee or independent contractor of the Company, or any participant in any Company Benefit Plan or other employee benefit plan, agreement or other arrangement (or any dependent or beneficiary thereof)), any right to continued or resumed employment or recall, any right to compensation or benefits, or any third-party beneficiary or other right of any kind or nature whatsoever.]

 

Section 7.2     Trust Account Proceeds. Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX and provision of notice thereof to the Trustee (which notice Acquiror shall provide to the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement), (i) in accordance with and pursuant to the Trust Agreement, at the Closing, Acquiror (A) shall cause any documents, opinions and notices required to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the Trust Agreement to be so delivered and (B) shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Trustee to, and the Trustee shall thereupon be obligated to (1) pay as and when due all amounts payable to Acquiror Shareholders pursuant to the Acquiror Share Redemptions (subject to the commitments undertaken by the Sponsor pursuant Redemption Subscription Agreement), (2) immediately thereafter, pay US$950,000,000 to the shareholders of the Company in accordance with Section 3.1, (3) pay all Company Transaction Expenses and Acquiror Transaction Expenses, and (4) all remaining amounts then available in the Trust Account to Acquiror for working capital and general corporate purposes, subject to this Agreement and the Trust Agreement and (ii) thereafter, the Trust Account shall terminate, except as otherwise provided therein.

 

Section 7.3     Listing. From the date of this Agreement through the Second Effective Time, Acquiror shall ensure Acquiror remains listed as a public company on the Nasdaq, and shall prepare and submit to Nasdaq a listing application, if required under Nasdaq rules, covering the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issuable in the Mergers and the Domestication, and shall use reasonable best efforts to obtain approval for the listing of such shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock on the Nasdaq and the Company shall reasonably cooperate with Acquiror with respect to such listing.

 

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Section 7.4    No Solicitation by Acquiror. From the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date or, if earlier, the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article X, Acquiror shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, and Acquiror shall instruct and use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and their representatives acting on its and their behalf, not to, (a) make any proposal or offer that constitutes a Business Combination Proposal, (b) initiate any discussions or negotiations with any Person with respect to a Business Combination Proposal, (c) enter into any acquisition agreement, business combination, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement relating to a Business Combination Proposal, in each case, other than to or with the Company and its respective representatives, or (d) otherwise knowingly facilitate any such inquiries, proposals, discussions, or negotiations or any effort or attempt by any Person to make a Business Combination Proposal. From and after the date of this Agreement, Acquiror shall, and shall instruct its officers and directors to, and Acquiror shall instruct and cause its representatives acting on its behalf, its Subsidiaries and their respective representatives (acting on their behalf) to, immediately cease and terminate all discussions and negotiations with any Persons that may be ongoing with respect to a Business Combination Proposal (other than the Company and its representatives).

 

Section 7.5     Acquiror Conduct of Business.

 

(a)            During the Interim Period, Acquiror shall, and shall cause Merger Sub to, except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements (including as contemplated by the PIPE Investment), in connection with the Domestication or as consented to by the Company in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld, delayed or denied), operate its business in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as consented to by the Company in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld, delayed or denied), Acquiror shall not, and Acquiror shall cause Merger Sub not to, except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements (including as contemplated by the PIPE Investment or in connection with the Domestication) or as required by Law:

 

(i)          seek any approval from the Acquiror Shareholders, or otherwise take any action, to change, modify or amend the Trust Agreement or the Governing Documents of Acquiror or Merger Sub, except as contemplated by the Transaction Proposals;

 

(ii)            except as contemplated by the Transaction Proposals, (A) make or declare any dividend or distribution to the shareholders of Acquiror or make any other distributions in respect of any of Acquiror's or Merger Sub Capital Stock, share capital or equity interests, (B) split, combine, reclassify or otherwise amend any terms of any shares or series of Acquiror's or Merger Sub Capital Stock or equity interests, or (C) purchase, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any issued and outstanding share capital, outstanding shares of capital stock, share capital or membership interests, warrants or other equity interests of Acquiror or Merger Sub, other than a redemption of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock made as part of the Acquiror Share Redemptions;

 

(iii)            (A) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, (B) amend, modify or otherwise change any filed material Tax Return, (C) adopt or request permission of any taxing authority to change any accounting method for Tax purposes, (D) enter into any "closing agreement" as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) with any Governmental Authority, (E) settle any claim or assessment in respect of a material amount of Taxes, (F) knowingly surrender or allow to expire any right to claim a refund of a material amount of Taxes or (G) consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any claim or assessment in respect of a material amount of Taxes or in respect to any material Tax attribute that would give rise to any claim or assessment of Taxes;

 

(iv)           knowingly take any action, or knowingly fail to take any action, where such action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to prevent the Mergers, taken together, from constituting an integrated transaction described in Rev. Rul. 2001-46, 2001-2 C.B. 321 that qualifies as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations;

 

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(v)          enter into, renew or amend in any material respect, any transaction or Contract with SoftBank or any of its Affiliates or an Affiliate of Acquiror or Merger Sub (including, for the avoidance of doubt, (A) the Sponsor or anyone related by blood, marriage or adoption to any Sponsor and (B) any Person in which the Sponsor has a direct or indirect legal, contractual or beneficial ownership interest of 5% or greater);

 

(vi)          incur or assume any Indebtedness or guarantee any Indebtedness of another Person, issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or other rights to acquire any debt securities of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries or guaranty any debt securities of another Person, other than any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee (A) incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in an aggregate amount not to exceed 50,000, (B) incurred between Acquiror and Merger Sub, (C) in respect of any Working Capital Loan in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500,000, or (D) any draw down under that certain amended and restated promissory note, dated as of the date hereof, by and between Acquiror and Sponsor (the "A&R Promissory Note");

 

(vii)          incur, guarantee or otherwise become liable for (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) any Indebtedness or otherwise knowingly and purposefully incur, guarantee or otherwise become liable for (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) any other material liabilities, debts or obligations, other than fees and expenses for professional services incurred in support of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements or in support of the ordinary course operations of Acquiror consistent with past practice (which the parties agree shall include any Indebtedness in respect of any Working Capital Loan);

 

(viii)         waive, release, compromise, settle or satisfy any pending or threatened material claim (which shall include, but not be limited to, any pending or threatened Action);

 

(ix)          other than with respect to the PIPE Investment, the Subscription Agreements or the Sponsor Letter (A) issue any Acquiror Securities or securities exercisable for or convertible into Acquiror Securities, other than the issuance of the Stock Consideration, (B) grant any options, warrants or other equity-based awards with respect to Acquiror Securities not outstanding on the date of this Agreement, or (C) amend, modify or waive any of the material terms or rights set forth in any Acquiror Warrant or the Warrant Agreement, including any amendment, modification or reduction of the warrant price set forth therein; or

 

(x)          enter into any agreement to do any action prohibited under this Section 7.5.

 

(b)          During the Interim Period, Acquiror shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries (including Merger Sub) to comply with, and continue performing under, as applicable, Acquiror's Governing Documents, the Trust Agreement and all other agreements or Contracts to which Acquiror or its Subsidiaries may be a party.

 

(c)            Acquiror shall use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to ensure that it shall satisfy the Minimum Available Cash Condition at the Closing.

 

Section 7.6     Post-Closing Directors and Officers of Acquiror. Subject to the terms of Acquiror's Governing Documents, Acquiror shall take all such action within its power as may be necessary or appropriate such that immediately following the First Effective Time:

 

(a)           the Board of Directors of Acquiror and committees thereof shall be comprised of such individuals as selected by the Company, following consultation with Acquiror; provided that (i) the composition of the Board of Directors of Acquiror complies with all Laws applicable to the Surviving Corporation, including all Nasdaq rules, (ii) one (1) member of the Board of Directors shall be an individual set forth on Section 7.6(a)(ii) of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter or any other individual selected by Acquiror, as reasonably acceptable to the Company (the "First Acquiror Nominee Director") and (iii) one (1) additional member of the Board of Directors, which individual shall be an individual set forth on Section 7.6(a)(iii) of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter or mutually agreed between Acquiror and the chief executive officer of the Company (the “Second Acquiror Nominee Director”, and together with the First Acquiror Nominee Director, the “Acquiror Nominee Directors”), provided that such Acquiror Nominee Directors shall (i) have completed a background check reasonably satisfactory to the Company and (ii) be "independent" directors for purposes of Nasdaq rules (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include such rules as are applicable to audit committee members) and otherwise in compliance with the Nasdaq and SEC rules and requirements governing directors; and

 

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(b)            the initial officers of Acquiror shall be as set forth on Section 2.6 of the Company Disclosure Letter, who shall serve in such capacity in accordance with the terms of Acquiror's Governing Documents following the First Effective Time.

 

Section 7.7     Domestication. Subject to receipt of the Acquiror Shareholder Approval, prior to the First Effective Time and no later than one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing Date, Acquiror shall cause the Domestication to become effective, including by (a) filing with the Delaware Secretary of State a Certificate of Domestication with respect to the Domestication, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Acquiror and the Company, together with the Certificate of Incorporation of Acquiror in the form attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement (the "Domesticated Acquiror Certificate of Incorporation") (with such changes as may be agreed in writing by the Acquiror and the Company), in each case, in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable Law, (b) completing and making and procuring all those filings required to be made with the Cayman Registrar in connection with the Domestication, (c) obtaining a certificate of de-registration from the Cayman Registrar and (d) adopting the Bylaws of Acquiror in the form attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement (with such changes as may be agreed in writing by the Acquiror and the Company). In accordance with applicable Law, the Domestication shall provide that at the effective time of the Domestication, by virtue of the Domestication, and without any action on the part of any Acquiror Shareholder, (i) each then issued and outstanding share of Acquiror Class A Common Stock shall convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock; (ii) each then issued and outstanding share of Acquiror Class B Common Stock shall convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock; (iii) the terms of the Acquiror Class B Common Stock shall be modified to, among other things, provide that each share of Acquiror Class B Common Stock shall carry three (3) votes; (iv) the Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock shall be created and a sufficient number of shares thereof authorized to effect the transactions contemplated hereby and under the Ancillary Agreements, (v) each then issued and outstanding warrant of Acquiror shall convert automatically into a Domesticated Acquiror Warrant, pursuant to the Warrant Agreement; and (vi) each then issued and outstanding Cayman Acquiror Unit shall separate automatically into one share of Domesticated Acquiror Class A Common Stock and one-quarter of one Domesticated Acquiror Warrant.

 

Section 7.8     Indemnification and Insurance.

 

(a)            From and after the First Effective Time, Acquiror agrees that it shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of the (x) Company and each of its Subsidiaries to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law and the Governing Documents of the Company (the "Company Indemnified Parties") and (y) Acquiror and each of its Subsidiaries (together with the Company Indemnified Parties, the "D&O Indemnified Parties") against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any Legal Proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the First Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the First Effective Time, to the fullest extent that the Company, Acquiror or their respective Subsidiaries, as the case may be, would have been permitted under applicable Law and its respective certificate of incorporation, certificate of formation, bylaws, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents in effect on the date of this Agreement to indemnify such D&O Indemnified Parties (including the advancing of expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law). Without limiting the foregoing, Acquiror shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to (i) maintain for a period of not less than six (6) years from the Second Effective Time provisions in its Governing Documents concerning the indemnification and exoneration (including provisions relating to expense advancement) of Acquiror's and its Subsidiaries' former and current officers, directors, employees, and agents that are no less favorable to those Persons than the provisions of the Governing Documents of the Company, Acquiror or their respective Subsidiaries, as applicable, in each case, as of the date of this Agreement, and (ii) not amend, repeal or otherwise modify such provisions in any respect that would adversely affect the rights of those Persons thereunder, in each case, except as required by Law. Acquiror shall assume, and be liable for, each of the covenants in this Section 7.8.

 

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(b)            For a period of six (6) years from the First Effective Time, Acquiror shall maintain in effect directors' and officers' liability insurance covering those Persons who are currently covered by Acquiror's, the Company's or their respective Subsidiaries' directors' and officers' liability insurance policies (true, correct and complete copies of which have been heretofore previously made available to Acquiror or its agents or representatives) on terms no less favorable than the terms of such current insurance coverage, except that in no event shall Acquiror be required to pay an annual premium for such insurance in excess of three hundred percent (300%) of the aggregate annual premium payable by Acquiror or the Company, as applicable (whichever premium being higher), for such insurance policy for the year ended December 31, 2020; provided, however, that (i) Acquiror may cause coverage to be extended under the current directors' and officers' liability insurance by obtaining a six (6) year "tail" policy containing terms not materially less favorable than the terms of such current insurance coverage with respect to claims existing or occurring at or prior to the First Effective Time and (ii) if any claim is asserted or made within such six (6) year period, any insurance required to be maintained under this Section 7.8 shall be continued in respect of such claim until the final disposition thereof.

 

(c)            Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 7.8 shall survive the consummation of the Mergers indefinitely and shall be binding, jointly and severally, on Acquiror and all successors and assigns of Acquiror. In the event that Acquiror or any of its successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, Acquiror shall ensure that proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Acquiror shall succeed to the obligations set forth in this Section 7.8.

 

(d)            On the Closing Date, Acquiror shall enter into customary indemnification agreements reasonably satisfactory to each of the Company and Acquiror with the post-Closing directors and officers of Acquiror, which indemnification agreements shall continue to be effective following the Closing.

 

Section 7.9            Acquiror Public Filings. From the date of this Agreement through the First Effective Time, Acquiror will keep current and timely file all reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with its reporting obligations under applicable Laws.

 

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Section 7.10            Subscription Agreements.

 

(a)            Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Company (in its sole discretion), Acquiror shall not make or permit any amendment or modification to be made to, any waiver (in whole or in part) of, or provide consent to modify (including consent to termination), any provision other than amendments, modifications or waivers that are both ministerial and immaterial in nature and effect or remedy under, or any replacements of, the Subscription Agreements, except for any such actions that would not (i) increase conditionality or impose any new obligation on the Company or Acquiror, (ii) reduce the amount or purchase price under the Subscription Agreements, except as explicitly provided in the PIPE Subscription Agreement as in effect on the date of this Agreement, (iii) reduce or impair the rights of Acquiror under the Subscription Agreements, (iv) prevent, materially delay or materially impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (v) otherwise adversely affect any rights of Acquiror or the Company under the Subscription Agreements; provided, that the foregoing shall not prohibit any assignment or transfer expressly permitted by the Subscription Agreements (as in effect on the date of this Agreement without giving effect to any amendment, modification or waiver to such assignment or transfer provision).

 

(b)            Acquiror shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or to cause to be taken, all actions required, necessary or that it otherwise deems to be proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Subscription Agreements on the terms and conditions described therein, including by using its reasonable best efforts to (i) maintain in effect the Subscription Agreements, (ii) satisfy in all material respects on a timely basis all conditions and covenants applicable to Acquiror in the Subscription Agreements and otherwise comply in all material respects with its obligations thereunder; (iii) in the event that all conditions in the Subscription Agreements (other than conditions that Acquiror or any of its Affiliates control the satisfaction of and other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) have been satisfied, consummate transactions contemplated by the Subscription Agreements at or prior to Closing; and (iv) enforce its rights under the Subscription Agreements in a timely and diligent manner including, in the event that all conditions in the Subscription Agreements (other than conditions that Acquiror or any of its Affiliates control the satisfaction of and other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) have been satisfied, by causing the parties to the Subscription Agreements to deliver payment or cause the delivery of payment to (or as directed by) Acquiror the amount set forth in the Subscription Agreement to which such Persons are a party in accordance with its terms. For avoidance of doubt, the Company shall be a third-party beneficiary to each Subscription Agreement and shall have consent rights over any amendments thereto (other than amendments, modifications or waivers that are ministerial and immaterial in nature and effect) and assignments or terminations thereof, in each case as and to the extent that such consent rights are set forth in such Subscription Agreements.

 

(a)            Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Acquiror shall give the Company prompt written notice: (i) of any amendment to the Subscription Agreements (other than amendments, modifications or waivers that are ministerial and immaterial in nature and effect); (ii) of any actual or threatened breach or default (or any event or circumstance that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would give rise to any breach or default) by any party to the Subscription Agreements that becomes known to Acquiror regardless of the reason therefor; (iii) of the receipt of any written notice or other written communication from a party to a Subscription Agreement or its Affiliates with respect to any actual, potential, threatened or claimed expiration, lapse, withdrawal, breach, default, termination or repudiation by any party to the Subscription Agreements or any provisions of the Subscription Agreements; and (iv) if Acquiror has any reason not to expect to receive all or any portion of the amounts due pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, in which case Acquiror shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable following the occurrence of such event, alternative equity financing for any such amount due pursuant to the Subscription Agreements from alternative sources (the “Alternative Financing”) in an amount sufficient, when taken together with cash in the Trust Account at the Closing, to pay the amounts due under the terms of and as contemplated by this Agreement. Acquiror shall keep the Company informed on a reasonably current basis of the status of its efforts to obtain the equity funding pursuant to the Subscription Agreements and Alternative Financing (if any).

 

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Section 7.11            Stockholder Litigation. In the event that any litigation related to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby is brought, or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, threatened in writing, against Acquiror or the Board of Directors of Acquiror by any of Acquiror's stockholders prior to the Closing, Acquiror shall promptly notify the Company of any such litigation and keep the Company reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof. Acquiror shall provide the Company the opportunity to participate in (subject to a customary joint defense agreement), but not control, the defense of any such litigation, shall give due consideration to the Company's advice with respect to such litigation and shall not settle any such litigation without the prior written consent of the Company, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

Article VIII
JOINT COVENANTS

 

Section 8.1             Efforts; Regulatory Filings and Other Actions.

 

(a)            During the period from the date of this Agreement continuing through the Closing, each party hereto and its respective Affiliates shall:

 

(i)             cooperate and use their reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby and to cooperate with the other party in connection with the foregoing, including, without limitation, to prepare as promptly as practicable all documentation, to make all filings and to obtain all consents, approvals, waivers, Permits and other authorizations of all Governmental Authorities required to consummate the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including those set forth on Section 4.5 of the Company Disclosure Letter and Section 5.7 of the Acquiror Disclosure Letter (the "Requisite Regulatory Approvals"); and

 

(ii)            make all necessary filings in respect of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals relating to the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement; provided that (x) Acquiror and the Company shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, use their respective best efforts to file notifications under the HSR Act no later than ten (10) Business Days after the date of this Agreement, such filing to request early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act and (y) the Company shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, use their best efforts to make all necessary initial filings by the Company in respect of other Requisite Regulatory Approvals by no later than forty-five (45) days following the date of this Agreement.

 

In furtherance of the foregoing, the parties shall take or commit to take any and all actions and agree to any conditions or restrictions imposed by any Governmental Authority as may be reasonably necessary in order to obtain the foregoing Requisite Regulatory Approvals.

 

(b)            Each party shall, subject to applicable Law, (i) permit counsel for the other party to review in advance any proposed filing, application, correspondence or other written communication to any Governmental Authority in connection with the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) consider in good faith the views of the other party or its counsel with respect to any such filing, application, correspondence or other written communication, (iii) provide counsel for the other party with copies of all filings, applications or other written submissions made by such party, and all material correspondence between such party (and its advisors) with any Governmental Authority and any other information supplied by such party and such party's Affiliates to a Governmental Authority or received from such a Governmental Authority in connection with the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) to provide notice to the other party of receipt of any Approval; provided, however, that materials may be excluded or redacted as necessary (A) to comply with applicable Law (including restrictions on the disclosure of confidential supervisory information), or (B) to address reasonable privilege or confidentiality concerns. Each party agrees that it will use reasonable best efforts to (1) keep the other party fully informed with respect to all filings, applications and notices to Governmental Authorities and developments related thereto, and (2) give the other party reasonable advance notice of, and invite the other party to participate in, any meetings or discussions held with any Governmental Authority concerning such filings, applications or notices (and give due consideration in good faith to any reasonable request of the other party with respect to any such participation).

 

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(c)            The parties further covenant and agree that (i) with respect to any threatened or pending preliminary or permanent Governmental Order that would adversely affect the ability of the parties hereto to consummate the Mergers or the other transactions contemplated hereby, to use their respective reasonable best efforts to prevent the entry, enactment or promulgation thereof, as the case may be, and (ii) in the event that any Action is commenced after the date of this Agreement challenging any of the parties' rights to consummate the Mergers or the other transactions contemplated hereby, the parties shall use their reasonable best efforts, and take all reasonable actions necessary and appropriate, to contest such Action.

 

(d)            The parties shall supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested by a Governmental Authority pursuant to the foregoing and to take all other actions necessary, proper or advisable to obtain any Requisite Regulatory Approval as soon as practicable. No party shall take any action that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay obtaining any Requisite Regulatory Approval.

 

(e)            Acquiror shall be responsible for and pay all filing fees payable in respect of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals; provided, however, that all such filing fees shall be Company Transaction Expenses and be paid (or repaid, if applicable) in accordance with Section 2.4(c) to the extent not paid prior to the Closing.

 

(f)            For purposes of this Section 8.1, Acquiror shall have no obligation to cause Sponsor to take any action or refrain from taking any action with respect to Sponsor's or its Affiliate's portfolio companies.

 

Section 8.2             Preparation of Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement; Shareholders' Meeting and Approvals.

 

(a)            Registration Statement and Prospectus.

 

(i)            As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, (x) Acquiror and the Company shall jointly prepare and Acquiror shall file with the SEC, mutually acceptable materials which shall include the joint proxy statement/information statement to be filed with the SEC as part of the Registration Statement and sent to (A) the Acquiror Shareholders relating to the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting and (B) to the holders of Company Capital Stock with respect to the action to be taken by certain stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Company Stockholder Approval (such proxy statement, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the "Proxy Statement") and (y) Acquiror shall prepare (with the Company's reasonable cooperation (including causing its Subsidiaries and representatives to cooperate)) and file with the SEC the Registration Statement, in which the Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus (the "Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of (A) the shares of Acquiror Common Stock and Acquiror Warrants and units comprising such to be issued in exchange for the issued and outstanding shares of Acquiror Common Stock, and Acquiror Warrants and units comprising such, respectively, in the Domestication, in each case solely with respect to the Acquiror Common Stock and Acquiror Warrants and units comprising such that were registered under the Securities Act prior to the Domestication, (B) the shares of Acquiror Common Stock (other than Acquiror Class C Common Stock) that constitute the Stock Consideration, and (C) the shares of Acquiror Common Stock that are subject to Acquiror Options, Adjusted Restricted Stock Awards and Adjusted Restricted Stock Unit Awards (collectively, the "Registration Statement Securities"). Each of Acquiror and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Acquiror also agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary state securities law or "Blue Sky" Permits required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Company shall furnish all information concerning the Company, its Subsidiaries and any of their respective members or stockholders as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action. Each of Acquiror and the Company agrees to furnish to the other party all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, officers, directors, managers, stockholders, and other equityholders and information regarding such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable or as may be reasonably requested in connection with the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement, a Current Report on Form 8-K pursuant to the Exchange Act in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of Acquiror, the Company or their respective Subsidiaries to any regulatory authority (including the Nasdaq) in connection with the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby (the "Offer Documents"). Acquiror will cause the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement to be mailed to the Acquiror Shareholders in each case promptly after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act.

 

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(ii)            Acquiror will advise the Company, reasonably promptly after Acquiror receives notice thereof, of the time when the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement or amendment has been filed, of the issuance of any stop order or the suspension of the qualification of the Acquiror Common Stock for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or written threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the SEC for the amendment or supplement of the Proxy Statement/ Information Statement/Registration Statement or for additional information. The Company and their counsel shall be given a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement and any Offer Document each time before any such document is filed with the SEC, and Acquiror shall give reasonable and good faith consideration to any comments made by the Company and its counsel. Acquiror shall not file any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement or any Offer Documents without the Company's prior written consent. Acquiror shall provide the Company and their counsel with (A) any comments or other communications, whether written or oral, that Acquiror or its counsel may receive from time to time from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement or Offer Documents promptly after receipt of those comments or other communications and (B) a reasonable opportunity to participate in the response of Acquiror to those comments and to provide comments on that response (to which reasonable and good faith consideration shall be given), including by participating with the Company or its counsel in any discussions or meetings with the SEC.

 

(iii)           Each of Acquiror and the Company shall ensure that none of the information supplied by or on its behalf for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (A) the Registration Statement will, at the time the Registration Statement is filed with the SEC, at each time at which it is amended and at the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, not misleading or (B) the Proxy Statement will, at the date it is first mailed to the Acquiror Shareholders and at the time of the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.

 

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(iv)           If at any time prior to the First Effective Time any information relating to the Company, Acquiror or any of their respective Subsidiaries, Affiliates, directors or officers is discovered by the Company or Acquiror, which is required to be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or the Registration Statement, so that neither of such documents would include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, with respect to the Proxy Statement, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party which discovers such information shall promptly notify the other parties and an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed with the SEC and, to the extent required by Law, disseminated to the Acquiror Shareholders.

 

(b)            Acquiror Shareholder Approval. Acquiror shall (i) as promptly as practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act, (x) cause the Proxy Statement to be disseminated to Acquiror Shareholders in compliance with applicable Law, (y) solely with respect to the following clause (ii), duly (1) give notice of and (2) convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the "Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting") in accordance with Acquiror's Governing Documents and Section 710 of the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(b), as applicable, for a date no later than thirty (30) Business Days following the date the Registration Statement is declared effective, and (z) solicit proxies from the holders of Acquiror Common Stock to vote in favor of each of the Transaction Proposals, and (ii) provide its shareholders with the opportunity to elect to effect an Acquiror Share Redemption. Acquiror shall, through its Board of Directors, recommend to its shareholders the (A) approval of the change in the jurisdiction of incorporation of Acquiror to the State of Delaware, (B) approval of the change of Acquiror's name, (C) approval of the amendment and restatement of Acquiror's Governing Documents, in the forms attached as Exhibits A and B to this Agreement (as may be subsequently amended by mutual written agreement of the Company and Acquiror at any time before the effectiveness of the Registration Statement) in connection with the Domestication, including any separate or unbundled proposals as are required to implement the foregoing, (D) the adoption and approval of this Agreement in accordance with applicable Law and exchange rules and regulations, (E) approval of the issuance of shares of Acquiror Common Stock in connection with the Mergers and Domestication, and pursuant to the Subscription Agreements and the PIPE Other Subscription Agreements, (F)approval of the adoption by Acquiror of the equity plans described in Section 7.1, (G) the election of directors effective as of the Closing as contemplated by Section 7.6, (H) adoption and approval of any other proposals as the SEC (or staff member thereof) may indicate are necessary in its comments to the Registration Statement or correspondence related thereto, (I) adoption and approval of any other proposals as reasonably agreed by Acquiror and the Company to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and (J) adjournment of the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies because there are not sufficient votes to approve and adopt any of the foregoing (such proposals in clauses (A) through (J), together, the "Transaction Proposals"), and include such recommendation in the Proxy Statement. The Board of Directors of Acquiror shall not withdraw, amend, qualify or modify its recommendation to the shareholders of Acquiror that they vote in favor of the Transaction Proposals (together with any withdrawal, amendment, qualification or modification of its recommendation to the shareholders of Acquiror described in the Recitals hereto, a "Modification in Recommendation"). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, (x) Acquiror's obligations to establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting shall not be affected by any Modification in Recommendation, (y) Acquiror agrees to establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting and submit for approval the Transaction Proposals and (z) Acquiror agrees that if the Acquiror Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained at any such Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting, then Acquiror shall promptly continue to take all such necessary actions, including the actions required by this clause (b), and hold additional Acquiror Shareholders' Meetings in order to obtain the Acquiror Shareholder Approval. Acquiror may only adjourn the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting (i) to solicit additional proxies for the purpose of obtaining the Acquiror Shareholder Approval, (ii) for the absence of a quorum and (iii) to allow reasonable additional time for the filing or mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosure that Acquiror has determined in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel is required under applicable Law and for such supplemental or amended disclosure to be disseminated and reviewed by Acquiror Shareholders prior to the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting; provided, that the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting (x) may not be adjourned to a date that is more than fifteen (15) days after the date for which the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting was originally scheduled (excluding any adjournments required by applicable Law) and shall not be held later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Agreement End Date. Acquiror agrees that it shall provide the holders of shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock the opportunity to elect redemption of such shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock in connection with the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting, as required by Acquiror's Governing Documents.

 

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(c)            Company Stockholder Approval. The Company shall (i) obtain and deliver to Acquiror, the Company Stockholder Approval, (A) in the form of a written consent as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act and delivered or otherwise made available to stockholders, and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the Registration Statement is declared effective and delivered or otherwise made available to stockholders, and (B) in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Company's Governing Documents, and (ii) take all other action necessary or advisable to secure the Company Stockholder Approval and, if applicable, any additional consents or approvals of its stockholders related thereto.

 

Section 8.3              Section 16 Matters. Prior to the First Effective Time, each of the Company and Acquiror shall take all such steps as may be required (to the extent permitted under applicable Law) to cause any dispositions of shares of the Company Capital Stock or acquisitions of Acquiror Common Shares (including, in each case, securities deliverable upon exercise, vesting or settlement of any derivative securities) resulting from the transactions contemplated hereby by each individual who may become subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to be exempt under Rule 16B-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

Section 8.4              Financing; Consultation.

 

(a)            Prior to Closing, each of the Company and Acquiror shall, and each of them shall cause its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates (as applicable) and its and their officers, directors, managers, employees, consultants, counsel, accounts, agents and other representatives to, reasonably cooperate in a timely manner in connection with any equity financing arrangement the parties seek in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (it being understood and agreed that the consummation of any such equity financing by the Company or Acquiror shall be subject to the parties' mutual agreement), including (a) by providing such information and assistance as the other party may reasonably request (including the Company providing such financial statements and other financial data relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries as would be required if Acquiror were filing a general form for registration of securities under Form 10 following the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and a registration statement on Form S-1 for the resale of the securities issued pursuant to Subscription Agreements and the PIPE Other Subscription Agreements following the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby), (b) granting such access to the other party and its representatives as may be reasonably necessary for their due diligence, and (c) participating in a reasonable number of meetings, presentations, road shows, drafting sessions, due diligence sessions with respect to such equity financing efforts (including direct contact between senior management and other representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries at reasonable times and locations). All such cooperation, assistance and access shall be granted during normal business hours and shall be granted under conditions that shall not unreasonably interfere with the business and operations of the Company, Acquiror, or their respective auditors.

 

(b)            From the date of the announcement of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (pursuant to any applicable public communication made in compliance with Section 11.2), until the Closing Date, Acquiror shall use its reasonable best efforts to, and shall instruct its financial advisors to, keep the Company and its financial advisors reasonably informed with respect to the PIPE Subscription Agreement and the PIPE Investment, including by (i) providing regular updates and (ii) consulting and cooperating with, and considering in good faith any feedback from, the Company or its financial advisors with respect to such matters.

 

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Article IX
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS

 

Section 9.1             Conditions to Obligations of Acquiror, Merger Sub, and the Company. The obligations of Acquiror, Merger Sub, and the Company to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Mergers is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by all of such parties:

 

(a)            The Acquiror Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained;

 

(b)            The Company Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained;

 

(c)            The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC and not withdrawn;

 

(d)            All Approvals with respect to the Requisite Regulatory Approvals (other than those required under the HSR Act) shall have been obtained;

 

(e)            Any applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated early;

 

(f)            (i) No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Governmental Order which has become final and nonappealable and has the effect of making consummation of the Mergers illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Mergers, (ii) no Law shall have been adopted that makes consummation of the Mergers illegal or otherwise prohibited;

 

(g)            Acquiror shall have at least $5,000,001 of net tangible assets (as determined in accordance with Rule 3a51-1(g)(1) of the Exchange Act);

 

(h)            The shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Mergers shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq; and

 

(i)             The Domestication shall have been completed as provided in Section 7.7 and a time-stamped copy of the certificate issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in relation thereto shall have been delivered to the Company.

 

Section 9.2             Conditions to Obligations of Acquiror and Merger Sub. The obligations of Acquiror and Merger Sub to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Mergers are subject to the satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by Acquiror and Merger Sub:

 

(a)            (i) The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4.6(a) and Section 4.6(b) shall be true and correct in all but de minimis respects as of the date of this Agreement, except with respect to such representations and warranties which speak as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all but de minimis respects at and as of such date, (ii) the Company Fundamental Representations (other than the first sentence of Section 4.6(a) and Section 4.6(b)) shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of the Closing Date, except with respect to such representations and warranties which speak as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of such date, except for changes after the date of this Agreement which are contemplated or expressly permitted by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements and (iii) each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement other than the Company Fundamental Representations (disregarding any qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to materiality, material adverse effect and Company Material Adverse Effect or any similar qualification or exception) shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date, except with respect to such representations and warranties which speak as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct at and as of such date, except for, in each case, inaccuracies or omissions that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect ;

 

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(b)            Each of the covenants of the Company to be performed as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects; provided, that for purposes of this clause (b), a covenant of the Company shall only be deemed to have not been performed if the Company has materially breached such material covenant and failed to cure within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from Acquiror (or if earlier, five (5) Business Days prior to the Agreement End Date); and

 

(c)            There shall not have occurred a Company Material Adverse Effect after the date of this Agreement that is continuing.

 

Section 9.3             Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Mergers is subject to the satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by the Company:

 

(a)            (i) The representations and warranties of Acquiror contained in Section 5.12 shall be true and correct in all but de minimis respects as of the date of this Agreement, except with respect to such representations and warranties which speak as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all but de minimis respects at and as of such date, (ii) the Acquiror Fundamental Representations (other than Section 5.12) shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of the Closing Date, except with respect to such representations and warranties which speak as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of such date, except for changes after the date of this Agreement which are contemplated or expressly permitted by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements and (iii) each of the representations and warranties of Acquiror contained in this Agreement (other than Section 5.12) (disregarding any qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to materiality, material adverse effect or any similar qualification or exception) shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of the Closing Date, except with respect to such representations and warranties which speak as of an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of such date, except for changes after the date of this Agreement which are contemplated or expressly permitted by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;

 

(b)            Each of the covenants of Acquiror to be performed as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects; provided, that for purposes of this clause (b), a covenant of Acquiror or Merger Sub, as applicable, shall only be deemed to have not been performed if Acquiror or Merger Sub, as applicable, has materially breached such material covenant and failed to cure within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Company (or if earlier, five (5) Business Days prior to the Agreement End Date); and

 

(c)            Acquiror shall hold in the Trust Account an amount at least equal to the sum of (x) the Trust Amount plus (y) $1,500,000,000 (the "Minimum Available Cash Condition").

 

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Article X
TERMINATION/EFFECTIVENESS

 

Section 10.1            Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby abandoned at any time prior to the Closing:

 

(a)            by mutual written consent of the Company and Acquiror;

 

(b)            by the Company or Acquiror if (i) any Governmental Authority that must grant a Requisite Regulatory Approval has denied such approval and such denial has become final and non-appealable, (ii) any Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Governmental Order which has become final and nonappealable and has the effect of making consummation of the Mergers illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Mergers or (iii) if there shall be adopted any Law that makes consummation of the Mergers illegal or otherwise prohibited;

 

(c)            by the Company if the Acquiror Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting duly convened therefor or at any adjournment or postponement thereof;

 

(d)            by the Company if there has been a Modification in Recommendation;

 

(e)            by written notice to the Company from Acquiror if (i) there is any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this Agreement, such that the conditions specified in Section 9.2(a) or Section 9.2(b) would not be satisfied at the Closing (a "Terminating Company Breach"), except that, if such Terminating Company Breach is curable by the Company through the exercise of its reasonable best efforts, then, for a period of up to thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of notice from Acquiror of such breach, but only as long as the Company continues to use its respective reasonable best efforts to cure such Terminating Company Breach (the "Company Cure Period"), such termination shall not be effective, and such termination shall become effective only if the Terminating Company Breach is not cured within the Company Cure Period, or (ii) the Closing has not occurred on or before February 12, 2022 (which date shall be automatically extended for up to sixty (60) days if all conditions in Article IX have been satisfied or waived as of such date other than the receipt of all Requisite Regulatory Approvals, the "Agreement End Date"), unless Acquiror is in material breach hereof;

 

(f)            by Acquiror if the Company Stockholder Approval shall not have been obtained within ten (10) Business Days after the Registration Statement is declared effective and delivered or otherwise made available to stockholders; or

 

(g)            by written notice to Acquiror from the Company if (i) there is any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Acquiror or Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement, such that the conditions specified in Section 9.3(a) and Section 9.3(b) would not be satisfied at the Closing (a "Terminating Acquiror Breach"), except that, if any such Terminating Acquiror Breach is curable by Acquiror through the exercise of its reasonable best efforts, then, for a period of up to thirty (30) days after receipt by Acquiror of notice from the Company of such breach, but only as long as Acquiror continues to exercise such reasonable best efforts to cure such Terminating Acquiror Breach (the "Acquiror Cure Period"), such termination shall not be effective, and such termination shall become effective only if the Terminating Acquiror Breach is not cured within the Acquiror Cure Period or (ii) the Closing has not occurred on or before the Agreement End Date, unless the Company is in material breach hereof.

 

Section 10.2            Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any party hereto or its respective Affiliates, officers, directors or stockholders, other than liability of the Company, Acquiror or Merger Sub, as the case may be, for any willful and material breach of this Agreement occurring prior to such termination, except that the provisions of this Section 10.2 and Article XI and the Confidentiality Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

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Article XI
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 11.1           Trust Account Waiver. The Company acknowledges that Acquiror is a blank check company with the powers and privileges to effect a Business Combination. The Company further acknowledges that, as described in the prospectus dated February 12, 2021 (the "Prospectus") available at www.sec.gov, substantially all of Acquiror assets consist of the cash proceeds of Acquiror's initial public offering and private placements of its securities and substantially all of those proceeds have been deposited in a the trust account for the benefit of Acquiror, certain of its public stockholders and the underwriters of Acquiror's initial public offering (the "Trust Account"). The Company acknowledges that it has been advised by Acquiror that, except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to Acquiror to pay its franchise Tax, income Tax and similar obligations, the Trust Agreement provides that cash in the Trust Account may be disbursed only (a) if Acquiror completes the transactions which constitute a Business Combination, then to those Persons and in such amounts as described in the Prospectus; (b) if Acquiror fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period and liquidates, subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, to Acquiror in limited amounts to permit Acquiror to pay the costs and expenses of its liquidation and dissolution, and then to Acquiror's public stockholders; and (c) if Acquiror holds a shareholder vote to amend Acquiror's amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance or timing of the obligation to redeem 100% of Acquiror Common Shares if Acquiror fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period, then for the redemption of any Acquiror Common Shares properly tendered in connection with such vote. For and in consideration of Acquiror entering into this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company hereby irrevocably waives any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they have or may have in the future in or to any monies in the Trust Account and agree not to seek recourse against the Trust Account or any funds distributed therefrom as a result of, or arising out of, this Agreement and any negotiations, Contracts with Acquiror; provided, that (x) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit the Company's right to pursue a claim against Acquiror for legal relief against monies or other assets held outside the Trust Account, for specific performance or other equitable relief in connection with the consummation of the transactions (including a claim for Acquiror to specifically perform its obligations under this Agreement and cause the disbursement of the balance of the cash remaining in the Trust Account (after giving effect to the Acquiror Share Redemptions) to the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Trust Agreement) so long as such claim would not affect Acquiror's ability to fulfill its obligation to effectuate the Acquiror Share Redemptions, or for fraud and (y) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit any claims that the Company may have in the future against Acquiror's assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Account (including any funds that have been released from the Trust Account and any assets that have been purchased or acquired with any such funds).

 

Section 11.2           Waiver. No failure or delay by a party hereto in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement, and no course of dealing between the parties hereto, shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy of such party. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy under this Agreement by a party hereto, nor any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce any such right, power or remedy, shall preclude such party from any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy hereunder. The election of any remedy by a party hereto shall not constitute a waiver of the right of such party to pursue other available remedies. No notice to or demand on a party not expressly required under this Agreement shall entitle the party receiving such notice or demand to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the party giving such notice or demand to any other or further action in any circumstances without such notice or demand.

 

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Section 11.3            Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service, or (d) when delivered by email (in each case in this clause (d), solely if receipt is confirmed, but excluding any automated reply, such as an out-of-office notification), addressed as follows:

 

(a)            If to Acquiror or Merger Sub prior to the Closing, or to the First-Step Surviving Corporation after the First Effective Time, to:

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.

20 North Audley Street

London W1K 6LX

United Kingdom

Attention:            Khurram Kayani

Email:                   Khurram@novatorcapital.com

 

with copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Baker McKenzie LLP

100 New Bridge Street

London EC4V 6JA

United Kingdom

Attention:            Adam Eastell, Michael F. DeFranco, Derek Liu
Email:                   adam.eastell@bakermckenzie.com,

michael.defranco@bakermckenzie.com, derek.liu@bakermckenzie.com

 

(b)            If to the Company prior to the Closing, or to the Surviving Corporation after the Second Effective Time, to:

 

Better HoldCo, Inc.

175 Greenwich St, 59th Floor

New York, NY 10007

Attention: Kevin Ryan

Email:         kryan@better.com

 

with copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Mitchell S. Eitel, Jared M. Fishman, Sarah P. Payne

Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com, fishmanj@sullcrom.com, paynes@sullcrom.com

 

or to such other address or addresses as the parties may from time to time designate in writing. Copies delivered solely to outside counsel shall not constitute notice.

 

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Section 11.4            Assignment. No party hereto shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other parties and any such purported assignment without prior written consent shall be void ab initio. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

Section 11.5            Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the parties hereto, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement; provided, however, that the D&O Indemnified Parties and the past, present and future directors, managers, officers, employees, incorporators, members, partners, stockholders, Affiliates, agents, attorneys, advisors and representatives of the parties, and any Affiliate of any of the foregoing (and their successors, heirs and representatives), are intended third-party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, Section 11.16; and, provided, further, that SoftBank and any other subscriber party to a Subscription Agreement who is a non-U.S. Person is an intended third-party beneficiary of Section 4.27.

 

Section 11.6            Expenses. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, each party hereto shall be responsible for and pay its own expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants; provided, that if the Closing shall occur, Acquiror shall (x) pay or cause to be paid, the Unpaid Transaction Expenses, and (y) pay or cause to be paid, the Acquiror Transaction Expenses, in each of case (x) and (y), in accordance with Section 2.4(c). For the avoidance of doubt, any payments to be made (or to cause to be made) by Acquiror pursuant to this Section 11.6 shall be paid upon consummation of the Mergers and release of proceeds from the Trust Account.

 

Section 11.7            Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of Laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.

 

Section 11.8            Headings; Counterparts. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by electronic transmission in .pdf format or by facsimile shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Signatures to this Agreement transmitted by electronic mail in .pdf form, or by any other electronic means designed to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document (including DocuSign), will be deemed to have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing the original signatures.

 

Section 11.9            Company and Acquiror Disclosure Letters. The Company Disclosure Letter and the Acquiror Disclosure Letter (including, in each case, any section thereof) referenced herein are a part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. All references herein to the Company Disclosure Letter and/or the Acquiror Disclosure Letter (including, in each case, any section thereof) shall be deemed references to such parts of this Agreement, unless the context shall otherwise require. Any disclosure made by a party in the applicable Disclosure Letter, or any section thereof, with reference to any section of this Agreement or section of the applicable Disclosure Letter shall be deemed to be a disclosure with respect to such other applicable sections of this Agreement or sections of applicable Disclosure Letter if it is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure that such disclosure is responsive to such other section of this Agreement or section of the applicable Disclosure Letter. Certain information set forth in the Disclosure Letters is included solely for informational purposes and may not be required to be disclosed pursuant to this Agreement. The disclosure of any information shall not be deemed to constitute an acknowledgment that such information is required to be disclosed in connection with the representations and warranties made in this Agreement, nor shall such information be deemed to establish a standard of materiality.

 

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Section 11.10          Entire Agreement. (a) This Agreement (together with the Company Disclosure Letter and the Acquiror Disclosure Letter), (b) the Sponsor Support Agreement, (c) the Company Holders Support Agreement, (c) the Subscription Agreements, (d) the Sponsor Letter, (e) the IPO Insider Letter Agreement and (f) the Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2021, between Acquiror and the Company or its Affiliate (the "Confidentiality Agreement" and, together with the Sponsor Support Agreement, Company Holders Support Agreement, the Subscription Agreements, the Sponsor Letter and the IPO Insider Letter, the "Ancillary Agreements") constitute the entire agreement among the parties to this Agreement relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the parties hereto or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby exist between such parties except as expressly set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

 

Section 11.11          Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed in the same manner as this Agreement and which makes reference to this Agreement.

