|
England and Wales
|
| |
2836
|
| |
Not applicable
|
|
|
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organisation) |
| |
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number) |
| |
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
|
|
Divakar Gupta
Marc Recht Cooley LLP 55 Hudson Yards New York, New York 10001 +1 212 479 6000 |
| |
David Boles
Claire Keast-Butler Cooley (UK) LLP 22 Bishopsgate London EC2N 4BQ United Kingdom +44 20 7583 4055 |
| |
Andrew Harrow
Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP 100 Cheapside London EC2V 6DY United Kingdom +44 20 7447 4200 |
| |
Robert Puopolo
Seo Salimi William Magioncalda Goodwin Procter LLP 100 Northern Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02210 +1 617 570-1000 |
|
| | |
PER ADS
|
| |
TOTAL
|
| ||||||
Initial public offering price
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Page
|
| |||
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| | | | 96 | | | |
| | | | 97 | | | |
| | | | 100 | | | |
| | | | 102 | | | |
| | | | 104 | | | |
| | | | 107 | | | |
| | | | 134 | | | |
| | | | 215 | | | |
| | | | 232 | | | |
| | | | 238 | | | |
| | | | 241 | | | |
| | | | 261 | | | |
| | | | 272 | | | |
| | | | 275 | | | |
| | | | 283 | | | |
| | | | 290 | | | |
| | | | 291 | | | |
| | | | 292 | | | |
| | | | 292 | | | |
| | | | 293 | | | |
| | | | 295 | | | |
| | | | F-1 | | |
| | |
Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| |
Year ended
December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Loss and Other Comprehensive Loss Data
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 7,697 | | | | | £ | 5,575 | | | | | £ | 4,753 | | | | | $ | 13,353 | | | | | £ | 9,672 | | | | | £ | 9,107 | | |
Costs of sales
|
| | | | (10,327) | | | | | | (7,480) | | | | | | (6,909) | | | | | | (19,640) | | | | | | (14,226) | | | | | | (5,634) | | |
Gross (loss)
|
| | | | (2,630) | | | | | | (1,905) | | | | | | (2,156) | | | | | | (6,287) | | | | | | (4,554) | | | | | | 3,473 | | |
Research and development expenses
|
| | | | (17,091) | | | | | | (12,379) | | | | | | (4,323) | | | | | | (15,072) | | | | | | (10,917) | | | | | | (6,671) | | |
General administrative expenses
|
| | | | (14,915) | | | | | | (10,803) | | | | | | (2,916) | | | | | | (12,319) | | | | | | (8,923) | | | | | | (5,512) | | |
Foreign exchange losses/(gains)
|
| | | | (4,002) | | | | | | (2,899) | | | | | | 1,488 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Other income
|
| | | | 1,729 | | | | | | 1,252 | | | | | | 450 | | | | | | 1,664 | | | | | | 1,205 | | | | | | 534 | | |
Operating loss
|
| | | | (36,909) | | | | | | (26,734) | | | | | | (7,456) | | | | | | (32,015) | | | | | | (23,189) | | | | | | (8,176) | | |
Finance income
|
| | | | 7 | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | 77 | | | | | | 152 | | | | | | 110 | | | | | | 272 | | |
Finance expenses
|
| | | | (81) | | | | | | (59) | | | | | | (26) | | | | | | (123) | | | | | | (89) | | | | | | (50) | | |
Share of loss of joint venture
|
| | | | (1,026) | | | | | | (743) | | | | | | (449) | | | | | | (1,672) | | | | | | (1,211) | | | | | | (90) | | |
Gain on derivative financial instruments
|
| | | | 1,881 | | | | | | 1,362 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Loss before taxation
|
| | | | (36,128) | | | | | | (26,169) | | | | | | (7,854) | | | | | | (33,658) | | | | | | (24,379) | | | | | | (8,044) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | 2,905 | | | | | | 2,104 | | | | | | 675 | | | | | | 2,894 | | | | | | 2,096 | | | | | | 1,727 | | |
Loss for the period
|
| | | $ | (33,223) | | | | | £ | (24,065) | | | | | £ | (7,179) | | | | | $ | (30,764) | | | | | £ | (22,283) | | | | | £ | (6,317) | | |
Other comprehensive loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency income/(loss) on translation of foreign operations
|
| | | | 8 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | (142) | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value