 

Section 11.12          Publicity.

 

(a)            All press releases or other public communications relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and the method of the release for publication thereof, shall prior to the Closing be subject to the prior mutual approval of Acquiror and the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by any party; provided, that no party shall be required to obtain consent pursuant to this Section 11.12(a) to the extent any proposed release or statement is substantially equivalent to the information that has previously been made public without breach of the obligation under this Section 11.12(a).

 

(b)            The restriction in Section 11.12(a) shall not apply to the extent the public announcement is required by applicable securities Law, any Governmental Authority or stock exchange rule; provided, however, that in such an event, the party making the announcement shall, except as prohibited by Law, use its commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the other party in advance as to its form, content and timing. Disclosures resulting from the parties' efforts to obtain approval or early termination under the HSR Act and to make any relating filing shall be deemed not to violate this Section 11.12.

 

Section 11.13          Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the parties.

 

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Section 11.14          Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial .

 

(a)            Any proceeding or Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware) (the "Designated Courts"), and each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally (i) consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Action, (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and (iv) agrees not to bring any proceeding or Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence Legal Proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 11.14.

 

(b)            EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

(c)            Acquiror hereby irrevocably appoints Cogency Global Inc., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Rd, Ste. 201, Dover, DE 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 11.14. Acquiror agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 11.3, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Acquiror agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, each Acquiror agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 11.14. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable law.

 

Section 11.15          Enforcement.

 

(a)            The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Agreement). It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.1, in addition to any other remedy to which any party is entitled at law or in equity. In the event that any Action shall be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, no party shall allege, and each party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law, and each party agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection therewith.

 

(b)            The parties acknowledge and agree that this Section 11.15 is an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby and without that right, the parties hereto would not have entered into this Agreement.

 

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Section 11.16          Non-Recourse. Except in the case of claims against a Person in respect of such Person's actual fraud:

 

(a)            Solely with respect to the Company, Acquiror and Merger Sub, this Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may only be brought against, the Company, Acquiror and Merger Sub as named parties hereto; and

 

(b)            except to the extent a party hereto (and then only to the extent of the specific obligations undertaken by such party hereto), (i) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of the Company, Acquiror or Merger Sub and (ii) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any of the foregoing shall have any liability (whether in Contract, tort, equity or otherwise) for any one or more of the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or other obligations or liabilities of any one or more of the Company, Acquiror or Merger Sub under this Agreement for any claim based on, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 11.17          Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Except (x) as otherwise contemplated by Section 10.2, or (y) in the case of claims against a Person in respect of such Person's actual fraud, none of the representations, warranties, covenants, obligations or other agreements in this Agreement or in any certificate, statement or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants, obligations, agreements and other provisions, shall survive the Closing and shall terminate and expire upon the occurrence of the Second Effective Time (and there shall be no liability after the Closing in respect thereof), except for (a) those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms expressly apply in whole or in part after the Closing and then only with respect to any breaches occurring after the Closing and (b) this Article XI.

 

Section 11.18          Legal Representation.

 

(a)            Acquiror hereby agrees on behalf of its directors, members, partners, officers, employees and Affiliates and each of their respective successors and assigns (including after the Closing, the Surviving Corporation) (all such parties, the "Equityholder Waiving Parties"), that Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Buckley LLP ("Equityholder Counsel") may represent the stockholders or holders of other equity interests of the Company or any of their respective directors, members, partners, officers, employees or Affiliates (other than the Surviving Corporation) (collectively, the "Equityholder WP Group"), in each case, solely in connection with any Action or obligation arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, notwithstanding its prior representation of the Company and its Subsidiaries or other Equityholder Waiving Parties, and each of Acquiror and the Company on behalf of itself and the Equityholder Waiving Parties hereby consents thereto and irrevocably waives (and will not assert) any conflict of interest, breach of duty or any other objection arising from or relating to Equityholder Counsel's prior representation of the Company, its Subsidiaries or of the Equityholder Waiving Parties. Acquiror and the Company, for itself and the Equityholder Waiving Parties, hereby further irrevocably acknowledges and agrees that all privileged communications, written or oral, between the Company and its Subsidiaries or any member of the Equityholder WP Group and Equitytholder Counsel, made in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance under, or any dispute or Action arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or any matter relating to any of the foregoing, are privileged communications that do not pass to the Surviving Corporation notwithstanding the Mergers, and instead survive, remain with and are controlled by the Equityholder WP Group (the "Equityholder Privileged Communications"), without any waiver thereof. Acquiror and the Company, together with any of their respective Affiliates, Subsidiaries, successors or assigns, agree that no Person may use or rely on any of the Equityholder Privileged Communications, whether located in the records or email server of the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries, in any Action against or involving any of the parties after the Closing, and Acquiror and the Company agree not to assert that any privilege has been waived as to the Equityholder Privileged Communications, by virtue of the Mergers. All files, attorney notes, drafts or other documents in the Equityholder Counsel's or Equityholder WP Group's possession that are Equityholder Privileged Communications shall be the property of the Equityholder WP Group.

 

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(b)            Each of Acquiror and the Company hereby agrees on behalf of its directors, members, partners, officers, employees and Affiliates and each of their respective successors and assigns (including after the Closing, the Surviving Corporation) (all such parties, the "Acquiror Waiving Parties"), that Baker & McKenzie LLP, Ropes & Gray LLP and Buchalter, a Professional Corporation ("Acquiror Counsel") may represent the stockholders or holders of other equity interests of the Sponsor or of Acquiror or any of their respective directors, members, partners, officers, employees or Affiliates (other than the Surviving Corporation) (collectively, the "Acquiror WP Group"), in each case, solely in connection with any Action or obligation arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, notwithstanding its prior representation of the Sponsor, Acquiror and its Subsidiaries, or other Acquiror Waiving Parties. Each of Acquiror and the Company, on behalf of itself and the Acquiror Waiving Parties, hereby consents thereto and irrevocably waives (and will not assert) any conflict of interest, breach of duty or any other objection arising from or relating to Acquiror Counsel's prior representation of the Sponsor, Acquiror and its Subsidiaries, or other Acquiror Waiving Parties. Each of Acquiror and the Company, for itself and the Acquiror Waiving Parties, hereby further irrevocably acknowledges and agrees that all privileged communications, written or oral, between the Sponsor, Acquiror, or its Subsidiaries, or any other member of the Acquiror WP Group, on the one hand, and Acquiror, on the other hand, made prior to the Closing, in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance under, or any dispute or Action arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or any matter relating to any of the foregoing, are privileged communications that do not pass to the Surviving Corporation notwithstanding the Mergers, and instead survive, remain with and are controlled by the Acquiror WP Group (the "Acquiror Privileged Communications"), without any waiver thereof. Acquiror and the Company, together with any of their respective Affiliates, Subsidiaries, successors or assigns, agree that no Person may use or rely on any of the Acquiror Privileged Communications, whether located in the records or email server of the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries, in any Action against or involving any of the parties after the Closing, and Acquiror and the Company agree not to assert that any privilege has been waived as to the Acquiror Privileged Communications, by virtue of the Mergers. All files, attorney notes, drafts or other documents in the Acquiror Counsel's or Acquiror WP Group's possession that are Acquiror Privileged Communications shall be the property of the Acquiror WP Group.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have hereunto caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

  AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.
     
     
  By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
    Name: Arnaud Massenet
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  AURORA MERGER SUB I, INC.
     
     
  By: /s/ Caroline Harding
    Name: Caroline Harding
    Title: President

 

  BETTER HOLDCO, INC.
     
     
  By: /s/ Kevin Ryan
    Name: Kevin Ryan
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to Merger Agreement]

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

Execution Version

 

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

 

This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “Subscription Agreement”) is entered into as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (together with its successors, including after the Domestication (as defined below), the “Issuer”), and SB Northstar LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (“Subscriber” or “you”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer, Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Issuer (“Merger Sub”), and Better Holdco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors, the “Company”), will, immediately following or concurrently with the execution of this Subscription Agreement, enter into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (as amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, (a) the Issuer will migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended and the Cayman Islands Companies Law (2020 Revision) and take actions as set forth in the Merger Agreement in connection therewith including the creation of non-voting Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class C common stock”) (such transactions, the "Domestication"), (b) Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Issuer (the “First Merger”) and (c) the Company, as the surviving corporation of the First Merger, will merge with and into the Issuer (the “Second Merger” and together with the First Merger, the “Mergers”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (the Mergers, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Transactions, Subscriber desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Issuer that number of (i) shares of the Issuer’s (after the Domestication) Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), and Class C common stock, and together with the Class A common stock, the “common stock”) with a value equal to the Aggregate Purchase Amount (as determined in accordance with Section 1.1 below) divided by the per share purchase price of $10.00 for each share of the Class A common stock and Class C common stock (the “Per Share Price”) (such shares of Class A common stock, the “A Shares”, and such shares of Class C common stock, the “C Shares”, and together, the “Shares”, with the proportion of A Shares to be purchased in relation to C Shares to be determined in accordance with Section 1.2 below), and the Issuer desires to issue and sell to Subscriber the Shares in consideration of the payment of the Aggregate Purchase Amount therefor by or on behalf of Subscriber to the Issuer, all on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd. (“Sponsor”) will enter into (i) an agreement (the “Sponsor Subscription Agreement”) with the Issuer, pursuant to which Sponsor will agree to subscribe for and purchase a number of shares of Class A common stock with an aggregate value at the Per Share Price equal to $200,000,000 immediately prior to the First Effective Time (such date, the “Closing Date”) and (ii) a redemption subscription agreement with the Issuer (the “Redemption Subscription Agreement”); and

 

 

 

WHEREAS, subject to the terms of this Subscription Agreement, certain other “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) or “accredited investors” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) (each, an “Other Subscriber”), severally and not jointly, may enter into separate subscription agreements with substantially similar terms to this Subscription Agreement (other than terms that are specific to Subscriber, including without limitation, in respect of the Total Subscription Commitment, Aggregate Purchase Amount, C Shares and the conversion thereof) with the Issuer (the “Other Subscription Agreements”) pursuant to which such Other Subscribers agree to purchase shares of Class A common stock on the Closing Date in a private placement at the same Per Share Price as Subscriber, which would reduce the total number of shares of common stock to be purchased by Subscriber hereunder, such that the aggregate amount of shares of common stock to be sold by the Issuer pursuant to this Subscription Agreement, the Sponsor Subscription Agreement and the Other Subscription Agreements will equal 150,000,000 shares of common stock, with the proportion of A Shares and C Shares to be determined in accordance with Section 1.2 below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants, and subject to the conditions, herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1.            Subscription.

 

1.1            Subscriber irrevocably agrees to subscribe for and purchase a number of shares of Class A common stock and Class C common stock with an aggregate value at the Per Share Price equal to $1,500,000,000 (the “Total Subscription Commitment,” allocated between A Shares and C Shares pursuant to Section 1.2 below), minus (i) such number of shares of Class A common stock, if any, acquired by Other Subscribers at the Per Share Price pursuant to the Other Subscription Agreements as contemplated herein (the aggregate value of such subscriptions by Other Subscribers at the Per Share Price, the “Other Subscribers Purchase Amount”) and (ii) the aggregate value at the Per Share Price of the shares of Class A common stock acquired by Sponsor pursuant to the Sponsor Subscription Agreement immediately prior to the subscription contemplated by this Agreement on the Closing Date (the “Sponsor Purchase Amount”) (the amount of the Total Subscription Commitment, reduced by the Other Subscribers Purchase Amount and the Sponsor Purchase Amount, being the “Subscribed Amount”). In clarification of the foregoing, in the event of any default in performance or failure by (A) any Other Subscriber to fund prior to Closing in accordance with the terms of its Other Subscription Agreement and purchase at the Closing any portion of the Other Subscribers Purchase Amount pursuant to any Other Subscription Agreement or (B) Sponsor to fund prior to Closing in accordance with the terms of the Sponsor Subscription Agreement and purchase at the Closing any portion of the Sponsor Purchase Amount pursuant to the Sponsor Subscription Agreement and not including any amount in respect of the Redemption Subscription Agreement (the aggregate of (A) and (B), the “Defaulted Commitment Amount”, and together with the Subscribed Amount, the “Aggregate Purchase Amount”), in each case at the Closing, Subscriber shall, in addition to the Subscribed Amount, purchase a number of shares of common stock with an aggregate value at the Per Share Price equal to the Defaulted Commitment Amount. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall Subscriber be obligated to purchase shares of common stock valued at the Per Share Price in excess of the Total Subscription Commitment.

 

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1.2            The maximum number of A Shares issuable to Subscriber pursuant to this Subscription Agreement shall be such amount that, together with all other voting securities of the Issuer and the Company beneficially owned by the Subscriber and its Affiliates would not result in total ownership of voting stock of the Issuer by Subscriber and its Affiliates exceeding 9.4% of the outstanding voting power of the Issuer as of the Closing Date (giving effect to the Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and the Transactions), with any common stock issuable in satisfaction of the Total Subscription Commitment in excess of such voting threshold to consist of C Shares for the remainder of the Aggregate Purchase Amount.

 

1.3            Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Closing, Subscriber hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase, and the Issuer hereby agrees to issue and sell to Subscriber, upon the payment of the Aggregate Purchase Amount, the Shares (such subscription and issuance, the “Subscription”) up to the Total Subscription Commitment.

 

2.            Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

 

2.1           Subscriber’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. Subscriber hereby represents and warrants to the Issuer and acknowledges and agrees with the Issuer as follows:

 

2.1.1            Subscriber has been duly formed or incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, with power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.2            This Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by Subscriber. This Subscription Agreement is a valid and binding agreement enforceable against Subscriber in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

2.1.3            The execution, delivery and performance by Subscriber of this Subscription Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of Subscriber pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement or instrument to which Subscriber is a party or by which Subscriber is bound or to which any of the assets of Subscriber is subject, which would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay or otherwise materially impede Subscriber’s timely performance of its obligations under this Subscription Agreement (a “Subscriber Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of Subscriber, (iii) result in any violation of any Law or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Subscriber or any of its respective properties or assets that would reasonably be expected to have a Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, or (iv) with respect to the issuance of the Shares to Subscriber upon the Closing, and not with respect to any voting power exercised by Subscriber after the Closing, no notice to, or consent or approval of a Governmental Authority is required for Subscriber to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under, and all transactions contemplated by, this Subscription Agreement.

 

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2.1.4            Subscriber (i) is a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) or an “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) satisfying the applicable requirements set forth on Schedule I, (ii) is acquiring the Shares only for its own account and not for the account of others and (iii) is not acquiring the Shares with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act (and shall provide the requested information on Schedule I following the signature page hereto). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed a representation or warranty by Subscriber to hold the Shares for any period of time. Subscriber is not an entity formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares.

 

2.1.5            Subscriber understands that the Shares are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act and that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act except as otherwise required in respect of the A Shares by this Subscription Agreement. Subscriber understands that the Shares may not be resold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by Subscriber absent an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, except (i) to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, (ii) to non-U.S. persons pursuant to offers and sales that occur in an “offshore transaction” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) pursuant to Rule 144, provided that all of the applicable conditions thereof have been met, (iv) pursuant to another applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (v) as it forms part of any stock lending program, and in the case of each of clauses (i), (ii) (iii), (iv) and (v) in accordance with any applicable securities laws of the states and other jurisdictions of the United States, and that any certificates or book entries representing the Shares shall contain a legend to such effect. Subscriber acknowledges that the Shares will not be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act. Subscriber understands and agrees that as a result of the transfer restrictions set forth herein, Subscriber may not be able to readily resell the Shares and may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Shares for an indefinite period of time. Subscriber understands that it has been advised to consult legal counsel and tax and accounting advisors prior to making any offer, resale, pledge or transfer of any of the Shares.

 

2.1.6            Subscriber understands and agrees that Subscriber is purchasing the Shares directly from the Issuer. Subscriber further acknowledges that there have been no representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made to Subscriber by the Issuer, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives, expressly or by implication, other than those representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement, and Subscriber is not relying on any representations, warranties or covenants other than those expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, Subscriber acknowledges that certain information provided by the Company was based on projections, forecasts, estimates, budgets or other prospective information, and such information is based on assumptions and estimates that are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the projections, and neither the Company nor any other person, including any Placement Agent (as defined below), makes any representation relating to any such information.

 

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2.1.7            Subscriber represents and warrants that its acquisition and holding of the Shares will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any applicable similar law.

 

2.1.8            In making its decision to purchase the Shares, Subscriber represents that it has relied solely upon independent investigation made by Subscriber and the Issuer’s representations, warranties and agreements herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Subscriber has not relied on any statements or other information provided by anyone other than the Issuer and its representatives concerning the Issuer or the Shares or the offer and sale of the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber has received access to and has had an adequate opportunity to review, such financial and other information as Subscriber deems necessary in order to make an investment decision with respect to the Shares, including with respect to the Issuer and the Company (including giving effect to the Mergers), and made its own assessment and is satisfied concerning the relevant tax and other economic considerations relevant to Subscriber’s investment in the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges that it has reviewed the documents made available to Subscriber by the Issuer and the Company. Subscriber represents and agrees that Subscriber and Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have had the full opportunity to ask such questions, receive such answers and obtain such information as Subscriber and such Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have deemed necessary to make an investment decision with respect to the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges that any placement agent retained by the Issuer in respect of any placement to Other Subscribers and its Affiliates (the “Placement Agent”) and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and controlling persons have made no independent investigation with respect to the Issuer, the Company or the Shares or the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information supplied to Subscriber by the Issuer or the Company. Subscriber acknowledges that (i) it has not relied on any statements or other information provided by any Placement Agent or any of the Placement Agent's Affiliates with respect to its decision to invest in the Shares, including information related to the Issuer, the Company, the Shares and the offer and sale of the Shares, and (ii) neither Placement Agent nor any of its Affiliates have prepared any disclosure or offering document in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares. Subscriber understands and acknowledges that any Placement Agent is acting solely in respect of subscriptions by Other Subscribers pursuant to Placement Agent's agreement with the Company, that no Placement Agent has been retained to act as such in respect of Subscriber's subscription and Subscriber acknowledges that any Placement Agent has not acted or will act as Subscriber's financial advisor or fiduciary.

 

2.1.9            Subscriber acknowledges that the Shares are not being offered in a manner involving a public offering under, or in a distribution in violation of, the Securities Act, or any state securities laws.

 

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2.1.10          Subscriber acknowledges that it is aware that there are substantial risks incident to the purchase and ownership of the Shares. Subscriber has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Shares, and Subscriber has sought such financial, accounting, legal and tax advice as Subscriber has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision.

 

2.1.11          Alone, or together with any professional advisor(s), Subscriber represents and acknowledges that Subscriber has adequately analyzed and fully considered the risks of an investment in the Shares and determined that the Shares are a suitable investment for Subscriber and that Subscriber is able to bear the economic risk of a total loss of Subscriber’s investment in the Issuer. Subscriber acknowledges specifically that a possibility of total loss exists. Subscriber acknowledges that it shall be responsible for any of the Subscriber’s tax liabilities that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement, and that neither the Issuer nor the Company has provided any tax advice or any other representation or guarantee regarding the tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.12          Subscriber understands and agrees that no federal or state agency has passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Shares or made any findings or determination as to the fairness of an investment in the Shares.

 

2.1.13          Subscriber represents and warrants that Subscriber is not (i) a person or entity named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) or in any Executive Order issued by the President of the United States and administered by OFAC (“OFAC List”), or a person or entity prohibited by any OFAC sanctions program, (ii) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515 or (iii) a non-U.S. shell bank or providing banking services indirectly to a non-U.S. shell bank. Subscriber agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable Law, provided that Subscriber is permitted to do so under applicable Law. If Subscriber is a financial institution subject to the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. Section 5311 et seq.) (the “BSA”), as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “PATRIOT Act”), and its implementing regulations (collectively, the “BSA/PATRIOT Act”), Subscriber represents that it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. Subscriber also represents that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed for the screening of its investors against the OFAC sanctions programs, including the OFAC List. Subscriber further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by Subscriber and used to purchase the Shares were legally derived.

 

2.1.14           Except as a result of the entry into this Subscription Agreement, Subscriber is not currently (and at all times through Closing will refrain from being or becoming) a member of a “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any successor provision), acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of equity securities of the Issuer (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act).

 

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2.1.15           Subscriber shall not, and shall procure its Affiliates not to, beneficially own voting stock of the Issuer that in the aggregate exceeds 9.4% of the voting power of the Issuer at any time after the Closing Date (giving effect to the Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and the Transactions) and, to the extent that Subscriber (together with its Affiliates) would own voting stock of the Issuer that equals on an aggregate basis more than 9.4% of the voting power of the Issuer, Subscriber shall, and shall procure its Affiliates to, exchange promptly such number of B Shares, or if none are so owned by them, A Shares, for C Shares; provided that the foregoing obligation shall be released and the Issuer shall use reasonable best efforts to convert any then-outstanding C Shares held by Subscriber into A Shares promptly upon receipt by the Issuer of required approvals of any applicable Governmental Authorities for such ownership in excess of 9.4% of the voting power of the Issuer. Subscriber further agrees that pending any such exchange, neither it nor its Affiliates will exercise any voting rights with respect to more than 9.4% of the voting power of the Issuer.

 

2.1.16          Subject to Section 2.1.15, Subscriber and its Affiliates and the Issuer shall each use reasonable best efforts to submit, upon the written request of Subscriber, as promptly as practicable following the date on which Subscriber delivers to the Issuer written notice of its intent to convert the C Shares into shares of Class A common stock after the Closing, all applicable filings and registrations with, and notifications to, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and any other Governmental Authority required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), and all other Laws in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and the Merger Agreement, and to use their respective reasonable best efforts to, as promptly as practicable, provide any information requested by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or any other Governmental Authority to obtain all required authorizations and approvals, and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period, under the HSR Act and all other applicable Laws as promptly as practicable after the date hereof. Subscriber shall be responsible for (x) all filing fees payable and (y) all other costs, in each case, of Subscriber related to any HSR Act notification applicable in connection with the conversion of shares of common stock contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and the Issuer shall be responsible for (i) all filing fees payable and (ii) all other related costs, in each case of the Issuer (other than any HSR Act notification filing fee and all other related costs of Subscriber) in respect of obtaining all required authorizations and approvals of any Governmental Authority arising from Subscriber’s ownership of shares of common stock immediately after Closing (and not in respect of any subsequent acquisition of voting common stock except the conversion contemplated hereby).

 

2.1.17          Subscriber represents and agrees that on the date hereof, Subscriber has access to sufficient available funds to pay the Aggregate Purchase Amount, and on the date the Aggregate Purchase Amount would be required to be funded to the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.1, Subscriber will have sufficient immediately available funds to pay the Aggregate Purchase Amount pursuant to Section 3.1. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, Subscriber shall not make any dividends or distributions that would render Subscriber unable to satisfy its obligation to pay the Aggregate Purchase Amount.

 

2.1.18          Subscriber represents that no disqualifying event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) under the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”) is applicable to Subscriber or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties (as defined below), except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. Subscriber hereby agrees that it shall notify the Issuer promptly in writing in the event a Disqualification Event becomes applicable to Subscriber or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. For purposes of this Section 2.1.18, “Rule 506(d) Related Party” shall mean a person or entity that is a beneficial owner of Subscriber’s securities for purposes of Rule 506(d) under the Securities Act.

 

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2.1.19          Subscriber acknowledges that it is not relying upon, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation or warranty made by any person, firm or corporation (including, without limitation, the Issuer, any of its Affiliates or any of its or their respective control persons, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives), other than the representations and warranties of the Issuer expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement, in making its investment or decision to invest in the Issuer.

 

2.1.20           Subscriber represents, warrants and agrees that neither Subscriber, nor any person acting on its behalf has, directly or indirectly, made, and no such person shall make, any offers or sales of any Issuer security or solicited any offers to buy any security under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Issuer on an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act for the transactions contemplated hereby or would require registration of the issuance of the Shares under the Securities Act.

 

2.1.21          Neither the Subscriber nor any of its Affiliates or agents has provided or will, without the prior consent of any Placement Agents, provide information to Other Subscribers regarding the Issuer, the Company and the Transactions relating to the offer and sale of the Securities in connection with such Other Subscriber’s direct or indirect equity investment in the Issuer.

 

2.1.22           Subscriber agrees that it shall use all reasonable efforts to permit and cooperate with the Issuer (including acting on the Issuer's behalf in identifying the prospective subscribers for direction to any Placement Agent) in respect of subscriptions for Shares that would constitute a portion of its Total Subscription Commitment in an aggregate amount of at least $200,000,000 at the same Per Share Price by one or more “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) or “accredited investors” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) identified and mutually agreed on or before the date hereof by Subscriber and the Issuer and acceptable to the Company, including Activant Ventures or an Affiliate thereof, with such “qualified institutional buyers” or “accredited investors” to, severally and not jointly, enter into Other Subscription Agreements. Any such subscription shall be in the form of an Other Subscription Agreement pursuant to which the subscribing third party shall become a “Subscriber” hereunder and thereunder and an “Other Subscriber” hereunder and have the rights and obligations (other than as specific to the undersigned Subscriber) and make the applicable representations and warranties of Subscriber provided for herein.

 

2.1.23          Subscriber agrees that it shall reduce the number of A Shares to be acquired by Subscriber pursuant to its Total Subscription Commitment, to enable Sponsor to acquire the same number of shares represented by the Sponsor Purchase Amount at the Closing; provided that Subscriber shall remain obligated to purchase, in addition to the Subscribed Amount, a number of shares of common stock with an aggregate value at the Per Share Price equal to any Defaulted Commitment Amount.

 

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2.1.24          Subscriber agrees that it shall cooperate with the Issuer and the Company in connection with any review of the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and the Transactions by any Governmental Authority, including without limitation, by providing to the Issuer or the Company, as applicable for delivery to the applicable Governmental Authority as soon as practicable following written notice to Subscriber of such a request, all such information about Subscriber and any of its Affiliates requested by any such Governmental Authority, and to take such other action as soon as practicable as may be reasonably necessary or as the Issuer or the Company may reasonably request to enable the parties to the Merger Agreement to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 9.1(d) of the Merger Agreement.

 

2.1.25          Subscriber has not and will not prior to the Closing enter into any side letter or similar agreement with any other subscriber or any other investor in connection with such other subscriber’s or investor’s direct or indirect equity investment in the Issuer or the Company.

 

2.1.26          Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that the C Shares to be acquired by Subscriber pursuant to this Subscription Agreement shall have no right to vote, consent or approve any action for which approval of stockholders of the Issuer is solicited, except as required by the DGCL (as defined below). The Issuer agrees that its organizational documents in connection with the Domestication shall provide that any holder of C Shares shall be entitled to exchange or convert such shares into A Shares at its option from time to time.

 

2.2            Issuer’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to Subscriber and agrees with Subscriber as follows:

 

2.2.1            The Issuer has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and following the Domestication shall be validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement.

 

2.2.2            The Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to Subscriber against full payment for the Shares in accordance with the terms of this Subscription Agreement and registered with the Issuer’s transfer agent, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not have been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive or similar rights created under the Issuer’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation or under the DGCL.

 

2.2.3            This Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Issuer and is enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

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2.2.4            Subject to obtaining all required approvals necessary in connection with the performance of the Merger Agreement (including the approval of the Company’s stockholders for the Merger Agreement and the related Transactions including the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement, the Redemption Subscription Agreement, the Sponsor Subscription Agreement and the Other Subscription Agreements) and any required applications and approvals pursuant to the applicable rules of Nasdaq (together, the “Required Approvals”) and assuming the accuracy of Subscriber's representation in Section 2.1.3, the execution, delivery and performance of this Subscription Agreement, issuance and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the certain other transactions contemplated herein will not (i) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of the Issuer (after Domestication) or (ii) result in any violation of any Law or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Issuer or any of its properties that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the validity of the Shares or the legal authority or ability of the Issuer to perform in all material respects its obligations under this Subscription Agreement, subject to the exceptions in the definition of Material Adverse Effect in the Merger Agreement mutatis mutandis (an “Issuer Material Adverse Effect”).

 

2.2.5            As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized share capital of the Issuer is $55,500.00 divided into (i) 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 27,800,287 of which are issued and outstanding (subject to all Cayman Acquiror Units separating in full), (ii) 50,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, of which 6,950,072 shares are issued and outstanding and (iii) 5,000,000 preferred shares of which none and issued and outstanding (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, the "Cayman Securities"). As of immediately prior to the First Effective Time (without giving effect to any subscriptions under this Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements, the Sponsor Subscription Agreement or the Redemption Subscription Agreement), the authorized share capital of the Issuer will be $325,000.00 divided into (i) 1,750,000,000 shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock, 34,750,359 of which will be issued and outstanding (subject to all Domesticated Acquiror Units separating in full), (ii) 600,000,000 shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock, of which 0 shares will be issued and outstanding, (iii) 800,000,000 shares of Domesticated Acquiror Class C Common Stock, of which 0 shares will be issued and outstanding, and (iv) 100,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock, of which 0 shares will be issued and outstanding (such terms as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

2.2.6            Except for the securities referenced in Section 2.2.5 above and the obligations of the Issuer under the Merger Agreement (or as contemplated thereby), this Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements, the Redemption Subscription Agreement and the Sponsor Subscription Agreement in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, there are no outstanding, and between the date hereof and the Closing, the Issuer will not issue, sell or cause to be outstanding any (a) shares, equity interests or voting securities of the Issuer, (b) securities of the Issuer convertible into or exchangeable for shares or other equity interests or voting securities of the Issuer, (c) options, warrants or other rights (including preemptive rights) or agreements, arrangement or commitments of any character, whether or not contingent, of the Issuer to acquire from any individual, entity or other person, and no obligation of the Issuer to issue, any shares or other equity interests or voting securities of the Issuer or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or other equity interest or voting securities, (d) equity equivalents or other similar rights of or with respect to the Issuer, or (e) obligations of the Issuer to repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire any of the foregoing securities, shares, options, equity equivalents, interests or rights.

 

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2.2.7            Other than the Other Subscription Agreements, the Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Redemption Subscription Agreement, the Merger Agreement and any other agreement expressly contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Issuer has not entered into any side letter or similar agreement with any other subscriber or any other investor in connection with such other subscriber’s or investor’s direct or indirect equity investment in the Issuer (other than any side letter or similar agreement relating to the transfer to any investor of (i) securities of the Issuer by existing securityholders of the Company, which may be effectuated as a forfeiture to the Issuer and reissuance, or (ii) securities to be issued to the direct or indirect securityholders of the Issuer pursuant to the Merger Agreement).

 

2.2.8            Assuming the accuracy of Subscriber’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.1 of this Subscription Agreement, no registration under the Securities Act is required for the offer and sale of the Shares by the Issuer to Subscriber.

 

2.2.9            The issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock of the Issuer are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are listed for trading on Nasdaq. The Issuer has made available to Subscriber (including via the Commission’s EDGAR system) a true, correct and complete copy of each form, report, statement, schedule, prospectus, proxy, registration statement and other documents filed by the Issuer (including the Merger Agreement) with the Commission prior to the date of this Subscription Agreement (the “SEC Documents”), which SEC Documents, except in the case of the accounting treatment of the warrants, as of their respective filing dates, complied, as to form, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents (in each case in effect as of the date of filing). None of the SEC Documents filed under the Exchange Act, contained, as of the respective date of its filing or, if amended prior to the date of this Subscription Agreement or the Closing Date, as of the date of such amendment with respect to those disclosures that are amended, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Issuer makes no such representation or warranty with respect to the proxy statement/prospectus included in the PIPE Registration Statement to be filed in connection with the approval of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of the Issuer (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) or any other information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates included in any SEC Document or filed as an exhibit thereto. The Issuer has timely filed each report, statement, schedule, prospectus, and registration statement that the Issuer was required to file with the Commission since its inception and through the date hereof. As of the date hereof, there are no material outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters from the Commission staff with respect to any of the SEC Documents.

 

2.2.10          Neither the Issuer, nor any person acting on its behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any Issuer security or solicited any offers to buy any security under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Issuer on an exemption from registration for the transactions contemplated hereby under the Securities Act or would require registration of the issuance of the Shares under the Securities Act.

 

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2.2.11          No Disqualification Event is applicable to the Issuer or, to the Issuer’s knowledge, any Issuer Covered Person (as defined below), except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii)-(iv) or (d)(3) under the Securities Act is applicable. The Issuer has complied, to the extent applicable, with any disclosure obligations under Rule 506(e) under the Securities Act. “Issuer Covered Person” means, with respect to the Issuer as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 under the Securities Act, any person listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1) under the Securities Act.

 

2.2.12          As of the date hereof, there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Issuer, threatened suits, claim, actions or proceedings (collectively, “Actions”), which, if determined adversely, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an Issuer Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.2.13          The Issuer is not, and immediately after receipt of payment for the Shares will not be, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

2.2.14          Up to $950,000,000 of the proceeds of the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement, the Sponsor Subscription Agreement and the Other Subscription Agreements at Closing to be received by the Issuer shall be used as consideration in connection with the Transactions, with the remainder of such proceeds used to pay transaction expenses incurred by the Issuer pursuant to this Subscription Agreement, the Sponsor Subscription Agreement, each Other Subscription Agreement and the Merger Agreement and for general corporate purposes.

 

2.2.15          Without limiting the foregoing, the Issuer agrees that, promptly upon Subscriber's written notice after the Closing requesting shares of its Class C common stock to be converted into Class A common stock, the Issuer will, subject to the cooperation obligation above (a) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain, or in the case of approvals for which Subscriber is obligated by Law to complete a notification or obtain the approval or consent of the applicable Governmental Authorities to cooperate with the efforts of Subscriber to obtain, the completion of any requisite waiting period or consent or approval of applicable Governmental Authorities for the issuance of shares of Class A common stock to Subscriber (including from applicable Governmental Authorities), provided the Issuer shall not be required to agree to any limitations, adverse conditions or other restrictions on its or its Subsidiaries’ operations in obtaining such approvals, and (b) after receipt of all applicable Governmental Authorities approvals in respect of the issuance of such shares of Class A common stock, to exchange all of Subscriber's C Shares for Class A common stock of the Issuer.

 

3.            Settlement Date and Delivery.

 

3.1            Closing. The closing of the Subscription contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall occur on the date of, and immediately prior to, the First Effective Time. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, the Issuer shall deliver written notice to Subscriber (the “Closing Notice”) specifying (i) the anticipated Closing Date and (ii) wire instructions for the payment of the Aggregate Purchase Amount. Subscriber shall deliver to the Issuer, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, the Aggregate Purchase Amount for the Shares, by wire transfer of United States dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Issuer in the Closing Notice, such funds to be held by the Issuer in escrow until the Closing. At the Closing, upon satisfaction (or, if applicable, waiver) of the conditions set forth in this Section 3, the Issuer shall deliver to Subscriber the Shares in book entry form, in the name of Subscriber (or its nominee in accordance with its delivery instructions) or to a custodian designated by Subscriber, as applicable. In the event the Closing does not occur within three (3) Business Days of the anticipated Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice, the Issuer shall promptly (but no later than one (1) Business Day thereafter) return the Aggregate Purchase Amount to Subscriber.

 

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3.2            Conditions to Closing of the Issuer. The Issuer’s obligations to sell and issue the Shares at the Closing are subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) written waiver, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

 3.2.1            Representations and Warranties Correct. The representations and warranties made by Subscriber in Section 2.1 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of this Subscription Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date (unless they specifically speak as of another date in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects), with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of said date, but in each case without giving effect to consummation of the Transactions.

 

  3.2.2            Closing of the Transactions. The conditions precedent to the completion of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement) shall have been met or waived by the parties thereto such that the Transactions will close substantially concurrently with, but after, the Closing.

 

  3.2.3              Legality. There shall not be in force any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority, Law, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Subscription.

 

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3.3            Conditions to Closing of Subscriber. Subscriber’s obligation to purchase the Shares at the Closing is subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) written waiver, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

 3.3.1            Representations and Warranties Correct. The representations and warranties made by the Issuer in Section 2.2 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Issuer Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of this Subscription Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date (unless they specifically speak as of another date in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Issuer Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of said date, but in each case without giving effect to consummation of the Transactions; provided that in the event this condition would otherwise fail to be satisfied as a result of a breach of one or more of the representations and warranties of the Issuer contained in this Subscription Agreement and the facts underlying such breach would also cause a condition to the Company’s obligations under the Merger Agreement to fail to be satisfied, this condition shall nevertheless be deemed satisfied in the event the Company waives such condition with respect to such breach under the Merger Agreement, provided, further that such waiver by the Company does not result in Subscriber being in violation of any applicable Law or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Subscriber or any of its properties.

 

  3.3.2          Closing of the Transactions. The conditions precedent to completion of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement) shall have been met or waived by the parties thereto such that the Transactions will close substantially concurrently with, but after, the Closing.

 

 3.3.3            Legality. There shall not be in force any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority, Law, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Subscription.

 

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4.            PIPE Registration Statement.

 

4.1            In connection with the Transactions, the Issuer will file with the Commission the Registration Statement, which will register the issuance of shares of Class A common stock upon consummation of the Transactions in exchange for all outstanding shares of the Issuer (including the Shares). In the event that the Registration Statement, at the time it becomes effective, does not include the shares of Class A common stock to be issued hereunder (including the Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Class C common stock), the Issuer agrees that, within forty-five (45) calendar days after the consummation of the Transactions (the “Filing Date”), the Issuer will file with the Commission (at the Issuer’s sole cost and expense) a shelf registration statement registering the resale of the Shares (the “PIPE Registration Statement”), and the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the PIPE Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the 60th calendar day (or 90th calendar day if the Commission notifies the Issuer that it will “review” the PIPE Registration Statement) following the Closing and (ii) the 10th Business Day after the date the Issuer is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the PIPE Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Date”); provided, however, that the Issuer’s obligations to include such Shares in the PIPE Registration Statement are contingent upon Subscriber furnishing in writing to the Issuer such information regarding Subscriber, the securities of the Issuer held by Subscriber and the intended method of disposition of the Shares as shall be reasonably requested by the Issuer to effect the registration of the Shares, and Subscriber shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Issuer may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations, including providing that the Issuer shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of the PIPE Registration Statement during any customary blackout or similar period or as permitted under Section 4.3 hereunder; provided, further, that Subscriber and its Affiliates (including its directors, officers, agents and employees, and each person who controls Subscriber within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) will be indemnified by the Issuer for any liability arising from any material misstatements or omissions in the PIPE Registration Statement except to the extent such misstatement or omission arises from the information specifically provided by Subscriber for inclusion in the PIPE Registration Statement. Subscriber shall indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and its Affiliates (including its directors, officers, agents and employees, and each person who controls the Issuer (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), for any liability arising from any material misstatements or omissions contained in the PIPE Registration Statement to the extent that such untrue statements or omissions are based upon information regarding Subscriber furnished in writing to the Issuer by Subscriber expressly for use therein. For purposes of clarification, any failure by the Issuer to file the PIPE Registration Statement by the Filing Date or to cause such PIPE Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Effectiveness Date shall not otherwise relieve the Issuer of its obligations to file the PIPE Registration Statement or cause the PIPE Registration Statement to be declared effective as set forth above in this Section 4.

 

4.2            In the case of the registration effected by the Issuer pursuant to this Subscription Agreement, the Issuer shall, upon reasonable request, inform Subscriber as to the status of such registration. At its expense, the Issuer shall:

 

  4.2.1            except for such times as the Issuer is permitted hereunder to suspend the use of the prospectus forming part of a PIPE Registration Statement, use its reasonable efforts to keep such registration, and any qualification, exemption or compliance under state securities laws which the Issuer determines to obtain, continuously effective with respect to Subscriber, and to keep the applicable PIPE Registration Statement or any subsequent shelf registration statement free of any material misstatements or omissions, until the earlier of the following: (i) Subscriber ceases to hold any Shares, (ii) the date all Shares held by Subscriber may be sold without restriction under Rule 144, including without limitation, any volume and manner of sale restrictions which may be applicable to Affiliates under Rule 144 and without the requirement for the Issuer to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable), and (iii) two years from the Effectiveness Date of the PIPE Registration Statement;

 

  4.2.2            advise Subscriber within five (5) Business Days:

 

(a)            when a PIPE Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;

 

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(b)            of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any PIPE Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose;

 

(c)            of the receipt by the Issuer of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Shares included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and

 

(d)            subject to the provisions in this Subscription Agreement, of the occurrence of any event that requires the making of any changes in any PIPE Registration Statement or prospectus so that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Issuer shall not, when so advising Subscriber of such events, provide Subscriber with any material, nonpublic information regarding the Issuer other than to the extent that providing notice to Subscriber of the occurrence of the events listed in (a) through (d) above constitutes material, nonpublic information regarding the Issuer;

 

 4.2.3            use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any PIPE Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable;

 

  4.2.4         upon the occurrence of any event contemplated in Section 4.2.2(d), except for such times as the Issuer is permitted hereunder to suspend, and has suspended, the use of a prospectus forming part of a PIPE Registration Statement, the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to such PIPE Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Shares included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and

 

  4.2.5            use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares to be listed on each securities exchange or market, if any, on which the Class A common stock is then listed.

 

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4.3            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Subscription Agreement, the Issuer shall be entitled to delay or postpone the effectiveness of the PIPE Registration Statement, and from time to time to require Subscriber not to sell under the PIPE Registration Statement or to suspend the effectiveness thereof, if the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Issuer or its Subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event the Issuer’s board of directors reasonably believes, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in-house legal counsel), would require additional disclosure by the Issuer in the PIPE Registration Statement of material information that the Issuer has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in the PIPE Registration Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Issuer’s board of directors, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in-house legal counsel), to cause the PIPE Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (each such circumstance, a “Suspension Event”); provided, however, that the Issuer may not delay or suspend the PIPE Registration Statement on more than three occasions or for more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or more than ninety (90) total calendar days, in each case during any twelve (12) month period. Upon receipt of any written notice from the Issuer of the happening of any Suspension Event during the period that the PIPE Registration Statement is effective or if as a result of a Suspension Event the PIPE Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made (in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, Subscriber agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Shares under the PIPE Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144) until Subscriber receives copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus (which the Issuer agrees to promptly prepare) that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless otherwise notified by the Issuer that it may resume such offers and sales, and (ii) it will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by the Issuer unless otherwise required by law or subpoena. If so directed by the Issuer, Subscriber will deliver to the Issuer or, in Subscriber’s sole discretion, destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares in Subscriber’s possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares shall not apply (i) to the extent Subscriber is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (a) in order to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (b) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (ii) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up. Issuer agrees that any time transfer is permitted pursuant to Rule 144 and Subscriber is unable to sell under the PIPE Registration Statement, Issuer will take commercially reasonable efforts to remove the restrictive legend from Subscriber’s Shares.

 

5.            Termination. This Subscription Agreement shall terminate and be void and of no further force and effect, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate without any further liability on the part of any party in respect thereof, upon the earlier to occur of (i) such date and time as the Merger Agreement is validly terminated in accordance with its terms without consummation of the Merger, (ii) upon the mutual written agreement of Subscriber and, with the prior written consent of the Company, the Issuer to terminate this Subscription Agreement, (iii) subject to Section 3.3.1, if any of the conditions to Closing set forth in this Subscription Agreement are not satisfied or waived (or deemed to be satisfied or waived) by the party entitled to grant such waiver on or prior to the Closing and, as a result thereof, the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement are not consummated on or before the Agreement End Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), and (iv) if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before the Agreement End Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement); provided that nothing herein will relieve any party from liability for any willful breach hereof prior to the time of termination, and each party will be entitled to any remedies at law or in equity to recover losses, liabilities or damages arising from such breach. The Issuer shall promptly notify Subscriber of the termination of the Merger Agreement promptly after the termination of such agreement.

 

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6.            Miscellaneous.

 

6.1            Further Assurances. From the date hereof, the parties hereto shall use reasonable best efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement, the Merger Agreement, and the Mergers. At the Closing, the parties hereto shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take such additional actions as the parties reasonably may deem to be practical and necessary in order to consummate the Subscription as contemplated by this Subscription Agreement.

 

    6.1.1            Subscriber acknowledges that the Issuer, the Company, any Placement Agent and others will rely on the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by Subscriber contained in this Subscription Agreement. Prior to the Closing, Subscriber agrees to promptly notify the Issuer and the Company if any of the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by Subscriber set forth herein are no longer accurate in any material respect. Subscriber further acknowledges and agrees that the Company and any Placement Agent is a third-party beneficiary of the representations, warranties and agreements of Subscriber contained in this Section 6.1.1 and Section 2.1 of this Subscription Agreement. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that none of (i) any other investor pursuant to this Subscription Agreement or any other subscription agreement related to the private placement of the Shares (including such other investor’s respective Affiliates or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing), (ii) any Placement Agent, its respective Affiliates or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing, in each case, absent their own intentional fraud or willful misconduct, (iii) the Company or any other party to the Merger Agreement, or (iv) any Affiliates, or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the Issuer, the Company or any other party to the Merger Agreement shall be liable to Subscriber, or to any other investor, pursuant to this Subscription Agreement or any other subscription agreement related to the private placement of the Shares, the negotiation hereof or thereof or the subject matter hereof or thereof, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, for any action heretofore or hereafter taken or omitted to be taken by any of them in connection with the purchase of the Shares or with respect to any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for breach of this Subscription Agreement or in respect of any written or oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith, as expressly provided herein, or for any actual or alleged inaccuracies, misstatements or omissions with respect to any information or materials of any kind furnished by the Issuer, the Company or any Placement Agent concerning the Issuer, the Company, any Placement Agent, any of their controlled Affiliates, this Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Subscriber consents to and agrees to waive any claims it or they may have based on any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise or result from any Placement Agent acting as equity capital markets advisor to the Issuer or the Company.

 

    6.1.2            Without limiting the Company's rights provided by Section 6.6, each of the Issuer, Subscriber, any Placement Agent, Sponsor and the Company is (i) entitled to rely upon and, in the case of the Issuer, the Subscriber and the Company, enforce the terms of this Subscription Agreement and (ii) is irrevocably authorized to produce this Subscription Agreement or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

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  6.1.3            The Issuer may request from Subscriber such additional information as the Issuer may deem necessary to evaluate the eligibility of Subscriber to acquire the Shares, and Subscriber shall promptly provide such information as may be reasonably requested, to the extent within Subscriber’s possession and control and otherwise readily available to Subscriber and to the extent consistent with its internal policies and procedures; provided, that, Issuer agrees to keep any such information provided by Subscriber confidential.

 

  6.1.4           Each party hereto shall be responsible for and pay its own expenses incurred in connection with this Subscription Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants.

 

  6.1.5            Each of Subscriber and the Issuer shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement on the terms and conditions described herein no later than immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions.

 

6.2            Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service, or (d) when delivered by email (in each case in this clause (d), solely if receipt is confirmed, but excluding any automated reply, such as an out-of-office notification), addressed as follows:

 

(i)           if to Subscriber, to such address or addresses set forth on the signature page hereto;

 

(ii)          if to the Issuer before the Closing Date, to:

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.
20 North Audley Street
London W1K 6LX
United Kingdom
Attention:   Khurram Kayani

Email:   Khurram@novatorcapital.com

 

with a required copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Baker McKenzie LLP

100 New Bridge Street

London EC4V 6JA

United Kingdom

Attention: Adam Eastell, Michael F. DeFranco, Derek Liu
Email: adam.eastell@bakermckenzie.com,

michael.defranco@bakermckenzie.com,

derek.liu@bakermckenzie.com

 

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(iii) If to the Issuer after the Closing Date, to the persons indicated under the Company below

 

(iv)         if to the Company, to:

 

Better HoldCo, Inc.

175 Greenwich St, 59th Floor

New York, NY 10007

Attention: Kevin Ryan

Email: kryan@better.com

 

with a required copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Mitchell S. Eitel, Jared M. Fishman, Sarah P. Payne

Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com,

fishmanj@sullcrom.com,

paynes@sullcrom.com

 

6.3            Entire Agreement. This Subscription Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties to this Subscription Agreement relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the parties hereto or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby exist between such parties, including any commitment letter entered into relating to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.4            Modifications and Amendments. This Subscription Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only (a) subject to the prior written consent of the Company except in the case of amendments or waivers that are ministerial and immaterial in nature and effect and (b) by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed in the same manner as this Subscription Agreement and which makes reference to this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.5            Assignment. Neither this Subscription Agreement nor any rights, interests or obligations that may accrue to the parties hereunder (including Subscriber’s rights to purchase the Shares) may be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of each of the other parties hereto and the Company (as third-party beneficiary hereto) and any such purported assignment shall be null and void ab initio (other than the Shares acquired hereunder, if any, and Subscriber’s rights under Section 4 hereof, and then only in accordance with this Subscription Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subscriber may assign its rights and obligations under this Subscription Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates (provided that Subscriber shall not be relieved from the obligation to perform this Agreement upon any failure of the Affiliate assignee).

 

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6.6            Benefit.

 

 6.6.1            Except as otherwise provided herein, this Subscription Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives, and permitted assigns, and the agreements, representations, warranties, covenants and acknowledgments contained herein shall be deemed to be made by, and be binding upon, such heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. This Subscription Agreement shall not confer rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (other than as provided for in this Section 6.6.1 and Section 6.1.1 and Section 6.1.2 of this Subscription Agreement). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company and Sponsor is an express third-party beneficiary of each of the provisions of this Subscription Agreement.

 

  6.6.2            Each of the Issuer and Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that (a) this Subscription Agreement is being entered into in order to induce the Company to execute and deliver the Merger Agreement and without the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Issuer and Subscriber hereunder, the Company would not enter into the Merger Agreement, (b) each representation, warranty, covenant and agreement of the Issuer and Subscriber hereunder is being made also for the benefit of the Company, and (c) the Company may seek to directly enforce (including by an action for specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable relief, including to cause the Aggregate Purchase Amount to be paid and the Closing to occur) each of the covenants and agreements of each of the Issuer and Subscriber under this Subscription Agreement. Each of the Issuer and Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that (a) this Subscription Agreement is being entered into in order to induce Sponsor to execute and deliver the Sponsor Subscription Agreement and without the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Issuer and Subscriber hereunder, Sponsor would not enter into the Sponsor Subscription Agreement, (b) each representation, warranty, covenant and agreement of the Issuer and Subscriber hereunder is being made also for the benefit of Sponsor, and (c) Sponsor may seek to directly enforce (including by an action for specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable relief, including to cause the Aggregate Purchase Amount to be paid and the Closing to occur) each of the covenants and agreements of each of the Issuer and Subscriber under this Subscription Agreement that relate to the acquisition of Class A common stock by Sponsor in the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.7            Governing Law. This Subscription Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of Laws that would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.

 

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6.8            Consent for Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

  6.8.1            Subscriber hereby irrevocably appoints SB Management (US) Corporation C/O CSC Global, with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 251 Little Falls Drive, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware USA 19808, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such Action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 6.8.1. Subscriber agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 6.2, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Subscriber agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, each Subscriber agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 6.8.1. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable Law

 

  6.8.2            The Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints Cogency Global Inc., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Road, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware USA 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such Action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 6.8.2. The Issuer agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 6.2, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. the Issuer agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, the Issuer agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 6.8.2. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable Law.

 

  6.8.3            Any proceeding or Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware) (the “Designated Courts”), and each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally (i) consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Action, (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and (iv) agrees not to bring any proceeding or Action arising out of or relating to this Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence an Action or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 6.8.

 

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  6.8.4            EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

6.9          Severability. If any provision of this Subscription Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Subscription Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Subscription Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Subscription Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Subscription Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the parties.

 

6.10           No Waiver of Rights, Powers and Remedies. No failure or delay by a party hereto in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Subscription Agreement, and no course of dealing between the parties hereto, shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy of such party. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy under this Subscription Agreement by a party hereto, nor any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce any such right, power or remedy, shall preclude such party from any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy hereunder. The election of any remedy by a party hereto shall not constitute a waiver of the right of such party to pursue other available remedies. No notice to or demand on a party not expressly required under this Subscription Agreement shall entitle the party receiving such notice or demand to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the party giving such notice or demand to any other or further action in any circumstances without such notice or demand.

 

6.11            Remedies.

 

    6.11.1            The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Subscription Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate the Subscription Agreement). It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Subscription Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Subscription Agreement, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Subscription Agreement in accordance with Section 5, in addition to any other remedy to which any party is entitled at law or in equity. The right to specific enforcement shall include the right of the parties hereto to cause Subscriber and the right of the Company to cause the parties hereto to cause the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in this Subscription Agreement. In the event that any Action shall be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Subscription Agreement, no party shall allege, and each party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law, and each party agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection therewith.

 

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  6.11.2            The parties acknowledge and agree that this Section 6.12 is an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby and without that right, the parties hereto would not have entered into this Subscription Agreement.

 

  6.11.3             In any dispute arising out of or related to this Subscription Agreement, or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby, or any transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the applicable adjudicating body shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and external attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the dispute and the enforcement of its rights under this Subscription Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby and, if the adjudicating body determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the adjudicating body may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and external attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the adjudication and the enforcement of its rights under this Subscription Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

6.12         Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made by the parties hereto in this Subscription Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of any statute of limitations under applicable Laws. For the avoidance of doubt, if for any reason the Closing does not occur prior to the consummation of the Transactions, all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties hereunder shall survive the consummation of the Transactions and remain in full force and effect until the expiration of any statute of limitations under applicable Laws.

 

6.13          No Broker or Finder. Each of the Issuer and Subscriber each represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that no broker, finder or other financial consultant has acted on its behalf in connection with this Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in such a way as to create any liability on any other party hereto. Each of the Issuer and Subscriber agrees to indemnify and save the other parties hereto harmless from any claim or demand for commission or other compensation by any broker, finder, financial consultant or similar agent claiming to have been employed by or on behalf of such party and to bear the cost of legal expenses incurred in defending against any such claim.

 

6.14          Headings and Captions. The headings and captions in this Subscription Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.15           Counterparts. This Subscription Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by electronic transmission in .pdf format or by facsimile shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Signatures to this Subscription Agreement transmitted by electronic mail in .pdf form, or by any other electronic means designed to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document (including DocuSign), will be deemed to have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing the original signatures.

 

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6.16          Construction. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.” Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “this Subscription Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Subscription Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The parties hereto intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If any party hereto has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which such party hereto has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that such party hereto is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant. All references in this Subscription Agreement to numbers of shares, per share amounts and Aggregate Purchase Amount shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or the like occurring after the date hereof.

 

6.17          Mutual Drafting. This Subscription Agreement is the joint product of the parties hereto and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of the parties and shall not be construed for or against any party hereto.

 

7.            Consent to Disclosure.

 

7.1            Subscriber hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in any press release issued by the Issuer or the Company or Form 8-K filed by the Issuer with the Commission in connection with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by the federal securities laws or the Commission or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by the Issuer or the Company to any Governmental Authority or to securityholders of the Issuer) in each case, as and to the extent required by applicable Law or the Commission or any other Governmental Authority, of Subscriber’s identity and beneficial ownership of the Shares and the nature of Subscriber’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Subscription Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by the Issuer or the Company, a copy of this Subscription Agreement. Other than as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, without Subscriber’s prior written consent, the Issuer will not publicly disclose the name of Subscriber, other than to the Issuer’s lawyers, independent accountants and to other advisors and service providers who reasonably require such information in connection with the provision of services to such person, are advised of the confidential nature of such information and are obligated to keep such information confidential ; provided that Subscriber consents to the disclosure included in the public announcement materials related to the Transactions previously disclosed to Subscriber. Subscriber will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by the Issuer or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the Commission).

 

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7.2            Trust Account Waiver. Subscriber acknowledges that the Issuer is a blank check company with the powers and privileges to effect a Business Combination. Subscriber further acknowledges that, as described in the prospectus dated February 12, 2021 (the “Prospectus”) available at www.sec.gov, substantially all of the Issuer's assets consist of the cash proceeds of the Issuer's initial public offering and private placements of its securities and substantially all of those proceeds have been deposited in a the trust account for the benefit of the Issuer, certain of its public stockholders and the underwriters of the Issuer's initial public offering (the “Trust Account”). Subscriber acknowledges that it has been advised by the Issuer that, except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to the Issuer to pay its franchise Tax, income Tax and similar obligations, the Trust Agreement provides that cash in the Trust Account may be disbursed only (a) if the Issuer completes the transactions which constitute a Business Combination, then to those Persons (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and in such amounts as described in the Prospectus; (b) if the Issuer fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period and liquidates, subject to the terms of the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2020, between the Issuer and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee (the “Trustee”) (the “Trust Agreement”) to the Issuer in limited amounts to permit the Issuer to pay the costs and expenses of its liquidation and dissolution, and then to the Issuer's public stockholders; and (c) if the Issuer holds a shareholder vote to amend the Issuer's amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance or timing of the obligation to redeem 100% of the Class A common stock if the Issuer fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period, then for the redemption of any of the Class A common stock properly tendered in connection with such vote. For and in consideration of the Issuer entering into this Subscription Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Subscriber hereby irrevocably waives any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they have or may have in the future in or to any monies in the Trust Account and agrees not to seek recourse against the Trust Account or any funds distributed therefrom as a result of, or arising out of, this Subscription Agreement and any negotiations, Contracts with the Issuer; provided, that (x) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit Subscriber's right to pursue a claim against the Issuer for legal relief against monies or other assets held outside the Trust Account, for specific performance or other equitable relief in connection with the consummation of the Transactions or for fraud and (y) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit any claims that Subscriber may have in the future against the Issuer's assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Account (including any funds that have been released from the Trust Account and any assets that have been purchased or acquired with any such funds). This Section 7.2 shall survive the termination of this Subscription Agreement for any reason.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Issuer and Subscriber has executed or caused this Subscription Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first set forth above.

 

  ISSUER:
 
  AURORA ACQUISITION CORP
 
  By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
    Name: Arnaud Massenet
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

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Accepted and agreed this 10th day of May, 2021.    
SUBSCRIBER:    
     
SB Northstar LP
 
  Signature of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
 
By: /s/ Samuel Merksamer   By:  
Name: Samuel Merksamer   Name:  
Title: Director   Title:  
     
Date:  May 10, 2021    

Name of Subscriber:

SB Northstar LP

  Name of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
     
     
(Please print. Please indicate name and capacity of person signing above)   (Please Print. Please indicate name and capacity of person signing above)
     
     

Name in which securities are to be registered    
(if different from the name of Subscriber listed    
directly above):      
Email Address:      
If there are joint investors, please check one:    
¨  Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship    
¨  Tenants-in-Common    
¨  Community Property    
Subscriber’s EIN:     Joint Subscriber’s EIN:  
Business Address-Street:     Mailing Address-Street (if different):  
     
     
     
     
City, State, Zip:     City, State, Zip:  
Attn:     Attn:
Telephone No.:     Telephone No.:
Facsimile No.:     Facsimile No.:  

Aggregate Number of Shares subscribed for:

 

See Section 1.1 and 1.2 of Subscription Agreement

 

   
Aggregate Purchase Amount: See Section 1.1 of Subscription Agreement

 

You must pay the Aggregate Purchase Amount by wire transfer of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds, to be held in escrow until the Closing, to the account specified by the Issuer in the Closing Notice.

 

 

SCHEDULE I
ELIGIBILITY REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBSCRIBER

 

A. QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS
(Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

1. ¨ We are a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) (a “QIB”) and have marked and initialed the appropriate box on the following pages indicating the provision under which we qualify as a QIB.

 

2. ¨ We are subscribing for the Shares as a fiduciary or agent for one or more investor accounts, and each owner of such account is a QIB.

 

*** OR ***

 

B. ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS (Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

1. ¨ We are an “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) and have marked and initialed the appropriate box on the following pages indicating the provision under which we qualify as an “accredited investor.”

 

2. ¨ We are not a natural person.

 

*** AND ***

 

C. AFFILIATE STATUS (Please check the applicable box)

 

  SUBSCRIBER:

 

¨ is:

 

¨ is not:

 

an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) of the Issuer or acting on behalf of an affiliate of the Issuer.

 

This Schedule I should be completed by Subscriber
and constitutes a part of the Subscription Agreement.

 

 

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER: Subscriber is a “qualified institutional buyer” (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act) if it is an entity that meets any one of the following categories at the time of the sale of securities to Subscriber (Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

¨   Subscriber is an entity that, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber and:

 

¨     is an insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act;

 

¨    is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), or any business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act;

 

¨    is a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the US Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended (“Small Business Investment Act”) or any Rural Business Investment Company as defined in section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (“Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act”);

 

¨     is a plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees;

 

¨     is an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”);

 

¨    is a trust fund whose trustee is a bank or trust company and whose participants are exclusively (a) plans established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, of (b) employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the ERISA, except, in each case, trust funds that include as participants individual retirement accounts or H.R. 10 plans;

 

¨    is a business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”);

 

¨    is an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), corporation (other than a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Act, a savings and loan association or other institution referenced in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Act, or a foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution), partnership, or Massachusetts or similar business trust; or

 

¨     is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act;

 

 

¨     is an institutional accredited investor, as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, of a type not listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (I) or paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) through (vi) of Rule 501.

 

¨   Subscriber is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $10 million of securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber;

 

¨    Subscriber is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act acting in a riskless principal transaction on behalf of a qualified institutional buyer;

 

¨   Subscriber is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act, acting for its own account or for the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that is part of a family of investment companies1 which own in the aggregate at least $100 million in securities of issuers, other than issuers that are affiliated with Subscriber or are part of such family of investment companies;

 

¨    Subscriber is an entity, all of the equity owners of which are qualified institutional buyers, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers; or

 

¨     Subscriber is a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, or any foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber and that has an audited net worth of at least $25 million as demonstrated in its latest annual financial statements, as of a date not more than 16 months preceding the date of sale of securities in the case of a US bank or savings and loan association, and not more than 18 months preceding the date of sale of securities for a foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution.

 

 

1Family of investment companies” means any two or more investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act, except for a unit investment trust whose assets consist solely of shares of one or more registered investment companies, that have the same investment adviser (or, in the case of unit investment trusts, the same depositor); provided that, (a) each series of a series company (as defined in Rule 18f-2 under the Investment Company Act) shall be deemed to be a separate investment company and (b) investment companies shall be deemed to have the same adviser (or depositor) if their advisers (or depositors) are majority-owned subsidiaries of the same parent, or if one investment company’s adviser (or depositor) is a majority-owned subsidiary of the other investment company’s adviser (or depositor).

 

 

ACCREDITED INVESTOR: Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, in relevant part, states that an “accredited investor” shall mean any person who comes within any of the below listed categories, or who the issuer reasonably believes comes within any of the below listed categories, at the time of the sale of the securities to that person. Subscriber has indicated, by marking and initialing the appropriate box(es) below, the provision(s) below which apply to Subscriber and under which Subscriber accordingly qualifies as an “accredited investor.”

 

¨ Any bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity;

 

¨ Any broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Exchange Act;

 

¨ Any insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act;

 

¨ Any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act or a business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act;

 

¨ Any Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act or Rural Business Investment Company as defined in Section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act;

 

¨ Any plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, if such plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the ERISA, if (i) the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) of ERISA, which is either a bank, a savings and loan association, an insurance company, or a registered investment adviser, (ii) the employee benefit plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 or, (iii) such plan is a self-directed plan, with investment decisions made solely by persons that are “accredited investors”;

 

¨ Any private business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act;

 

¨ Any (i) corporation, limited liability company or partnership, (ii) Massachusetts or similar business trust, or (iii) organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, in each case that was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered and that has total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any director, executive officer, or general partner of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold, or any director, executive officer, or general partner of a general partner of that issuer;

 

 

¨ Any natural person whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with that person’s spouse, exceeds $1,000,000. For purposes of calculating a natural person’s net worth: (a) the person’s primary residence shall not be included as an asset; (b) indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence, up to the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the sale of securities, shall not be included as a liability (except that if the amount of such indebtedness outstanding at the time of sale of securities exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days before such time, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability); and (c) indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence in excess of the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the sale of securities shall be included as a liability;

 

¨ Any natural person who had an individual income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with that person’s spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of those years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year;

 

¨ Any trust, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person as described in Section 230.506(b)(2)(ii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act; or

 

¨ Any entity in which all of the equity owners are “accredited investors.”

 

¨ Any entity, of a type not listed in paragraph (a)(1), (2), (3), (7), or (8) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, owning investments in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any natural person holding in good standing one or more professional certifications or designations or credentials from an accredited educational institution that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has designated as qualifying an individual for accredited investor status. In determining whether to designate a professional certification or designation or credential from an accredited educational institution for purposes of this paragraph, the Commission will consider, among others, the following attributes:

 

(i) The certification, designation, or credential arises out of an examination or series of examinations administered by a self-regulatory organization or other industry body or is issued by an accredited educational institution;

 

(ii) The examination or series of examinations is designed to reliably and validly demonstrate an individual's comprehension and sophistication in the areas of securities and investing;

 

(iii) Persons obtaining such certification, designation, or credential can reasonably be expected to have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to evaluate the merits and risks of a prospective investment; and

 

 

(iv) An indication that an individual holds the certification or designation is either made publicly available by the relevant self-regulatory organization or other industry body or is otherwise independently verifiable;

 

¨ Any natural person who is a “knowledgeable employee,” as defined in rule 3c-5(a)(4) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.3c-5(a)(4)), of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold where the issuer would be an investment company, as defined in section 3 of such act, but for the exclusion provided by either section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7) of such act;

 

¨ Any “family office,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (17 CFR 275.202(a)(11)(G)-1):

 

(i) With assets under management in excess of $5,000,000,

 

(ii) That is not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, and

 

(iii) Whose prospective investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment;

 

¨ Any “family client,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (17 CFR 275.202(a)(11)(G)-1)), of a family office meeting the requirements in paragraph (a)(12) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act and whose prospective investment in the issuer is directed by such family office pursuant to paragraph (a)(12)(iii) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act.

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “Sponsor Subscription Agreement”) is entered into as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (together with its successors, including after the Domestication (as defined below), the “Issuer”), and Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd. (“Sponsor”, “you” and the initial “Subscriber”), BB Trustees SA, as trustee of the Future Holdings Trust (the “Sponsor Guarantor”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer, Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Issuer (“Merger Sub”), and Better Holdco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors, the “Company”), will, immediately following or concurrently with the execution of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, enter into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (as amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, (a) the Issuer will migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended and the Cayman Islands Companies Law (2020 Revision) and take actions as set forth in the Merger Agreement in connection therewith including the creation of non-voting Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class C common stock”) (such transactions, the "Domestication"), (b) Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Issuer (the “First Merger”) and (c) the Company, as the surviving corporation of the First Merger, will merge with and into the Issuer (the “Second Merger” and together with the First Merger, the “Mergers”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (the Mergers, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Transactions, Subscriber desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Issuer shares of the Issuer’s (after the Domestication) Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), and the Issuer desires to issue and sell to Subscriber the Shares in consideration of the payment of the Sponsor Purchase Amount (as defined below) therefor by or on behalf of Subscriber to the Issuer, all on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, SB Northstar LP (“Sigma”) is entering into a subscription agreement with the Issuer (the “PIPE Subscription Agreement”), pursuant to which Sigma is agreeing to subscribe for and purchase a number of shares of Class A common stock and Class C common stock, and together with the Class A common stock, the “common stock”) with an aggregate value at the Per Share Price equal to $1,500,000,000 less the Sponsor Purchase Amount actually acquired pursuant to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and also less the amount actually acquired by one or more “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) or “accredited investors” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) that enter into subscription agreements (the “Other Subscription Agreements”) with the Issuer as contemplated by the PIPE Subscription Agreement, in each case immediately prior to the First Effective Time (such date, the “Closing Date”); and

 

 

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, Subscriber and Sponsor Guarantor are entering into a redemption subscription agreement with the Issuer (the “Redemption Subscription Agreement”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants, and subject to the conditions, herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1.            Subscription.

 

1.1           Subscriber irrevocably agrees to subscribe for and purchase a number of shares of Class A common stock with an aggregate value equal to $200,000,000 (the “Sponsor Purchase Amount”) at the per share purchase price of $10.00 for each share of the Class A common stock (the “Per Share Price”) (such shares of Class A common stock, the “Shares”) on the Closing Date.

 

1.2           Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Closing, Subscriber hereby agrees to subscribe for and purchase, and the Issuer hereby agrees to issue and sell to Subscriber, upon the payment of the Sponsor Purchase Amount, the Shares (such subscription and issuance, the “Subscription”).

 

2.            Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

 

2.1           Subscriber’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. Subscriber hereby represents and warrants to the Issuer and acknowledges and agrees with the Issuer as follows:

 

2.1.1            Subscriber has been duly formed or incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, with power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.2            This Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by Subscriber. This Subscription Agreement is a valid and binding agreement enforceable against Subscriber in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

2.1.3            The execution, delivery and performance by Subscriber of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of Subscriber pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement or instrument to which Subscriber is a party or by which Subscriber is bound or to which any of the assets of Subscriber is subject, which would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay or otherwise materially impede Subscriber’s timely performance of its obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement (a “Subscriber Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of Subscriber, (iii) result in any violation of any Law or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Subscriber or any of its respective properties or assets that would reasonably be expected to have a Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, or (iv) other than the notifications to the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and any other Governmental Authority required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), no notice to, or consent or approval of a Governmental Authority is required for Subscriber to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under, and all transactions contemplated by, this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

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2.1.4            Subscriber (i) is a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) or an “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) satisfying the applicable requirements set forth on Schedule I, (ii) is acquiring the Shares only for its own account and not for the account of others and (iii) is not acquiring the Shares with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act (and shall provide the requested information on Schedule I following the signature page hereto). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed a representation or warranty by Subscriber to hold the Shares for any period of time. Subscriber is not an entity formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares.

 

2.1.5            Subscriber understands that the Shares are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act and that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act except as otherwise required in respect of the Shares by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement. Subscriber understands that the Shares may not be resold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by Subscriber absent an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, except (i) to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, (ii) to non-U.S. persons pursuant to offers and sales that occur in an “offshore transaction” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) pursuant to Rule 144, provided that all of the applicable conditions thereof have been met, (iv) pursuant to another applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (v) as it forms part of any stock lending program, and in the case of each of clauses (i), (ii) (iii), (iv) and (v) in accordance with any applicable securities laws of the states and other jurisdictions of the United States, and that any certificates or book entries representing the Shares shall contain a legend to such effect. Subscriber acknowledges that the Shares will not be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act. Subscriber understands and agrees that as a result of the transfer restrictions set forth herein, Subscriber may not be able to readily resell the Shares and may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Shares for an indefinite period of time. Subscriber understands that it has been advised to consult legal counsel and tax and accounting advisors prior to making any offer, resale, pledge or transfer of any of the Shares.

 

2.1.6            Subscriber understands and agrees that Subscriber is purchasing the Shares directly from the Issuer. Subscriber further acknowledges that there have been no representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made to Subscriber by the Issuer, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives, expressly or by implication, other than those representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressly set forth in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, and Subscriber is not relying on any representations, warranties or covenants other than those expressly set forth in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, Subscriber acknowledges that certain information provided by the Company was based on projections, forecasts, estimates, budgets or other prospective information, and such information is based on assumptions and estimates that are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the projections, and neither the Company nor any other person, including any Placement Agent (as defined below), makes any representation relating to any such information.

 

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2.1.7            Subscriber represents and warrants that its acquisition and holding of the Shares will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any applicable similar law.

 

2.1.8            In making its decision to purchase the Shares, Subscriber represents that it has relied solely upon independent investigation made by Subscriber and the Issuer’s representations, warranties and agreements herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Subscriber has not relied on any statements or other information provided by anyone other than the Issuer and its representatives concerning the Issuer or the Shares or the offer and sale of the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber has received access to and has had an adequate opportunity to review, such financial and other information as Subscriber deems necessary in order to make an investment decision with respect to the Shares, including with respect to the Issuer and the Company (including giving effect to the Mergers), and made its own assessment and is satisfied concerning the relevant tax and other economic considerations relevant to Subscriber’s investment in the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges that it has reviewed the documents made available to Subscriber by the Issuer and the Company. Subscriber represents and agrees that Subscriber and Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have had the full opportunity to ask such questions, receive such answers and obtain such information as Subscriber and such Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have deemed necessary to make an investment decision with respect to the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges that any placement agent retained by the Issuer in respect of any placement to Other Subscribers and its Affiliates (the “Placement Agent”) and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and controlling persons have made no independent investigation with respect to the Issuer, the Company or the Shares or the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information supplied to Subscriber by the Issuer or the Company. Subscriber acknowledges that (i) it has not relied on any statements or other information provided by any Placement Agent or any of the Placement Agent's Affiliates with respect to its decision to invest in the Shares, including information related to the Issuer, the Company, the Shares and the offer and sale of the Shares, and (ii) neither Placement Agent nor any of its Affiliates have prepared any disclosure or offering document in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares. Subscriber understands and acknowledges that any Placement Agent is acting solely in respect of subscriptions by Other Subscribers pursuant to Placement Agent's agreement with the Company, that no Placement Agent has been retained to act as such in respect of Subscriber's subscription and Subscriber acknowledges that any Placement Agent has not acted or will act as Subscriber's financial advisor or fiduciary.

 

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2.1.9            Subscriber acknowledges that the Shares are not being offered in a manner involving a public offering under, or in a distribution in violation of, the Securities Act, or any state securities laws.

 

2.1.10          Subscriber acknowledges that it is aware that there are substantial risks incident to the purchase and ownership of the Shares. Subscriber has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Shares, and Subscriber has sought such financial, accounting, legal and tax advice as Subscriber has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision.

 

2.1.11         Alone, or together with any professional advisor(s), Subscriber represents and acknowledges that Subscriber has adequately analyzed and fully considered the risks of an investment in the Shares and determined that the Shares are a suitable investment for Subscriber and that Subscriber is able to bear the economic risk of a total loss of Subscriber’s investment in the Issuer. Subscriber acknowledges specifically that a possibility of total loss exists. Subscriber acknowledges that it shall be responsible for any of the Subscriber’s tax liabilities that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, and that neither the Issuer nor the Company has provided any tax advice or any other representation or guarantee regarding the tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.12         Subscriber understands and agrees that no federal or state agency has passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Shares or made any findings or determination as to the fairness of an investment in the Shares.

 

2.1.13         Subscriber represents and warrants that Subscriber is not (i) a person or entity named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) or in any Executive Order issued by the President of the United States and administered by OFAC (“OFAC List”), or a person or entity prohibited by any OFAC sanctions program, (ii) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515 or (iii) a non-U.S. shell bank or providing banking services indirectly to a non-U.S. shell bank. Subscriber agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable Law, provided that Subscriber is permitted to do so under applicable Law. If Subscriber is a financial institution subject to the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. Section 5311 et seq.) (the “BSA”), as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “PATRIOT Act”), and its implementing regulations (collectively, the “BSA/PATRIOT Act”), Subscriber represents that it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. Subscriber also represents that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed for the screening of its investors against the OFAC sanctions programs, including the OFAC List. Subscriber further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by Subscriber and used to purchase the Shares were legally derived.

 

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2.1.14          Except as a result of the entry into this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, Subscriber is not currently (and at all times through Closing will refrain from being or becoming) a member of a “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any successor provision), acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of equity securities of the Issuer (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act).

 

2.1.15          To the extent required, such Subscriber and its affiliates and the Issuer shall each use reasonable best efforts to submit all applicable filings and registrations with, and notifications to, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and any other Governmental Authority required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), and all other Laws in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, and to use their respective reasonable best efforts to, as promptly as practicable, provide any information requested by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or any other Governmental Authority to obtain all required authorizations and approvals, and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period, under the HSR Act and all other applicable laws as promptly as practicable after the date hereof. The Issuer shall be responsible for all filing fees payable to a Governmental Authority related to any HSR Act notification applicable in connection with this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.16          Subscriber represents and agrees that on the date hereof, Subscriber has access to sufficient available funds to pay the Sponsor Purchase Amount, and on the date the Sponsor Purchase Amount would be required to be funded to the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.1, Subscriber will have sufficient immediately available funds to pay the Sponsor Purchase Amount pursuant to Section 3.1. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, Subscriber shall not make any dividends or distributions that would render Subscriber unable to satisfy its obligation to pay the Sponsor Purchase Amount. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, the Subscriber shall not make any dividends or distributions that would render the Subscriber unable to satisfy all its obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.17          Subscriber represents that no disqualifying event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) under the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”) is applicable to Subscriber or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties (as defined below), except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. Subscriber hereby agrees that it shall notify the Issuer promptly in writing in the event a Disqualification Event becomes applicable to Subscriber or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. For purposes of this Section 2.1.17, “Rule 506(d) Related Party” shall mean a person or entity that is a beneficial owner of Subscriber’s securities for purposes of Rule 506(d) under the Securities Act.

 

2.1.18         Subscriber acknowledges that it is not relying upon, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation or warranty made by any person, firm or corporation (including, without limitation, the Issuer, any of its Affiliates or any of its or their respective control persons, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives), other than the representations and warranties of the Issuer expressly set forth in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, in making its investment or decision to invest in the Issuer.

 

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2.1.19          Subscriber represents, warrants and agrees that neither Subscriber, nor any person acting on its behalf has, directly or indirectly, made, and no such person shall make, any offers or sales of any Issuer security or solicited any offers to buy any security under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Issuer on an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act for the transactions contemplated hereby or would require registration of the issuance of the Shares under the Securities Act.

 

2.1.20          Neither the Subscriber nor any of its Affiliates or agents has provided or will, without the prior consent of any Placement Agents, provide information to Other Subscribers regarding the Issuer, the Company and the Transactions or the offer and sale of the Securities in connection with such Other Subscriber’s direct or indirect equity investment in the Issuer or the Company.

 

2.1.21          Subscriber agrees that it shall cooperate with the Issuer and the Company in connection with any review of the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement by any Governmental Authority, including without limitation, by providing to the Issuer or the Company, as applicable for delivery to the applicable Governmental Authority as soon as practicable following written notice to Subscriber of such a request, all such information about Subscriber and any of its Affiliates requested by any such Governmental Authority.

 

2.1.22         Subscriber has not and will not prior to the Closing enter into any side letter or similar agreement with any other subscriber or any other investor in connection with such other subscriber’s or investor’s direct or indirect equity investment in the Issuer or the Company.

 

2.2            Issuer’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to such Subscriber and agrees with such Subscriber as follows:

 

2.2.1            The Issuer has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and following the Domestication shall be validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

2.2.2            This Sponsor Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Issuer and is enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

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2.2.3            Subject to obtaining all required approvals necessary in connection with the performance of the Merger Agreement (including the approval of the Company’s stockholders for the Merger Agreement and the related Transactions including the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, and the Other Subscription Agreements) and any required applications and approvals pursuant to the applicable rules of Nasdaq (together, the “Required Approvals”) and assuming the accuracy of the Subscriber’s representation in Section 2.1.3, the execution, delivery and performance of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, issuance and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the certain other transactions contemplated herein will not (i) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of the Issuer (after Domestication) or (ii) result in any violation of any Law or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Issuer or any of its properties that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the validity of the Shares or the legal authority or ability of the Issuer to perform in all material respects its obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, subject to the exceptions in the definition of Material Adverse Effect in the Merger Agreement mutatis mutandis (an “Issuer Material Adverse Effect”).

 

2.2.4            The issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock of the Issuer are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are listed for trading on Nasdaq. The Issuer has made available to such Subscriber (including via the Commission’s EDGAR system) a true, correct and complete copy of each form, report, statement, schedule, prospectus, proxy, registration statement and other documents filed by the Issuer (including the Merger Agreement) with the Commission prior to the date of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement (the “SEC Documents”), which SEC Documents, except in the case of the accounting treatment of the warrants, as of their respective filing dates, complied, as to form, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents (in each case in effect as of the date of filing). None of the SEC Documents filed under the Exchange Act, contained, as of the respective date of its filing or, if amended prior to the date of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or the Closing Date, as of the date of such amendment with respect to those disclosures that are amended, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Issuer makes no such representation or warranty with respect to the proxy statement/prospectus included in the PIPE Registration Statement to be filed in connection with the approval of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of the Issuer (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) or any other information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates included in any SEC Document or filed as an exhibit thereto. The Issuer has timely filed each report, statement, schedule, prospectus, and registration statement that the Issuer was required to file with the Commission since its inception and through the date hereof. As of the date hereof, there are no material outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters from the Commission staff with respect to any of the SEC Documents.

 

2.2.5            As of the date hereof, there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Issuer, threatened suits, claim, actions or proceedings (collectively, “Actions”), which, if determined adversely, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an Issuer Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.3            Sponsor Guarantor’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. Sponsor Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to the Issuer and acknowledges and agrees with the Issuer as follows:

 

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2.3.1            Sponsor Guarantor has been duly formed or incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, with power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

2.3.2            This Sponsor Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by Sponsor Guarantor. This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement enforceable against Sponsor Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

2.3.3            The execution, delivery and performance by Sponsor Guarantor of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of Sponsor Guarantor pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement or instrument to which Sponsor Guarantor is a party or by which Sponsor Guarantor is bound or to which any of the assets of Sponsor Guarantor is subject, which would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or otherwise materially impede Sponsor Guarantor’s timely performance of its obligations under this Agreement (a “Sponsor Guarantor Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of Sponsor Guarantor, (iii) result in any violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Sponsor Guarantor or any of its respective properties or assets that would reasonably be expected to have a Sponsor Guarantor Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.3.4            Sponsor Guarantor represents and warrants that Sponsor Guarantor is not (i) a person or entity named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons administered by OFAC or in any OFAC List, or a person or entity prohibited by any OFAC sanctions program, (ii) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515 or (iii) a non-U.S. shell bank or providing banking services indirectly to a non-U.S. shell bank. Sponsor Guarantor agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable law, provided that Sponsor Guarantor is permitted to do so under applicable law. If Sponsor Guarantor is a financial institution subject to the BSA/PATRIOT Act, Sponsor Guarantor represents that it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. Sponsor Guarantor also represents that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed for the screening of its investors against the OFAC sanctions programs, including the OFAC List. Sponsor Guarantor further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by Sponsor Guarantor and used to satisfy its obligations hereunder were legally derived.

 

2.3.5            Sponsor Guarantor represents and agrees that on the date hereof, Sponsor Guarantor has access to sufficient available funds to pay the Sponsor Purchase Amount, and on the date the Subscription is consummated would be required to be funded by the Sponsor to the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.1, Sponsor Guarantor will have sufficient immediately available funds to satisfy its obligations hereunder. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, Sponsor Guarantor shall not make any dividends or distributions that would render it unable to satisfy its obligations hereunder.

 

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2.3.6            Sponsor Guarantor represents that no Disqualification Event is applicable to it or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. Sponsor Guarantor hereby agrees that it shall notify the Issuer promptly in writing in the event a Disqualification Event becomes applicable to Sponsor Guarantor or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable.

 

2.3.7            Sponsor Guarantor acknowledges that it is not relying upon, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation or warranty made by any person, firm or corporation (including, without limitation, the Issuer, any of its Affiliates or any of its or their respective control persons, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives), other than the representations and warranties of the Issuer expressly set forth in this Agreement, in making its decision to enter into this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

3.            Settlement Date and Delivery.

 

3.1            Closing. The closing of the Subscription contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall occur on the date of, and immediately prior to, the First Effective Time. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, the Issuer shall deliver written notice to Subscriber (the “Closing Notice”) specifying (i) the anticipated Closing Date and (ii) wire instructions for the payment of the Sponsor Purchase Amount. Subscriber shall deliver to the Issuer, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, the Sponsor Purchase Amount for the Shares, by wire transfer of United States dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Issuer in the Closing Notice, such funds to be held by the Issuer in escrow until the Closing. At the Closing, upon satisfaction (or, if applicable, waiver) of the conditions set forth in this Section 3, the Issuer shall deliver to Subscriber the Shares in book entry form, in the name of Subscriber (or its nominee in accordance with its delivery instructions) or to a custodian designated by Subscriber, as applicable. In the event the Closing does not occur within three (3) Business Days of the anticipated Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice, the Issuer shall promptly (but no later than one (1) Business Day thereafter) return the Sponsor Purchase Amount to Subscriber.

 

3.2            Conditions to Closing of the Issuer. The Issuer’s obligations to sell and issue the Shares at the Closing are subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) written waiver, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

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3.2.1            Representations and Warranties Correct. The representations and warranties made by Subscriber in Section 2.1 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date (unless they specifically speak as of another date in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects), with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of said date, but in each case without giving effect to consummation of the Transactions.

 

3.2.2            Closing of the Transactions. The conditions precedent to the completion of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement) shall have been met or waived by the parties thereto such that the Transactions will close substantially concurrently with, but after, the Closing.

 

3.2.3            Legality. There shall not be in force any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority, Law, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Subscription.

 

3.3            Conditions to Closing of Subscriber. Subscriber’s obligation to purchase the Shares at the Closing is subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) written waiver, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

3.3.1            Closing of the Transactions. The conditions precedent to completion of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement) shall have been met or waived by the parties thereto such that the Transactions will close substantially concurrently with, but after, the Closing.

 

3.3.2            Legality. There shall not be in force any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority, Law, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Subscription.

 

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4.            PIPE Registration Statement.

 

4.1            In connection with the Transactions, the Issuer will file with the Commission the Registration Statement, which will register the issuance of shares of Class A common stock upon consummation of the Transactions in exchange for all outstanding shares of the Issuer (including the Shares). In the event that the Registration Statement, at the time it becomes effective, does not include the shares of Class A common stock to be issued hereunder, the Issuer agrees that, within forty-five (45) calendar days after the consummation of the Transactions (the “Filing Date”), the Issuer will file with the Commission (at the Issuer’s sole cost and expense) a shelf registration statement registering the resale of the Shares (the “PIPE Registration Statement”), and the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the PIPE Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the 60th calendar day (or 90th calendar day if the Commission notifies the Issuer that it will “review” the PIPE Registration Statement) following the Closing and (ii) the 10th Business Day after the date the Issuer is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the PIPE Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Date”); provided, however, that the Issuer’s obligations to include such Shares in the PIPE Registration Statement are contingent upon Subscriber furnishing in writing to the Issuer such information regarding Subscriber, the securities of the Issuer held by Subscriber and the intended method of disposition of the Shares as shall be reasonably requested by the Issuer to effect the registration of the Shares, and Subscriber shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Issuer may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations, including providing that the Issuer shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of the PIPE Registration Statement during any customary blackout or similar period or as permitted under Section 4.3 hereunder; provided, further, that Subscriber and its Affiliates (including its directors, officers, agents and employees, and each person who controls Subscriber within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) will be indemnified by the Issuer for any liability arising from any material misstatements or omissions in the PIPE Registration Statement except to the extent such misstatement or omission arises from the information specifically provided by Subscriber for inclusion in the PIPE Registration Statement. Subscriber shall indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and its Affiliates (including its directors, officers, agents and employees, and each person who controls the Issuer (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), for any liability arising from any material misstatements or omissions contained in the PIPE Registration Statement to the extent that such untrue statements or omissions are based upon information regarding Subscriber furnished in writing to the Issuer by Subscriber expressly for use therein. For purposes of clarification, any failure by the Issuer to file the PIPE Registration Statement by the Filing Date or to cause such PIPE Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Effectiveness Date shall not otherwise relieve the Issuer of its obligations to file the PIPE Registration Statement or cause the PIPE Registration Statement to be declared effective as set forth above in this Section 4.