|
| | | | 414 | | | | | | 300 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Total other comprehensive income/
(loss) for the period, net tax |
| | | | 422 | | | | | | 306 | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | (142) | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the period
|
| | | | | | | | | | (23,759) | | | | | | (7,148) | | | | | | (30,906) | | | | | | (22,386) | | | | | | (6,325) | | |
Basic diluted loss per share (pence
per share)(1) |
| | | | (0.35) | | | | | | (0.25) | | | | | | (0.07) | | | | | | (0.30) | | | | | | (0.22) | | | | | | (0.64) | | |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding – basic and diluted
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 95,223 | | | | | | 100,737 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 101,923 | | | | | | 99,106 | | |
Pro forma net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (unaudited)(2)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pro forma weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, basic and diluted (unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
As of June 30, 2021
|
| |||||||||
| | |
Actual
|
| |
Pro Forma(1)
|
| |
Pro Forma
as Adjusted(2) |
| |||
| | |
(in thousands)
|
| |||||||||
Consolidated statement of financial position data: | | | | | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | £ | 245,593 | | | |
|
| |
|
|
Total assets
|
| | | | 270,443 | | | | | | | | |
Share capital
|
| | | | — | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities
|
| | | | 49,406 | | | | | | | | |
Share premium
|
| | | | 272,223 | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange reserve
|
| | | | (105) | | | | | | | | |
Share-based payment reserve
|
| | | | 6,330 | | | | | | | | |
Fair value reserve
|
| | | | 300 | | | | | ||||
Accumulated loss
|
| | | | (57,711) | | | | | | | | |
Total equity (deficit) attributable to owners of the parent
|
| | | £ | 221,037 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
As of June 30, 2021
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
Actual
|
| |
Pro Forma
|
| |
Pro Forma
As Adjusted |
| |||||||||
| | |
(in thousands except share
and per share data) |
| |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | £ | 245,593 | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
Capital and reserves
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share premium
|
| | | | 272,223 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange reserve
|
| | | | (105) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share-based payment reserve
|
| | | | 6,330 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fair value reserve
|
| | | | 300 | | | | | ||||||||||
Accumulated losses
|
| | | | (57,711) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent
|
| | | | 221,037 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total capitalisation
|
| | | £ | 221,037 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Assumed initial public offering price per ADS
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | | | |
|
Historical net tangible book value per ADS as of June 30, 2021
|
| | | $ | | | | | | | | | |
|
Increase (decrease) per ADS attributable to the pro forma adjustment described above
|
| | | | | | | | |||||
|
Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per ADS as of June 30, 2021
|
| | | | | | | | |||||
|
Increase in net tangible book value per ADS attributable to this offering and the concurrent private placement as a result of pro forma adjustments described above
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS after this offering and the concurrent private placement.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Dilution in as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS to new investors participating in this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | | | |
| | |
Ordinary Shares or
ADSs Purchased |
| |
Total Consideration
|
| |
Average