 

4.2            In the case of the registration effected by the Issuer pursuant to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Issuer shall, upon reasonable request, inform Subscriber as to the status of such registration. At its expense, the Issuer shall:

 

4.2.1            except for such times as the Issuer is permitted hereunder to suspend the use of the prospectus forming part of a PIPE Registration Statement, use its reasonable efforts to keep such registration, and any qualification, exemption or compliance under state securities laws which the Issuer determines to obtain, continuously effective with respect to Subscriber, and to keep the applicable PIPE Registration Statement or any subsequent shelf registration statement free of any material misstatements or omissions, until the earlier of the following: (i) Subscriber ceases to hold any Shares, (ii) the date all Shares held by Subscriber may be sold without restriction under Rule 144, including without limitation, any volume and manner of sale restrictions which may be applicable to Affiliates under Rule 144 and without the requirement for the Issuer to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable), and (iii) two years from the Effectiveness Date of the PIPE Registration Statement;

 

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4.2.2            advise Subscriber within five (5) Business Days:

 

(a)            when a PIPE Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;

 

(b)            of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any PIPE Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose;

 

(c)            of the receipt by the Issuer of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Shares included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and

 

(d)            subject to the provisions in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, of the occurrence of any event that requires the making of any changes in any PIPE Registration Statement or prospectus so that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Issuer shall not, when so advising Subscriber of such events, provide Subscriber with any material, nonpublic information regarding the Issuer other than to the extent that providing notice to Subscriber of the occurrence of the events listed in (a) through (d) above constitutes material, nonpublic information regarding the Issuer;

 

4.2.3            use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any PIPE Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable;

 

4.2.4            upon the occurrence of any event contemplated in Section 4.2.2(d), except for such times as the Issuer is permitted hereunder to suspend, and has suspended, the use of a prospectus forming part of a PIPE Registration Statement, the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to such PIPE Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Shares included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and

 

4.2.5            use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares to be listed on each securities exchange or market, if any, on which the Class A common stock is then listed.

 

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4.3           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Issuer shall be entitled to delay or postpone the effectiveness of the PIPE Registration Statement, and from time to time to require Subscriber not to sell under the PIPE Registration Statement or to suspend the effectiveness thereof, if the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Issuer or its Subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event the Issuer’s board of directors reasonably believes, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in-house legal counsel), would require additional disclosure by the Issuer in the PIPE Registration Statement of material information that the Issuer has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in the PIPE Registration Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Issuer’s board of directors, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in-house legal counsel), to cause the PIPE Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (each such circumstance, a “Suspension Event”); provided, however, that the Issuer may not delay or suspend the PIPE Registration Statement on more than three occasions or for more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or more than ninety (90) total calendar days, in each case during any twelve (12) month period. Upon receipt of any written notice from the Issuer of the happening of any Suspension Event during the period that the PIPE Registration Statement is effective or if as a result of a Suspension Event the PIPE Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made (in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, Subscriber agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Shares under the PIPE Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144) until Subscriber receives copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus (which the Issuer agrees to promptly prepare) that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless otherwise notified by the Issuer that it may resume such offers and sales, and (ii) it will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by the Issuer unless otherwise required by law or subpoena. If so directed by the Issuer, Subscriber will deliver to the Issuer or, in Subscriber’s sole discretion, destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares in Subscriber’s possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares shall not apply (i) to the extent Subscriber is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (a) in order to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (b) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (ii) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up. Issuer agrees that any time transfer is permitted pursuant to Rule 144 and Subscriber is unable to sell under the PIPE Registration Statement, Issuer will take commercially reasonable efforts to remove the restrictive legend from Subscriber’s Shares.

 

5.             Termination. This Subscription Agreement shall terminate and be void and of no further force and effect, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate without any further liability on the part of any party in respect thereof, upon the earlier to occur of (i) such date and time as the Merger Agreement is validly terminated in accordance with its terms without consummation of the Merger, (ii) upon the mutual written agreement of Subscriber and, with the prior written consent of the Company, the Issuer to terminate this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, (iii) subject to the written consent of the Company, if any of the conditions to Closing set forth in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement are not satisfied or waived (or deemed to be satisfied or waived) by the party entitled to grant such waiver on or prior to the Closing and, as a result thereof, the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement are not consummated on or before the Agreement End Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), and (iv) if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before the Agreement End Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement); provided that nothing herein will relieve any party from liability for any willful breach hereof prior to the time of termination, and each party will be entitled to any remedies at law or in equity to recover losses, liabilities or damages arising from such breach. The Issuer shall promptly notify Subscriber of the termination of the Merger Agreement promptly after the termination of such agreement.

 

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6.             Miscellaneous.

 

6.1           Further Assurances. From the date hereof, the parties hereto shall use reasonable best efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements, the Merger Agreement and the Mergers. At the Closing, the parties hereto shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take such additional actions as the parties reasonably may deem to be practical and necessary in order to consummate the Subscription as contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

6.1.1            Subscriber acknowledges that the Issuer, the Company, any Placement Agent and others will rely on the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by Subscriber contained in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement. Prior to the Closing, Subscriber agrees to promptly notify the Issuer and the Company if any of the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by Subscriber set forth herein are no longer accurate in any material respect. Subscriber further acknowledges and agrees that the Company and any Placement Agent is a third-party beneficiary of the representations, warranties and agreements of Subscriber contained in this Section 6.1.1 and Section 2.1 of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that none of (i) any other investor pursuant to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or any other subscription agreement related to the private placement of the Shares (including such other investor’s respective Affiliates or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing), (ii) any Placement Agent, its respective Affiliates or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing, in each case, absent their own intentional fraud or willful misconduct, (iii) the Company or any other party to the Merger Agreement, or (iv) any Affiliates, or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the Issuer, the Company or any other party to the Merger Agreement shall be liable to Subscriber, or to any other investor, pursuant to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or any other subscription agreement related to the private placement of the Shares, the negotiation hereof or thereof or the subject matter hereof or thereof, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, for any action heretofore or hereafter taken or omitted to be taken by any of them in connection with the purchase of the Shares or with respect to any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for breach of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or in respect of any written or oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith, as expressly provided herein, or for any actual or alleged inaccuracies, misstatements or omissions with respect to any information or materials of any kind furnished by the Issuer, the Company or any Placement Agent concerning the Issuer, the Company, any Placement Agent, any of their controlled Affiliates, this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Subscriber consents to and agrees to waive any claims it or they may have based on any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise or result from any Placement Agent acting as equity capital markets advisor to the Issuer or the Company.

 

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6.1.2            Without limiting the Company's rights provided by Section 6.6, each of the Issuer, Subscriber, any Placement Agent, Sponsor and the Company is (i) entitled to rely upon and, in the case of the Issuer, the Subscriber and the Company, enforce the terms of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and (ii) is irrevocably authorized to produce this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

6.1.3            The Issuer may request from Subscriber such additional information as the Issuer may deem necessary to evaluate the eligibility of Subscriber to acquire the Shares, and Subscriber shall promptly provide such information as may be reasonably requested, to the extent within Subscriber’s possession and control and otherwise readily available to Subscriber and to the extent consistent with its internal policies and procedures; provided, that, Issuer agrees to keep any such information provided by Subscriber confidential.

 

6.1.4            Except as provided otherwise herein, each party hereto shall be responsible for and pay its own expenses incurred in connection with this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants.

 

6.1.5            Each of Subscriber and the Issuer shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Sponsor Subscription Agreement on the terms and conditions described herein no later than immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions.

 

6.2           Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service, or (d) when delivered by email (in each case in this clause (d), solely if receipt is confirmed, but excluding any automated reply, such as an out-of-office notification), addressed as follows:

 

(i)             if to Subscriber, to such address or addresses set forth on the signature page hereto;

 

(ii)            if to the Issuer before the Closing Date, to:

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.

20 North Audley Street

London W1K 6LX

United Kingdom

Attention: Khurram Kayani

Email: Khurram@novatorcapital.com

 

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with a required copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Baker McKenzie LLP

100 New Bridge Street

London EC4V 6JA

United Kingdom

Attention: Adam Eastell, Michael F. DeFranco, Derek Liu
Email:
adam.eastell@bakermckenzie.com,

michael.defranco@bakermckenzie.com,

derek.liu@bakermckenzie.com

 

(iii) If to the Issuer after the Closing Date, to the persons indicated under the Company below

 

(iv)          if to the Company, to:

 

Better HoldCo, Inc.

175 Greenwich St, 59th Floor

New York, NY 10007

Attention: Kevin Ryan

Email: kryan@better.com

 

with a required copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Mitchell S. Eitel, Jared M. Fishman, Sarah P. Payne

Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com,

fishmanj@sullcrom.com,

paynes@sullcrom.com

 

6.3           Entire Agreement. This Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements, the Merger Agreement and the Sponsor Support Agreement (as defined in the Merger Agreement) constitute the entire agreement among the parties to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the parties hereto or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby exist between such parties, including any commitment letter entered into relating to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements, the Merger Agreement and the Sponsor Support Agreement (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

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6.4           Modifications and Amendments. This Subscription Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only (a) subject to the prior written consent of the Company except in the case of amendments or waivers that are ministerial and immaterial in nature and effect and (b) by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed in the same manner as this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and which makes reference to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

6.5           Assignment. Neither this Sponsor Subscription Agreement nor any rights, interests or obligations that may accrue to the parties hereunder (including Subscriber’s rights to purchase the Shares) may be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of each of the other parties hereto and the Company (as third-party beneficiary hereto) and any such purported assignment shall be null and void ab initio (other than the Shares acquired hereunder, if any, and Subscriber’s rights under Section 4 hereof, and then only in accordance with this Sponsor Subscription Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subscriber may assign its rights and obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates (provided that Subscriber shall not be relieved from the obligation to perform this Agreement upon any failure of the Affiliate assignee).

 

6.6           Benefit.

 

6.6.1            Except as otherwise provided herein, this Sponsor Subscription Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives, and permitted assigns, and the agreements, representations, warranties, covenants and acknowledgments contained herein shall be deemed to be made by, and be binding upon, such heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. This Subscription Agreement shall not confer rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (other than as provided for in this Section 6.6.1 and Section 6.1.1 and Section 6.1.2 of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company is an express third-party beneficiary of each of the provisions of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

6.6.2            Each of the Issuer and Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that (a) this Sponsor Subscription Agreement is being entered into in order to induce the Company to execute and deliver the Merger Agreement and without the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Issuer and Subscriber hereunder, the Company would not enter into the Merger Agreement, (b) each representation, warranty, covenant and agreement of the Issuer and Subscriber hereunder is being made also for the benefit of the Company, and (c) the Company may seek to directly enforce (including by an action for specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable relief, including to cause the Sponsor Purchase Amount to be paid and the Closing to occur) each of the covenants and agreements of each of the Issuer and Subscriber under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

6.7           Governing Law. This Subscription Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of Laws that would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.

 

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6.8           Consent for Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial

 

6.8.1            Each of Sponsor, Sponsor Guarantor and Subscriber hereby irrevocably appoints COGENCY GLOBAL INC., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Rd, STE. 201 Dover, DE 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such Action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 6.8.1. Sponsor, Sponsor Guarantor and Subscriber agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 6.2, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Sponsor, Sponsor Guarantor and Subscriber agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, each of Sponsor, Sponsor Guarantor and Subscriber agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 6.8.1. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable Law

 

6.8.2            The Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints COGENCY GLOBAL INC., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Rd, STE. 201 Dover, DE 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such Action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 6.8.2. The Issuer agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 6.2, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. the Issuer agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, the Issuer agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 6.8.2. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable Law.

 

6.8.3            Any proceeding or Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware) (the “Designated Courts”), and each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally (i) consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Action, (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and (iv) agrees not to bring any proceeding or Action arising out of or relating to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence an Action or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 6.8.

 

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6.8.4            EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

6.9           Severability. If any provision of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Sponsor Subscription Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the parties.

 

6.10         No Waiver of Rights, Powers and Remedies. No failure or delay by a party hereto in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, and no course of dealing between the parties hereto, shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy of such party. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement by a party hereto, nor any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce any such right, power or remedy, shall preclude such party from any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy hereunder. The election of any remedy by a party hereto shall not constitute a waiver of the right of such party to pursue other available remedies. No notice to or demand on a party not expressly required under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement shall entitle the party receiving such notice or demand to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the party giving such notice or demand to any other or further action in any circumstances without such notice or demand.

 

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6.11         Remedies.

 

6.11.1          The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Sponsor Subscription Agreement). It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement in accordance with Section 5, in addition to any other remedy to which any party is entitled at law or in equity. The right to specific enforcement shall include the right of the parties hereto to cause such Subscriber and the right of the Company to cause the parties hereto to cause the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement. In the event that any Action shall be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Subscription and Agreement, no party shall allege, and each party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law, and each party agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection therewith.

 

6.11.2          The parties acknowledge and agree that this Section 6.11 is an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby and without that right, the parties hereto would not have entered into this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

6.11.3          In any dispute arising out of or related to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby, or any transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the applicable adjudicating body shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and external attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the dispute and the enforcement of its rights under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby and, if the adjudicating body determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the adjudicating body may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and external attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the adjudication and the enforcement of its rights under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

6.12         Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made by the parties hereto in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of any statute of limitations under applicable Laws. For the avoidance of doubt, if for any reason the Closing does not occur prior to the consummation of the Transactions, all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties hereunder shall survive the consummation of the Transactions and remain in full force and effect until the expiration of any statute of limitations under applicable Laws.

 

6.13         No Broker or Finder. Each of the Issuer and Subscriber each represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that no broker, finder or other financial consultant has acted on its behalf in connection with this Sponsor Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in such a way as to create any liability on any other party hereto. Each of the Issuer and Subscriber agrees to indemnify and save the other parties hereto harmless from any claim or demand for commission or other compensation by any broker, finder, financial consultant or similar agent claiming to have been employed by or on behalf of such party and to bear the cost of legal expenses incurred in defending against any such claim.

 

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6.14         Headings and Captions. The headings and captions in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

6.15         Counterparts. This Subscription Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by electronic transmission in .pdf format or by facsimile shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Signatures to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement transmitted by electronic mail in .pdf form, or by any other electronic means designed to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document (including DocuSign), will be deemed to have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing the original signatures.

 

6.16         Construction. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.” Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “this Sponsor Subscription Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The parties hereto intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If any party hereto has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which such party hereto has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that such party hereto is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant. All references in this Sponsor Subscription Agreement to numbers of shares, per share amounts and Sponsor Purchase Amount shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or the like occurring after the date hereof.

 

6.17         Mutual Drafting. This Subscription Agreement is the joint product of the parties hereto and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of the parties and shall not be construed for or against any party hereto.

 

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7.             Consent to Disclosure.

 

7.1           Subscriber hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in any press release issued by the Issuer or the Company or Form 8-K filed by the Issuer with the Commission in connection with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by the federal securities laws or the Commission or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by the Issuer or the Company to any Governmental Authority or to securityholders of the Issuer) in each case, as and to the extent required by applicable Law or the Commission or any other Governmental Authority, of Subscriber’s identity and beneficial ownership of the Shares and the nature of Subscriber’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by the Issuer or the Company, a copy of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement. Other than as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, without Subscriber’s prior written consent, the Issuer will not publicly disclose the name of Subscriber, other than to the Issuer’s lawyers, independent accountants and to other advisors and service providers who reasonably require such information in connection with the provision of services to such person, are advised of the confidential nature of such information and are obligated to keep such information confidential ; provided that Subscriber consents to the disclosure included in the public announcement materials related to the Transactions previously disclosed to Subscriber. Subscriber will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by the Issuer or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the Commission).

 

7.2           Trust Account Waiver. Subscriber acknowledges that the Issuer is a blank check company with the powers and privileges to effect a Business Combination. Subscriber further acknowledges that, as described in the prospectus dated February 12, 2021 (the “Prospectus”) available at www.sec.gov, substantially all of the Issuer's assets consist of the cash proceeds of the Issuer's initial public offering and private placements of its securities and substantially all of those proceeds have been deposited in a the trust account for the benefit of the Issuer, certain of its public stockholders and the underwriters of the Issuer's initial public offering (the “Trust Account”). Subscriber acknowledges that it has been advised by the Issuer that, except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to the Issuer to pay its franchise Tax, income Tax and similar obligations, the Trust Agreement provides that cash in the Trust Account may be disbursed only (a) if the Issuer completes the transactions which constitute a Business Combination, then to those Persons (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and in such amounts as described in the Prospectus; (b) if the Issuer fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period and liquidates, subject to the terms of the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2020, between the Issuer and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee (the “Trustee”) (the “Trust Agreement”) to the Issuer in limited amounts to permit the Issuer to pay the costs and expenses of its liquidation and dissolution, and then to the Issuer's public stockholders; and (c) if the Issuer holds a shareholder vote to amend the Issuer's amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance or timing of the obligation to redeem 100% of the Class A common stock if the Issuer fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period, then for the redemption of any of the Class A common stock properly tendered in connection with such vote. For and in consideration of the Issuer entering into this Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Subscriber hereby irrevocably waives any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they have or may have in the future in or to any monies in the Trust Account and agrees not to seek recourse against the Trust Account or any funds distributed therefrom as a result of, or arising out of, this Sponsor Subscription Agreement and any negotiations, Contracts with the Issuer; provided, that (x) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit Subscriber's right to pursue a claim against the Issuer for legal relief against monies or other assets held outside the Trust Account, for specific performance or other equitable relief in connection with the consummation of the Transactions or for fraud and (y) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit any claims that Subscriber may have in the future against the Issuer's assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Account (including any funds that have been released from the Trust Account and any assets that have been purchased or acquired with any such funds). This Section 7.2 shall survive the termination of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement for any reason.

 

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8.             Guarantees.

 

8.1           The Sponsor hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Issuer the due and punctual payment and performance of each Subscriber’s obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof. In case of the failure of any such Subscriber punctually to make any such payment or render such performance hereunder, the Sponsor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made or performance to be done as if done by such Subscriber.

 

8.2           The Sponsor Guarantor hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Issuer the due and punctual payment and performance of the Sponsor’s and each other Subscriber’s obligations under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof. In case of the failure of the Sponsor or any such Subscriber punctually to make any such payment or render such performance hereunder, the Sponsor Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made or performance to be done as if done by the Sponsor or such other Subscriber.

 

8.3           Each of the Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor hereby agrees that each of its obligations hereunder shall be as if it were principal obligor and not merely surety, and shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of this Sponsor Subscription Agreement with respect to any such Subscriber, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Sponsor or any other such Subscriber with respect hereto by the Issuer or any other circumstance which may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor. Each of the Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Sponsor or any such Subscriber, any right to require a proceeding first against the Sponsor or any such Subscriber, protest or notice with respect to the performance and payment obligations hereunder, and covenants that its obligations under this Section 8 will not be discharged except by payment in full of all amounts owed by the Sponsor and each such Subscriber under this Sponsor Subscription Agreement.

 

8.4           Each of the Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Issuer against the Sponsor or any Subscriber for which and in respect of the Sponsor or Sponsor Guarantor, as applicable, has paid to the Issuer pursuant to this Section 8; provided, however, that neither the Sponsor nor the Sponsor Guarantor shall be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until full payment and performance has been received by or rendered to the Issuer.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Issuer, the Sponsor, the Sponsor Guarantor and Subscriber has executed or caused this Sponsor Subscription Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first set forth above.

 

  ISSUER:
   
  AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.

 

  By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
    Name: Arnaud Massenet
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  SPONSOR:
   
  NOVATOR CAPITAL SPONSOR LTD.

 

  By: /s/ Pericles Spyrou
    Name: Pericles Spyrou
    Title: Director
     
  By: /s/ Jan Rottiers
    Name: Jan Rottiers
    Title: Director

 

  SPONSOR GUARANTOR:
   
  SIGNED FOR AN ON BEHALF OF BB TRUSTEES SA, AS TRUSTEE OF THE FUTURE HOLDINGS TRUST

 

  By: /s/ Jan Rottiers
    Name: Jan Rottiers
    Title: Director
     
  By: /s/ Arnaud Cywie
    Name: Arnaud Cywie
    Title: Director

 

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Accepted and agreed this 10th day of May, 2021.

   
     
SUBSCRIBER:    
     
     
NOVATOR CAPITAL SPONSOR LTD.   Signature of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
     
By: /s/ Jan Rottiers   By: /s/ Pericles Spyrou
Name: Jan Rottiers   Name: Pericles Spyrou
Title:

Director

  Title: Director
     
     
Date:  May 10, 2021    
     
Name of Subscriber:   Name of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
     

(Please print. Please indicate name and
capacity of person signing above)

 

(Please Print. Please indicate name and
capacity of person signing above)

     

Name in which securities are to be registered
(if different from the name of Subscriber listed

   
directly above):      
Email Address:      

 

If there are joint investors, please check one:    
¨  Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship    
¨  Tenants-in-Common    
¨  Community Property    
Subscriber’s EIN:     Joint Subscriber’s EIN:  
Business Address-Street:   Mailing Address-Street (if different):
     
     

 

City, State, Zip:     City, State, Zip:  
Attn:     Attn:  
Telephone No.:     Telephone No.:  
Facsimile No.:     Facsimile No.:  

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE I
ELIGIBILITY REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBSCRIBER

 

A. QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS
(Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

1. ¨ We are a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) (a “QIB”) and have marked and initialed the appropriate box on the following pages indicating the provision under which we qualify as a QIB.

 

2. ¨ We are subscribing for the Shares as a fiduciary or agent for one or more investor accounts, and each owner of such account is a QIB.

 

*** OR ***

 

B. ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS (Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

1. ¨ We are an “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) and have marked and initialed the appropriate box on the following pages indicating the provision under which we qualify as an “accredited investor.”

 

2. ¨ We are not a natural person.

 

*** AND ***

 

C. AFFILIATE STATUS (Please check the applicable box)

 

SUBSCRIBER:

 

¨ is:

 

¨ is not:

 

an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) of the Issuer or acting on behalf of an affiliate of the Issuer.

 

This Schedule I should be completed by Subscriber
and constitutes a part of the Subscription Agreement.

 

 

 

 

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER: Subscriber is a “qualified institutional buyer” (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act) if it is an entity that meets any one of the following categories at the time of the sale of securities to Subscriber (Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

¨            Subscriber is an entity that, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber and:

 

¨     is an insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act;

 

¨     is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), or any business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act;

 

¨     is a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the US Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended (“Small Business Investment Act”) or any Rural Business Investment Company as defined in section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (“Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act”);

 

¨     is a plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees;

 

¨     is an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”);

 

¨     is a trust fund whose trustee is a bank or trust company and whose participants are exclusively (a) plans established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, of (b) employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the ERISA, except, in each case, trust funds that include as participants individual retirement accounts or H.R. 10 plans;

 

¨     is a business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”);

 

¨     is an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), corporation (other than a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Act, a savings and loan association or other institution referenced in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Act, or a foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution), partnership, or Massachusetts or similar business trust; or

 

¨     is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act;

 

 

 

 

¨     is an institutional accredited investor, as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, of a type not listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (I) or paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) through (vi) of Rule 501.

 

¨            Subscriber is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $10 million of securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber;

 

¨         Subscriber is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act acting in a riskless principal transaction on behalf of a qualified institutional buyer;

 

¨             Subscriber is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act, acting for its own account or for the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that is part of a family of investment companies1 which own in the aggregate at least $100 million in securities of issuers, other than issuers that are affiliated with Subscriber or are part of such family of investment companies;

 

¨         Subscriber is an entity, all of the equity owners of which are qualified institutional buyers, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers; or

 

¨             Subscriber is a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, or any foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber and that has an audited net worth of at least $25 million as demonstrated in its latest annual financial statements, as of a date not more than 16 months preceding the date of sale of securities in the case of a US bank or savings and loan association, and not more than 18 months preceding the date of sale of securities for a foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution.

 

 

 

1Family of investment companies” means any two or more investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act, except for a unit investment trust whose assets consist solely of shares of one or more registered investment companies, that have the same investment adviser (or, in the case of unit investment trusts, the same depositor); provided that, (a) each series of a series company (as defined in Rule 18f-2 under the Investment Company Act) shall be deemed to be a separate investment company and (b) investment companies shall be deemed to have the same adviser (or depositor) if their advisers (or depositors) are majority-owned subsidiaries of the same parent, or if one investment company’s adviser (or depositor) is a majority-owned subsidiary of the other investment company’s adviser (or depositor).

 

 

 

 

 

ACCREDITED INVESTOR: Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, in relevant part, states that an “accredited investor” shall mean any person who comes within any of the below listed categories, or who the issuer reasonably believes comes within any of the below listed categories, at the time of the sale of the securities to that person. Subscriber has indicated, by marking and initialing the appropriate box(es) below, the provision(s) below which apply to Subscriber and under which Subscriber accordingly qualifies as an “accredited investor.”

 

¨ Any bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity;

 

¨ Any broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Exchange Act;

 

¨ Any insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act;

 

¨ Any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act or a business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act;

 

¨ Any Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act or Rural Business Investment Company as defined in Section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act;

 

¨ Any plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, if such plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the ERISA, if (i) the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) of ERISA, which is either a bank, a savings and loan association, an insurance company, or a registered investment adviser, (ii) the employee benefit plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 or, (iii) such plan is a self-directed plan, with investment decisions made solely by persons that are “accredited investors”;

 

¨ Any private business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act;

 

¨ Any (i) corporation, limited liability company or partnership, (ii) Massachusetts or similar business trust, or (iii) organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, in each case that was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered and that has total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any director, executive officer, or general partner of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold, or any director, executive officer, or general partner of a general partner of that issuer;

 

 

 

 

¨ Any natural person whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with that person’s spouse, exceeds $1,000,000. For purposes of calculating a natural person’s net worth: (a) the person’s primary residence shall not be included as an asset; (b) indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence, up to the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the sale of securities, shall not be included as a liability (except that if the amount of such indebtedness outstanding at the time of sale of securities exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days before such time, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability); and (c) indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence in excess of the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the sale of securities shall be included as a liability;

 

¨ Any natural person who had an individual income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with that person’s spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of those years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year;

 

¨ Any trust, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person as described in Section 230.506(b)(2)(ii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act; or

 

¨ Any entity in which all of the equity owners are “accredited investors.”

 

¨ Any entity, of a type not listed in paragraph (a)(1), (2), (3), (7), or (8) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, owning investments in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any natural person holding in good standing one or more professional certifications or designations or credentials from an accredited educational institution that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has designated as qualifying an individual for accredited investor status. In determining whether to designate a professional certification or designation or credential from an accredited educational institution for purposes of this paragraph, the Commission will consider, among others, the following attributes:

 

(i) The certification, designation, or credential arises out of an examination or series of examinations administered by a self-regulatory organization or other industry body or is issued by an accredited educational institution;

 

(ii) The examination or series of examinations is designed to reliably and validly demonstrate an individual's comprehension and sophistication in the areas of securities and investing;

 

(iii) Persons obtaining such certification, designation, or credential can reasonably be expected to have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to evaluate the merits and risks of a prospective investment; and

 

 

 

 

(iv) An indication that an individual holds the certification or designation is either made publicly available by the relevant self-regulatory organization or other industry body or is otherwise independently verifiable;

 

¨ Any natural person who is a “knowledgeable employee,” as defined in rule 3c-5(a)(4) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.3c-5(a)(4)), of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold where the issuer would be an investment company, as defined in section 3 of such act, but for the exclusion provided by either section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7) of such act;

 

¨ Any “family office,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (17 CFR 275.202(a)(11)(G)-1):

 

(i) With assets under management in excess of $5,000,000,

 

(ii) That is not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, and

 

(iii) Whose prospective investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment;

 

¨ Any “family client,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (17 CFR 275.202(a)(11)(G)-1)), of a family office meeting the requirements in paragraph (a)(12) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act and whose prospective investment in the issuer is directed by such family office pursuant to paragraph (a)(12)(iii) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

REDEMPTION SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This REDEMPTION SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “Redemption Subscription Agreement”) is entered into as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (together with its successors, including after the Domestication (as defined below), the “Issuer”), and Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd. (“Sponsor”, and the initial Subscriber) and BB Trustees SA, as trustee of the Future Holdings Trust (the “Sponsor Guarantor”), and the additional subscribers (each of the initial subscriber and any additional subscriber, a “Subscriber” or “you”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer, Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Issuer (“Merger Sub”), and Better Holdco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors, the “Company”), will, immediately following or concurrently with the execution of this Redemption Subscription Agreement, enter into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (as amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, (a) the Issuer will migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended and the Cayman Islands Companies Law (2020 Revision) and take actions as set forth in the Merger Agreement in connection therewith (such transactions, the "Domestication"), (b) Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Issuer (the “First Merger”) and (c) the Company, as the surviving corporation of the First Merger, will merge with and into the Issuer (the “Second Merger” and together with the First Merger, the “Mergers”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (the Mergers, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Transactions, such Subscriber desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Issuer that number of (i) shares of the Issuer’s (after the Domestication) Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A common stock”) pursuant to Section 1 below, and the Issuer desires to issue and sell to Subscriber the Subject Shares (as defined below) in consideration of the payment of the Redemption Price pursuant to Section 1 below therefor by or on behalf of such Subscriber to the Issuer, all on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

 

WHEREAS, subject to the terms of this Redemption Subscription Agreement, certain other “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) or “accredited investors” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) (each, an “Additional Subscriber”), severally and not jointly pursuant to an amendment and joinder agreement as described in Section 1 below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants, and subject to the conditions, herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

 

 

 

1.              Subscription.

 

1.1            The initial Subscriber shall be Sponsor, who shall be responsible for 100% of the Backstop Purchase (as defined below). The Sponsor may, with the consent of the Company (in its sole discretion), add additional Subscribers to this Agreement, pursuant to a joinder agreement whereby such Subscriber agrees to be bound by the terms hereto, and upon such addition, the parties shall restate the percentage of the Backstop Purchase obligation as among Sponsor and any additional Subscribers added pursuant to this Section (each such percentage, the "Purchase Percentage").

 

1.2            Immediately after the deadline for the Issuer’s public shareholders to elect to redeem or convert their Class A common stock from funds in the Trust Account in connection with the Merger Closing, the Issuer shall notify each Subscriber of the number of shares that the Issuer’s public shareholders have elected to redeem (the “Shortfall”). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each Subscriber hereby irrevocably subscribes for and agrees to purchase (the "Backstop Purchase") from the Issuer the number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the Shortfall, multiplied by the Purchase Percentage (rounded up to the nearest whole share), at a purchase price equal to $10.00 per share (the “Redemption Price”), and the Issuer agrees to sell such shares to each such Subscriber at such price (the “Subject Shares”); provided that, if the Merger Closing does not occur other than as a result of the Issuer, the Sponsor, any Subscriber, SB Northstar LP or any of their respective Affiliates failing to perform any obligation or other action or to satisfy any condition to Closing pursuant to or contemplated by the Merger Agreement, this Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement (as defined below), the Sponsor Subscription Agreement (as defined in the PIPE Subscription Agreement) or any Other Subscription Agreement (as defined in the PIPE Subscription Agreement), then such Subscribers’ obligations to purchase, and the Issuer’s obligation to issue, shares pursuant to the foregoing shall be extinguished.

 

2.              Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

 

2.1            Subscriber’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. Such Subscriber hereby represents and warrants to the Issuer and acknowledges and agrees with the Issuer as follows:

 

2.1.1     Such Subscriber has been duly formed or incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, with power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.2     This Redemption Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by such Subscriber. This Redemption Subscription Agreement is a valid and binding agreement enforceable against such Subscriber in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

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2.1.3     The execution, delivery and performance by such Subscriber of this Redemption Subscription Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of such Subscriber pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement or instrument to which such Subscriber is a party or by which such Subscriber is bound or to which any of the assets of Subscriber is subject, which would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or otherwise materially impede such Subscriber’s timely performance of its obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement (a “Subscriber Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of such Subscriber, (iii) result in any violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over such Subscriber or any of its respective properties or assets that would reasonably be expected to have a Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, or (iv) with respect to the issuance of the Subject Shares to such Subscriber upon the Closing, no notice to, or consent or approval of a Governmental Authority is required for such Subscriber to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under, and all transactions contemplated by, this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.4     Such Subscriber (i) is a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) or an “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) satisfying the applicable requirements set forth on Schedule I, (ii) is acquiring the Subject Shares only for its own account and not for the account of others and (iii) is not acquiring the Subject Shares with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act (and shall provide the requested information on Schedule I following the signature page hereto). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed a representation or warranty by such Subscriber to hold the Subject Shares for any period of time. Such Subscriber is not an entity formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Subject Shares.

 

2.1.5     Such Subscriber understands that the Subject Shares are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act and that the Subject Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act except as otherwise required by this Redemption Subscription Agreement. Such Subscriber understands that the Subject Shares may not be resold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by such Subscriber absent an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, except (i) to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, (ii) to non-U.S. persons pursuant to offers and sales that occur in an “offshore transaction” within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) pursuant to Rule 144, provided that all of the applicable conditions thereof have been met, (iv) pursuant to another applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (v) as it forms part of any stock lending program, and in the case of each of clauses (i), (ii) (iii), (iv) and (v) in accordance with any applicable securities laws of the states and other jurisdictions of the United States, and that any certificates or book entries representing the Subject Shares shall contain a legend to such effect. Such Subscriber acknowledges that the Subject Shares will not be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act. Such Subscriber understands and agrees that as a result of the transfer restrictions set forth herein, such Subscriber may not be able to readily resell the Subject Shares and may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Subject Shares for an indefinite period of time. Such Subscriber understands that it has been advised to consult legal counsel and tax and accounting advisors prior to making any offer, resale, pledge or transfer of any of the Subject Shares.

 

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2.1.6     Such Subscriber understands and agrees that such Subscriber is purchasing the Subject Shares directly from the Issuer. Such Subscriber further acknowledges that there have been no representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made to such Subscriber by the Issuer, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives, expressly or by implication, other than those representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressly set forth in this Redemption Subscription Agreement, and such Subscriber is not relying on any representations, warranties or covenants other than those expressly set forth in this Redemption Subscription Agreement. In particular, without limiting the foregoing, such Subscriber acknowledges that certain information provided by the Company was based on projections, forecasts, estimates, budgets or other prospective information, and such information is based on assumptions and estimates that are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the projections, and neither the Company nor any other person makes any representation relating to any such information.

 

2.1.7     Such Subscriber represents and warrants that its acquisition and holding of the Subject Shares will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any applicable similar law.

 

2.1.8     In making its decision to purchase the Subject Shares, such Subscriber represents that it has relied solely upon independent investigation made by such Subscriber and the Issuer’s representations, warranties and agreements herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such Subscriber has not relied on any statements or other information provided by anyone other than the Issuer and its representatives concerning the Issuer or the Subject Shares or the offer and sale of the Subject Shares. Such Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that such Subscriber has received access to and has had an adequate opportunity to review, such financial and other information as such Subscriber deems necessary in order to make an investment decision with respect to the Subject Shares, including with respect to the Issuer and the Company (including giving effect to the Mergers), and made its own assessment and is satisfied concerning the relevant tax and other economic considerations relevant to such Subscriber’s investment in the Subject Shares. Such Subscriber acknowledges that it has reviewed the documents made available to such Subscriber by the Issuer and the Company. Such Subscriber represents and agrees that such Subscriber and such Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have had the full opportunity to ask such questions, receive such answers and obtain such information as such Subscriber and such Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have deemed necessary to make an investment decision with respect to the Subject Shares.

 

2.1.9     Such Subscriber acknowledges that the Subject Shares are not being offered in a manner involving a public offering under, or in a distribution in violation of, the Securities Act, or any state securities laws.

 

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2.1.10   Such Subscriber acknowledges that it is aware that there are substantial risks incident to the purchase and ownership of the Subject Shares. Such Subscriber has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Subject Shares, and such Subscriber has sought such financial, accounting, legal and tax advice as such Subscriber has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision. Other than the Sponsor, such Subscriber (i) is an institutional account as defined in FINRA Rule 4512(c), (ii) is a sophisticated investor, experienced in investing in private equity transactions and capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to all transactions and investment strategies involving a security or securities, and (iii) has exercised independent judgment in evaluating its participation in the purchase of the Subject Shares. Such Subscriber understands and acknowledges that the purchase and sale of the Subject Shares hereunder meets (i) the exemptions from filing under FINRA Rule 5123(b)(1)(A) and (ii) the institutional customer exemption under FINRA Rule 2111(b).

 

2.1.11   Alone, or together with any professional advisor(s), such Subscriber represents and acknowledges that such Subscriber has adequately analyzed and fully considered the risks of an investment in the Subject Shares and determined that the Subject Shares are a suitable investment for such Subscriber and that such Subscriber is able to bear the economic risk of a total loss of such Subscriber’s investment in the Issuer. Such Subscriber acknowledges specifically that a possibility of total loss exists. Such Subscriber acknowledges that it shall be responsible for any of such Subscriber’s tax liabilities that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement, and that neither the Issuer nor the Company has provided any tax advice or any other representation or guarantee regarding the tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.12   Such Subscriber understands and agrees that no federal or state agency has passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Subject Shares or made any findings or determination as to the fairness of an investment in the Subject Shares.

 

2.1.13   Such Subscriber represents and warrants that such Subscriber is not (i) a person or entity named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) or in any Executive Order issued by the President of the United States and administered by OFAC (“OFAC List”), or a person or entity prohibited by any OFAC sanctions program, (ii) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515 or (iii) a non-U.S. shell bank or providing banking services indirectly to a non-U.S. shell bank. Such Subscriber agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable Law, provided that such Subscriber is permitted to do so under applicable Law. If such Subscriber is a financial institution subject to the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. Section 5311 et seq.) (the “BSA”), as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “PATRIOT Act”), and its implementing regulations (collectively, the “BSA/PATRIOT Act”), such Subscriber represents that it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. Such Subscriber also represents that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed for the screening of its investors against the OFAC sanctions programs, including the OFAC List. Such Subscriber further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by such Subscriber and used to purchase the Subject Shares were legally derived.

 

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2.1.14   Except as a result of the entry into this Redemption Subscription Agreement, such Subscriber is not currently (and at all times through Closing will refrain from being or becoming) a member of a “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any successor provision), acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of equity securities of the Issuer (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act).

 

2.1.15   To the extent required, such Subscriber and its affiliates and the Issuer shall each use reasonable best efforts to submit, as promptly as practicable following the date on which the Issuer sends to such Subscriber its written notice of its intent to submit all applicable filings and registrations with, and notifications to, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and any other Governmental Authority required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), and all other Laws in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement and the Merger Agreement, and to use their respective reasonable best efforts to, as promptly as practicable, provide any information requested by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or any other Governmental Authority to obtain all required authorizations and approvals, and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period, under the HSR Act and all other applicable Laws as promptly as practicable after the date hereof. The Issuer shall be responsible for all filing fees payable to a Governmental Authority related to any HSR Act notification applicable in connection with this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.16   Such Subscriber represents and agrees that on the date hereof, such Subscriber has access to sufficient available funds to pay the Backstop Purchase, and on the date the Backstop Purchase would be required to be funded to the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.1, such Subscriber will have sufficient immediately available funds to pay the Backstop Purchase pursuant to Section 3.1. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, such Subscriber shall not make any dividends or distributions that would render Subscriber unable to satisfy its obligation to pay the Backstop Purchase. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, the Sponsor shall not make any dividends or distributions that would render the Sponsor unable to satisfy all its obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.17   Such Subscriber represents that no disqualifying event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) under the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”) is applicable to such Subscriber or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties (as defined below), except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. Such Subscriber hereby agrees that it shall notify the Issuer promptly in writing in the event a Disqualification Event becomes applicable to such Subscriber or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. For purposes of this Section 2.1.17, “Rule 506(d) Related Party” shall mean a person or entity that is a beneficial owner of such Subscriber’s or Sponsor Guarantor’s securities for purposes of Rule 506(d) under the Securities Act.

 

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2.1.18   Such Subscriber acknowledges that it is not relying upon, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation or warranty made by any person, firm or corporation (including, without limitation, the Issuer, any of its Affiliates or any of its or their respective control persons, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives), other than the representations and warranties of the Issuer expressly set forth in this Redemption Subscription Agreement, in making its investment or decision to invest in the Issuer.

 

2.1.19   Such Subscriber agrees that it shall cooperate with the Issuer and the Company in connection with any review of the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement and the Transactions by any Governmental Authority, including without limitation, by providing to the Issuer or the Company, as applicable for delivery to the applicable Governmental Authority as soon as practicable following written notice to such Subscriber of such a request, all such information about such Subscriber and any of its Affiliates requested by any such Governmental Authority, and to take such other action as soon as practicable as may be reasonably necessary or as the Issuer or the Company may reasonably request to enable the parties to the Merger Agreement to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 9.1(d) of the Merger Agreement.

 

2.1.20   Such Subscriber has not and will not prior to the Closing enter into any side letter or similar agreement with any other subscriber or any other investor in connection with such other subscriber’s or investor’s direct or indirect equity investment in the Issuer or the Company.

 

2.2            Issuer’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to such Subscriber and agrees with such Subscriber as follows:

 

2.2.1     The Issuer has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and following the Domestication shall be validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

2.2.2     This Redemption Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Issuer and is enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

2.2.3     Subject to obtaining all required approvals necessary in connection with the performance of the Merger Agreement (including the approval of the Company’s stockholders for the Merger Agreement and the related Transactions including the transactions contemplated by the PIPE Subscription Agreement) and any required applications and approvals pursuant to the applicable rules of Nasdaq (together, the “Required Approvals”) and assuming the accuracy of the Subscriber’s representation in Section 2.1.3, the execution, delivery and performance of this Redemption Subscription Agreement, issuance and sale of the Subject Shares and the consummation of the certain other transactions contemplated herein will not (i) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of the Issuer (after Domestication) or (ii) result in any violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Issuer or any of its properties that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the validity of the Subject Shares or the legal authority or ability of the Issuer to perform in all material respects its obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement, subject to the exceptions in the definition of Material Adverse Effect in the Merger Agreement mutatis mutandis (an “Issuer Material Adverse Effect”).

 

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2.2.4     The issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock of the Issuer are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are listed for trading on Nasdaq. The Issuer has made available to such Subscriber (including via the Commission’s EDGAR system) a true, correct and complete copy of each form, report, statement, schedule, prospectus, proxy, registration statement and other documents filed by the Issuer (including the Merger Agreement) with the Commission prior to the date of this Redemption Subscription Agreement (the “SEC Documents”), which SEC Documents, except in the case of the accounting treatment of the warrants, as of their respective filing dates, complied, as to form, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents (in each case in effect as of the date of filing). None of the SEC Documents filed under the Exchange Act, contained, as of the respective date of its filing or, if amended prior to the date of this Redemption Subscription Agreement or the Closing Date, as of the date of such amendment with respect to those disclosures that are amended, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Issuer makes no such representation or warranty with respect to the proxy statement/prospectus included in the PIPE Registration Statement to be filed in connection with the approval of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of the Issuer (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) or any other information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates included in any SEC Document or filed as an exhibit thereto. The Issuer has timely filed each report, statement, schedule, prospectus, and registration statement that the Issuer was required to file with the Commission since its inception and through the date hereof. As of the date hereof, there are no material outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters from the Commission staff with respect to any of the SEC Documents.

 

2.2.5     As of the date hereof, there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Issuer, threatened suits, claim, actions or proceedings (collectively, “Actions”), which, if determined adversely, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an Issuer Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.3           Sponsor Guarantor’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. Sponsor Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to the Issuer and acknowledges and agrees with the Issuer as follows:

 

2.3.1     Sponsor Guarantor has been duly formed or incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, with power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

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2.3.2     This Redemption Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by Sponsor Guarantor. This Redemption Subscription Agreement is a valid and binding agreement enforceable against Sponsor Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

2.3.3     The execution, delivery and performance by Sponsor Guarantor of this Redemption Subscription Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of Sponsor Guarantor pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, or other agreement or instrument to which Sponsor Guarantor is a party or by which Sponsor Guarantor is bound or to which any of the assets of Sponsor Guarantor is subject, which would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or otherwise materially impede Sponsor Guarantor’s timely performance of its obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement (a “Sponsor Guarantor Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of Sponsor Guarantor, (iii) result in any violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Sponsor Guarantor or any of its respective properties or assets that would reasonably be expected to have a Sponsor Guarantor Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.3.4     Sponsor Guarantor represents and warrants that Sponsor Guarantor is not (i) a person or entity named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons administered by OFAC or in any OFAC List, or a person or entity prohibited by any OFAC sanctions program, (ii) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515 or (iii) a non-U.S. shell bank or providing banking services indirectly to a non-U.S. shell bank. Sponsor Guarantor agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable Law, provided that Sponsor Guarantor is permitted to do so under applicable Law. If Sponsor Guarantor is a financial institution subject to the BSA/PATRIOT Act, Sponsor Guarantor represents that it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. Sponsor Guarantor also represents that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed for the screening of its investors against the OFAC sanctions programs, including the OFAC List. Sponsor Guarantor further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by Sponsor Guarantor and used to satisfy its obligations hereunder were legally derived.