Price Per Ordinary Share |
| |
Average
Price Per ADS |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Number
|
| |
Percent
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Percent
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Existing shareholders
|
| | | | | | | | | | % | | | | | $ | | | | | | % | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | |||
Private placement investor
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
New investors
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Totals
|
| | | | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | $ | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | |
| | |
Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| |
Year ended
December 31, |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Loss and Other Comprehensive Loss Data
|
| | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 7,697 | | | | | £ | 5,575 | | | | | £ | 4,753 | | | | | $ | 13,353 | | | | | £ | 9,672 | | | | | £ | 9,107 | | |
Costs of sales
|
| | | | (10,327) | | | | | | (7,480) | | | | | | (6,909) | | | | | | (19,640) | | | | | | (14,226) | | | | | | (5,634) | | |
Gross (loss)
|
| | | | (2,630) | | | | | | (1,905) | | | | | | (2,156) | | | | | | (6,287) | | | | | | (4,554) | | | | | | 3,473 | | |
Research and development expenses
|
| | | | (17,091) | | | | | | (12,379) | | | | | | (4,323) | | | | | | (15,072) | | | | | | (10,917) | | | | | | (6,671) | | |
General administrative expenses
|
| | | | (14,915) | | | | | | (10,803) | | | | | | (2,916) | | | | | | (12,319) | | | | | | (8,923) | | | | | | (5,512) | | |
Foreign exchange losses/(gains)
|
| | | | (4,002) | | | | | | (2,899) | | | | | | 1,488 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Other income
|
| | | | 1,729 | | | | | | 1,252 | | | | | | 450 | | | | | | 1,664 | | | | | | 1,205 | | | | | | 534 | | |
Operating loss
|
| | | | (36,909) | | | | | | (26,734) | | | | | | (7,456) | | | | | | (32,015) | | | | | | (23,189) | | | | | | (8,176) | | |
Finance income
|
| | | | 7 | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | 77 | | | | | | 152 | | | | | | 110 | | | | | | 272 | | |
Finance expenses
|
| | | | (81) | | | | | | (59) | | | | | | (26) | | | | | | (123) | | | | | | (89) | | | | | | (50) | | |
Share of loss of joint venture
|
| | | | (1,026) | | | | | | (743) | | | | | | (449) | | | | | | (1,672) | | | | | | (1,211) | | | | | | (90) | | |
Gain on derivative financial instruments
|
| | | | 1,881 | | | | | | 1,362 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Loss before taxation
|
| | | | (36,128) | | | | | | (26,169) | | | | | | (7,854) | | | | | | (33,658) | | | | | | (24,379) | | | | | | (8,044) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | 2,905 | | | | | | 2,104 | | | | | | 675 | | | | | | 2,894 | | | | | | 2,096 | | | | | | 1,727 | | |
Loss for the period
|
| | | $ | (33,223) | | | | | £ | (24,065) | | | | | £ | (7,179) | | | | | $ | (30,764) | | | | | £ | (22,283) | | | | | £ | (6,317) | | |
Other comprehensive loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency income/(loss) on translation of foreign operations
|
| | | | 8 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | (142) | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value
|
| | | | 414 | | | | | | 300 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Total other comprehensive income/
(loss) for the period, net tax |
| | | | 422 | | | | | | 306 | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | (142) | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the period
|
| | | | (32,801) | | | | | | (23,759) | | | | | | (7,148) | | | | | | (30,906) | | | | | | (22,386) | | | | | | (6,325) | | |
Basic and diluted loss per share (pence per share)(1)
|
| | | | (0.35) | | | | | | (0.25) | | | | | | (0.07) | | | | | | (0.30) | | | | | | (0.22) | | | | | | (0.64) | | |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding – basic and diluted
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 95,223 | | | | | | 100,737 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 101,923 | | | | | | 99,106 | | |
Pro forma net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (unaudited)(2)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pro forma weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, basic and diluted (unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
As of June 30,
|
| |
As of December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
(in thousands)
|
| |
(in thousands)
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated statement of financial position data: | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 339,066 | | | | | £ | 245,593 | | | | | $ | 86,403 | | | | | £ | 62,584 | | | | | £ | 31,454 | | |
Total assets
|
| | | | 373,374 | | | | | | 270,443 | | | | | | 107,306 | | | | | | 77,724 | | | | | | 41,469 | | |
Share capital
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Share premium
|
| | | | 375,831 | | | | | | 272,223 | | | | | | 123,010 | | | | | | 89,099 | | | | | | 32,318 | | |
Foreign exchange reserve
|
| | | | (145) | | | | | | (105) | | | | | | (153) | | | | | | (111) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Share-based payment reserve
|
| | | | 8,739 | | | | | | 6,330 | | | | | | 4,955 | | | | | | 3,589 | | | | | | 1,884 | | |
Accumulated loss
|
| | | | (79,676) | | | | | | (57,711) | | | | | | (47,015) | | | | | | (34,054) | | | | | | (12,140) | | |
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent
|
| | | | 305,164 | | | | | | 221,037 | | | | | | 80,797 | | | | | | 58,523 | | | | | | 22,054 | | |
Total liabilities
|
| | | $ | 68,210 | | | | | £ | 49,406 | | | | | $ | 26,509 | | | | | £ | (19,201) | | | | | £ | (19,415) | | |
| | |
Six months ending June 30,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| ||||||||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 7,697 | | | | | £ | 5,575 | | | | | £ | 4,753 | | |
Costs of sales
|
| | | | (10,327) | | | | | | (7,480) | | | | | | (6,909) | | |
Gross (loss)
|
| | | | (2,630) | | | | | | (1,905) | | | | | | (2,156) | | |
Research and development expenses
|
| | | | (17,091) | | | | | | (12,379) | | | | | | (4,323) | | |
General administrative expenses
|
| | | | (14,915) | | | | | | (10,803) | | | | | | (2,916) | | |
Foreign exchange losses/(gains)
|
| | | | (4,002) | | | | | | (2,899) | | | | | | 1,489 | | |
Other income
|
| | | | 1,729 | | | | | | 1,252 | | | | | | 450 | | |
Operating loss
|
| | | | (36,909) | | | | | | (26,734) | | | | | | (7,456) | | |
Finance income
|
| | | | 7 | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | 77 | | |
Finance expenses
|
| | | | (81) | | | | | | (59) | | | | | | (26) | | |
Share of loss of joint venture
|
| | | | (1,026) | | | | | | (743) | | | | | | (449) | | |
Gain on derivative financial instruments
|
| | | | 1,881 | | | | | | 1,362 | | | | | | — | | |
Loss before taxation
|
| | | | (36,128) | | | | | | (26,169) | | | | | | (7,854) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | 2,905 | | | | | | 2,104 | | | | | | 675 | | |
Loss for the period
|
| | | $ | (33,223) | | | | | £ | (24,065) | | | | | £ | (7,179) | | |
| | |
Six months ended June 30,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| ||||||||||||
Service fees
|
| | | $ | 460 | | | | | £ | 333 | | | | | £ | 376 | | |
Licensing fees
|
| | | | 7,237 | | | | | | 5,242 | | | | | | 4,377 | | |
Revenue | | | | $ | 7,697 | | | | | £ | 5,575 | | | | | £ | 4,753 | | |
| | |
Six months ending June 30,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| ||||||||||||
External CRO costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
| | | $ | 9,250 | | | | | £ | 6,700 | | | | | £ | 6,273 | | |
Internal labour and overheads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
| | | | 1,077 | | | | | | 780 | | | | | | 636 | | |
Total costs of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
| | | $ | 10,327 | | | | | £ | 7,480 | | | | | £ | 6,909 | | |