 

2.3.5     Sponsor Guarantor represents and agrees that on the date hereof, Sponsor Guarantor has access to sufficient available funds to pay the Backstop Purchase, and on the date the Backstop Purchase would be required to be funded by the Sponsor to the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.1, Sponsor Guarantor will have sufficient immediately available funds to satisfy its obligations hereunder. From the date hereof until the Closing Date, Sponsor Guarantor shall not make any dividends or distributions that would render it unable to satisfy its obligations hereunder.

 

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2.3.6     Sponsor Guarantor represents that no Disqualification Event is applicable to it or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. Sponsor Guarantor hereby agrees that it shall notify the Issuer promptly in writing in the event a Disqualification Event becomes applicable to Sponsor Guarantor or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable.

 

2.3.7     Sponsor Guarantor acknowledges that it is not relying upon, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation or warranty made by any person, firm or corporation (including, without limitation, the Issuer, any of its Affiliates or any of its or their respective control persons, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives), other than the representations and warranties of the Issuer expressly set forth in this Redemption Subscription Agreement, in making its decision to enter into this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

3.              Settlement Date and Delivery.

 

3.1            Closing. The closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall occur on the date of, and immediately prior to, the First Effective Time (such day, the “Closing Date”). At least five (5) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, the Issuer shall deliver written notice to such Subscriber (the “Closing Notice”) specifying (i) the anticipated Closing Date and (ii) wire instructions for the payment of the Backstop Purchase. Such Subscriber shall deliver to the Issuer, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, the Backstop Purchase for the Subject Shares, by wire transfer of United States dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Issuer in the Closing Notice, such funds to be held by the Issuer in escrow until the Closing. At the Closing, upon satisfaction (or, if applicable, waiver) of the conditions set forth in this Section 3, the Issuer shall deliver to such Subscriber the Subject Shares in book entry form, in the name of such Subscriber (or its nominee in accordance with its delivery instructions) or to a custodian designated by such Subscriber, as applicable. In the event the Closing does not occur within three (3) Business Days of the anticipated Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice, the Issuer shall promptly (but no later than one (1) Business Day thereafter) return the Backstop Purchase to such Subscriber.

 

3.2            Conditions to Closing of the Issuer. The Issuer’s obligations to sell and issue the Subject Shares at the Closing are subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) written waiver, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

3.2.1     Representations and Warranties Correct. The representations and warranties made by such Subscriber in Section 2.1 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of this Redemption Subscription Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date (unless they specifically speak as of another date in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects), with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of said date, but in each case without giving effect to consummation of the Transactions.

 

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3.2.2     Closing of the Transactions. The conditions precedent to the completion of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement) shall have been met or waived by the parties thereto such that the Transactions will close substantially concurrently with, but after, the Closing.

 

3.2.3     Legality. There shall not be in force any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority, Law, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

3.3            Conditions to Closing of Subscriber. Such Subscriber’s obligation to purchase the Subject Shares at the Closing is subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) written waiver, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

3.3.1     Closing of the Transactions. The conditions precedent to completion of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing of the Transactions set forth in the Merger Agreement) shall have been met or waived by the parties thereto such that the Transactions will close substantially concurrently with, but after, the Closing.

 

3.3.2     Legality. There shall not be in force any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority, Law, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Subscription.

 

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4.               PIPE Registration Statement.

 

4.1           In connection with the Transactions, the Issuer will file with the Commission the Registration Statement, which will register the issuance of shares of Class A common stock upon consummation of the Transactions in exchange for all outstanding shares of the Issuer (including the Subject Shares). In the event that the Registration Statement, at the time it becomes effective, does not include the Subject Shares to be issued hereunder, the Issuer agrees that, within forty-five (45) calendar days after the consummation of the Transactions (the “Filing Date”), the Issuer will file with the Commission (at the Issuer’s sole cost and expense) a shelf registration statement registering the resale of the Subject Shares (the “PIPE Registration Statement”), and the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the PIPE Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the 60th calendar day (or 90th calendar day if the Commission notifies the Issuer that it will “review” the PIPE Registration Statement) following the Closing and (ii) the 10th Business Day after the date the Issuer is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the PIPE Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Date”); provided, however, that the Issuer’s obligations to include such Shares in the PIPE Registration Statement are contingent upon such Subscriber furnishing in writing to the Issuer such information regarding such Subscriber, the securities of the Issuer held by such Subscriber and the intended method of disposition of the Subject Shares as shall be reasonably requested by the Issuer to effect the registration of the Subject Shares, and such Subscriber shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Issuer may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations, including providing that the Issuer shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of the PIPE Registration Statement during any customary blackout or similar period or as permitted under Section 4.3 hereunder; provided, further, that such Subscriber and its Affiliates (including its directors, officers, agents and employees, and each person who controls such Subscriber within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act) will be indemnified by the Issuer for any liability arising from any material misstatements or omissions in the PIPE Registration Statement except to the extent such misstatement or omission arises from the information specifically provided by such Subscriber for inclusion in the PIPE Registration Statement. Such Subscriber shall indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer and its Affiliates (including its directors, officers, agents and employees, and each person who controls the Issuer (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), for any liability arising from any material misstatements or omissions contained in the PIPE Registration Statement to the extent that such untrue statements or omissions are based upon information regarding such Subscriber furnished in writing to the Issuer by such Subscriber expressly for use therein. For purposes of clarification, any failure by the Issuer to file the PIPE Registration Statement by the Filing Date or to cause such PIPE Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Effectiveness Date shall not otherwise relieve the Issuer of its obligations to file the PIPE Registration Statement or cause the PIPE Registration Statement to be declared effective as set forth above in this Section 4.

 

4.2           In the case of the registration effected by the Issuer pursuant to this Redemption Subscription Agreement, the Issuer shall, upon reasonable request, inform such Subscriber as to the status of such registration. At its expense, the Issuer shall:

 

4.2.1     except for such times as the Issuer is permitted hereunder to suspend the use of the prospectus forming part of a PIPE Registration Statement, use its reasonable efforts to keep such registration, and any qualification, exemption or compliance under state securities laws which the Issuer determines to obtain, continuously effective with respect to such Subscriber, and to keep the applicable PIPE Registration Statement or any subsequent shelf registration statement free of any material misstatements or omissions, until the earlier of the following: (i) Such Subscriber ceases to hold any Subject Shares, (ii) the date all Subject Shares held by such Subscriber may be sold without restriction under Rule 144, including without limitation, any volume and manner of sale restrictions which may be applicable to Affiliates under Rule 144 and without the requirement for the Issuer to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable), and (iii) two years from the Effectiveness Date of the PIPE Registration Statement;

 

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4.2.2            advise such Subscriber within five (5) Business Days:

 

(a)            when a PIPE Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;

 

(b)            of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any PIPE Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose;

 

(c)            of the receipt by the Issuer of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Subject Shares included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and

 

(d)            subject to the provisions in this Redemption Subscription Agreement, of the occurrence of any event that requires the making of any changes in any PIPE Registration Statement or prospectus so that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Issuer shall not, when so advising such Subscriber of such events, provide such Subscriber with any material, nonpublic information regarding the Issuer other than to the extent that providing notice to such Subscriber of the occurrence of the events listed in (a) through (d) above constitutes material, nonpublic information regarding the Issuer;

 

4.2.3            use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any PIPE Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable;

 

4.2.4            upon the occurrence of any event contemplated in Section 4.2.2(d), except for such times as the Issuer is permitted hereunder to suspend, and has suspended, the use of a prospectus forming part of a PIPE Registration Statement, the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to such PIPE Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Subject Shares included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and

 

4.2.5            use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Subject Shares to be listed on each securities exchange or market, if any, on which the Class A common stock is then listed.

 

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4.3            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Redemption Subscription Agreement, the Issuer shall be entitled to delay or postpone the effectiveness of the PIPE Registration Statement, and from time to time to require such Subscriber not to sell under the PIPE Registration Statement or to suspend the effectiveness thereof, if the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Issuer or its Subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event the Issuer’s board of directors reasonably believes, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in-house legal counsel), would require additional disclosure by the Issuer in the PIPE Registration Statement of material information that the Issuer has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in the PIPE Registration Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Issuer’s board of directors, upon the advice of legal counsel (which may be in-house legal counsel), to cause the PIPE Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (each such circumstance, a “Suspension Event”); provided, however, that the Issuer may not delay or suspend the PIPE Registration Statement on more than three occasions or for more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or more than ninety (90) total calendar days, in each case during any twelve (12) month period. Upon receipt of any written notice from the Issuer of the happening of any Suspension Event during the period that the PIPE Registration Statement is effective or if as a result of a Suspension Event the PIPE Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made (in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, such Subscriber agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Subject Shares under the PIPE Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144) until such Subscriber receives copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus (which the Issuer agrees to promptly prepare) that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless otherwise notified by the Issuer that it may resume such offers and sales, and (ii) it will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by the Issuer unless otherwise required by law or subpoena. If so directed by the Issuer, such Subscriber will deliver to the Issuer or, in such Subscriber’s sole discretion, destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Subject Shares in such Subscriber’s possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Subject Shares shall not apply (i) to the extent such Subscriber is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (a) in order to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (b) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (ii) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up. Issuer agrees that any time transfer is permitted pursuant to Rule 144 and such Subscriber is unable to sell under the PIPE Registration Statement, Issuer will take commercially reasonable efforts to remove the restrictive legend from such Subscriber’s Subject Shares.

 

5.            Termination. This Redemption Subscription Agreement shall terminate and be void and of no further force and effect, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate without any further liability on the part of any party in respect thereof, upon the earlier to occur of (i) such date and time as the Merger Agreement is validly terminated in accordance with its terms without consummation of the Merger, (ii) upon the mutual written agreement of Sponsor and, with the prior written consent of the Company, the Issuer to terminate this Redemption Subscription Agreement, (iii) subject to the written consent of the Company, if any of the conditions to Closing set forth in this Redemption Subscription Agreement are not satisfied or waived (or deemed to be satisfied or waived) by the party entitled to grant such waiver on or prior to the Closing and, as a result thereof, the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement are not consummated on or before the Agreement End Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), and (iv) if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before the Agreement End Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement); provided that nothing herein will relieve any party from liability for any willful breach hereof prior to the time of termination, and each party will be entitled to any remedies at law or in equity to recover losses, liabilities or damages arising from such breach. The Issuer shall promptly notify such Subscriber of the termination of the Merger Agreement promptly after the termination of such agreement.

 

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6.            Miscellaneous.

 

6.1            Further Assurances. From the date hereof, the parties hereto shall use reasonable best efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement, the Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements, the Merger Agreement and the Mergers. At the Closing, the parties hereto shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take such additional actions as the parties reasonably may deem to be practical and necessary in order to consummate the Subscription as contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements and the Merger Agreement.

 

6.1.1            Such Subscriber acknowledges that the Issuer, the Company and others will rely on the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by such Subscriber contained in this Redemption Subscription Agreement. Prior to the Closing, such Subscriber agrees to promptly notify the Issuer and the Company if any of the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by such Subscriber set forth herein are no longer accurate in any material respect. Such Subscriber further acknowledges and agrees that the Company is a third-party beneficiary of the representations and warranties of such Subscriber contained in this Section 6.1.1 and Section 2.1 of this Redemption Subscription Agreement. Such Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that none of (i) any other investor pursuant to this Redemption Subscription Agreement or any other subscription agreement related to the private placement of the Subject Shares (including such other investor’s respective Affiliates or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the foregoing), (ii) the Company or any other party to the Merger Agreement, or (iii) any Affiliates, or any control persons, officers, directors, employees, partners, agents or representatives of any of the Issuer, the Company or any other party to the Merger Agreement shall be liable to such Subscriber, or to any other investor, pursuant to this Redemption Subscription Agreement or any other subscription agreement related to the private placement of the Subject Shares, the negotiation hereof or thereof or the subject matter hereof or thereof, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, for any action heretofore or hereafter taken or omitted to be taken by any of them in connection with the purchase of the Subject Shares or with respect to any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for breach of this Redemption Subscription Agreement or in respect of any written or oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith, as expressly provided herein, or for any actual or alleged inaccuracies, misstatements or omissions with respect to any information or materials of any kind furnished by the Issuer or the Company concerning the Issuer, the Company, any of their controlled Affiliates, this Redemption Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

6.1.2            Without limiting the Company’s rights provided by Section 6.6, each of the Issuer, such Subscriber and the Company is (i) entitled to rely upon and enforce this Redemption Subscription Agreement and (ii) is irrevocably authorized to produce this Redemption Subscription Agreement or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

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6.1.3            The Issuer may request from such Subscriber such additional information as the Issuer may deem necessary to evaluate the eligibility of such Subscriber to acquire the Subject Shares, and such Subscriber shall promptly provide such information as may be reasonably requested, to the extent within such Subscriber’s possession and control and otherwise readily available to such Subscriber and to the extent consistent with its internal policies and procedures; provided, that, Issuer agrees to keep any such information provided by such Subscriber confidential.

 

6.1.4            Each party hereto shall be responsible for and pay its own expenses incurred in connection with this Redemption Subscription Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants.

 

6.1.5            Each of such Subscriber and the Issuer shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Redemption Subscription Agreement on the terms and conditions described herein no later than immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions.

 

6.2            Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service, or (d) when delivered by email (in each case in this clause (d), solely if receipt is confirmed, but excluding any automated reply, such as an out-of-office notification), addressed as follows:

 

(i)            if to such Subscriber, to such address or addresses set forth on the signature page hereto;

 

(ii)            if to the Issuer before the Closing Date, to:

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.

20 North Audley Street

London W1K 6LX

United Kingdom

Attention: Khurram Kayani

Email: Khurram@novatorcapital.com

 

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with a required copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Baker McKenzie LLP

100 New Bridge Street

London EC4V 6JA

United Kingdom

Attention: Adam Eastell, Michael F. DeFranco, Derek Liu
Email:
adam.eastell@bakermckenzie.com,

michael.defranco@bakermckenzie.com,

derek.liu@bakermckenzie.com

 

(iii) If to the Issuer after the Closing Date, to the persons indicated under the Company below:

 

(iv)            if to the Company, to:

 

Better HoldCo, Inc.

175 Greenwich St, 59th Floor

New York, NY 10007

Attention: Kevin Ryan

Email: kryan@better.com

 

with a required copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Mitchell S. Eitel, Jared M. Fishman, Sarah P. Payne

Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com,

fishmanj@sullcrom.com,

paynes@sullcrom.com

 

6.3            Entire Agreement. This Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements and the Merger Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties to this Redemption Subscription Agreement relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the parties hereto or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby exist between such parties, including any commitment letter entered into relating to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth in this Redemption Subscription Agreement, the PIPE Subscription Agreement, Sponsor Subscription Agreement, the Other Subscription Agreements and the Merger Agreement.

 

6.4            Modifications and Amendments. This Redemption Subscription Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only (a) subject to the prior written consent of the Company except in the case of amendments or waivers that are ministerial and immaterial in nature and effect and (b) by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed in the same manner as this Redemption Subscription Agreement and which makes reference to this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

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6.5            Assignment. Neither this Redemption Subscription Agreement, nor any rights, interests or obligations that may accrue to the parties hereunder (including such Subscriber’s rights to purchase the Subject Shares) may be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of each of the other parties hereto and the Company (as third-party beneficiary hereto) and any such purported assignment shall be null and void ab initio (other than the Subject Shares acquired hereunder after the Closing, if any, and such Subscriber’s rights under Section 4 hereof, and then only in accordance with this Redemption Subscription Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Subscriber may assign its rights and obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates (provided that such Subscriber shall not be relieved from the obligation to perform this Agreement upon any failure of the Affiliate assignee).

 

6.6            Benefit.

 

6.6.1            Except as otherwise provided herein, this Redemption Subscription Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives, and permitted assigns, and the agreements, representations, warranties, covenants and acknowledgments contained herein shall be deemed to be made by, and be binding upon, such heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. This Redemption Subscription Agreement shall not confer rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (other than as provided for in this Section 6.6.1 and Section 6.1.1 and Section 6.1.2 of this Redemption Subscription Agreement). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company is an express third-party beneficiary of each of the provisions of this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

6.6.2            Each of the Issuer and such Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that (a) this Redemption Subscription Agreement is being entered into in order to induce the Company to execute and deliver the Merger Agreement and without the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Issuer and such Subscriber hereunder, the Company would not enter into the Merger Agreement, (b) each representation, warranty, covenant and agreement of the Issuer and such Subscriber hereunder is being made also for the benefit of the Company, and (c) the Company may seek to directly enforce (including by an action for specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable relief, including to cause the Backstop Purchase to be paid and the Closing to occur) each of the covenants and agreements of each of the Issuer and such Subscriber under this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

6.7            Governing Law. This Redemption Subscription Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Redemption Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of Laws that would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.

 

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6.8            Consent for Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

6.8.1            Each of Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor hereby irrevocably appoints COGENCY GLOBAL INC., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Rd, STE. 201 Dover, DE 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such Action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 6.8.1. Each of Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 6.2, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Each of Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, each of Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 6.8.1. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable Law.

 

6.8.2            Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints COGENCY GLOBAL INC., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Rd, STE. 201 Dover, DE 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such Action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 6.8.2. Issuer agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 6.2, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Issuer agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, Issuer agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 6.8.2. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable Law.

 

6.8.3            Any proceeding or Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Redemption Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware) (the “Designated Courts”), and each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally (i) consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Action, (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and (iv) agrees not to bring any proceeding or Action arising out of or relating to this Redemption Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence an Action or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 6.8.

 

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6.8.4            EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS REDEMPTION SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS REDEMPTION SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

6.9            Severability. If any provision of this Redemption Subscription Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Redemption Subscription Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Redemption Subscription Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Redemption Subscription Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Redemption Subscription Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the parties.

 

6.10            No Waiver of Rights, Powers and Remedies. No failure or delay by a party hereto in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Redemption Subscription Agreement, and no course of dealing between the parties hereto, shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy of such party. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy under this Redemption Subscription Agreement by a party hereto, nor any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce any such right, power or remedy, shall preclude such party from any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy hereunder. The election of any remedy by a party hereto shall not constitute a waiver of the right of such party to pursue other available remedies. No notice to or demand on a party not expressly required under this Redemption Subscription Agreement shall entitle the party receiving such notice or demand to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the party giving such notice or demand to any other or further action in any circumstances without such notice or demand.

 

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6.11            Remedies.

 

6.11.1            The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Redemption Subscription Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Redemption Subscription Agreement). It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Redemption Subscription Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Redemption Subscription Agreement, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Redemption Subscription Agreement in accordance with Section 5, in addition to any other remedy to which any party is entitled at law or in equity. The right to specific enforcement shall include the right of the parties hereto to cause such Subscriber and the right of the Company to cause the parties hereto to cause the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in this Redemption Subscription Agreement. In the event that any Action shall be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Redemption Subscription Agreement, no party shall allege, and each party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law, and each party agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection therewith.

 

6.11.2            The parties acknowledge and agree that this Section 6.11 is an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby and without that right, the parties hereto would not have entered into this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

6.11.3            In any dispute arising out of or related to this Redemption Subscription Agreement, or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby, or any transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the applicable adjudicating body shall award to the prevailing party, if any, the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and external attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the dispute and the enforcement of its rights under this Redemption Subscription Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby and, if the adjudicating body determines a party to be the prevailing party under circumstances where the prevailing party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the adjudicating body may award the prevailing party an appropriate percentage of the costs and external attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing party in connection with the adjudication and the enforcement of its rights under this Redemption Subscription Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

6.12            Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made by the parties hereto in this Redemption Subscription Agreement shall survive the Closing until the expiration of any statute of limitations under applicable Laws. For the avoidance of doubt, if for any reason the Closing does not occur prior to the consummation of the Transactions, all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties hereunder shall survive the consummation of the Transactions and remain in full force and effect until the expiration of any statute of limitations under applicable Laws.

 

6.13            No Broker or Finder. Each of the Issuer and such Subscriber each represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that no broker, finder or other financial consultant has acted on its behalf in connection with this Redemption Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in such a way as to create any liability on any other party hereto. Each of the Issuer and such Subscriber agrees to indemnify and save the other parties hereto harmless from any claim or demand for commission or other compensation by any broker, finder, financial consultant or similar agent claiming to have been employed by or on behalf of such party and to bear the cost of legal expenses incurred in defending against any such claim.

 

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6.14            Headings and Captions. The headings and captions in this Redemption Subscription Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

6.15            Counterparts. This Redemption Subscription Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by electronic transmission in .pdf format or by facsimile shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Signatures to this Agreement transmitted by electronic mail in .pdf form, or by any other electronic means designed to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document (including DocuSign), will be deemed to have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing the original signatures.

 

6.16            Construction. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.” Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “this Redemption Subscription Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Redemption Subscription Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The parties hereto intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If any party hereto has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which such party hereto has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that such party hereto is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant. All references in this Redemption Subscription Agreement to numbers of shares, per share amounts and purchase prices shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or the like occurring after the date hereof.

 

6.17            Mutual Drafting. This Redemption Subscription Agreement is the joint product of the parties hereto and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of the parties and shall not be construed for or against any party hereto.

 

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7.            Consent to Disclosure.

 

7.1            Such Subscriber hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in any press release issued by the Issuer or the Company or Form 8-K filed by the Issuer with the Commission in connection with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by the federal securities laws or the Commission or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by the Issuer or the Company to any Governmental Authority or to securityholders of the Issuer) in each case, as and to the extent required by applicable Law or the Commission or any other Governmental Authority, of such Subscriber’s identity and beneficial ownership of the Subject Shares and the nature of such Subscriber’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Redemption Subscription Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by the Issuer or the Company, a copy of this Redemption Subscription Agreement. Other than as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, without such Subscriber’s prior written consent, the Issuer will not publicly disclose the name of such Subscriber, other than to the Issuer’s lawyers, independent accountants and to other advisors and service providers who reasonably require such information in connection with the provision of services to such person, are advised of the confidential nature of such information and are obligated to keep such information confidential; provided that Subscriber consents to the disclosure included in the public announcement materials related to the Transactions previously disclosed to Subscriber. Such Subscriber will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by the Issuer or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the Commission).

 

7.2            Trust Account Waiver. Such Subscriber acknowledges that the Issuer is a blank check company with the powers and privileges to effect a Business Combination. Such Subscriber further acknowledges that, as described in the prospectus dated February 12, 2021 (the "Prospectus") available at www.sec.gov, substantially all of the Issuer’s assets consist of the cash proceeds of the Issuer’s initial public offering and private placements of its securities and substantially all of those proceeds have been deposited in a the trust account for the benefit of the Issuer, certain of its public stockholders and the underwriters of the Issuer’s initial public offering (the "Trust Account"). Such Subscriber acknowledges that it has been advised by the Issuer that, except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to the Issuer to pay its franchise Tax, income Tax and similar obligations, the Trust Agreement provides that cash in the Trust Account may be disbursed only (a) if the Issuer completes the transactions which constitute a Business Combination, then to those Persons (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and in such amounts as described in the Prospectus; (b) if the Issuer fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period and liquidates, subject to the terms of the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2020, between the Issuer and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee") (the "Trust Agreement"), to the Issuer in limited amounts to permit the Issuer to pay the costs and expenses of its liquidation and dissolution, and then to the Issuer’s public stockholders; and (c) if the Issuer holds a shareholder vote to amend the Issuer’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance or timing of the obligation to redeem 100% of the Class A common stock if the Issuer fails to complete a Business Combination within the allotted time period, then for the redemption of any of the Class A common stock properly tendered in connection with such vote. For and in consideration of the Issuer entering into this Redemption Subscription Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, such Subscriber hereby irrevocably waives any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they have or may have in the future in or to any monies in the Trust Account and agrees not to seek recourse against the Trust Account or any funds distributed therefrom as a result of, or arising out of, this Redemption Subscription Agreement and any negotiations, Contracts with the Issuer; provided, that (x) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit such Subscriber’s right to pursue a claim against the Issuer for legal relief against monies or other assets held outside the Trust Account, for specific performance or other equitable relief in connection with the consummation of the Transactions or for fraud and (y) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit any claims that such Subscriber may have in the future against the Issuer’s assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Account (including any funds that have been released from the Trust Account and any assets that have been purchased or acquired with any such funds). This Section 7 shall survive the termination of this Redemption Subscription Agreement for any reason.

 

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8.            Guarantees.

 

8.1            The Sponsor hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Issuer the due and punctual payment and performance of each Subscriber’s obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof. In case of the failure of any such Subscriber punctually to make any such payment or render such performance hereunder, the Sponsor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made or performance to be done as if done by such Subscriber.

 

8.2            The Sponsor Guarantor hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Issuer the due and punctual payment and performance of the Sponsor’s and each other Subscriber’s obligations under this Redemption Subscription Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof. In case of the failure of the Sponsor or any such Subscriber punctually to make any such payment or render such performance hereunder, the Sponsor Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made or performance to be done as if done by the Sponsor or such other Subscriber.

 

8.3            Each of the Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor hereby agrees that each of its obligations hereunder shall be as if it were principal obligor and not merely surety, and shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of this Redemption Subscription Agreement with respect to any such Subscriber, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Sponsor or any other such Subscriber with respect hereto by the Issuer or any other circumstance which may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor. Each of the Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Sponsor or any such Subscriber, any right to require a proceeding first against the Sponsor or any such Subscriber, protest or notice with respect to the performance and payment obligations hereunder, and covenants that its obligations under this Section 8 will not be discharged except by payment in full of all amounts owed by the Sponsor and each such Subscriber under this Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

8.4            Each of the Sponsor and Sponsor Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Issuer against the Sponsor or any Subscriber for which and in respect of the Sponsor or Sponsor Guarantor, as applicable, has paid to the Issuer pursuant to this Section 8; provided, however, that neither the Sponsor nor the Sponsor Guarantor shall be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until full payment and performance has been received by or rendered to the Issuer.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Issuer, the Sponsor, the Sponsor Guarantor and Subscriber has executed or caused this Sponsor Subscription Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first set forth above.

 

  ISSUER:
   
  AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.

 

  By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
    Name: Arnaud Massenet
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  SPONSOR:
   
 

NOVATOR CAPITAL SPONSO

R LTD.

 

  By: /s/ Pericles Spyrou
    Name: Pericles Spyrou
    Title: Director
   
  By: /s/ Jan Rottiers
    Name: Jan Rottiers
    Title: Director

 

  SPONSOR GUARANTOR:
   
  SIGNED FOR AN ON BEHALF OF BB TRUSTEES SA, AS TRUSTEE OF THE FUTURE HOLDINGS TRUST

 

  By: /s/ Jan Rottiers
    Name: Jan Rottiers
    Title: Director
   

By: /s/ Arnaud Cywie
    Name: Arnaud Cywie
    Title: Director

 

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Accepted and agreed this 10th day of May, 2021.

   
     
SUBSCRIBER:    
     
     
NOVATOR CAPITAL SPONSOR LTD.   Signature of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
     
By: /s/ Jan Rottiers   By: /s/ Pericles Spyrou
Name: Jan Rottiers   Name: Pericles Spyrou
Title:

Director

  Title: Director
     
     
Date:  May 10, 2021    
     
Name of Subscriber:   Name of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
     

(Please print. Please indicate name and
capacity of person signing above)

 

(Please Print. Please indicate name and
capacity of person signing above)

     

Name in which securities are to be registered
(if different from the name of Subscriber listed

   
directly above):      
Email Address:      

 

If there are joint investors, please check one:    
¨  Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship    
¨  Tenants-in-Common    
¨  Community Property    
Subscriber’s EIN:     Joint Subscriber’s EIN:  
Business Address-Street:   Mailing Address-Street (if different):
     
     

 

City, State, Zip:     City, State, Zip:  
Attn:     Attn:  
Telephone No.:     Telephone No.:  
Facsimile No.:     Facsimile No.:  

 

 

 

Aggregate Number of Shares subscribed for:

 

See sections 1.1 and 1.2 of the Redemption
Subscription Agreement      

 

Backstop Purchase: See sections 1.1 and 1.2 of the Redemption Subscription Agreement

 

You must pay the Backstop Purchase by wire transfer of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds, to be held in escrow until the Closing, to the account specified by the Issuer in the Closing Notice.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE I
ELIGIBILITY REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBSCRIBER

 

A. QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS (Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

1. ¨ We are a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) (a “QIB”) and have marked and initialed the appropriate box on the following pages indicating the provision under which we qualify as a QIB.

 

2. ¨ We are subscribing for the Subject Shares as a fiduciary or agent for one or more investor accounts, and each owner of such account is a QIB.

 

*** OR ***

 

B. ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS (Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

1. ¨ We are an “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) and have marked and initialed the appropriate box on the following pages indicating the provision under which we qualify as an “accredited investor.”

 

2. ¨ We are not a natural person.

 

*** AND ***

 

C. AFFILIATE STATUS (Please check the applicable box)

 

SUBSCRIBER:

 

¨ is:

 

¨ is not:

 

an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) of the Issuer or acting on behalf of an affiliate of the Issuer.

 

This Schedule I should be completed by Subscriber
and constitutes a part of the Redemption Subscription Agreement.

 

 

 

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER: Subscriber is a “qualified institutional buyer” (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act) if it is an entity that meets any one of the following categories at the time of the sale of securities to Subscriber (Please check the applicable subparagraphs):

 

¨      Subscriber is an entity that, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber and:

 

¨      is an insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act;

 

¨      is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), or any business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act;

 

¨      is a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the US Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended (“Small Business Investment Act”) or any Rural Business Investment Company as defined in section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (“Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act”);

 

¨      is a plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees;

 

¨      is an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”);

 

¨      is a trust fund whose trustee is a bank or trust company and whose participants are exclusively (a) plans established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, of (b) employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the ERISA, except, in each case, trust funds that include as participants individual retirement accounts or H.R. 10 plans;

 

¨      is a business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”);

 

¨      is an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), corporation (other than a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Act, a savings and loan association or other institution referenced in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Act, or a foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution), partnership, or Massachusetts or similar business trust; or

 

¨      is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act;

 

 

 

¨      is an institutional accredited investor, as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, of a type not listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (I) or paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) through (vi) of Rule 501.

 

¨      Subscriber is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $10 million of securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber;

 

¨      Subscriber is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Exchange Act acting in a riskless principal transaction on behalf of a qualified institutional buyer;

 

¨      Subscriber is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act, acting for its own account or for the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that is part of a family of investment companies1 which own in the aggregate at least $100 million in securities of issuers, other than issuers that are affiliated with Subscriber or are part of such family of investment companies;

 

¨      Subscriber is an entity, all of the equity owners of which are qualified institutional buyers, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers; or

 

¨      Subscriber is a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, or any foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution, acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with Subscriber and that has an audited net worth of at least $25 million as demonstrated in its latest annual financial statements, as of a date not more than 16 months preceding the date of sale of securities in the case of a US bank or savings and loan association, and not more than 18 months preceding the date of sale of securities for a foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution.

 

 

1Family of investment companies” means any two or more investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act, except for a unit investment trust whose assets consist solely of shares of one or more registered investment companies, that have the same investment adviser (or, in the case of unit investment trusts, the same depositor); provided that, (a) each series of a series company (as defined in Rule 18f-2 under the Investment Company Act) shall be deemed to be a separate investment company and (b) investment companies shall be deemed to have the same adviser (or depositor) if their advisers (or depositors) are majority-owned subsidiaries of the same parent, or if one investment company’s adviser (or depositor) is a majority-owned subsidiary of the other investment company’s adviser (or depositor).

 

 

 

ACCREDITED INVESTOR: Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act, in relevant part, states that an “accredited investor” shall mean any person who comes within any of the below listed categories, or who the issuer reasonably believes comes within any of the below listed categories, at the time of the sale of the securities to that person. Subscriber has indicated, by marking and initialing the appropriate box(es) below, the provision(s) below which apply to Subscriber and under which Subscriber accordingly qualifies as an “accredited investor.”

 

¨ Any bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or any savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity;

 

¨ Any broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Exchange Act;

 

¨ Any insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act;

 

¨ Any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act or a business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act;

 

¨ Any Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act or Rural Business Investment Company as defined in Section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act;

 

¨ Any plan established and maintained by a state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, if such plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the ERISA, if (i) the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) of ERISA, which is either a bank, a savings and loan association, an insurance company, or a registered investment adviser, (ii) the employee benefit plan has total assets in excess of $5,000,000 or, (iii) such plan is a self-directed plan, with investment decisions made solely by persons that are “accredited investors”;

 

¨ Any private business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Investment Advisers Act;

 

¨ Any (i) corporation, limited liability company or partnership, (ii) Massachusetts or similar business trust, or (iii) organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, in each case that was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered and that has total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any director, executive officer, or general partner of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold, or any director, executive officer, or general partner of a general partner of that issuer;

 

 

 

¨ Any natural person whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with that person’s spouse, exceeds $1,000,000. For purposes of calculating a natural person’s net worth: (a) the person’s primary residence shall not be included as an asset; (b) indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence, up to the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the sale of securities, shall not be included as a liability (except that if the amount of such indebtedness outstanding at the time of sale of securities exceeds the amount outstanding 60 days before such time, other than as a result of the acquisition of the primary residence, the amount of such excess shall be included as a liability); and (c) indebtedness that is secured by the person’s primary residence in excess of the estimated fair market value of the primary residence at the time of the sale of securities shall be included as a liability;

 

¨ Any natural person who had an individual income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with that person’s spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of those years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year;

 

¨ Any trust, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person as described in Section 230.506(b)(2)(ii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act; or

 

¨ Any entity in which all of the equity owners are “accredited investors.”

 

¨ Any entity, of a type not listed in paragraph (a)(1), (2), (3), (7), or (8) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, owning investments in excess of $5,000,000;

 

¨ Any natural person holding in good standing one or more professional certifications or designations or credentials from an accredited educational institution that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has designated as qualifying an individual for accredited investor status. In determining whether to designate a professional certification or designation or credential from an accredited educational institution for purposes of this paragraph, the Commission will consider, among others, the following attributes:

 

(i) The certification, designation, or credential arises out of an examination or series of examinations administered by a self-regulatory organization or other industry body or is issued by an accredited educational institution;

 

(ii) The examination or series of examinations is designed to reliably and validly demonstrate an individual’s comprehension and sophistication in the areas of securities and investing;

 

(iii) Persons obtaining such certification, designation, or credential can reasonably be expected to have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to evaluate the merits and risks of a prospective investment; and

 

 

 

(iv) An indication that an individual holds the certification or designation is either made publicly available by the relevant self-regulatory organization or other industry body or is otherwise independently verifiable;

 

¨ Any natural person who is a “knowledgeable employee,” as defined in rule 3c-5(a)(4) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.3c-5(a)(4)), of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold where the issuer would be an investment company, as defined in section 3 of such act, but for the exclusion provided by either section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7) of such act;

 

¨ Any “family office,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (17 CFR 275.202(a)(11)(G)-1):

 

(i) With assets under management in excess of $5,000,000,

 

(ii) That is not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, and

 

(iii) Whose prospective investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment;

 

¨ Any “family client,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (17 CFR 275.202(a)(11)(G)-1)), of a family office meeting the requirements in paragraph (a)(12) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act and whose prospective investment in the issuer is directed by such family office pursuant to paragraph (a)(12)(iii) of Rule 501 of the Securities Act.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

FORM OF AMENDED & RESTATED

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of [·], 202[1], by and among [·], a Delaware corporation f/k/a Aurora Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”), Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd., a limited liability company validly existing under the laws of Cyprus (the “Sponsor”), and certain Persons signatory hereto (and each other Person who, after the date hereof, acquires capital stock of the Company and becomes party to this Agreement by executing a Joinder Agreement (such Persons, the “Stockholders”)). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”) and Better HoldCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Target”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 10, 2021, pursuant to which (i) Merger Sub merged with and into the Target, with the Target surviving the merger and (ii) then Target then merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger (such agreement as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement” and the transactions contemplated by the Merger, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Sponsor and certain other persons are parties to that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 3, 2021 (the “Original RRA”), and pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Original RRA, the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth therein may be amended or modified upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders (as defined in the Original RRA) of at least a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Original RRA) at the time in question, and the Sponsor and the Sponsor Holders are Holders in the aggregate of at least a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities as of the date hereof ;

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Stockholders received shares of the Company’s Common Stock; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Sponsor and the Sponsor Holders desire to amend and restate the Original RRA in its entirety and enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Company shall grant the Stockholders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of the Company, as set forth in this Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, intending to be legally bound, that parties hereto agree as follows:

 

 

 

Article I
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01       Definitions.

 

The following definitions shall apply to this Agreement:

 

Adverse Disclosure” means any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the chief executive officer of the Company or principal financial officer of the Company, after consultation with counsel to the Company, (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any prospectus and any preliminary prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, declared effective or used, as the case may be, and (iii) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.

 

Affiliate” with respect to any Person, has the meaning ascribed to such term under Rule 12b-2 promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act.

 

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Applicable Law” means all applicable provisions of constitutions, treaties, statutes, laws (including the common law), rules, regulations, decrees, ordinances, codes, proclamations, declarations or orders of any Governmental Authority.

 

Block Trade” means an offering and/or sale of Registrable Securities by any Stockholder on a block trade or underwritten basis (whether firm commitment or otherwise) without substantial marketing efforts prior to pricing, including, without limitation, a same day trade, overnight trade or similar transaction.

 

Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in the City of New York, New York, United States of America are authorized or required by Applicable Law to close.

 

Cayman Aurora Units” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Class A Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Class B Common Stock” means the shares of Class B common stock, with par value of $0.0001 per share, of the Company.

 

Closing” means the closing of the Transaction.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Stock” means Class A Common Stock and any other shares of common stock of the Company issued or issuable with respect thereto (whether by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in exchange for or upon conversion of such shares or other equity interests or otherwise in connection with a settlement of other equity interests, a combination of shares, distribution, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, other corporate reorganization or other similar event).

 

Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

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Company Equity Interest” means Common Stock or any other equity securities of the Company, or securities exchangeable or exercisable for, or convertible into, such other equity securities of the Company.

 

control” (i) with respect to any Person, has the meaning ascribed to such term under Rule 12b-2 promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act, and (ii) with respect to any Interest, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct, whether by agreement, contract, agency or otherwise, the voting rights or disposition of such Interest.

 

Demanding Holders” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

 

Designated Courts” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.

 

DGCL” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Domesticated Aurora Units” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Domesticated Aurora Warrant” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Domestication” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Effective Date” means the date on which the Effective Time occurs.

 

Effective Time” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Merger Agreement.

 

Effectiveness Deadline” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Excluded Registration” means (i) a registration relating to the sale of securities to employees of the Company or a subsidiary pursuant to a stock option, stock purchase, or similar plan; (ii) a registration relating to a transaction covered by Rule 145 under the Securities Act; (iii) a registration on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of the Registrable Securities; or (iv) a registration in which the only Common Stock being registered is Common Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered.

 

Family Group” means, with respect to a Person who is an individual, (i) such individual’s spouse and descendants (whether natural or adopted), parents and such parent’s descendants (whether natural or adopted) (collectively, for purposes of this definition, “relatives”), (ii) such individual’s executor or personal representative, (iii) any trust, the trustee of which is such individual or such individual’s executor or personal representative and which at all times is and remains solely for the benefit of such individual and/or such individual’s relatives or (iv) an endowed trust or other charitable foundation, but only if such individual or such individual’s executor or personal representative maintains control over all voting and disposition decisions.

 

-3-

 

 

Form S-1 Shelf” is defined in Section 2.01(a).

 

Form S-3 Shelf” is defined in Section 2.01(a).

 

Government Approval” means any authorization, consent, approval, waiver, exception, variance, order, exemption, publication, filing, declaration, concession, grant, franchise, agreement, permission, permit, or license of, from or with any Governmental Authority, the giving notice to, or registration with, any Governmental Authority or any other action in respect of any Governmental Authority.

 

Governmental Authority” means any government, court, regulatory or administrative agency, commission or authority or other governmental instrumentality, federal, state or local, domestic, foreign or multinational, including any contractor acting on behalf of such agency, commission, authority or governmental instrumentality.

 

Interest” means the capital stock or other securities of the Company or any Affiliated Company or any other interest or financial or other stake therein, including, without limitation, the Company Equity Interests.

 

Joinder Agreement” means the joinder agreement in form and substance of Exhibit A attached hereto.

 

Legacy Target Stockholders” means those Stockholders set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto.

 

Maximum Number of Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(c).

 

Merger Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Merger Sub” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Merger Shares” means shares of Common Stock issued by the Company at the Closing pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Merger Agreement (or issued in connection with the exercise of options exchanged under Section 3.3 of the Merger Agreement).

 

Minimum Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

 

Misstatement” means an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

“Other Coordinated Offering” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(a).

 

own” or “ownership” (and derivatives of such terms) means (i) ownership of record, and (ii) “beneficial ownership” as defined in Rule 13d-3 or Rule 16a-1(a)(2) promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act (but without regard to any requirement for a security or other interest to be registered under Section 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).

 

-4-

 

 

Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

 

Piggyback Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

 

Private Placement Warrants” the Domesticated Aurora Warrants originally issued pursuant to the various private placement warrant purchase agreements filed by Aurora with the Commission.

 

Prospectus” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by any and all prospectus supplements and as amended by any and all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

 

Registrable Securities” shall mean (i) Common Stock (including the Sponsor Shares and the Merger Shares); (ii) the Private Placement Warrants, including the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any Private Placement Warrants; (iii) the Domesticated Aurora Units, including the shares of Common Stock and Domesticated Aurora Warrants comprising such units (including the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any such Domesticated Aurora Warrants); (iv) any other equity security (including the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company, (v) any shares of Common Stock or Domesticated Aurora Warrants (including any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any such Domesticated Aurora Warrant) otherwise acquired or owned by a holder following the date hereof to the extent that such securities are “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) or are otherwise held by an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company and (vi) any other equity security of the Company or any of its subsidiaries issued or issuable with respect to any such share of Common Stock by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization or similar transactions; provided, however, that as to any particular Registrable Security, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when: (A) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement; (B) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; (C) such securities may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission) (“Rule 144”) or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of such securities during a three-month period without registration, volume, current public information or other restrictions, requirements or limitations under such rules, and when any restrictive legends on such securities have been removed; or (D) such securities have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction.

 

Registration” means a registration, including any related Shelf Takedown, effected by preparing and filing a registration statement, prospectus or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.

 

-5-

 

 

Registration Expenses” shall mean the out-of-pocket expenses of a Registration, including, without limitation, the following:

 

(i)             all registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.) and any securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed;

 

(ii)            fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of outside counsel for the Underwriters, placement agent or sales agent in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities);

 

(iii)            printing, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses;

 

(iv)            reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company;

 

(v)       reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration (including the expenses of any “comfort letters” required by or incident to such performance); and

 

(vi)            reasonable fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders in connection with an Underwritten Offering, not to exceed $75,000.

 

Registration Statement” means any registration statement (including with respect to any Shelf or Shelf Takedown, as applicable) that covers the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

Representative” means, with respect to any Person, any director, officer, employee, consultant, financial advisor, counsel, accountant or other agent of such Person.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Shelf” shall mean the Form S-1 Shelf, the Form S-3 Shelf or any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be.

 

Shelf Registration” means a registration of securities pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Commission in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule then in effect).

 

Shelf Takedown” means an Underwritten Shelf Takedown or any proposed transfer or sale using a Registration Statement, including a Piggyback Registration.

 

Sponsor” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

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Sponsor Holders” means each Stockholder that received Class B Common Stock from the Sponsor.

 

Sponsor Representative” means Khurram Kayani or such other person appointed to such capacity by Sponsor from time to time.

 

Sponsor Shares” means shares of Common Stock owned, directly or indirectly, by Sponsor or any Sponsor Holders immediately following the Closing, that were issued upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock originally issued prior to Aurora’s initial public offering or issued as part of the issuance of the Cayman Aurora Units simultaneously with the closing of Aurora’s initial public offering. For the avoidance of doubt, Sponsor Shares do not include warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock held by Sponsor or any shares issued upon the exercise of such warrants.

 

Stockholders” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning given defined in Section 2.01(b).

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person.

 

Suspension Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(d).

 

Target” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Target Investors’ Rights Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Transactions” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, and any other agreements related to the Transactions.

 

Transfer” shall mean the (a) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any security, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

Underwriter” or “Underwriters” means a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.

 

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Underwritten Offering” means a Registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public (including, for avoidance of doubt any Underwritten Shelf Takedown).

 

“Underwritten Shelf Takedown” an Underwritten Offering that is registered pursuant to a Shelf Registration.

 

Article II
REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

Section 2.01       Registration Statement.

 

(a)               Filing. Company shall, as soon as practicable after the Closing, but in any event within forty-five (45) days following the Effective Date, file a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Form S-1 Shelf”) under the Securities Act to permit the public resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Stockholders on a delayed or continuous basis as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the Commission then in effect) on the terms and conditions specified in this Section 2.01(a) and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf to be declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but in any event no later than the earlier of (i) ninety (90) days (or one-hundred twenty (120) days if the Commission notifies the Company that it will “review” the Shelf) after the Effective Date and (ii) the tenth (10th) Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that such Shelf will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Deadline”). Following the filing of a Form S-1 Shelf, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to convert the Form S-1 Shelf (and any Subsequent Shelf Registration) to a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Form S-3 Shelf”) as soon as practicable after the Company is eligible to use Form S-3. A Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2.01(a) shall provide for the resale pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, the Stockholders. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2.01(a) to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Shelf is available or, if not available, that another registration statement is available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Stockholders until all such Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities. As soon as practicable following the effective date of a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2.01, but in any event within three (3) Business Days of such date, the Company shall notify the Stockholders of the effectiveness of such Shelf. When effective, a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2.01(a) (including any documents incorporated therein by reference) will comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement, in the light of the circumstances under which such statement is made).

 

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(b)               Subsequent Shelf Registration. If any Registration Statement ceases to be effective under the Securities Act for any reason at any time while Registrable Securities are still outstanding, the Company shall, subject to Section 2.04(d), use its commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable cause such Registration Statement to again become effective under the Securities Act (including obtaining the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf), and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable amend such Registration Statement in a manner reasonably expected to result in the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf or file an additional registration statement as a Shelf Registration (a “Subsequent Shelf Registration”) registering the resale of all Registrable Securities (determined as of two business days prior to such filing), and pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Stockholder named therein. If a Subsequent Shelf Registration is filed, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause such Subsequent Shelf Registration to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is reasonably practicable after the filing thereof (it being agreed that the Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) at the most recent applicable eligibility determination date) and (ii) keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration continuously effective, available for use and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities. Any such Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be on Form S-3 to the extent that the Company is eligible to use such form. Otherwise, such Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be on another appropriate form.

 

Section 2.02       Underwritten Offering.

 

(a)               Demand Rights. In the event that, following the expiration of the applicable Lock-up Period, (i) Legacy Target Stockholders representing at least twenty-five (25%) in the aggregate of the Registrable Securities then-held by the Legacy Target Stockholders or (ii) the Sponsor Representative (acting on behalf of Sponsor or any Sponsor Holder), elect to dispose of Registrable Securities under a Registration Statement pursuant to an Underwritten Offering of all or part of such Registrable Securities that are registered by such Registration Statement and reasonably expect aggregate gross proceeds in excess of $25,000,000 (the “Minimum Amount”) from such Underwritten Offering, then the Company shall, upon the written demand of such Legacy Target Stockholders or the Sponsor Representative (each, a “Demanding Holder” and, collectively, the “Demanding Holders”), enter into an underwriting agreement in a form as is customary in Underwritten Offerings of equity securities with the managing Underwriter or Underwriters selected by the Demanding Holders, which such Underwriter or Underwriters shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company, and shall take all such other reasonable actions as are requested by the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities; provided, however, that the Company shall have no obligation to facilitate or participate in more than (i) three (3) Underwritten Offerings at the request or demand of the Legacy Target Stockholders or (ii) two (2) Underwritten Offerings at the request or demand of the Sponsor Representative (acting on behalf of Sponsor or any Sponsor Holder); provided, further that if an Underwritten Offering is commenced but terminated prior to the pricing thereof for any reason, such Underwritten Offering will not be counted as an Underwritten Offering pursuant to this Section 2.02.

 

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(b)               Notice. Except in the case of an “overnight” or a “bought” offering, in which case no notice to, or participation by, other Stockholders shall apply, the Company shall give written notice to each other Stockholder within one (1) Business Day regarding any such proposed Underwritten Offering, and such notice shall offer such Stockholder the opportunity to include in the Underwritten Offering such number of Registrable Securities as each such Stockholder may request. Each such Stockholder shall make such request in writing to the Company within five (5) Business Days after the receipt of any such notice from the Company, which request shall specify the number of Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such Stockholder. In connection with any Underwritten Offering contemplated by this Section 2.02, the underwriting agreement into which each Demanding Holder and the Company shall enter shall contain such representations, covenants, indemnities (subject to Section 2.05) and other rights and obligations as are customary in underwritten offerings of equity securities. No Demanding Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the Underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Demanding Holder’s authority to enter into such underwriting agreement and to sell, and its ownership of, the securities being registered on its behalf, its intended method of distribution and any other representation required by law.

 

(c)               Reduction of Underwritten Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering, in good faith, advises the Company and the Demanding Holders that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders desire to sell, taken together with all Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company or any other Stockholder desires to sell and the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which a Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by any other stockholders who desire to sell, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of equity securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as applicable, the “Maximum Number of Securities”), then the Company shall include in such Underwritten Offering, as follows:

 

(i)           first, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders and other Stockholders who have elected to participate in the Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 2.02(a) and Section 2.02(b), pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder and other Stockholder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and other Stockholders have requested be included in such Underwritten Offering that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

(ii)             second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

(iii)            third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), Common Stock or other equity securities of persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register in a Registration pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons, pro rata, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

 

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(d)               Withdrawal. A Demanding Holder shall have the right to withdraw all or any portion of its Registrable Securities included in an Underwritten Offering pursuant to this Section 2.02 for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters of its intention to withdraw from such Underwritten Offering prior to the pricing of such Underwritten Offering and such withdrawn amount shall no longer be considered an Underwritten Offering; provided, however, that upon the withdrawal of an amount of Registrable Securities that results in the remaining amount of Registrable Securities included by the Demanding Holders in such Underwritten Offering being less than the Minimum Amount, the Company shall cease all efforts to complete the Underwritten Offering and, for the avoidance of doubt, such Underwritten Offering shall not be considered an Underwritten Offering for purposes of the first proviso set forth in Section 2.02(a) with respect to the Legacy Target Stockholders or the Sponsor Representative, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with an Underwritten Offering prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.02(d).

 

Section 2.03       Piggyback Registration Rights.

 

(a)               Piggyback Rights. If at any time the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an Underwritten Offering of equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into equity securities, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of the Company (other than by Stockholders pursuant to Section 2.02(a) hereof) on a form that would permit registration of Registrable Securities, other than a Registration Statement (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Stockholders, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity securities of the Company, (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan or (v) on Form S-4, then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to all of the Stockholders as soon as practicable but not less than ten (10) days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement, which notice shall (A) describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Stockholders the opportunity to register the sale of such number of Registrable Securities as such Stockholders may request in writing within five (5) Business days after receipt of such written notice (and in the case of an “overnight” or “bought” offering, such requests must be made by the Stockholders within one (1) Business Day after the delivery of any such notice by the Company) (such Registration a “Piggyback Registration”); provided, however, that if the Company has been advised by the managing Underwriter(s) that the inclusion of Registrable Securities for sale for the benefit of the Stockholders will have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the Common Stock in the Underwritten Offering, then (A) if no Registrable Securities can be included in the Underwritten Offering in the opinion of the managing Underwriter(s), the Company shall not be required to offer such opportunity to the Stockholders or (B) if any Registrable Securities can be included in the Underwritten Offering in the opinion of the managing Underwriter(s), then the amount of Registrable Securities to be offered for the accounts of Stockholders shall be determined based on the provisions of Section 2.03(c).

 

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(b)               Underwritten Offerings. Subject to Section 2.03(c), the Company shall, in good faith, cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such Piggyback Registration and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Stockholders pursuant to this Section 2.03 to be included in a Piggyback Registration on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included in such Registration and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. If no written request for inclusion from a Stockholder is received within the specified time, each such Stockholder shall have no further right to participate in such Underwritten Offering. All such Stockholders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this Section 2.03 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the Company.

 

(c)               Reduction of Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Stockholders participating in the Piggyback Registration that the dollar amount or number of shares of Common Stock that the Company desires to sell, taken together with (i) the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with persons or entities other than the Stockholders hereunder, (ii) the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 5.02, and (iii) the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:

 

(i)              If the Registration is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration:

 

(A)             first, shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell for the Company’s account, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

(B)             second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Stockholders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to Sections 2.02 and 2.03 hereof, pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Stockholder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Stockholders have requested be included in such Underwritten Offering that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

(C)             third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities

 

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(ii)             If the Registration is pursuant to a request by persons or entities other than the Stockholders or the Company, then the Company shall include in any such Registration:

 

(A)             first, shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, of such requesting persons or entities, other than the Stockholders, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

(B)             second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Stockholders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to Sections 2.02 and 2.03 hereof, pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Stockholder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Stockholders have requested be included in such Underwritten Offering that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

(C)             third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and

 

(D)             fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), shares of Common Stock or other equity securities for the account of other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons or entities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

 

(iii)            Any Stockholder shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of its intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration prior to the pricing of such Underwritten Offering. The Company (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in connection with a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this Section 2.03.

 

(d)               For purposes of clarity, any Registration effected pursuant to Section 2.03 hereof shall not be counted as a Registration effected under Section 2.02 hereof.

 

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Section 2.04       Company Procedures.

 

(a)               General Procedures. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the Registration of Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall, as expeditiously as practicable:

 

(i)              prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all of such Registrable Shares have been disposed of (if earlier) in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

 

(ii)           prior to filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and the Stockholders included in such Registration, and to one legal counsel selected by such Stockholders, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration (including each preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the Underwriters and the Stockholders included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Stockholders may request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Stockholders.

 

(iii)          prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Stockholders included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request and (ii) take such action reasonably necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other Governmental Authorities as may be reasonably necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the Stockholders included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;

 

(iv)          cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

 

(v)             provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

 

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(vi)           advise each seller of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;

 

(vii)          at least five (5) days prior to the filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement furnish a copy thereof to each seller of such Registrable Securities and its counsel, including, without limitation, providing copies promptly upon receipt of any comment letters received with respect to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus;

 

(viii)          notify the Stockholders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 2.04(d) hereof;

 

(ix)             permit a representative of the Stockholders (such representative to be selected by a majority of the participating Stockholders), the Underwriters, if any, and any attorney or accountant retained by such Stockholders or Underwriter to participate, at each such person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter, brokers or placement agents of the Stockholders, attorney or accountant in connection with the Registration, including but not limited to providing any due diligence materials and participating in any customary due diligence sessions requested by such parties; provided, however, that such representatives or Underwriters enter into a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information; and provided further, the Company may not include the name of any Stockholder or Underwriter or any information regarding any Stockholder or Underwriter in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, any document that is to be incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any response to any comment letter, without the prior written consent of such Stockholder or Underwriter and providing each such Stockholder or Underwriter a reasonable amount of time to review and comment on such applicable document, which comments the Company shall include unless contrary to applicable law;

 

(x)           obtain a “cold comfort” letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Registration which the participating Stockholders may rely on, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters as the managing Underwriter, brokers or placement agents of the Stockholders may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority-in-interest of the participating Stockholders;

 

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(xi)           on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, obtain an opinion and negative assurance letter, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the Stockholders, the placement agent or sales agent, if any, and the Underwriters, if any, covering such legal and negative assurance matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion or negative assurance letter is being given as the Stockholders, placement agent, sales agent, or Underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority in interest of the participating Stockholders;

 

(xii)          in the event of any Underwritten Offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter of such offering;

 

(xiii)        make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission);

 

(xiv)         if the Registration involves the Registration of Registrable Securities involving gross proceeds in excess of $50,000,000, use its reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in any Underwritten Offering; and

 

(xv)         otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Stockholders, in connection with such Registration.

 

(b)               Registration Expenses. The Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by the Company. It is acknowledged by the Stockholders that the Stockholders shall bear all incremental selling expenses relating to the sale of Registrable Securities, such as Underwriters’ commissions and discounts, brokerage fees, Underwriter marketing costs and, other than as set forth in the definition of “Registration Expenses,” all reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel representing the Stockholders.

 

(c)                 Requirements for Participation in Underwritten Offerings. No person may participate in any Underwritten Offering for equity securities of the Company pursuant to a Registration initiated by the Company hereunder unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

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(d)               Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure.

 

(i)                 Upon receipt of written notice from the Company that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Stockholders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until he, she or it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (it being understood that the Company hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until he, she or it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed (any such period, a “Suspension Period”). In no event shall any Suspension Period continue for more than one-hundred twenty (120) days in the aggregate during any 365-day period.

 

(ii)              The Company may (a) postpone the filing or the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of a supplement or amendment thereto during the regular quarterly period during which directors and executive officers of the Company are not permitted to trade under the insider trading policy of the Company then in effect until the expiration of such quarterly period (but in no event later than two (2) Business Days after the date of the Company’s quarterly earnings announcement) and (b) postpone for up to ninety (90) calendar days the filing or the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of a supplement or amendment thereto if it would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure (any such period in either clause (a) or (b) to be referred to as a “Blackout Period”). In the event the Company exercises its rights under the preceding sentence, the Stockholders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of notice from the Company, their use of the Prospectus relating to any Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities. The Company shall immediately notify the Stockholders of the expiration of any period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 2.04(d). The postponement rights in clause (b) of the first sentence of this Section 2.04(d)(ii) shall not be applicable to any Stockholder for more than a total of ninety (90) calendar days during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months. The postponement rights in clause (b) of the first sentence of this Section 2.04(d)(ii) shall not be applicable to any Stockholder for more than a total of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months.

 

(e)               Reporting Obligations. As long as any Stockholder shall own Registrable Securities, the Company, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the date hereof pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and to promptly furnish the Stockholders with true and complete copies of all such filings. The Company further covenants that it shall take such further action as any Stockholder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Stockholder to sell shares of Common Stock held by such Stockholder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission), including providing any legal opinions. Upon the request of any Stockholder, the Company shall deliver to such Stockholder a written certification of a duly authorized officer as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

 

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Section 2.05       Indemnification and Contribution.

 

(a)               The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Stockholder, its officers and directors and each person who controls such Stockholder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable outside attorneys’ fees) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Stockholder expressly for use therein. The Company shall indemnify the Underwriters, brokers or placement agents of the Stockholders, their officers and directors and each person who controls such Underwriters, brokers or placement agents of the Stockholders (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Stockholder.

 

(b)               In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Stockholder is participating, such Stockholder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and agents and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses (including without limitation reasonable outside attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue statement of material fact contained in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such Stockholder expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Stockholders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Stockholder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Stockholder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Stockholders shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.

 

(c)               Any person entitled to indemnification herein shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

 

(d)               The indemnification provided for under this Article V shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Stockholder participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution to such party in the event the Company’s or such Stockholder’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.

 

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(e)               If the indemnification provided under Section 2.07 hereof from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, that the liability of any Stockholder under this Section 2.07(e) shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Stockholder in such offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 2.07(a), (b) and (c) above, any legal or other fees, charges or out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection Section 2.07(e) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 2.07(e). No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Section 2.07(e) from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

(f)                The provisions of this Section 2.07 are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the Underwriters, brokers or placement agents of the Stockholders, each of whom is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Section 2.07.

 

Section 2.06       Miscellaneous Registration Rights Provisions. The Company represents and warrants that no Person, other than a Stockholder, has any right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company for sale or to include such securities of the Company in any Registration filed by the Company for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other person. Further, the Company represents and warrants that this Agreement supersedes any other registration rights agreement or agreement with similar terms and conditions and in the event of a conflict between any such agreement or agreements and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.

 

Section 2.07       Block Trades; Other Coordinated Offerings.

 

(a)               Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time and from time to time when an effective Registration Statement is on file with the Commission and effective, if a Demanding Holder wishes to engage in (a) a Block Trade or (b) an “at the market” or similar registered offering through a broker, sales agent or distribution agent, whether as agent or principal (an “Other Coordinated Offering”), in each case with a total offering price reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, either (x) $50,000,000 or (y) all remaining Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Holder, then notwithstanding the time periods provided for in Section 2.02(a), such Demanding Holder shall notify the Company of the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering at least five (5) business days prior to the day such offering is to commence and the Company shall as expeditiously as possible use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering; provided that the Demanding Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities wishing to engage in the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall use commercially reasonable efforts to work with the Company and any Underwriters or placement agents or sales agents prior to making such request in order to facilitate preparation of the registration statement, prospectus and other offering documentation related to the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering.

 

(b)               Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering, a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall have the right to submit a Withdrawal Notice to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters or placement agents or sales agents (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering.

 

(c)               For avoidance of doubt, any Registration effected pursuant to this Section 2.07 shall not be deemed an Underwritten Shelf Takedown and within the cap on Underwritten Shelf Takedowns provided in the last sentence of Section 2.02(a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Demanding Holder may demand no more than two (2) Block Trades or Other Coordinated Offerings pursuant to this Section 2.07 in any twelve (12) month period.

 

(d)               Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 2.03 hereof shall not apply to a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering initiated by a Demanding Holder pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(e)               The Demanding Holder in a Block Trade shall have the right to select the Underwriters and any sale agents or placement agents (if any) for such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering (in each case, which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks).

 

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Article III
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.01       Release of Liability.

 

In the event any Stockholder shall Transfer all of the Common Stock held by such Stockholder in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, if accompanied with the assignment of rights and obligations hereunder, the execution and delivery by the transferee of a Joinder Agreement) without retaining any interest therein, then such Stockholder shall cease to be a party to this Agreement and shall be relieved and have no further liability arising hereunder for events occurring from and after the date of such Transfer, except in the case of fraud or intentional misconduct.

 

Section 3.02       Term.

 

This Agreement shall terminate with respect to any Holder on the earlier of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date of this Agreement; (ii) the date that such Holder no longer holds any Registrable Securities and (iii) the right of any Holder to request registration or inclusion of Registrable Securities in any registration pursuant to Sections 2.02 and 2.03 shall terminate at such time as Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all such Holder’s shares during a three-month period without registration, and without compliance with the public information requirements or volume limitations under such rules and when any restrictive legends on such Registrable Securities have been removed; provided however, that in each of clause (ii) and (iii), to the extent that such rights have terminated with respect to a Holder and such person subsequently again holds Registrable Securities at a time at which this Agreement otherwise remains in effect, then such person shall again have the benefit of this Agreement, including Sections 2.02 and 2.03. The provisions of Section 2.07 shall survive any termination.

 

Section 3.03       Notices.

 

All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made as follows: (a) when delivered in person or by a nationally recognized overnight courier (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) upon receipt of confirmation of successful transmission if sent by facsimile or email or (c) upon receipt if sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communication shall (i) if being sent to a Stockholder, be sent to the address for such Stockholder set forth in the Company’s books and records, or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as the Stockholder has specified by prior written notice to the sending party or (ii) if being sent to the Company, to the addresses indicated below:

 

  [·]
  175 Greenwich St, 59th Floor
  New York, NY 10007
  Attention: Kevin Ryan
  Email: kryan@better.com

 

  with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

  Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
  125 Broad Street
  New York, NY 10004
  Attention: Mitchell S. Eitel, Jared M. Fishman, Sarah P. Payne
  Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com
    fishmanj@sullcrom.com
    paynes@sullcrom.com

 

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Section 3.04       Interpretation.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, (a) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (b) the word “or” is not exclusive; and (c) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole. The definitions given for any defined terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (x) to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules mean the Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules attached to, this Agreement; (y) to an agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and (z) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted. The Exhibits and Schedules referred to herein shall be construed with, and as an integral part of, this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim herein.

 

Section 3.05       Headings.

 

The headings and other captions in this Agreement are for convenience and reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.

 

Section 3.06       Severability.

 

If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. Upon such a determination, 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 so that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

 

Section 3.07       Entire Agreement.

 

This Agreement (and all agreements entered into pursuant hereto and all certificates and instruments delivered pursuant hereto and thereto) constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein and therein, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.

 

Section 3.08       Amendment and Modification; Waiver.

 

This Agreement may be amended, modified or waived only by a written instrument signed by each of (a) the Company, (b) the Sponsor Representative on behalf of the Sponsor and (c) the Stockholders holding a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities at the time in question; provided, however, that no such amendment, modification or waiver shall materially adversely change the rights or obligations of any Stockholder disproportionately generally vis a vis other Stockholders party to this Agreement without the written approval of such disproportionately affected Stockholder; provided, further, that no amendment, modification or waiver to any provision that materially adversely changes the rights or obligations of the Sponsor, its Affiliates or the Sponsor Representative shall be effective without the written consent of the Sponsor Representative. No waiver by any party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the party so waiving. No waiver by any party shall operate or be construed as a waiver in respect of any failure, breach or default not expressly identified by such written waiver, whether of a similar or different character, and whether occurring before or after that waiver. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.

 

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Section 3.09       Successors and Assigns.

 

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and transferees. Neither this Agreement nor any right, benefit, remedy, obligation or liability arising hereunder may be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be null and void and of no effect; provided that a Stockholder may assign any and all of its rights under this Agreement, together with its Common Stock, to a permitted assignee or transferee in compliance with Article II hereof (and such transferee or assignee shall be deemed to be a member of the any of the above mentioned groups to which the transferor belonged).

 

Section 3.10       No Third-Party Beneficiaries.

 

Except as provided in Section 2.07(f) hereof, this Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and transferees and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.11       Governing Law.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Delaware.

 

Section 3.12       Equitable Remedies.

 

Each party hereto acknowledges that the other parties hereto would be irreparably damaged in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such party of any of its obligations under this Agreement and hereby agrees that in the event of a breach or a threatened breach by such party of any such obligations, each of the other parties hereto shall, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies that may be available to them in respect of such breach, be entitled to an injunction from a court of competent jurisdiction (without any requirement to post bond) granting such parties specific performance by such party of its obligations under this Agreement. In the event that any Action shall be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, no party shall allege, and each party hereby waives the defense, that there is an adequate remedy at law, and each party agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection therewith.

 

Section 3.13       Counterparts.

 

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.14       Jurisdiction and Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

Any proceeding or Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware) (the “Designated Courts”), and each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally (i) consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Action, (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and (iv) agrees not to bring any proceeding or Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence Legal Proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 3.14.

 

EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

Sponsor hereby irrevocably appoints Cogency Global Inc., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Rd, Ste. 201 Dover, Delaware 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such action, suit or proceeding brought in the Designated Courts pursuant to this Section 3.14. Sponsor agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 3.03, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Sponsor agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, Sponsor agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 3.14. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable law.

 

Section 3.15       Additional Securities Subject to Agreement.

 

Each Stockholder agrees that any other Company Equity Interests which it shall hereafter acquire by means of a stock split, stock dividend, distribution, exercise of warrants or options, purchase or otherwise shall be subject to the provisions of this Agreement to the same extent as if held on the date hereof.

 

Section 3.16       Further Assurances.

 

Each party to this Agreement shall cooperate and take such action as may be reasonably requested by another party to this Agreement in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 3.17       Termination of Other Arrangements.

 

As of the Effective Date, the Eighth Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated November 2, 2020 (the “Prior IRA”), among the Target and the Legacy Target Stockholders shall be terminated in accordance with its terms. The registration rights granted under this Agreement shall supersede any registration, qualification or similar rights of the Legacy Target Stockholders with respect to any shares or securities of the Target granted under the IRA and any other agreement, and any of such preexisting registration, qualification or similar rights and such agreements shall be terminated and of no further force and effect.

 

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
  [·]

 

By:
  Name:
  Title:

 

  STOCKHOLDERS:

 

  [Entity [Beta] STOCKHOLDERS]

 

By:
  Name:
  Title:

 

  [INDIVIDUAL [Beta] STOCKHOLDERS]

 

By:
  Name:

 

  Novator capital sponsor limited

 

By:

    Name: Jan Rottiers
    Title: Director

 

  Novator capital sponsor limited

 

By:

    Name: Pericles Spyrou
    Title: Director

 

[Signature Page to Amended & Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

This Joinder Agreement (this “Joinder Agreement”) is made as of the date written below by the undersigned (the “Joining Party”) in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of [·], 202[1] (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Registration Rights Agreement”) among [·], a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the other persons or entities named as parties therein (as defined thereto).

 

Capitalized terms used, but not defined, herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

By executing and delivering this Joinder Agreement to the Company, and upon acceptance hereof by the Company upon the execution of a counterpart hereof, the undersigned hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement as a Stockholder owning Registrable Securities in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original signatory to the Registration Rights Agreement, and the undersigned’s shares of Common Stock shall be included as Registrable Securities under the Registration Rights Agreement to the extent provided therein; provided, however, that the undersigned and its permitted assigns (if any) shall not have any rights as a Stockholder, and the undersigned’s (and its transferees’) shares of Common Stock shall not be included as Registrable Securities, for purposes of the Excluded Sections.

 

For purposes of this Joinder, “Excluded Sections” shall mean [ ].

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Joinder Agreement as of the date written below.

 

Date: ____________, 202[ ]

 

[NAME OF JOINING PARTY]

 

By:  

Name:

Title:

Address for Notices:

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

LEGACY TARGET STOCKHOLDERS

 

[•]

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

COMPANY HOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

This Company Holder Support Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (which shall migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation prior to the Closing (as defined in the Merger Agreement (as defined below)) (“Acquiror”), the Persons set forth on Schedule I hereto (each, a “Major Company Stockholder” and, collectively, the “Major Company Stockholders”), and Better HoldCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Major Company Stockholders are the holders of record and “beneficial owners” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of such number of shares of Company Capital Stock as are indicated opposite each of their names on Schedule I attached hereto (all such shares of Company Capital Stock, together with any shares of Company Capital Stock of which ownership of record or the power to vote (including, without limitation, by proxy or power of attorney) is hereafter acquired by any such Major Company Stockholders during the period from the date hereof through the Expiration Time (as defined below) are referred to herein as the “Subject Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Acquiror, Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror (“Merger Sub”), and the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other transactions, (i) Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing on as the surviving entity, and (ii) the Company is to merge with and into Acquiror, with Acquiror continuing on as the surviving entity, in each case, on the terms and conditions set forth therein; and

 

WHEREAS, as an inducement to Acquiror and the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated therein, the parties hereto desire to agree to certain matters as set forth herein.

 

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT; COVENANTS

 

Section 1.1 Binding Effect of Merger Agreement. Each Major Company Stockholder hereby acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and has had the opportunity to consult with its tax and legal advisors. Each Major Company Stockholder shall be bound by and comply with Sections 6.6 (Acquisition Proposals) and 11.12 (Publicity) of the Merger Agreement (and any relevant definitions contained in any such Sections) as if such Major Company Stockholder was an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions.

 

Section 1.2 No Transfer. Until the earlier to occur of (a) the Second Effective Time, and (b) such date and time as the Merger Agreement shall be terminated in accordance with Section 10.1 thereof (the “Expiration Time”), each Major Company Stockholder shall not (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, file (or participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the SEC (other than the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement) or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, with respect to any Subject Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Subject Shares (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, a “Transfer”) or (iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any Transfer; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be deemed to restrict any Major Company Stockholder that is not an individual from making distributions in respect of its Subject Shares to such Major Company Stockholder’s members, limited partners or other interest holders, as the case may be, so long as such members, limited partners or other interest holders execute a joinder to this Agreement agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions hereof (including the provisions in Article III (Lock Up) to the extent applicable).

 

Section 1.3 New Shares. In the event that, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at the Expiration Time, (a) any Subject Shares are issued to a Major Company Stockholder after the date of this Agreement pursuant to any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of Subject Shares or otherwise, (b) a Major Company Stockholder purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of any Subject Shares or (c) a Major Company Stockholder acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any Subject Shares (collectively the “New Securities”), then such New Securities acquired or purchased by such Major Company Stockholder shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted the Subject Shares owned by such Major Company Stockholder as of the date hereof.

 

2

 

Section 1.4 Stockholder Agreements. Until the Expiration Time and subject to the Registration Statement being declared effective, each Major Company Stockholder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, at any meeting of the stockholders of the Company (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), and in any action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company sought by or on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company or otherwise undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to Acquiror (which written consent shall be delivered as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act and delivered or otherwise made available to stockholders, and in any event within three (3) Business Days after the Registration Statement is declared effective and delivered or otherwise made available to stockholders), each such Major Company Stockholders shall, if a meeting is held, appear at the meeting, in person or by proxy, or otherwise cause its Subject Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of establishing a quorum, and such Major Company Stockholder holder shall vote or provide consent (or cause to be voted or consented), in person or by proxy, all of its Subject Shares:

 

(a)            to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and approve the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Mergers;

 

(b)            to approve and adopt the Preferred Stock Conversion, and approve the transactions contemplated thereby;

 

(c)            in any other circumstances upon which a consent or other approval is required under the Stockholder Agreements (as defined below) or otherwise sought with respect to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, to vote, consent or approve (or cause to be voted, consented or approved) all of such Major Company Stockholder’s Subject Shares held at such time in favor thereof;

 

(d)            against any merger, purchase of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or other business combination transaction (other than the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby); and

 

(e)            against any proposal, action or agreement that would (A) impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify any provision of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the Mergers, (B) result in a breach in any respect of any covenant, representation, warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement or (C) result in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX of the Merger Agreement not being fulfilled.

 

Section 1.5 Cooperation. Each Major Company Stockholder agrees that it shall use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with Acquiror and the Company in connection with any review of the Transactions by any Governmental Authority, including without limitation, by providing to Acquiror for delivery to the applicable Governmental Authority as soon as practicable following its receipt in writing of such a request, all such information about such Major Company Stockholder and any of its Affiliates requested by any such Governmental Authority, and to take such other action as soon as practicable as may be reasonably necessary or as another party hereto may reasonably request to enable the parties to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 9.1(d) of the Merger Agreement.

 

Each Major Company Stockholder hereby agrees that such Major Stockholder shall not commit or agree to take any action inconsistent with the foregoing.

 

Section 1.6 No Challenges. Each Major Company Stockholder agrees not to commence, join in, facilitate, assist or encourage, and agrees to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to, any claim, derivative or otherwise, against Acquiror, Merger Sub, the Company or any of their respective successors or directors (a) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or (b) alleging a breach or violation of any fiduciary duty of any person in connection with the evaluation, negotiation or entry into this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

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Section 1.7 Appraisal Rights. Each Major Company Stockholder hereby waives and agrees not to exercise any right of appraisal or right to dissent with respect to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that such Major Company Stockholder may have with respect to the Subject Shares under applicable Law.

 

Section 1.8 Termination of Stockholder Agreements; Related Agreements. Each Major Company Stockholder, severally and not jointly, hereby agrees to terminate, subject to and effective immediately prior to the Closing, all agreements to which such Major Company Stockholder is party that are set forth on Schedule II attached hereto, if applicable to such Major Company Stockholder (the “Stockholder Agreements”).

 

Section 1.9 Further Assurances. Each Major Company Stockholder shall execute anddeliver, or cause to be delivered, such additional documents, and take, or cause to be taken, all such further actions and do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary (including under applicable Laws), or reasonably requested by Acquiror or the Company, to carry out its obligations under this Agreement the actions and consummate the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement (including the transactions contemplated thereby), in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein and herein, as applicable.

 

Section 1.10 No Inconsistent Agreement. Each Major Company Stockholder hereby represents and covenants that such Major Company Stockholder has not entered into, and shall not enter into, any agreement that would restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of such Major Company Stockholder’s obligations hereunder.

 

Section 1.11 Consent to Disclosure. Each Major Company Stockholder hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by applicable securities Laws or the SEC or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by Acquiror or the Company to any Governmental Authority or to securityholders of Acquiror) of such Major Company Stockholder’s identity and beneficial ownership of Subject Shares and the nature of suchMajor Company Stockholder’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by Acquiror or the Company, a copy of this Agreement. Each Major Company Stockholder will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by Acquiror or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the SEC).

 

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Section 1.12 Release. Each Major Company Stockholder by execution of this Agreement, on behalf of himself, herself or itself and each of his, her or its heirs, administrators, estates, executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasors”), hereby irrevocably releases and forever discharges each of Acquiror, the Company and each of their respective Affiliates, predecessors, officers, directors, stockholders, members, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (individually, a “Releasee” and, collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, debts, damages, costs, losses, penalties, attorneys’ fees, obligations, judgments, expenses, compensation, rights and liabilities of any nature whatsoever, in law or equity, whether known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, arising out of or related to such Major Company Stockholder’s ownership or voting rights in respect of the Subject Shares or pursuant to the Company’s Governing Documents (“Claims”), which the Releasor now has, may ever have had in the past or may have in the future against any of the respective Releasees by reason of any act, omission, transaction, occurrence, conduct, circumstance, condition, harm, matter, cause or thing that has occurred or existed at any time from the beginning of time up to and including the Closing that arises from or out of, is based upon or relates to the Company, including without limitation Claims relating to, in connection with or arising from the Merger Agreement, the Mergers or the transactions contemplated thereby, the due authorization and execution and fairness (to the undersigned or otherwise) of the Merger Agreement, the Mergers or the other transactions contemplated by thereby, and the consideration provided for in the Merger Agreement upon consummation of the Mergers. Each Major Company Stockholder acknowledges that it has been advised and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, which provides as follows:

 

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.

 

Each Major Company Stockholder, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights it may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

 

Section 1.13 Registration Rights. The parties hereto agree that each Major Company Stockholder shall be permitted to enter into the Registration Rights Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Merger Agreement, at the Closing.

 

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1 Representations and Warranties of Each Major Company Stockholders. Each Major Company Stockholder represents and warrants to Acquiror and the Company (solely with respect to itself, himself or herself and not with respect to any other Major Company Stockholder) as follows:

 

(a)            Organization; Due Authorization. If such Major Company Stockholder is not an individual, it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, formed, organized or constituted, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within such Major Company Stockholder’s corporate, limited liability company or organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or organizational actions on the part of such Major Company Stockholder.

 

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If such Major Company Stockholder is an individual, such Major Company Stockholder has full legal capacity,right and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his or her obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Major Company Stockholder and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties to this Agreement, this Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of such Major Company Stockholder, enforceable against such Major Company Stockholder in accordance with the terms hereof (except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy Laws, other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies). If this Agreement is being executed in a representative or fiduciary capacity, the Person signing this Agreement has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement on behalf of the applicable Major Company Stockholder.

 

(b)            Ownership. Such Major Company Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner (as defined in the Securities Act) of, and has good title to, all of such Major Company Stockholder’s Subject Shares, and there exist no Liens or any other limitation or restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Subject Shares (other than transfer restrictions under the Securities Act)) affecting any such Subject Shares, other than Liens pursuant to (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Company Governing Documents, (iii) the Merger Agreement, (iv) the Stockholder Agreements or (v) any applicable securities Laws. Such Major Company Stockholder’s Subject Shares are the only equity securities in the Company owned of record or beneficially by such Major Company Stockholder on the date of this Agreement, and none of such Major Company Stockholder’s Subject Shares are subject to any proxy, voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of such Subject Shares, except as provided hereunder and under the Voting Agreement. Other than the Company Warrants and the Options set forth opposite such Major Company Stockholder’s name on Schedule I, such Major Company Stockholder does not hold or own any rights to acquire (directly or indirectly) any equity securities of the Company or any equity securities convertible into, or which can be exchanged for, equity securities of the Company.

 

(c)            No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Major Company Stockholder does not, and the performance by such Major Company Stockholder of his, her or its obligations hereunder will not, (i) if such Major Company Stockholder is not an individual, conflict with or result in a violation of the organizational documents of such Major Company Stockholder or (ii)require any consent or approval that has not been given or other action that has not been taken by any Person (including under any Contract binding upon such Major Company Stockholder or such Major Company Stockholder’s Subject Shares) to the extent such consent, approval or other action would prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Major Company Stockholder of its, his or her obligations under this Agreement.

 

(d)            Litigation. There are no Actions pending against such Major Company Stockholder, or to the knowledge of such Major Company Stockholder threatened against such Major Company Stockholder, before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that would be before) any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Major Company Stockholder of its, his or her obligations under this Agreement.

 

(e)            Adequate Information. Such Major Company Stockholder is an accredited investor (as defined in Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act) and has adequate information concerning the business and financial condition of Acquiror and the Company to make an informed decision regarding this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and has independently and without reliance upon Acquiror or the Company and based on such information as such Major Company Stockholder has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Such Major Company Stockholder acknowledges that Acquiror and the Company have not made and do not make any representation or warranty, whether express or implied, of any kind or character except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. Such Major Company Stockholder acknowledges that the agreements contained herein with respect to the Subject Shares held by such Major Company Stockholder older are irrevocable and result in the waiver of any right of the undersigned to demand appraisal in connection with the Merger under Section 262 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any other Law.

 

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(f)            Brokerage Fees. No broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement based upon arrangements made by such Major Company Stockholder, for which the Company or any of its Affiliates may become liable.

 

(g)            Acknowledgment. Such Major Company Stockholder understands and acknowledges that each of Acquiror and the Company is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such Major Company Stockholder’s execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III
LOCK UP

 

Section 3.1 General Restrictions.     Except as set forth in Section 3.2, from the Effective Date:

 

(a)            Each Locked-Up Major Stockholder (agrees that it, he or she shall not Transfer any Merger Shares prior to the date that is six (6) months from the Closing Date; provided that each Locked-Up Major Stockholder (or its, his or her permitted transferees pursuant to Section 3.2) may Transfer up to (x) one-third (33%) of the Merger Shares held by it as of immediately following the Closing if the last reported sale price of the Acquiror Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within any thirty (30)-trading day period commencing at least ninety (90) days after Closing Date; and up to (y) fifty percent (50%) of the Merger Shares held by it as of immediately following the Closing (in addition to the Merger Shares released pursuant to clause (x)), if the last reported sale price of the Acquiror Common Stock equals or exceeds $15.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within any thirty (30)-trading day period commencing at least ninety (90) days after Closing Date (collectively, the “Major Stockholder Lock-up Period”).

 

(b)            Each member of the Management Team agrees that his or her (or his or her respective permitted transferees pursuant to Section 3.2) shall not Transfer any Merger Shares prior to the date that is twelve (12) months after the Closing Date (the “Management Team Lock-up Period” and together with the Major Stockholder Lock-up Period, the “Lock-up Periods”).

 

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(c)            Following the expiration of the applicable Lock-up Periods, the Merger Shares may be sold without restriction under this Agreement.

 

Section 3.2 Permitted Transfers. The provisions of Section 3.1 shall not apply to the following Transfers by the Locked-Up Stockholders:

 

(a)            Transfer with the Approval of the Surviving Corporation. Any Transfer by any Locked-Up Stockholder pursuant to a merger, consolidation or other business combination of the Surviving Corporation that has been approved by the Surviving Corporation’s board of directors, and shall not apply after the date on which the Surviving Corporation completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Surviving Corporation's stockholders having the right to exchange their Acquiror Common Stock for cash, securities or other property.

 

(b)            Transfers for Estate Planning. Any Locked-Up Stockholder who is a natural Person, so long as the applicable transferee executes a counterpart signature page to this Agreement agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement applicable to such Locked-Up Stockholder, shall be permitted to make the following Transfers:

 

(i)            any Transfer of shares of Acquiror Common Stock by such Locked-Up Stockholder to its (1) Family Group without consideration, (2) a charitable organization or (3) pursuant to a domestic relations order; provided, that no further Transfer by such member of such Locked-Up Stockholder’s transferee may occur without compliance with the provisions of this Agreement; and

 

(ii)            upon the death of any Locked-Up Stockholder who is a natural Person, any distribution of any such shares of Acquiror Common Stock owned by such Stockholder by the will or other instrument taking effect at death of such Locked-Up Stockholder or by applicable laws of descent and distribution to such Locked-Up Stockholder’s estate, executors, administrators and personal representatives, and then to such Locked-Up Stockholder’s heirs, legatees or distributees; provided, that a Transfer by such transferor pursuant to this Section 3.2(b)(ii) shall only be permitted if a Transfer to such transferee would have been permitted if the original Locked-Up Stockholder had been the transferor.

 

(c)            Transfers to Affiliates. Each Locked-Up Stockholder shall be permitted to Transfer from time to time any or all of the Acquiror Common Stock owned by such Locked-Up Stockholder to any of its wholly-owned Affiliates or to a person or entity wholly owning such Stockholder.

 

(d)            Transfers in connection with Tax Withholdings or Equity Awards. Each Locked-Up Stockholder shall be permitted to Transfer from time to time any or all of the Acquiror Common Stock owned by such Locked-Up Stockholder to the Surviving Corporation in connection with the exercise of options, including “net” or “cashless” exercises, or settlement of other equity awards, including any Transfer of shares of Acquiror Common Stock to the Surviving Corporation for the payment of tax withholdings or remittance payments due as a result of the exercise of any such equity awards; provided that in all such cases, (A) the exercise be pursuant to equity awards granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan of the Surviving Corporation and (B) any shares of Acquiror Common Stock received upon such exercise shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(e)            Transfers relating to Conversion. Each Locked-Up Stockholder shall be permitted to Transfer from time to time any or all of the Acquiror Common Stock owned by such Locked-Up Stockholder to the Surviving Corporation in connection with the conversion or reclassification of the outstanding equity securities of the Surviving Corporation into shares of Acquiror Common Stock, or any reclassification or conversion of the Acquiror Common Stock, in each case as described and as contemplated in the Merger Agreement and the Domesticated Acquiror Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws; provided that any such shares of Acquiror Common Stock received upon such conversion or reclassification shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

(f)            Transfers to other Locked-Up Stockholders. Each Locked-Up Stockholder shall be permitted to Transfer from time to time any or all of the shares of Acquiror Common Stock owned by such Locked-Up Stockholder to any other Locked-Up Stockholder.

 

(g)           Joinder. Any transferee that acquires any Merger Shares from a Locked-Up Stockholder pursuant to the foregoing permitted Transfers (other than pursuant to clauses (a) or (d) of this Section 3.2) shall enter into a joinder to this Agreement with the Surviving Corporation, substantially in the form of Schedule III hereto, to become a Locked-Up Stockholder for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.3 Terms. For purposes of this ARTICLE III, the term:

 

(a)            Family Group” means with respect to a Person who is an individual, (i) such individual’s spouse and descendants (whether natural or adopted), parents and such parent’s descendants (whether natural or adopted) (collectively, for purposes of this definition, “relatives”), (ii) such individual’s executor or personal representative, (iii) any trust, the trustee of which is such individual or such individual’s executor or personal representative and which at all times is and remains solely for the benefit of such individual and/or such individual’s relatives or (iv) an endowed trust or other charitable foundation, but only if such individual or such individual’s executor or personal representative maintains control over a majority of voting and disposition decisions;

 

(b)           Locked-Up Major Stockholder” means each Major Company Stockholder other than the Management Team;

 

(c)           Locked-up Stockholders” means, collectively, the Locked-Up Major Stockholders and the Management Team;

 

(d)           “Management Team” means the officers of the Company listed in Schedule I hereto;

 

(e)            Merger Shares” mean with respect to any Locked-Up Stockholder and its respective permitted transferees, (A) the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issued to such Locked-up Stockholder in connection with the Mergers and (B) the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issuable to such Locked-Up Stockholder upon the settlement or exercise of restricted stock units, stock options or other equity awards in respect of awards of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Mergers, determined as if, with respect to any such equity awards that are net exercised, such equity awards were instead cash exercised; and

 

(f)            Transfer” means the (a) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position with respect to, any security, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

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ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 4.1 Termination. This Agreement and all of its provisions shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of (a) the Expiration Time and (b) as to each Major Company Stockholder, the written agreement of Acquiror, the Company and such Major Company Stockholder. Upon such termination of this Agreement, all obligations of the parties under this Agreement will terminate, without any liability or other obligation on the part of any party hereto to any Person in respect hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, and no party hereto shall have any claim against another (and no person shall have any rights against such party), whether under contract, tort or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any party hereto from liability arising in respect of any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination. This ARTICLE IV shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 4.2 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of Laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.

 

Section 4.3 Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(a)            Any proceeding or Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware), or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably (i) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Action, (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and (iv) agrees not to bring any proceeding or Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence Legal Proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 3.3.

 

(b)            EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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(c)            Acquiror hereby irrevocably appoints Cogency Global Inc., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Road, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any court located in the State of Delaware pursuant to Section 4.3(a). Acquiror agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 4.8, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Acquiror agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, each Acquiror agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 4.3(c). Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable law.

 

Section 4.4 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successorsand permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder will be assigned, delegated or transferred (including by operation of law) without, as toeach Major Company Stockholder, the prior written consent of Acquiror, the Company and such Major Company Stockholder. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 4.4 shall be null and void, ab initio.

 

Section 4.5 Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in the chancery court or any other state or federal court within the State of Delaware, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such party is entitled at law or in equity.

 

Section 4.6 Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon, with respect toeach Major Company Stockholder, the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by Acquiror, the Company and such Major Company Stockholder.

 

Section 4.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

 

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Section 4.8 Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (d) when delivered by email (in each case in this clause (d), solely if receipt is confirmed, but excluding any automated reply, such as an out- of-office notification), addressed as follows:

 

If to Acquiror

Aurora Acquisition Corp. 

20 North Audley Street 

London W1K 6LX United Kingdom 

Attention:     Khurram Kayani 

Email:            Khurram@novatorcapital.com

 

with a copy to (which will not constitute notice):

 

Baker McKenzie LLP 

100 New Bridge Street

London EC4V 6JA
United Kingdom

 

Attention: Adam Eastell
    Michael F. DeFranco
Derek Liu

 

Email: adam.eastell@bakermckenzie.com
michael.defranco@bakermckenzie.com
derek.liu@bakermckenzie.com

 

If to the Company:

 

Better HoldCo, Inc. 

175 Greenwich St, 59th Floor

New York, NY 10007 

Attention: Kevin Ryan, CFO
Email: kryan@better.com

 

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Mitchell S. Eitel
    Jared M. Fishman
Sarah P. Payne

 

Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com
fishmanj@sullcrom.com
paynes@sullcrom.com

 

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If to a Major Company Stockholder:

 

To such Major Company Stockholder’s address set forth in Schedule I

 

Section 4.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (any of which may be delivered by electronic transmission), each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the agreements referenced herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

 

Section 4.11 Several Liability. This Agreement and the agreements referenced herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

 

Section 4.12 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall be valid and enforceable as of the date of this Agreement and may not be revoked by any party hereto.

 

Section 4.13 Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shallbe construed to confer upon or give any person, other than the parties hereto, any right or remediesunder or by reason of this Agreement, as a third party beneficiary or otherwise.

 

Section 4.14 Limitation. Each Major Company Stockholder makes their agreements and understandings herein solely in its capacities as record holder and beneficial owners of the Subject Shares and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein shall limit or affect any actions taken by a representative of such Major Company Stockholder solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company.

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Major Company Stockholders, Acquiror, and the Company have each caused this Company Holder Support Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

  MAJOR COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS:
   
   
  VISHAL GARG
   
   
  /s/ Vishal Garg

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  KEVIN RYAN
   
   
  /s/ Kevin Ryan

  

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  DIANE YU
   
   
  /s/ Diane Yu

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

  

  NICHOLAS CALAMARI
   
   
  /s/ Nicholas Calamari

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  PAULA TUFFIN
   
   
  /s/ Paula Tuffin

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  SARAH PIERCE
   
   
  /s/ Sarah Pierce

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  SIGURGEIR JONSSON
   
   
  /s/ Sigurgeir Jonsson

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  MICHAEL FARELLO
   
   
  /s/ Michael Farello

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  ZACHARY FRANKEL
   
   
  /s/ Zachary Frankel

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  STEVEN SARRACINO
   
   
  /s/ Steven Sarracino

  

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  AARON SCHILDKROUT
   
   
  /s/ Aaron Schildkrout

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  RIAZ VALANI
   
   
  /s/ Riaz Valani

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  1/0 MORTGAGE INVESTMENT, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Gwendolyn Moy
    Name: Gwendolyn Moy
    Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  1/0 REAL ESTATE, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Vishal Garg
    Name: Vishal Garg
    Title: President

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ALLY VENTURES, A BUSINESS UNIT OF ALLY FINANCIAL INC.
   
  By: /s/ Peter Greene
    Name: Peter Greene
    Title: Head of M&A and Ally Ventures

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ACTIVANT VENTURES III OPPORTUNITIES FUND 1, LP
   
  By:

Activant Ventures Advisors III, LLC,

its General Partner

   
  By: /s/ Steven Sarracino
    Name: Steven Sarracino
    Title: Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ACTIVANT VENTURES III OPPORTUNITIES FUND 2, LP  
   
  By:

Activant Ventures Advisors III, LLC,

its General Partner

   
  By: /s/ Steven Sarracino
    Name: Steven Sarracino
    Title: Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ACTIVANT VENTURES III OPPORTUNITIES FUND 3, LP
   
  By: /s/ Steven Sarracino
    Name: Steven Sarracino
    Title: Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ACTIVANT VENTURES III OPPORTUNITIES FUND 4, LP
   
  By:

Activant Ventures Advisors III, LLC,

its General Partner

   
  By: /s/ Steven Sarracino
    Name: Steven Sarracino
    Title: Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ACTIVANT VENTURES III OPPORTUNITIES FUND 6, LP
   
  By:

Activant Ventures Advisors III, LLC,

its General Partner

   
  By: /s/ Steven Sarracino
    Name: Steven Sarracino
    Title: Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ACTIVANT VENTURES III, LP
   
  By:

Activant Ventures Advisors III, LLC,

its General Partner

   
  By: /s/ Steven Sarracino
    Name: Steven Sarracino
    Title: Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ACTIVANT HOLDINGS I, LTD.
   
  By: /s/ Steven Sarracino
    Name: Steven Sarracino
    Title: Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

    BETTER PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 1 LLC
     
    By: /s/ Riaz Valani
      Name: Riaz Valani
      Title : Member

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

    LCG4 BEST, L.P.
     
    By: /s/ Michael Farello
      Name: Michael Farello
      Title: Authorized person

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

    COMPANY:
     
    BETTER HOLDCO, INC.
     
     
    By: /s/ Kevin Ryan
      Name: Kevin Ryan
      Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature page to the Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

    ACQUIROR:
     
    AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.
     
    By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
      Name: Arnaud Massenet
      Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature page to Company Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

 

Execution Version
CONFIDENTIAL

 

ACQUIROR HOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

This Acquiror Holder Support Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of May 10, 2021, by and among Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (which shall migrate to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation prior to the Closing (as defined in the Merger Agreement (as defined below)) (“Acquiror”), the Persons set forth on Schedule I hereto (each a “Major Acquiror Shareholder” and, collectively, the “Major Acquiror Shareholders”), and Better HoldCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Major Acquiror Shareholder is the holder of record and “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of such number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock as are indicated opposite each of their names on Schedule I attached hereto (all such shares of Acquiror Common Stock, together with any shares of Acquiror Common Stock of which ownership of record or the power to vote (including, without limitation, by proxy or power of attorney) is hereafter acquired by any such Major Acquiror Shareholder during the period from the date hereof through the Expiration Time (as defined below) are referred to herein as the “Subject Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Acquiror, Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror (“Merger Sub”), and the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other transactions, (i) Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing on as the surviving entity, and (ii) the Company is to merge with and into Acquiror, with Acquiror continuing on as the surviving entity, in each case, on the terms and conditions set forth therein; and

 

WHEREAS, as an inducement to Acquiror and the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated therein, the parties hereto desire to agree to certain matters as set forth herein.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

SHAREHOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT; COVENANTS

 

Section 1.1 Binding Effect of Merger Agreement. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder hereby acknowledges that it has read the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and has had the opportunity to consult with its tax and legal advisors. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder shall be bound by and comply with Sections 6.6 (Acquisition Proposals) and 11.12 (Publicity) of the Merger Agreement (and any relevant definitions contained in any such Sections) as if such Major Acquiror Shareholder was an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions.

 

 

 

Section 1.2 No Transfer. Until the earlier to occur of (a) the Second Effective Time, and (b) such date and time as the Merger Agreement shall be terminated in accordance with Section 10.1 thereof (the “Expiration Time”), each Major Acquiror Shareholder shall not (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, file (or participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the SEC (other than the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement) or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, with respect to any Subject Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Subject Shares (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, a “Transfer”) or (iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any Transfer.

 

Section 1.3 New Shares. In the event that, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at the Expiration Time, (a) any Subject Shares are issued to a Major Acquiror Shareholder after the date of this Agreement pursuant to any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of Subject Shares or otherwise, (b) a Major Acquiror Shareholder purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of any Subject Shares or (c) a Major Acquiror Shareholder acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any Subject Shares (collectively the “New Securities”), then such New Securities acquired or purchased by such Major Acquiror Shareholder shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted the Subject Shares owned by such Major Acquiror Shareholder as of the date hereof.

 

Section 1.4 Shareholder Agreements. Until the Expiration Time and subject to the Registration Statement being declared effective, each Major Acquiror Shareholder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), and in any action by written consent of the shareholders of the Company sought by or on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company or otherwise undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to Acquiror (which written consent shall be delivered as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act and delivered or otherwise made available to shareholders, and in any event within three (3) Business Days after the Registration Statement is declared effective and delivered or otherwise made available to shareholders), each such Major Acquiror Shareholder shall, if a meeting is held, appear at the meeting, in person or by proxy, or otherwise cause its Subject Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of establishing a quorum, and such Major Acquiror Shareholder holder shall vote or provide consent (or cause to be voted or consented), in person or by proxy, all of its Subject Shares:

 

(a)              to approve the change in the jurisdiction of incorporation of Acquiror to the State of Delaware;

 

(b)              to approve the change of Acquiror's name in accordance with the Merger Agreement;

 

(c)              to approve and adopt the amendment and restatement of Acquiror's Governing Documents, substantially in the forms attached as Exhibits A and B to the Merger Agreement in connection with the Domestication, including any separate or unbundled proposals as are required to implement the foregoing;

 

(d)              to approve and adopt of the Merger Agreement and approve the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Mergers, in accordance with applicable Law and exchange rules and regulations;

 

(e)              to approve of the issuance of shares of Acquiror Common Stock in connection with the Mergers and Domestication, and pursuant to the PIPE Backstop Agreement, the PIPE Assignment Agreements and the Redemption Backstop Agreement;

 

(f)               to approve and adopt the Incentive Equity Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan, substantially in the forms attached as Exhibits F and G to the Merger Agreement in connection with the Domestication;

 

(g)              to elect the directors selected and proposed by the Company, including one Acquiror Nominee Director, to be the Board of Directors of Acquiror effective as of the Closing in accordance with the terms of Section 7.6 of the Merger Agreement;

 

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(h)              to approve and adopt any other proposals as the SEC (or staff member thereof) may indicate are necessary in its comments to the Registration Statement or correspondence related thereto;

 

(i)               to approve and adopt any other proposals as reasonably agreed by Acquiror and the Company to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby;

 

(j)               to adjourn the Acquiror Shareholders' Meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies because there are not sufficient votes to approve and adopt any of the foregoing;

 

(k)              to vote against any merger, asset purchase or other business combination transaction (other than the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby); and

 

(l)               to vote against any proposal, action or agreement that would (A) impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify any provision of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the Mergers, (B) result in a breach in any respect of any covenant, representation, warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Acquiror under the Merger Agreement or (C) result in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX of the Merger Agreement not being fulfilled.

 

Section 1.5 Cooperation. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder agrees that it shall use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with Acquiror and the Company in connection with any review of the Transactions by any Governmental Authority, including without limitation, by providing to Acquiror for delivery to the applicable Governmental Authority as soon as practicable following its receipt in writing of such a request, all such information about such Major Acquiror Shareholder and any of its Affiliates requested by any such Governmental Authority. and to take such other action as soon as practicable as may be reasonably necessary or as another party hereto may reasonably request to enable the parties to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 9.1(d) of the Merger Agreement.

 

Each Major Acquiror Shareholder hereby agrees that such Major Acquiror Shareholder shall not commit or agree to take any action inconsistent with the foregoing.

 

Section 1.6 No Challenges. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder agrees not to commence, join in, facilitate, assist or encourage, and agrees to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to, any claim, derivative or otherwise, against Acquiror, Merger Sub, the Company or any of their respective successors or directors (a) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or (b) alleging a breach or violation of any fiduciary duty of any person in connection with the evaluation, negotiation or entry into this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

Section 1.7 Further Assurances. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder shall execute and deliver, or cause to be delivered, such additional documents, and take, or cause to be taken, all such further actions and do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary (including under applicable Laws), or reasonably requested by Acquiror or the Company, to carry out its obligations under this Agreement the actions and consummate the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement (including the transactions contemplated thereby), in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein and herein, as applicable.

 

Section 1.8 No Inconsistent Agreement. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder hereby represents and covenants that such Major Acquiror Shareholder has not entered into, and shall not enter into, any agreement that would restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s obligations hereunder.

 

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Section 1.9 Consent to Disclosure. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Information Statement/Registration Statement (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by applicable securities Laws or the SEC or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by Acquiror or the Company to any Governmental Authority or to securityholders of Acquiror) of such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s identity and beneficial ownership of Subject Shares and the nature of such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by Acquiror or the Company, a copy of this Agreement. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by Acquiror or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the SEC).

 

Section 1.10 Release. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder by execution of this Agreement, on behalf of himself, herself or itself and each of his, her or its heirs, administrators, estates, executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasors”), hereby irrevocably releases and forever discharges each of Acquiror, the Company and each of their respective Affiliates, predecessors, officers, directors, stockholders, members, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (individually, a “Releasee” and, collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, debts, damages, costs, losses, penalties, attorneys’ fees, obligations, judgments, expenses, compensation, rights and liabilities of any nature whatsoever, in law or equity, whether known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, arising out of or related to such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s ownership or voting rights in respect of the Subject Shares or pursuant to the Acquiror’s Governing Documents (“Claims”), which the Releasor now has, may ever have had in the past or may have in the future against any of the respective Releasees by reason of any act, omission, transaction, occurrence, conduct, circumstance, condition, harm, matter, cause or thing that has occurred or existed at any time from the beginning of time up to and including the Closing that arises from or out of, is based upon or relates to the Acquiror, including without limitation Claims relating to, in connection with or arising from the Merger Agreement, the Mergers or the transactions contemplated thereby, the due authorization and execution and fairness (to the undersigned or otherwise) of the Merger Agreement, the Mergers or the other transactions contemplated by thereby, and the consideration provided for in the Merger Agreement upon consummation of the Mergers. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder acknowledges that it has been advised and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, which provides as follows:

 

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.

 

Each Major Acquiror Shareholder, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights it may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

 

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ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1 Representations and Warranties of Each Major Acquiror Shareholder. Except as set forth in the Acquiror SEC Filings (filed or submitted prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding (i) any disclosures in any risk factors section that do not constitute statements of fact, disclosures in any forward-looking statements disclaimer and other disclosures that are generally cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature and (ii) any exhibits or other documents appended thereto), each Major Acquiror Shareholder represents and warrants to Acquiror and the Company as follows:

 

(a)                   Organization; Due Authorization. If such Major Acquiror Shareholder is not an individual, it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, formed, organized or constituted, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the Major Acquiror Shareholder’s corporate, limited liability company or organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or organizational actions on the part of the Major Acquiror Shareholder. If such Major Acquiror Shareholder is an individual, such Major Acquiror Shareholder has full legal capacity, right and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his or her obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Major Acquiror Shareholder and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties to this Agreement, this Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of the Major Acquiror Shareholder, enforceable against the Major Acquiror Shareholder in accordance with the terms hereof (except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy Laws, other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies).

 

(b)                   Ownership. Such Major Acquiror Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner (as defined in the Securities Act) of, and has good title to, all of such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s Subject Shares, and there exist no Liens or any other limitation or restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Subject Shares (other than transfer restrictions under the Securities Act)) affecting any such Subject Shares, other than Liens pursuant to (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Acquiror’s Governing Documents, (iii) the Merger Agreement, or (iv) the Shareholder Agreements or (v) any applicable securities Laws. Such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s Subject Shares are the only shares of Acquiror Common Stock owned of record or beneficially by such Major Acquiror Shareholder on the date of this Agreement. Other than the Acquiror Warrants set forth opposite such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s name on Schedule I, such Major Acquiror Shareholder does not hold or own any rights to acquire (directly or indirectly) any equity securities of the Acquiror or any equity securities convertible into, or which can be exchanged for, equity securities of the Acquiror.

 

(c)                   No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each Major Acquiror Shareholder does not, and the performance by such Major Acquiror Shareholder of his, her or its obligations hereunder will not, (i) if such Major Acquiror Shareholder is not an individual, conflict with or result in a violation of the organizational documents of such Major Acquiror Shareholder or (ii) require any consent or approval that has not been given or other action that has not been taken by any Person (including under any Contract binding upon such Major Acquiror Shareholder or such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s Subject Shares) to the extent such consent, approval or other action would prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Major Acquiror Shareholder of its, his or her obligations under this Agreement.

 

(d)                   No Agreements. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder, represents that it is not party to any Contract or other agreement with respect to the Subject Shares, other than as disclosed in Acquiror’s registration statement on Form S-1.

 

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(e)                   Litigation. There are no Actions pending against such Major Acquiror Shareholder, or to the knowledge of such Major Acquiror Shareholder threatened against such Major Acquiror Shareholder, before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that would be before) any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Major Acquiror Shareholder of its, his or her obligations under this Agreement.

 

(f)                    Brokerage Fees. No broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement based upon arrangements made by such Major Acquiror Shareholder, for which the Company or any of its Affiliates may become liable.

 

(g)                   Acknowledgment. Such Major Acquiror Shareholder understands and acknowledges that each of Acquiror and the Company is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1 Termination. This Agreement and all of its provisions shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of (a) the Expiration Time and (b) as to each Major Acquiror Shareholder, the written agreement of Acquiror, the Company and such Major Acquiror Shareholder. Upon such termination of this Agreement, all obligations of the parties under this Agreement will terminate, without any liability or other obligation on the part of any party hereto to any Person in respect hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, and no party hereto shall have any claim against another (and no person shall have any rights against such party), whether under contract, tort or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any party hereto from liability arising in respect of any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination. This ARTICLE III shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.2 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of Laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.

 

Section 3.3 Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(a)           Any proceeding or Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware), or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably (i) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such proceeding or Action, (ii) waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, (iii) agrees that all claims in respect of the proceeding or Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and (iv) agrees not to bring any proceeding or Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence Legal Proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 3.3.

 

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(b)          EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

(c)           Each Major Acquiror Shareholder hereby irrevocably appoints Cogency Global Inc., with offices at the date of this Agreement located at 850 New Burton Road, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19904, as its authorized agent on which any and all legal process may be served in any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any court located in the State of Delaware pursuant to Section 3.3(a). The Each Major Acquiror Shareholder agrees that service of process in respect of it upon its agent, together with written notice of such service given to it in the manner provided in Section 3.8, shall be deemed to be effective service of process upon it in any such action, suit or proceeding. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder agrees that the failure of its agent to give notice to it of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action, suit or proceeding based thereon. If for any reason the authorized agent shall cease to be available to act as such, each Major Acquiror Shareholder agrees to designate a new agent in the State of Delaware, on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 3.3(c). Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the ability of any other party hereto to serve any such legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable law or to obtain jurisdiction over any such party or bring actions, suits or proceedings against it in such other jurisdictions, and in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable law.

 

Section 3.4 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder will be assigned, delegated or transferred (including by operation of law) without, as to each Major Acquiror Shareholder, the prior written consent of Acquiror, the Company and such Major Acquiror Shareholder. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 3.4 shall be null and void, ab initio.

 

Section 3.5 Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in the chancery court or any other state or federal court within the State of Delaware, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such party is entitled at law or in equity.

 

Section 3.6 Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon, with respect to each Major Acquiror Shareholder, the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by Acquiror, the Company and such Major Acquiror Shareholder.

 

Section 3.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

 

Section 3.8 Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (d) when delivered by email (in each case in this clause (d), solely if receipt is confirmed, but excluding any automated reply, such as an out- of-office notification), addressed as follows:

 

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If to Acquiror:

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.

 

20 North Audley Street

London W1K 6LX

United Kingdom

Attention:   Prabhu Narasimhan

Email:         Prabhu@novatorcapital.com

 

with a copy to (which will not constitute notice):

 

Baker McKenzie LLP

100 New Bridge Street

London EC4V 6JA

United Kingdom

Attention:   Adam Eastell

Michael F. DeFranco

Derek Liu


Email:        adam.eastell@bakermckenzie.com

michael.defranco@bakermckenzie.com 

derek.liu@bakermckenzie.com

 

If to the Company:

 

Better HoldCo, Inc. 175

Greenwich St, 59th Floor

New York, NY 10007

Attention: Kevin Ryan

Email: kryan@better.com

 

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Attention:   Mitchell S. Eitel

Jared M. Fishman

Sarah P. Payne

Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com
fishmanj@sullcrom.com
paynes@sullcrom.com

 

9

 

 

If to a Major Acquiror Shareholder:

 

To such Major Acquiror Shareholder’s address set forth in Schedule I

Section 3.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (any of which may be delivered by electronic transmission), each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 3.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the agreements referenced herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

 

Section 3.11 Several Liability. This Agreement and the agreements referenced herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

 

Section 3.12 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall be valid and enforceable as of the date of this Agreement and may not be revoked by any party hereto.

 

Section 3.13 Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, other than the parties hereto, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement, as a third party beneficiary or otherwise.

 

Section 3.14 Limitation. Each Major Acquiror Shareholder makes their agreements and understandings herein solely in its capacities as record holder and beneficial owners of the Subject Shares and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein shall limit or affect any actions taken by a representative of such Major Acquiror Shareholder solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Acquiror.

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK]

 

10

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Major Acquiror Shareholders, Acquiror, and the Company have each caused this Acquiror Holder Support Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

  MAJOR ACQUIROR STOCKHOLDERS:
   
  NOVATOR CAPITAL SPONSOR LIMITED
   
  By:  /s/ Jan Rottiers
    Name: Jan Rottiers
    Title: Director
   
  By:  /s/ Pericles Spyrou
    Name: Pericles Spyrou
    Title: Director
   
  UNBOUND HOLDCO LTD.
   
  By:  /s/ Shravin Mittal
    Name: Shravin Mittal 
    Title: Director

 

[Signature Page to Acquiror Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

 

ACQUIROR:

   
  AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.
   
  By:  /s/ Arnaud Massenet
    Name: Arnaud Massenet
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Acquiror Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

  COMPANY:
     
  BETTER HOLDCO, INC.
     
By:  /s/ Kevin Ryan
    Name: Kevin Ryan
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to Acquiror Holder Support Agreement]

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.7

 

Execution Version

 

Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd.
20 North Audley Street
London W1K 6LX
United Kingdom

 

May 10, 2021

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.
20 North Audley Street
London W1K 6LX
United Kingdom
   

  

Re: Acquiror Private Placement Warrants and Acquiror Common Stock

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Merger Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as it may be amended, the "Merger Agreement"), by and among (i) Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands company ("Acquiror"), (ii) Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and (iii) Better Holdco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Merger Agreement.

 

In order to induce the Company and Acquiror to enter into the Merger Agreement, Acquiror's sponsor, Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd., a limited liability company validly existing under the laws of Cyprus ("Sponsor"), and Acquiror, have agreed to enter into this letter agreement (this "Agreement") relating to the Acquiror Private Placement Warrants and Acquiror Common Stock held by Sponsor.

 

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Acquiror and Sponsor hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Mandatory Redemption of Acquiror Private Placement Warrants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Warrant Agreement, dated March 3, 2021, between Acquiror and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the "Warrant Agreement"), Sponsor hereby agrees that Acquiror shall be entitled to exercise the redemption right contained within Section 6.1 of the Warrant Agreement, solely with respect to the Acquiror Private Placement Warrants held by Sponsor, pursuant to and subject to the terms of Section 6 of the Warrant Agreement, provided that Acquiror shall only be entitled to exercise such right if the VWAP for any twenty (20) Trading Days within a thirty (30)-Trading Day ending on the third Trading Day prior to the date on which Acquiror sends the notice of redemption to the Sponsor equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (subject to adjustment in compliance with Section 4 of the Warrant Agreement).

 

2. Forfeiture of Acquiror Private Placement Warrants. Sponsor shall forfeit upon the Closing fifty percent (50%) of the Acquiror Private Placement Warrants held by Sponsor as of the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no fraction of an Acquiror Private Placement Warrant will be forfeited by Sponsor by virtue of this Agreement, and the number of the Acquiror Private Placement Warrants to be so forfeited shall instead be rounded down to the nearest whole Acquiror Private Placement Warrants.

 

1 

 

 

Acquiror acknowledges that such forfeiture is intended to facilitate Acquiror's customer acquisition efforts. In connection therewith, Acquiror shall, in a manner compliant with applicable securities laws and pursuant to an implementation plan to be mutually agreed with the Company, promptly after the Closing, use reasonable best efforts to make available for issuance a number of warrants equal to the number of forfeited Acquiror Private Placement Warrant, with economic terms equivalent to those of the Acquiror Common Warrants and other terms substantially similar to the Acquiror Common Warrants, to customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

3. Locked-Up Promote.

 

a. Twenty percent (20%) of the Domesticated Class A Common Stock that were issued to Sponsor in the Domestication in exchange for the Founder Shares or any shares into which such Domesticated Class A Common Stock are converted (such amount, as it may be reduced through expiration of the transfer restrictions set forth in this Section 3(a), the "Locked-Up Promote" and one-third (1/3) of such amount, prior to any such reduction, the "Locked-Up Tranche") shall not be Transferred, other than to a Permitted Transferee, except as set forth in the table below. Any shares that cease to be subject to the restrictions described below shall cease to be considered Locked Up Promote for all purposes under this Agreement and shall become freely Transferrable.

 

Amount Subject to Transfer Restriction Expiration of Section 3(a) Transfer Restriction
One (1) Locked-Up Tranche Date on which the VWAP for any twenty (20) Trading Days during any consecutive thirty (30) Trading Day period exceeds $12.50 per share
One (1) Locked-Up Tranche Date on which the VWAP for any twenty (20) Trading Days during any consecutive thirty (30) Trading Day period exceeds $15.00 per share.
One (1) Locked-Up Tranche Date on which the VWAP for any twenty (20) Trading Days during any consecutive thirty (30) Trading Day period exceeds $17.50 per share

  

b. If within five (5) years following Closing, a transaction that constitutes a Change in Control Transaction is consummated, then (x) any then-remaining Locked-Up Promote shall cease to be subject to Section 3(a) and (y) if in such transaction the Surviving Corporation or its stockholders have the right to receive consideration implying a value per share Acquiror Class A Common Stock of:

 

(i) less than $12.50 per share, 100% of the then-remaining Locked-Up Promote shall be forfeited for no consideration and Sponsor shall not be entitled to any consideration in the Change in Control Transaction with respect to any portion of the Locked-Up Promote;

 

(ii) greater than or equal to $12.50 per share but less than $15.00 per share, then (x) one (1) of the Locked-Up Tranches shall receive the same consideration (including the ability to elect for any form of consideration) as all other shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock in the Change in Control Transaction and (y) the then-remaining Locked-Up Promote shall be forfeited for no consideration;

 

2 

 

 

(iii) greater than or equal to $15.00 but less than $17.50, then (x) two (2) of the Locked-Up Tranches shall receive the same consideration (including the ability to elect for any form of consideration) as all other shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock in the Change in Control Transaction and (y) the then-remaining Locked Up Promote shall be forfeited for no consideration; and

 

(iv) greater than or equal to $17.50, then all of the Locked-Up Tranches shall receive the same consideration (including the ability to elect for any form of consideration) as all other shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock in the Change in Control Transaction.

 

For avoidance of doubt, for purposes of calculating the number of shares constituting part of the Locked-Up Promote Tranche that is eligible to receive the same consideration (including the ability to elect for any form of consideration) as all other shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock in the Change in Control Transaction, such number shall be reduced by the number of shares released from the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 3(a) as a result of the expiration of such restriction in accordance with such Section.

 

d. The number of Domesticated Class A Common Stock that constitute the Locked Up Promote and the per share prices set forth in this Section 3 shall be equitably adjusted for any stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions.

 

4.       For purposes of this Agreement:

 

"Change in Control Transaction" shall mean the occurrence of (x) any consolidation or merger of Acquiror with or into any other corporation or other entity or person (whether or not Acquiror is the surviving corporation), or any other corporate reorganization or transaction or series of related transactions in which in excess of 50% of Acquiror's voting power is transferred through a merger, consolidation, tender offer or similar transaction, or (y) any person (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), together with its affiliates and associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 405 under the Act), beneficially owns or is deemed to beneficially own (as described in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act without regard to the 60-day exercise period) in excess of 50% of Acquiror's voting power; provided, that for purposes of this clause (y), neither (i) Vishal Garg and his affiliates and associates being deemed to beneficially own greater than 50% of Acquiror’s voting power as a result of Transfers by third parties (including Transfers pursuant to which such third parties convert or otherwise exchange shares of Acquiror Class B Common Stock for shares of Acquiror Class A Common Stock) that occur independently of Vishal Garg and his affiliates and associates, nor (ii) any such Transfers by a third parties, shall be considered a Change in Control Transaction.

 

"Founder Shares" shall mean the 7,200,000 shares of the Acquiror Class B Common Stock held by the Sponsor (as reduced by any such forfeiture of such shares by the Sponsor if the over-allotment option of Barclays Capital Inc., as representative for the several underwriters of the initial public offering, was not exercised in full).

 

"Permitted Transferee" shall mean (a) to the Sponsor's officers or directors, any affiliates or family members of any of the Sponsor's officers or directors, any member(s) of the Sponsor, or any affiliates of such members and funds and accounts advised by such members or any limited partners of any such funds that are invested in the Sponsor; (b) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of such individual's immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such individual's immediate family, an affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization; (c) in the case of an individual, by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual; (d) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (e) to an entity that is an Affiliate of the holder; (e) by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware, Acquiror's Certificate of Incorporation (as amended or amended and restated) or the Sponsor's limited liability company agreement upon dissolution of the Sponsor; or (f) in the event of Acquiror's liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction which results in all of Acquiror's shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (a) through (f), these permitted transferees must enter into a written agreement with Acquiror agreeing to be bound by this Section 3 and Section 4.

 

3 

 

 

"Reference Stock" shall mean the Acquiror Class A Common Stock or any other class of stock of Acquiror into which the Locked-Up Promote is Converted.

 

"Trading Day" shall mean a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for trading; provided, that in the event that the Common Stock is not listed or quoted for trading on a Trading Market on the date in question, then Trading Day shall mean a Business Day.

 

"Trading Market" shall mean any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Reference Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

 

"Transfer" shall mean any sale, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or other disposition of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Locked Up Promote or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for Locked Up Promote.

 

"VWAP" shall mean for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Reference Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Reference Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Reference Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) the volume weighted average price of the Reference Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Reference Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Reference Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Reference Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Reference Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by Acquiror and reasonably acceptable to the Sponsor, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by Acquiror.

 

5. Third Party Beneficiary. It is understood and agreed that the Company shall be a third party beneficiary of this Agreement. The prior written consent of the Company shall be required in order to amend or waive the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Company shall have the right to enforce this Agreement directly to the extent it may deem such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights under this Agreement.

 

6. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties to this Agreement relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the parties hereto or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby exist between such parties except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

7. Amendments and Assignments. This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed in the same manner as this Agreement and which makes reference to this Agreement; provided, however, that each of Acquiror and the Company may assign this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder to any Person to whom it validly assigns its rights, interests or obligations under the Merger Agreement without the written consent of the other parties hereto. This Agreement shall be binding on the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

4 

 

 

8. Notice. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent in the same manner as provided in Section 11.3 of the Merger Agreement, with notices to Acquiror and the Company being sent to the addresses set forth therein, and with notices to Sponsor being sent to the addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement (and with copies to the following (which shall not constitute notice)):

 

  Baker McKenzie LLP
  100 New Bridge Street
  London EC4V 6JA
  United Kingdom
  Attention: Adam Eastell, Michael F. DeFranco, Derek Liu
  Email:

adam.eastell@bakermckenzie.com, michael.defranco@bakermckenzie.com, derek.liu@bakermckenzie.com

 

  Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
  125 Broad Street
  New York, NY 10004
  Attention: Mitchell S. Eitel, Jared M. Fishman, Sarah P. Payne
  Email: eitelm@sullcrom.com, fishmanj@sullcrom.com, paynes@sullcrom.com

 

9. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate at such time, if any, as the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, and upon such termination this Agreement shall be null and void and of no effect whatsoever, and the parties hereto shall have no obligations under this Agreement; provided that any such termination of this Agreement shall not relieve Sponsor of any liability due to a breach of any covenant prior to the date of such termination.

 

10. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall be governed, enforced, construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Merger Agreement. The provisions set forth in Sections 11.13 (Severability), 11.14 (Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial) and 11.15 (Enforcement) of the Merger Agreement, as in effect as of the date hereof, are hereby incorporated by reference into, and shall be deemed to apply mutatis mutandis to, this Agreement as if all references to the "Agreement" in such sections were instead references to this Agreement.

 

{Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature page follows}

  

5 

 

 

Please indicate your agreement to the foregoing by signing in the space provided below.

 

  NOVATOR CAPITAL SPONSOR LIMITED
   
  By: /s/ Jan Rottiers
  Name: Jan Rottiers
  Title: Director

  

  By: /s/ Pericles Spyrou
  Name: Pericles Spyrou
  Title: Director

  

[Additional Signatures on Following pages]

 

Sponsor Warrant Letter Signature Page

 

 

 

  

Please indicate your agreement to the foregoing by signing in the space provided below.

  

Accepted and agreed, effective as of the date first set forth above:

  

AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.

 

By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet  
Name: Arnaud Massenet  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

  

Sponsor Warrant Letter Signature Page

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.8

 

Execution Version
 

May 10, 2021

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.
20 North Audley Street
London W1K 6LX
United Kingdom

 

Re: Initial Public Offering

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter (this "Amended and Restated Letter Agreement") amends and restates that certain letter agreement dated as of March 3, 2021 (the "Original Letter Agreement") delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") entered into as of March 3, 2021 by and between Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the "Company"), and Barclays Capital Inc., as representative for the several underwriters (the "Underwriter"), relating to an underwritten initial public offering (the "Public Offering") of 25,300,000 of the Company's units (including up to 3,300,000 units that may be purchased by the Underwriter to cover over-allotments, if any) (the "Units"), each comprising one share of the Company's Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, and one-quarter of one redeemable warrant. Each whole warrant (each, a "Warrant") entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The Units were sold in the Public Offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 and a prospectus (the "Prospectus"), filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and the Units were listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market (the "Nasdaq"). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in paragraph 11 hereof.

 

The Original Letter Agreement was entered into in order to induce the Company and the Underwriter to enter into the Underwriting Agreement and to proceed with the Public Offering. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement is being entered into in order to induce Better Holdco, Inc. (the "Acquired Company") to enter into that certain merger agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Acquired Company, Aurora Acquisition Corp. and Aurora Merger Sub I, Inc. For other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each of Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd. (together with its affiliates unless otherwise noted, the "Sponsor") and the undersigned individuals, each of whom is a member of the Company's board of directors and/or management team (each, an "Insider" and collectively, the "Insiders"), hereby agrees with the Company as follows:

 

1. The Sponsor and each Insider hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Public Offering, or such later period approved by the Company's shareholders in accordance with the Company's amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the "Charter"), the Sponsor and each Insider shall take all reasonable steps to cause the Company to (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than 10 Business Days thereafter, subject to lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the shares sold as part of the Units in the Public Offering (the "Offering Shares") and the shares sold as part of the Novator Private Placement Units (the "Novator Private Placement Shares"), at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (as defined below), including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its franchise and income taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Offering Shares and Novator Private Placement Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish all Public Shareholders' and holders of Novator Private Placement Shares' rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company's remaining shareholders and the Company's board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company's obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and other requirements of applicable law. The Sponsor and each Insider agrees not to propose any amendment to the Charter to (a) modify the substance or timing of the Company's obligation to allow redemption in connection with a Business Combination or the Company's obligation to redeem 100% of the Offering Shares and Novator Private Placement Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the time period set forth in the Charter or (b) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders' rights or pre-initial Business Combination activity, unless the Company provides Public Shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (excluding any amounts then on deposit in the Trust Account that are allocable to the Novator Private Placement Shares), including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account (which interest shall be net of taxes payable and excluding any interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that are allocable to the Novator Private Placement Shares) and not previously released to the Company to pay its franchise and income taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding Offering Shares.

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

The Sponsor and each Insider acknowledges that, with respect to the Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants, the Novator Private Placement Warrants (and the Company's shares accrued pursuant to exercise of such warrants) held by it, him or her, it, he or she has no right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation of the Company, it being understood that the Sponsor makes no such acknowledgement with respect to the Novator Private Placement Shares in the event of any liquidation of the Company. The Sponsor and each Insider hereby agrees that if the Company seeks shareholder approval of a proposed Business Combination, then in connection with such proposed Business Combination, it, he or she shall vote any shares of Capital Stock (whether purchased before, during or after the Public Offering, including in open market and privately negotiated transactions) owned by it, him or her in favor of any proposed Business Combination. The Sponsor and each Insider hereby further waives, with respect to any shares of Capital Stock held by it, him or her (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Novator Private Placement Shares), if any, any redemption rights it, he or she may have in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination, including, without limitation, any such rights available in the context of (i) a shareholder vote to approve such Business Combination, or (ii) a shareholder vote to approve an amendment to the Charter to (a) modify the substance or timing of the Company's obligation to allow redemption in connection with a Business Combination or to redeem 100% of the Offering Shares and Novator Private Placement Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the time period set forth in the Charter or (b) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders' rights or pre-initial Business Combination activity (although the Sponsor and the Insiders shall be entitled to liquidation rights with respect to any Offering Shares and Novator Private Placement Shares it or they hold if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within the time period set forth in the Charter). If the Company engages in a tender offer in connection with any proposed Business Combination, the Sponsor and each Insider agrees that it, he or she will not seek to sell its, his or her shares of Capital Stock to the Company in connection with such tender offer.

 

2. As required by Nasdaq rules, the undersigned acknowledges and agrees that prior to entering into a definitive agreement for a Business Combination or subsequent transaction with a target business, such transaction must be approved by a majority of the Company's disinterested independent directors and the Company, or a committee of independent directors, must, to the extent required by applicable law or based upon the direction of the Company's board of directors or a committee thereof, obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that such Business Combination or transaction is fair to the Company from a financial point of view.

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

3. During the period commencing on the date of the Underwriting Agreement and ending 180 days after such date, the Sponsor and each Insider shall not, without the prior written consent of the Underwriter, sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Units, shares underlying such Units, Novator Private Placement Units, Founder Shares, Warrants, Private Placement Warrants, Novator Private Placement Warrants or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares owned by it, him or her publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified herein. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.

 

4. In the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account upon the failure of the Company to consummate its initial Business Combination within the time period set forth in the Charter, the Sponsor (the "Indemnitor"), which for purposes of clarification shall not extend to any shareholders, members or managers of the Sponsor, or any of the other undersigned, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, whether pending or threatened) to which the Company may become subject as a result of any claim by (i) any third party for services rendered or products sold to the Company or (ii) any prospective target business with which the Company has entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or other similar agreement or Business Combination agreement (a "Target"); provided, however, that such indemnification of the Company by the Indemnitor (x) shall apply only to the extent necessary to ensure that such claims by a third party for services rendered (other than the Company's independent public accountants) or products sold to the Company or a Target do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per Offering Share and Novator Private Placement Share and (ii) the actual amount per Offering Share and Novator Private Placement Share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account, if less than $10.00 per Offering Share and Novator Private Placement Share is then held in the Trust Account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, less interest earned on the funds in the Trust Account which may be withdrawn to pay franchise and income taxes, (y) shall not apply to any claims by a third party or a Target which executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the Trust Account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable) and (z) shall not apply to any claims under the Company's indemnity of the Underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Indemnitor shall have the right to defend against any such claim with counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory to the Company if, within 15 days following written receipt of notice of the claim to the Indemnitor, the Indemnitor notifies the Company in writing that it shall undertake such defense.

 

5. To the extent that the Underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 3,300,000 Units within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus (and as further described in the Prospectus) in full, the Sponsor agrees to forfeit, at no cost, a number of Founder Shares in the aggregate equal to 825,000 multiplied by a fraction (i) the numerator of which is 3,300,000 minus the number of Units purchased by the Underwriter upon the exercise of its over- allotment option, and (ii) the denominator of which is 3,300,000. For clarity, the forfeiture shall yield the result that the Initial Shareholders will own an aggregate of 20% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Capital Stock after the Public Offering (including the Novator Private Placement Shares and assuming that the Initial Shareholders do not purchase any Units in the Public Offering).

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

6. The Sponsor and each Insider hereby agrees and acknowledges that: (i) the Underwriter and the Company would be irreparably injured in the event of a breach by such Sponsor or an Insider of its, his or her obligations under paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7(a), 7(b) and, solely as to each D&O Insider, 8, as applicable, of this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, (ii) monetary damages may not be an adequate remedy for such breach and (iii) the non-breaching party shall be entitled to injunctive relief, in addition to any other remedy that such party may have in law or in equity, in the event of such breach.

 

7. (a) The Sponsor and each Insider agrees that it, he or she shall not Transfer any Founder Shares (or shares issuable upon conversion thereof) or Novator Private Placement Shares (or shares issuable upon conversion thereof) until the earlier of (A) one year after the completion of the Company's initial Business Combination or (B) subsequent to the Company's initial Business Combination, (x) if the last reported sale price equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Company's initial Business Combination or (y) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company's shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property (the "Founder Shares Lock-up Period").

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in paragraph 7(a) (which Section 7(a) is inapplicable to the Private Placement Warrants and the Novator Private Placement Warrants (and the shares issued or issuable upon the exercise thereof)), the Sponsor and each Insider agrees that it, he or she shall not Transfer any Private Placement Warrants or Novator Private Placement Warrants (or shares issued or issuable upon the exercise thereof) until 30 days after the completion of the Company's initial Business Combination (the "Private Placement Warrants Lock-up Period" and "Novator Private Placement Warrants Lock-up Period", together with the Founder Shares Lock-up Period, the "Lock-up Periods").

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in paragraphs 7(a) and (b), Transfers of the Founder Shares, Novator Private Placement Shares, Private Placement Warrants, Novator Private Placement Warrants and shares issued or issuable upon the exercise or conversion thereof and, with respect to the Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants and shares issued or issuable upon the exercise or conversion thereof, that are held by the Sponsor, any Insider or any of their permitted transferees (that have complied with this paragraph 7(c)), are permitted (a) to the Company's officers or directors, any affiliates or family members of any of the Company's officers or directors, the Sponsor; (b) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of such individual's immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such individual's immediate family, an affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization; (c) in the case of an individual, by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual; (d) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (e) by private sales or transfers made in connection with the consummation of an initial Business Combination at prices no greater than the price at which the Founder Shares, Novator Private Placement Shares, Private Placement Warrants, Novator Private Placement Warrants or shares were originally purchased; (f) to an entity that is an affiliate of the holder; (g) in the event of the Company's liquidation prior to the completion of an initial Business Combination; (h) by virtue of the laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association (as amended or amended and restated) or the Sponsor's limited liability company agreement upon dissolution of the Sponsor; (i) in the event of the Company's liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company's shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the completion of an initial Business Combination; or (j) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of the initial Business Combination; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (a) through (f) or (h), these permitted transferees must enter into a written agreement with the Company agreeing to be bound by the transfer restrictions in this paragraph 7 and the other restrictions contained in this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement.

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

8. Each of the Insiders who is or is nominated to be a director or officer of the Company (each, a "D&O Insider") agrees to serve in such capacity until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of an initial Business Combination, the liquidation of the Company, or his or her removal, death or incapacity. The Sponsor and each D&O Insider represents and warrants that it, he or she has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked. Each D&O Insider's biographical information furnished to the Company (including any such information included in the Prospectus) is true and accurate in all material respects and does not omit any material information with respect to the D&O Insider's background and contains all of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 401 of Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act. Each D&O Insider's questionnaire furnished to the Company and the Underwriter is true and accurate in all material respects. Each D&O Insider represents and warrants that: it, he or she is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any injunction, cease-and-desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any jurisdiction; it, he or she has never been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, any crime (i) involving fraud, (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling of funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities; and it, he or she is not currently a defendant in any such criminal proceeding.

 

9. Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the Sponsor nor any Insider, nor any affiliate of any Insider, shall receive from the Company any finder's fee, reimbursement, consulting fee, monies in respect of any repayment of a loan or other compensation prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the consummation of the Company's initial Business Combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is).

 

10. The Company and each Insider represents and warrants, severally and not jointly, that it, he or she has full right and power, without violating any agreement to which it, he or she is bound (including, without limitation, any non- competition or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or former employer), to enter into this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement and, as applicable, to serve as an officer and/or director on the board of directors of the Company and hereby consents to being named in the Prospectus as an officer and/or director of the Company.

 

11. As used herein, (i) "Business Combination" shall mean a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Company and one or more businesses; (ii) "Business Day" means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in The City of New York, New York, are authorized or required by law to close; (iii) "Novator Private Placement Units" shall mean the units, each identical to the Units except as described in the Prospectus, that the Sponsor and/or the Insiders have agreed to purchase for an aggregate purchase price of $35,000,000, or $10.00 per unit, in a private placement that shall occur simultaneously with the consummation of the Public Offering; (iv) "Novator Private Placement Warrants" shall mean the warrants to purchase up to 875,000 shares of the Company that are included in the Novator Private Placement Units; (v) "Capital Stock" shall mean, collectively, the shares underlying the Units, the Novator Private Placement Units and the Founder Shares (and the shares into which the Founder Shares are converted); (vi) "Founder Shares" shall mean the 7,200,000 shares of the Company's Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the Public Offering (up to 825,000 shares of which are subject to complete or partial forfeiture by the Sponsor if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full by the Underwriter) (and the shares into which the Founder Shares are converted); (vii) "Initial Shareholders" shall mean the Sponsor and any Insider that holds Founder Shares prior to the consummation of the Public Offering; (viii) "Private Placement Warrants" shall mean the Warrants to purchase up to 4,266,667 shares of the Company (or 4,706,667 shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full by the Underwriter) that the Sponsor has agreed to purchase for an aggregate purchase price of $6,400,000 (or $7,060,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full by the Underwriter), or $1.50 per Warrant, in a private placement that shall occur simultaneously with the consummation of the Public Offering; (ix) "Public Shareholders" shall mean the holders of the Offering Shares; (x) "Trust Account" shall mean the trust account into which the net proceeds of the Public Offering, the sale of the Novator Private Placement Units and certain proceeds from the sale of the Private Placement Warrants shall be deposited; and (xi) "Transfer" shall mean the (a) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder with respect to, any security, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

12. The Company will maintain an insurance policy or policies providing directors' and officers' liability insurance, and each D&O Insider shall be covered by such policy or policies, in accordance with its or their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any of the Company's directors or officers.

 

13. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement may not be changed, amended, modified or waived (other than to correct a typographical error) as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto; provided that any amendment of Section 15 shall require the written consent of the Acquired Company.

 

14. No party hereto may assign either this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any purported assignment in violation of this paragraph shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall be binding on the Company, the Sponsor and each Insider and their respective successors, heirs and assigns and permitted transferees.

 

15. Nothing in this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall be construed to confer upon, or give to, any person or corporation other than the parties hereto any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement or of any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise or agreement hereof. All covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises and agreements contained in this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and their successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns and permitted transferees.

 

Notwithstanding the forgoing, until the date on which a Change in Control Transaction occurs:

 

(a) the Acquired Company shall be a third party beneficiary of Section 3, Section 6 and Section 7 with respect to any shares of common stock of the Company that are subject to such Sections;

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

(b) the prior written consent of the Acquired Company shall be required in order to waive the restrictions set forth in Section 3, Section 6 and Section 7; and

 

(c) the Acquired Company shall have the right to enforce Section 3, Section 6, Section 7, Section 13 and this Section 15 directly to the extent it may deem such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights under such Sections;

 

provided that the Sponsor and each Insider shall not be prohibited by the forgoing from selling, offering to sell, contracting or agreeing to sell, hypothecating, pledging, granting any option to purchase or otherwise disposing of or agreeing to dispose of shares of common stock of the Company in any Change in Control Transaction.

 

For purposes of this Section 15, "Change in Control Transaction" shall mean the occurrence of (x) any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation or other entity or person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or any other corporate reorganization or transaction or series of related transactions in which in excess of 50% of the Company's voting power is transferred through a merger, consolidation, tender offer or similar transaction, or (y) any person (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), together with its affiliates and associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 405 under the Act), beneficially owns or is deemed to beneficially own (as described in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act without regard to the 60-day exercise period) in excess of 50% of the Company's voting power.

 

16. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement may be executed in any number of original, facsimile or other electronic counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

17. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.

 

18. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. The parties hereto (i) all agree that any action, proceeding, claim or dispute arising out of, or relating in any way to, this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of New York City, in the State of New York, and irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction and venue, which jurisdiction and venue shall be exclusive and (ii) waive any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and venue or that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.

 

19. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by express mail or similar private courier service, by certified mail (return receipt requested), by hand delivery or facsimile or e-mail transmission.

 

20. This Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the Lock-up Periods or (ii) the liquidation of the Company; provided that paragraph 4 of this Amended and Restated Letter Agreement shall survive such liquidation.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

Sincerely,

 

  NOVATOR CAPITAL SPONSOR LTD.
   
  By: /s/ Jan Rottiers
  Name: Jan Rottiers
  Title: Director
     
  By: /s/ Pericles Spyrou
  Name: Pericles Spyrou
  Title: Director
     
  INSIDERS
   
  By: /s/ Thor Björgólfsson
  Name: Thor Björgólfsson
     
  By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
  Name: Arnaud Massenet
     
  By: /s/ Prabhu Narasimhan
  Name: Prabhu Narasimhan
     
  By: /s/ Shravin Mittal
  Name: Shravin Mittal
     
  By: /s/ Sangeeta Desai
  Name: Sangeeta Desai
     
  By: /s/ Michael Edelstein
  Name: Michael Edelstein
     
  By: /s/ Caroline Harding
  Name: Caroline Harding

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

Acknowledged and Agreed:

 

AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.  
   
By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet  
Name: Arnaud Massenet  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement]

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.9

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

Aurora Acquisition Corp.
20 North Audley Street
London W1K 6LX
United Kingdom

 

May 10, 2021

 

Vishal Garg

175 Greenwich Street, FL 59

New York, NY 10007

(the “Founder”)

 

Re: Merger Agreement with Better HoldCo, Inc. – Share Pledge & Charitable Contributions

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter agreement (this " Letter Agreement") is being entered into in connection with the

 

(i) Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of the date hereof, among Aurora Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares (the “Acquiror”), Aurora Merger Sub I Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror ("Merger Sub"), and Better HoldCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and (ii) Company Holders Support Agreement (the “Company Support Agreement”), dated as of the date hereof, among the Founder, the Acquiror, the Company and certain other Persons listed in Schedule I thereof. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement or Company Support Agreement, as applicable.

 

In consideration of the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Acquiror does hereby agree with the Founder as follows:

 

1. With respect to the Founder, the permitted Transfers in Section 3.2 of the Company Support Agreement shall also include any pledge by the Founder or his affiliates or associates (the “Founder Related Entities”) of shares of Acquiror Common Stock beneficially owned by the Founder or the Founder Related Entities following the Closing, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $150,000,000, to support loans made to the Founder or the Founder Related Entities by third-party lenders or depository institutions.

 

2. It is understood and agreed that the Founder shall, promptly following the Closing, contribute an amount equal to the total after-Tax Cash Consideration received by the Founder, if any, pursuant to the terms of Section 3.1 of the Merger Agreement to (i) any 501(c) Organization or (ii) U.S. Political Organization, as determined in the Founder’s sole discretion.

 

 

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

  (a) For purposes of this Section 2:

 

    (i) 501(c) Organization” means an entity that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4) (or any successor provisions) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), including any fund, foundation, trust or other organization that may be established by the Founder and qualifies as an entity exempt from taxation under 501(c) of the Code.

 

    (ii) U.S. Political Organization” means any entity sponsored by or endorsing political candidates, parties, campaigns, or issues or positions on any legislation or Law.

 

3. Article IV of the Company Support Agreement shall be incorporated herein by reference and made applicable, mutatis mutandis, to this Letter Agreement as if set forth in its entirety herein.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

 

 

  Sincerely,
   
  AURORA ACQUISITION CORP.
   
  By: /s/ Arnaud Massenet
  Name: Arnaud Massenet
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to VG Pledge Side Letter Agreement]

 

 

 

ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE:

 

 

VISHAL GARG

 

 

/s/ Vishal Garg  

 

[Signature Page to VG Pledge Side Letter Agreement]

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.10 

 

THIS PROMISSORY NOTE (“NOTE”) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OF THE RESALE THEREOF UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY IN FORM, SCOPE AND SUBSTANCE TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

 

AMENDED & RESTATED PROMISSORY NOTE

 

Principal Amount: U.S. $2,000,000 Dated as of May 10, 2021

 

Aurora Capital Holding Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Maker”), promises to pay to the order of Novator Capital Sponsor Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Novator Capital (Guernsey) Ltd. or its registered assigns or successors in interest (the “Payee”) the principal sum of Two Million U.S. Dollars (U.S. $2,000,000) or such lesser amount as shall have been advanced by Payee to Maker and shall remain unpaid under this Note on the Maturity Date (as defined below) in lawful money of the United States of America, on the terms and conditions described below. All payments on this Note shall be made by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds or as otherwise determined by the Maker to such account as the Payee may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Note.

 

1.                Amendment and Restatement. Effective as of the date hereof, this Note amends and restates in its entirety that certain Promissory Note dated as of December 9, 2020 (the “Prior Note”) issued by the Maker to the Payee in the principal amount of Three Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (U.S. $300,000). This Note (a) is made in substitution for, and not as payment of, the obligations of the Maker under the Prior Note and (b) is not intended to constitute a novation or discharge of the Prior Note. On and after the date hereof, all principal of, and accrued but unpaid interest on, the Prior Note (i) shall remain outstanding under this Note and (ii) shall be governed by the terms of this Note. Each reference in the Prior Note to “this Note”, “hereunder”, “hereof’, “herein”, or words of like import shall mean and be a reference to the Prior Note as amended hereby (and as the same may be further amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), and each reference contained in any other document, instrument or agreement executed and/or delivered in connection with the Prior Note shall mean and be a reference to the Prior Note as amended hereby (and as the same may be further amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time). To the extent of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions as previously set forth in the Prior Note, and the terms and conditions as set forth in this Note, the terms and conditions as set forth in this Note shall govern and control.

 

2.                 Principal. The entire unpaid principal balance of this Note shall be payable on the earlier of: (i) the date on which the merger by and between Better HoldCo, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware and Aurora Acquisition Corp., a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Transaction”) shall occur upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into connection with the Transaction or (ii) the date that is thirty (30) days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms (such earlier date, the “Maturity Date”). The principal balance may be prepaid at any time. Under no circumstances shall any individual, including but not limited to any officer, director, employee or shareholder of the Maker, be obligated personally for any obligations or liabilities of the Maker hereunder.

 

3.                Drawdown Requests. Maker and Payee agree that Maker may request, from time to time, up to Two Million U.S. Dollars (U.S. $2,000,000) in draw downs under this Note to be used for (i) costs and expenses related to Maker’s proposed initial public offering (the “IPO”) of its securities, including its formation or (ii) financing the working capital needs and other general corporate purposes of the Payee and its subsidiaries (including capital expenditures, working capital and/or purchase price adjustments, the payment of transaction fees and expenses (in each case, including in connection with the Transaction). The principal of this Note may be drawn down from time to time prior to the Maturity Date upon request from Maker to Payee (each, a “Drawdown Request”). Each Drawdown Request must state the amount to be drawn down, and must not be an amount less than Ten Thousand U.S. Dollars (U.S. $10,000) unless agreed upon by Maker and Payee. Payee shall fund each Drawdown Request no later than three (3) business days after receipt of a Drawdown Request; provided, however, that the maximum amount of drawdowns outstanding under this Note at any time may not exceed Two Million U.S. Dollars (U.S. $2,000,000). No fees, payments or other amounts shall be due to Payee in connection with, or as a result of, any Drawdown Request by Maker.

 

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4.                 Interest. No interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of this Note.

 

5.                Application of Payments. All payments shall be applied first to payment in full of any costs incurred in the collection of any sum due under this Note, including (without limitation) reasonable attorney’s fees, then to the payment in full of any late charges and finally to the reduction of the unpaid principal balance of this Note.

 

6.                 Events of Default. The following shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”):

 

(a)               Failure to Make Required Payments. Failure by Maker to pay the principal amount due pursuant to this Note within five (5) business days of the date specified above.

 

(b)               Voluntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The commencement by Maker of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, rehabilitation or other similar law, or the consent by it to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or other similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure of Maker generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of corporate action by Maker in furtherance of any of the foregoing.

 

(c)              Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The entry of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Maker in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.

 

7.               Remedies.

 

(a)              Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 6(a) hereof, Payee may, by written notice to Maker, declare this Note to be due immediately and payable, whereupon the unpaid principal amount of this Note, and all other amounts payable thereunder, shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the documents evidencing the same to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

(b)               Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 6(b) or 6(c), the unpaid principal balance of this Note, and all other sums payable with regard to this Note, shall automatically and immediately become due and payable, in all cases without any action on the part of the Payee.

 

8.                Waivers. Maker and all endorsers and guarantors of, and sureties for, this Note waive presentment for payment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest, and notice of protest with regard to the Note, all errors, defects and imperfections in any proceedings instituted by Payee under the terms of this Note, and all benefits that might accrue to Maker by virtue of any present or future laws exempting any property, real or personal, or any part of the proceeds arising from any sale of any such property, from attachment, levy or sale under execution, or providing for any stay of execution, exemption from civil process, or extension of time for payment; and Maker agrees that any real estate that may be levied upon pursuant to a judgment obtained by virtue hereof, on any writ of execution issued hereon, may be sold upon any such writ in whole or in part in any order desired by Payee.

 

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9.                Unconditional Liability. Maker hereby waives all notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default, or enforcement of the payment of this Note, and agrees that its liability shall be unconditional, without regard to the liability of any other party, and shall not be affected in any manner by any indulgence, extension of time, renewal, waiver or modification granted or consented to by Payee, and consents to any and all extensions of time, renewals, waivers, or modifications that may be granted by Payee with respect to the payment or other provisions of this Note, and agrees that additional makers, endorsers, guarantors, or sureties may become parties hereto without notice to Maker or affecting Maker's liability hereunder.

 

10.                Notices. All notices, statements or other documents which are required or contemplated by this Agreement shall be: (i) in writing and delivered personally or sent by first class registered or certified mail, overnight courier service or facsimile or electronic transmission to the address designated in writing, (ii) by facsimile to the number most recently provided to such party or such other address or fax number as may be designated in writing by such party and (iii) by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address most recently provided to such party or such other electronic mail address as may be designated in writing by such party. Any notice or other communication so transmitted shall be deemed to have been given on the day of delivery, if delivered personally, on the business day following receipt of written confirmation, if sent by facsimile or electronic transmission, one (1) business day after delivery to an overnight courier service or five (5) days after mailing if sent by mail.

 

11.                Construction. THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF.

 

12.                Severability. Any provision contained in this Note which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

13.                Trust Waiver. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Payee hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind ("Claim") in or to any distribution of or from the trust account to be established in which the proceeds of the IPO conducted by the Maker (including the deferred underwriters discounts and commissions) and the proceeds of the sale of the warrants issued in a private placement to occur prior to the consummation of the IPO are to be deposited, as described in greater detail in the registration statement and prospectus to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the IPO, and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the trust account for any reason whatsoever.

 

14.                Amendment; Waiver. Any amendment hereto or waiver of any provision hereof may be made with, and only with, the written consent of the Maker and the Payee.

 

15.                Assignment. No assignment or transfer of this Note or any rights or obligations hereunder may be made by any party hereto (by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party hereto and any attempted assignment without the required consent shall be void.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker, intending to be legally bound hereby, has caused this Note to be duly executed by the undersigned as of the day and year first above written.

 

  AURORA CAPITAL HOLDING CORP., a
Cayman Islands exempted company
   
  By:   /s/ Arnaud Massenet
  Name: Arnaud Massenet
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

C O R P O R A T E P A R T I C I P A N T S

 

Patrick Lenihan, Vice President, Communications, Better.com

 

Thor Bjorgolfsson, Chairman, Aurora Acquisitions Corporation

 

Arnaud Massenet, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora Acquisitions Corporation

 

Prabhu Narasimhan, Chief Investment Officer, Aurora Acquisitions Corporation

 

Vishal Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Better.com

 

Kevin Ryan, Chief Financial Officer, Better.com

 

P R E S E N T A T I O N

 

Patrick Lenihan

 

Hello and thank you for joining us today. My name is Patrick Lenihan, Vice President of Communications at Better.

 

This recording and the associated document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 by our offices and representatives. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. For further details are on our Safe Harbor guidance, please see the attached slide deck.

 

With that, we'll begin the call.

 

Thor Bjorgolfsson

 

Hi. Thanks, everyone, for joining us today. I'm Thor Bjorgolfsson. I'm Chairman of Aurora Acquisitions Corporation.

 

We're very excited to be here today and I'm joined here today by the folks at Aurora including Arnaud and Prabhu, as well as Vishal and Kevin from Better. We're very excited to be partnering with Vishal, Kevin and the rest of the Better team on its transition from a private to a public company. We searched for a technology company that was a large, addressable market opportunity and a well-developed digitally native platform. Better checked all of those boxes and I'd like to provide you a little bit more info on Aurora and where we're from.

 

Our sponsor is Novator Capital, which is an investment firm. I found it focused on the tech sector across a wide variety of situations, from traditional private equity to specialty situations. We take an active ownership approach and we focus on execution and operational excellence, giving us ranking proprietary deal sourcing across a wide set of disruptive technology companies. We saw the opportunity to raise a SPAC to invest in a strong management team with a long-term vision. We evaluated over a dozen opportunities. And after a process of deep and thorough diligence, it became evident that Better was the most compelling opportunity given the strength of the team, position of the company in the market, and it's proprietary platform. While this is a franchise deal for us, and it's likely we will raise an additional SPAC in the future, we are very excited to focus on Better at this stage.

 

ViaVid has made considerable efforts to provide an accurate transcription. There may be material errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the reporting of the substance of the conference call. This transcript is being made available for information purposes only.

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Finally, from my side, it's important to note that we are committed long-term investors, and I believe strongly in the long-term opportunity here, and that's evident by our commitment to investing a significant amount of our own capital into the transaction at this stage.

 

Let me pass it over to Arnaud.

 

Arnaud Massenet

 

Thank you very much, Thor.

 

We are all very excited to announce this transaction. It was clear to us that Better was the most compelling merger partner due to strong growth, unparalleled leadership, and as an industry disruptor through its unique and differentiated technology. Further, we believe that the opportunity came at a highly attractive entry point from a valuation perspective. We are excited about this transaction, as we believe all of our attributes we bring to the table outlined on the slide will be important in partnering with Better.

 

Now I will pass it along to Prabhu, our CIO.

 

Prabhu Narasimhan

 

Thanks, Arnaud.

 

We are very pleased to partner with Better, an emerging market leader with proven executive management led by Vishal. It has an attractive business model on a highly scalable digital platform. We believe that in today's market, the opportunity to invest in high-growth businesses which are built for profitability such as Better is very scarce. We look forward to partnering with the company to accelerate its growth further, post-merger.

 

Now I'll turn it over to Vishal Garg, CEO of Better, to share with you his excitement about the company that he and his team have built.

 

Vishal Garg

 

I'm super proud to partner with Thor, Arnaud, and Prabhu as we continue to make homeownership more affordable, more accessible and just plain better for all Americans and eventually everyone else.

 

The opportunity set in front of us is so massive and one of the most important things that any of us as humans do, which is buy or sell a home for our children's sake, for our parents' sake, for our family's sake. And then from there, all of the things that are associated in and around the home, whether it's financing, whether it's ensuring that we have appropriate title, whether the home is insured against natural disasters or climate change. How do we figure out how to mow the lawn, clear the weeds, clear the snow. And then on top of that, how do we take care of the other people and the other things that we have inside our home such as our children and their education, or the car that we drive; or specifically coming out of COVID, what happens if something untoward happens to one of the people that are paying for the home.

 

There is some amazing technology that we are building with the goal to be the home for every consumer's home, all in one roof, with one click, at the lowest price and with zero commissions.

 

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The way we do it is powered by the assembly of the property data graph on every home and the financial data graph on every customer; and then from there, matching those two strings of data that we have taken from APIs, from third-party data sources, and from the consumer and enable them to be qualified for all of the products that they would need to live a better life.

 

Let me tell you a little bit about how we're doing that and how that has helped us become the fastest growing homeownership platform in America.

 

We've grown from doing just under $5 billion of transactions in 2019 to $24 billion of transactions in 2020. And we've already done $14 billion of transactions in the first quarter of 2021. And we expect to do over $57 billion in 2021 annualized and then continue to grow to make our mission of making home better for all Americans really as big as possible.

 

Our customers have rewarded us with the ability to generate revenue and profitable growth. From 2019, $89 million of revenue, to 2020 where we did $876 million of revenue to what we expect to continue to be rapid growth towards the target of $5 billion of revenue by 2023. We believe in growth that is financially sustainable and growth that generates value for our customer. And if we do a good enough job of generating value for our customer, they're going to make sure we are able to generate value for our shareholders and our employees, because they're going to want us to exist.

 

What we do is really hard, and we say we're our customer-first company, but it's technology that allows us to be better for our customers. Whether it's leveraging our technology to reduce prices, to surface the widest range of products available to a consumer that they can get approved for, and then to match them instantly and frictionlessly to these products. We do it all in one integrated platform. We started with home finance. We added one-click title insurance, then one-click homeowners insurance, and one-click realtor matching.

 

We did these things not to grow our total addressable market; that was a consequence. We did it because it helped us serve our customers needs. Our pure digital platform allows us to communicate with consumers and service needs, service tension, service frictions, service where they're not being met in the way that they're wanting to be met in a really beautiful way; and it services those things and we're able to then respond to them. Each of these products that we've gone into, we've gone into because a customer or group of customers told us they had this need, that it was broken. Our matching engine: built by one of my founding partners and CTO, Erik Bernhardsson, who built the matching engine on Spotify, where matching consumers to the music that they would love across the broadest music catalog possible.

 

It's funny. When we started five years ago, people always asked me, what does music recommendations have to do with mortgages? I said it's actually, at a data level, very similar. You have a person with a set of attributes, some which change and some which do not. You have a property with a set of attributes, some which change and some which do not. And then investors have a set of eligibility criteria and pricing, which changes on a regular basis multiple times throughout the course of the day. And actually what we've done here is very similar. Dating sites are two-way matching engines. A music listening site that also incorporates your friends is a three-way matching engine. We've got a four-way matching engine that we have built for consumer finance and home, aggregating over $1 trillion of demand from our 37-plus investors on our platform, every year.

 

To fulfill that demand and to fulfill that match, we've also built a workflow engine, Tinman, which is the first supervised learning network for consumer finance. What it does is it taskifies and automates special underwriting functions and enables us to provide our customers super fast turnaround times, really low rates, certainty of decisions, and most importantly, allows us to take the expert labor where all the rules and all the criteria were hidden in someone's mind, sitting in a bank branch or a central processing facility, and exposes them to the consumer. Because of our model where we're helping to intermediate and finance the asset but we're doing it to our investor network, we have a supremely capital-lite business model, supremely asset-lite business model. We do not retain any assets on our books. We don't hold any MSRs on our books. We average hold a loan for around 15 days and then deliver it to its end owner. In doing so, we are generating revenues, fees, and service income, which is very different from any traditional consumer finance company or bank.

 

ViaVid has made considerable efforts to provide an accurate transcription. There may be material errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the reporting of the substance of the conference call. This transcript is being made available for information purposes only.

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We have grown in the past five years from less than seven people in a 3,000 square foot space above a Chipotle on Bleecker Street to over 7,000 mission-driven consumer-focused employees in multiple locations in the United States and around the world. Fifty-four percent of our population is minority, half is female, we're headquartered in New York, and each and every one of us comes with a variety of technology, legal, mortgage, financial markets experience. But most importantly, we care about the customer. We are a customer-driven company where every single person in the company knows that in all of the hierarchies, the customer comes first.

 

We are unique in that this homeownership market is so massive: over $15 trillion as you aggregate everything, massive, 15% of U.S. GDP, five million homes purchased annually, 80% of consumer credit in the United States are mortgages. Our average customer has 65% of their net worth in the home equity that they wire to us when they go and close on a home. Every home purchase requires at least one insurance product, sometimes three or four.

 

Yet the whole thing is so, so broken. Consumers deal with repetitive data requests, massive fees, all this money. I just remember, there's only two people with their hand in their pockets pulling money out at the closing table, if any of you have ever bought a house. One is the homebuyer and the second is the mortgage company. Everybody else, 10-plus people have their hands out, "Oh, I get this piece. I get this piece. Oh, I charge this home survey fee. Oh, I had to subordinate your condo. Oh, I needed to get your Homeowners Association documents. You need flood insurance. You need title insurance." Why do I need title insurance if this property stood on a place which was once water? It's obvious that you don't.

 

But there are all these transactions and all of them together makes the process over two months long, over 500 pages to do one transaction, and 10% cost. There used to be a business called retail stock brokerage that, prior to the 1970s, would cost you 2% in and 2% out, and you had to sell your shares of Coca-Cola stock, get the money in your account, and then you could buy your shares of IBM stock, and that whole process took 30 days. Now we have near-instant settlement and zero transaction costs. Yet, during that entire period of time, a one-bedroom apartment in a condo building in midtown Manhattan still costs 6% in and out and 10% when it's all said and done even though it's been there forever, it's been transacted numerous times, there's 35 things that look exactly the same. I saw this when I went to go buy a house for myself and my family. I saw it was so broken.

 

I said, there's got to be something better. I want to be able to walk into an open house, pull out my phone, be able to get pre-approved, figure out how much I want to pay for the house, know what my monthly payment is going to be and send my offer letter to the realtor while I'm standing in the house that me and my family want to buy. That was six years ago.

 

Today, in March 2021, 68,209 consumers got pre-approved for over $25 billion of home financing in an average of 14 minutes on better.com through the process that we have created.

 

Again, to give you some context, this is the top of the funnel. The pre-approval is when consumers come in and then they start shopping for a home. You can imagine the top of the funnel is massive relative even to the volume growth that we have seen. And we're just getting started, which is why we're so excited. Not only do we give you this amazing process that you cannot find anywhere else, on your mobile instantly, we deliver a lower rate, we guarantee it with our better price guarantee. You can see we've grown not by creating a premium product, but an everyday low prices product. We've grown and we've stayed the low-cost provider in this industry throughout our entire existence.

 

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On top of that, our customers fundamentally save over 14 days compared to the regular industry average when they're buying or refinancing their home. We save you time and we save you money. The money we save you is worth your time. In 2020, our refinance customers saved an average of $683 a month on their own payments.

 

Now, I know sometimes in the financing business and the finance business, we talked about lots of numbers with lots of zeroes. But to an average American family that's making $7,000 a month, that's our customer, that is like 10% more money, 10% more disposable cash for soccer games and violin classes and trips to Disneyland. All the stuff that makes life so rich. It's as if those kids whose parents got a refinance got an extra month of wages, got a month off. It's a real difference to people's lives.

 

Our whole platform, Tinman, yes, I know it's funny, but that's what it is.     It's a robot and our people give it the heart. Tinman intermediates the entire process flow. Unlike in a traditional real estate or mortgage finance transaction where the loan officer or the realtor, the commissioned counterparty, is the hero of the transaction and tells everybody else what to do, Tin-man tells all of our third-party service providers, pulls the data automatically, tells our Better team members who are customer focused, and our investors what needs to happen to make the process better, faster, cheaper. It's very, very different from the way a commission broker works.

 

The workflow engine is stunning in its desire and capability to automate processes. Not just to save money, but actually to save time and inject certainty. You don't have to wait to know when the appraisal was scheduled because the commission loan broker comes into the office at 9:00 AM and then get through his calls and so on and so forth. The appraisal is scheduled as soon as the machine knows the appraisal's schedule and the appraisers on of their way, it's telling you, Mr. Consumer. As soon as it gets the appraisal report back, it's telling you, Mr. Consumer. If there's something off, its intermediating that to an expert. All of these processes that we’ve been able to shrink the time of has injected delight to the customer.

 

Over the past five years, we've gone from over 92 tasks that were in bulk in the machine to over 425 discrete tasks, because we've kept broadening the layer of utility and the variety of products that our machine can provide. We've gone from 66 fully automated tasks to 391 automated tasks. The reason I tell you all this is that we take these human-generated tasks, we do them inside the machines, then the machine starts to do them, and then they're automated. That's why we call it true supervised learning. We hope that we get to eventual true AI, which is an unsupervised learning network where consumers’ attributes and investors’ criteria matched instantly and with zero friction.

 

If there's one company in the entire mortgage industry globally that's going to do that,     it’s going to be us because we've been doing it.

 

Our core goal right now is to continue to compress the time. In the industry on average, over 100 hours of manual labor is spent in assembling that 500 page document that you sign at closing called the loan file with all the disclosures and so on and so forth. In 2018, our average was 38 hours, and you can see the range. There were some loans that took as little as 20 hours and there are others that took them as much as 100 hours. We've kept moving that bell curve left. In Q4 2020 we're down to 29 hours.

 

We got some loans, 20% of our production that take less than 10 hours to do. Even assuming all the awesome people that we have in our labor cost per hour, we're talking about savings that are 90% of the industry. We're just going to keep getting better. This enables not only our customers to experience better, but our employees are happier and far more productive. Because they are mission-focused, not commissioned-focused, they are helping 16 families a month. That's unreal.     Because they are happier, because they're not commissioned, yet we're able to generate market share continuously. They're all shareholders. We are able to lower the cost of this not by sacrificing on the quality of labor involved, but actually upgrading the quality of labor. And through productivity and no commissions, still have cost that are 50% below the industry average. I'll give you a real-life example.

 

ViaVid has made considerable efforts to provide an accurate transcription. There may be material errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the reporting of the substance of the conference call. This transcript is being made available for information purposes only.

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Jen, she's been in the business two years. She's got a half an assistant and she does 67 loans a month on the Better platform. Before this, she was a social worker.

 

Mark, he's been in the business for 30 years. You can look him up. He is in the Scotsman Guide, top-three originators by volume in 2019. He's got over 10 assistants. He does 43 loans a month, and on each of them he's taking home like five grand, I estimate.      Mark is making two-hundred grand a month. He drives a fancy car. He reminds me of what my dad's Merrill Lynch broker looked like in the 1980s.

 

We have to ask where are the customers. Yes. For those of you guys who are old school and would remember that book. The fact of the matter is, is what Charles Schwab and e-trade did to the traditional commissioned stockbroker. Time just forgot the mortgage in real estate industry and now the internet has finally shown up and we're here to make it better. What's more, the fact is the machine has far fewer underwriting errors, is less prone to all sorts of compliance headaches, less prone to fraud, and fundamentally outperforms the industry and it's legion of hundreds of thousands of underwriters. Why? Because it follows the rules that the investors want. We have far fewer underwriting errors.

 

Then even more, we thought if we gave everyone a better mortgage with a better rate, with a better monthly payment, would they outperform? We've seen, even though we have the broadest underwriting criteria and we're able to do the full Fannie Mae criteria without any overlays whatsoever, our credit performance of our customers is far superior to the average mortgage originator. We were blessed to be able to help so many consumers in 2020 and grow.

 

In March 2020, we had COVID and the pandemic hit. The mortgage servicers were in complete disarray to enact the CARES Act, liquidity dried up across the system. Except for Better. Because our performance of our customers, because they had a better mortgage at a better rate with a lower, better monthly payment, just far exceeded the averages, so we had access to liquidity in the same way that some of the largest players did. We were able to lean in and say, “Let's help as many customers as possible refinance or buy a new home in what is happening." There is a real competitive advantage to the way we do our business.

 

Lastly, our business model at the tail end ultimately is a dynamic investor matching engine, very similar to how the ECNs revolutionized stock trading and order execution. We have built an ECN plus a marketplace for financing and for insurance. We've got 30-plus institutional investors, eight of the 10 largest banks, Fannie, Freddie, the FHA, all of whom whose underwriting criteria that we matched instantly those 200, 300 page documents and their pricing criteria on those 10 page spreadsheets, if you've ever seen them at a mortgage broker shop that they've got to remember and run down the grid instantly.

 

This is not like bulk pools or spec pools or securitization. This is at a loan by loan level. I'm not trying to sell you a CD with 14 songs. I'm going to let you listen to any particular one, anytime you want, Mr. Investor. What we've done is, by creating a loan platform that allows each marginal new investor to bid each specific loan so they can rebalance their portfolios on a regular basis in a $15 trillion asset class with over $184 billion of daily trading volumes, we are able to access and effectively provide an overlay, which is a whole loan overlaid onto that market. It allows us to continuously deliver a superior product to investors and earn premiums from investors over the traditional mortgage investor or mortgage originators Fannie Mae did. In doing so, we're able to then generate surplus alpha that we can take out and deliver back to the consumer.

 

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When we got started, we knew that Better would take a long time to become a brand that was well known in the industry. The credit crisis had elapsed, it was 2014, it was going to take time for consumers to trust someone in the mortgage industry, because we had to actually deliver on our promise. Some people ask me, "What's our moat?" The fact that we actually deliver on Better. When my customers, service reps say, "Hey, it's in the name. We have to deliver it, or Vishal is going to come after us." It's true. It's in the name. But we also knew that there were a whole host of amazing partners who have been doing great work for their customers, in financial services and beyond, who had exited the mortgage business or had not offered the product to the customer set that they have, because fundamentally the product set and the product providers were broken.

 

We've been able to partner with American Express to create a home concierge for their Card Members. Ally Bank to run Ally Home Loans, where we've grown that business when Ally was doing it using their own system and their technology from $1 billion a year to $1 billion a month. To Progressive, who most recently invested in our Series D and who's insurance customers, when they come in for homeowners insurance policy, are now able to finance or refinance a home. All of this either fully white-labeled or co-branded with Better, all in service of one thing.

 

I wanted to share something that a customer sent to me. Now the name's been anonymized. This is 2018, and I was going on and on about a better rate. We should give people a better rate, we should would give people a better experience. This has been in our decks all since then because this customer helped me realize what it was actually about. I'm going to read it for you because if you take away one slide in this entire deck, is this one. "This is my first experience shopping for a house. I used other online mortgage companies but found that your Company's portal was much easier to use. I was able to increase my budget by $30,000 due to the Better 30-year fixed rate you pre-approved me for, compared to the other companies where I was pre-approved. This makes a huge difference to my family and myself as we can now afford to shop for houses in better school zones, with shorter commutes to my work. Keep it up. It's companies like yours that are starting to turn the tide and restore sanity to the financing."

 

It hit me. It's not about a better rate; it's not about a better experience; it's not about digital. It is what it does for you, which it gets you a better house in a better school district with a shorter commute so you can spend more time with your family and you can send your kids to a better school. That is what it's about. And ultimately, people do not buy houses for $325,000 or $350,000. For most people, that is more money than they’re ever going to see, ever. They buy houses for $1,500 a month and $35,000 down, and you don't want a 4.375% rate compared to an overall online rate of 5%. This was in 2018. What that means for this person, it means they can buy a $350,000 house, not a $325,000 house that they were also looking at. That is the difference: better mortgage, better homeowners insurance, better title insurance, better realtor. Better everything equals a better house for me and my family for the next 30 years.

 

Our growth flywheel compounds every single time we deliver on that promise. Every single customer who we get a better house or we save money through a better refi gets us more customers, which lets us lower prices, which lets us grow our organic traffic.

 

We haven't bought TV ads. You haven't seen us on the radio. You haven't seen us in subway car takeovers. You haven't seen us do all the things that startups and big companies do. There are no actors or actresses showing our product. There are no commercials all over the place. There is no golf classic. There is no fishing tournament. Nothing.

 

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What there is, is everyday low prices, awesome customer support, an unbelievable range of products, and massive data that is being used by us to help make our customers' lives cheaper, faster, better.

 

We're so early in making homeownership better for everyone. Our annual addressable spend is $15 trillion. The U.S. residential real estate market, the total value is $34 trillion. Global residential real estate is $164 trillion. And it's broken pretty much everywhere. Most of it hasn't changed since the days of English common law, which were laid out in the Magna Carta when the Lord no longer owned all the land in the land, and so you had to have a way for people to sell stuff and borrow money against land. This is what we're doing. We're not even just taking this industry from the 1970s to the 2020s. We are literally taking it from the 1200s to the 2000s.

 

We're reaching an inflection point to achieving exponential growth. I am going to hand it off to my partner and our CFO, Kevin Ryan, to step in here for me.

 

Kevin Ryan

 

Thank you, Vishal.

 

Before we dive into the numbers, just a few points on how we think about growth and manage our business.

 

First off, we're trying to change an industry; and therefore, we first focus on growing our customer base and helping more people achieve their homeownership treatments. Consistent with that mission from an operational and financial perspective, we focus on delivering exceptional transaction volume and market share growth, delivering exceptional revenue growth, and consistently lowering our manufacturing costs, which we believe are already significantly lower than the industry average. All of this will allow us to build the world's best homeownership platform.

 

As you can see on the left, Better currently operates in three core business lines: home finance, one-click title and one-click homeowners insurance, and Better real estate. Better real estate is rapidly growing through hiring of in-house agents. As you can see on the right, we are rapidly growing our business and pushing to obtaining 5% market share by 2023.

 

Let's talk about profitability. We believe Better is already the market leader in digitization and automation and we believe we already have the lowest manufacturing costs in the industry.

 

As to our actual financials, 2020 was an exceptional year for Better. Our direct-to-consumer take rate was 3.9% or over $12,000 a loan.

 

On the left column, you can see we laid out management's view of a normalized 2020. Our entire mission is to eliminate commissions, reduce fees, and deliver the best rates to our customers. Accordingly, we have worked with Mackenzie and believe that over a full 10-year cycle, take rates, or gain on sale margins, should average around 3.25% for the industry.

 

We aim to deliver more value to our customers and grow our business quicker than the industry; and therefore, we should average at approximately 2.75%, or $9,000 a loan. At $9,000 a loan, with our leading manufacturing costs, we would have been profitable in 2020. And we will be much more profitable in the future, as we grow volume, scale our business, and better cover our research and development, engineering, hiring, and fixed cost base.

 

Our goal is to be the home for every consumers' home; and therefore, we're building a leading, integrated homeownership platform. As you can see on this page, we're just getting started in growing our insurance business. We incurred no additional marketing spends, and we are growing revenue much faster than the leading fintech players in insurance.

 

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We are blitz-scaling our Better real estate business, aggressively hiring agents, and expanding the markets in which we serve. Our TAM is huge in BRE and we believe there were approximately 7.5 million real estate transactions that occurred in 2020 alone. Like mortgage, we will grow this business without paying commissions, and by delivering superior value to our customers.

 

With that, I'll turn it over to Prabhu, to cover the transaction overview and valuation.

 

Prabhu Narasimhan

 

Thanks, Kevin.

 

We are pleased to partner with Better to support Vishal and Better's vision to make Better the home for your homeownership platform.

 

This transaction values Better at a pre-equity transaction value of $6.9 billion and a pro forma equity transaction value of $7.8 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals.

 

We believe that the transaction is highly attractive, given Better's strong growth rates and the tremendous opportunity we see ahead. We are proud to have identified such an innovative and disruptive, data-driven technology company to combine with.

 

Thank you for your time.

 

ViaVid has made considerable efforts to provide an accurate transcription. There may be material errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the reporting of the substance of the conference call. This transcript is being made available for information purposes only.

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Important Information for Investors and Shareholders

 

This communication relates to a proposed transaction between Aurora Acquisition Corp. (“Aurora”) and Better HoldCo, Inc. (“Better”). This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Aurora intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which will include a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of Aurora, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. A proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Aurora shareholders. Aurora also will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of Aurora are urged to read the Registration Statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Neither the SEC nor any securities commission or any other U.S. or non-U.S. jurisdiction has approved or disapproved of the business combination or information included herein.

 

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Aurora through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by Aurora with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Aurora’s website at https://aurora-acquisition.com/ or upon written request to Aurora Acquisition Corp., 20 North Audley Street, London W1K 6LX, United Kingdom, Attention: Arnaud Massenet, Chief Executive Officer, +44 (0)20 3931 9785.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

Aurora and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Aurora’s stockholders with respect to the business combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Aurora is contained in Aurora’s registration statement on Form S-1, which was initially filed with the SEC on February 12, 2021, and is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at sec.gov, or by directing a request to Aurora Acquisition Corp., 20 North Audley Street, London W1K 6LX, United Kingdom, Attention: Arnaud Massenet, Chief Executive Officer, +44 (0)20 3931 9785. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement when available.

 

Better and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Aurora in connection with the business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the business combination will be contained in the Registration Statement when available.

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Forwarding Looking Statements

 

This communication only speaks as of May 11, 2021 and contains, and related discussions may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. These statements include descriptions regarding the intent, belief, estimates, assumptions or current expectations of Aurora, Better or their respective officers with respect to the consolidated results of operations and financial condition, future events and plans of Aurora and Better. These forward-looking statements may be identified by a reference to a future period or by the use of forward-looking terminology. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expect”, “believe”, “foresee”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “goal”, “strategy”, “plan”, “target” and “project” or conditional verbs such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “could” or “would” or the negative of these terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management’s current expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which are inherently uncertain and beyond Aurora’s and Better’s control. Such expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections are expressed in good faith, and management believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Better is experiencing significant changes within the mortgage lending and servicing ecosystem which have magnified such uncertainties. In the past, actual results have differed from those suggested by forward-looking statements and this may happen again.

 

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Better’s performance, capabilities, strategy, and outlook; our expectations regarding the sustainability of Better’s rapid growth and its ability to manage its growth effectively; the demand for Better’s solutions and products and services, including the size of Better’s addressable market, market share, and market trends; Better’s ability to operate under and maintain Better’s business model; Better’s ability to develop and protect its brand; our expectations regarding financial performance including Better’s operational and financial targets; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and Better’s need for additional financing; the degree of business and financial risk associated with certain of Better’s loans; the high volatility in, or any inaccuracies in the estimates of, the value of Better’s assets; any changes in macro-economic conditions and in U.S. residential real estate market conditions, including changes in prevailing interest rates or monetary policies and the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; Better’s expectations regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Better’s business including on the volume of consumers refinancing existing loans, Better’s ability to produce loans, liquidity and employees; Better’s competitive position; Better’s ability to improve and expand its information technology and financial infrastructure, security and compliance requirements and operating and administrative systems; Better’s future investments in its technology and operations; Better’s intellectual property position, including its ability to maintain, protect and enhance Better’s intellectual property; the need to hire additional personnel and Better’s ability to attract and retain such personnel; Better’s ability to obtain additional capital and maintain cash flow or obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us; the effects of Better’s existing and future indebtedness on its liquidity and Better’s ability to operate our business; our expectations concerning relationships with third parties; Better’s plans to adopt the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”); the impact of laws and regulations and Better’s ability to comply with such laws and regulations including laws and regulations relating to fair lending, real estate brokerage matters, title and settlement services, consumer protection, advertising, tax, title insurance, loan production and servicing activities, data privacy, and anti-corruption; any changes in certain U.S. government-sponsored entities and government agencies, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the FHA; Aurora’s expectations regarding the period during which we will qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act; the increased expenses associated with being a public company; and Better’s anticipated use of existing resources and the proceeds from the business combination.

 

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There may be other risks not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results to differ materially. Analysis and opinions contained in this communication may be based on assumptions that, if altered, can change the analysis or opinions expressed. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this communication, the inclusion of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the objectives and plans set forth in this report will be achieved, and you are cautioned not to place substantial weight or undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, Aurora and Better each disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Use of Data

 

The data contained herein is derived from various internal and external sources we believe to be reliable. No representation is made as to the reasonableness of the assumptions within or the accuracy or completeness of any projections or modeling or any other information contained herein. Accordingly, any liability in respect of the information contained herein or in respect of this communication (including in respect of direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) is expressly disclaimed. Any data on past performance or modeling contained herein is not an indication as to future performance, and each of Better and Aurora disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise the information in this communication, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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