| | |
Six months ended June,
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| ||||||||||||
EXS21546
|
| | | $ | 1,561 | | | | | £ | 1,131 | | | | | £ | 98 | | |
Other research projects
|
| | | $ | 4,495 | | | | | | 3,256 | | | | | | 871 | | |
Total external research and development expense
|
| | | $ | 6,056 | | | | | £ | 4,387 | | | | | £ | 969 | | |
Headcount related expenses
|
| | | | 7,439 | | | | | | 5,388 | | | | | | 2,453 | | |
Laboratory consumables and equipment
|
| | | | 1,677 | | | | | | 1,215 | | | | | | 431 | | |
Software and data
|
| | | | 1,542 | | | | | | 1,117 | | | | | | 387 | | |
Other
|
| | | | 377 | | | | | | 272 | | | | | | 83 | | |
Total internal research and development expenses
|
| | | $ | 11,035 | | | | | £ | 7,992 | | | | | £ | 3,354 | | |
Total research and development expenses
|
| | | $ | 17,091 | | | | | £ | 12,379 | | | | | £ | 4,323 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 13,353 | | | | | £ | 9,672 | | | | | £ | 9,107 | | |
Costs of sales
|
| | | | (19,640) | | | | | | (14,226) | | | | | | (5,634) | | |
Gross (loss)/profit
|
| | | | (6,287) | | | | | | (4,554) | | | | | | 3,473 | | |
Research and development expenses
|
| | | | (15,072) | | | | | | (10,917) | | | | | | (6,671) | | |
General administrative expenses
|
| | | | (12,319) | | | | | | (8,923) | | | | | | (5,512) | | |
Other income
|
| | | | 1,664 | | | | | | 1,205 | | | | | | 534 | | |
Operating loss
|
| | | | (32,015) | | | | | | (23,189) | | | | | | (8,176) | | |
Finance income
|
| | | | 152 | | | | | | 110 | | | | | | 272 | | |
Finance expenses
|
| | | | (123) | | | | | | (89) | | | | | | (50) | | |
Share of loss of joint venture
|
| | | | (1,672) | | | | | | (1,211) | | | | | | (90) | | |
Loss before taxation
|
| | |
|
(33,658)
|
| | | | | (24,379) | | | | | | (8,044) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | 2,894 | | | | | | 2,096 | | | | | | 1,727 | | |
Loss for the year
|
| | | $ | (30,764) | | | | | £ | (22,283) | | | | | £ | (6,317) | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||||
Service fees
|
| | | $ | 1,085 | | | | | £ | 786 | | | | | £ | 141 | | |
Licensing fees
|
| | | | 12,268 | | | | | | 8,886 | | | | | | 8,966 | | |
Revenue | | | | $ | 13,353 | | | | | £ | 9,672 | | | | | £ | 9,107 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||||
External CRO costs
|
| | | $ | 17,792 | | | | | £ | 12,887 | | | | | £ | 4,550 | | |
Internal labour and overheads
|
| | | | 1,848 | | | | | | 1,339 | | | | | | 1,084 | | |
Total costs of sales
|
| | | $ | 19,640 | | | | | £ | 14,226 | | | | | £ | 5,634 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||||
EXS21546
|
| | | $ | 1,651 | | | | | £ | 1,196 | | | | | £ | 1,267 | | |
Other research projects
|
| | | | 2,264 | | | | | | 1,640 | | | | | | 1,725 | | |
Total external research and development expense
|
| | | $ | 3,915 | | | | | £ | 2,836 | | | | | £ | 2,992 | | |
Headcount related expenses
|
| | | | 7,915 | | | | | | 5,733 | | | | | | 2,582 | | |
Laboratory consumables and equipment
|
| | | | 1,484 | | | | | | 1,075 | | | | | | 517 | | |
Software and data
|
| | | | 1,354 | | | | | | 981 | | | | | | 526 | | |
Other
|
| | | | 403 | | | | | | 292 | | | | | | 54 | | |
Total internal research and development expenses
|
| | | $ | 11,156 | | | | | £ | 8,081 | | | | | £ | 3,679 | | |
Total research and development expenses
|
| | | $ | 15,071 | | | | | £ | 10,917 | | | | | £ | 6,671 | | |
| | |
Six months ended June 30,
|
| |
Year ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2021
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash flows generated from/(used in) operating activities
|
| | | $ | 5,139 | | | | | £ | 3,722 | | | | | £ | (6,615) | | | | | $ | (29,590) | | | | | £ | (21,433) | | | | | £ | 7,025 | | |
Net cash flows used in investing activities
|
| | | | (4,821) | | | | | | (3,492) | | | | | | (1,068) | | | | | | (5,170) | | | | | | (3,745) | | | | | | (1,699) | | |
Net cash generated from financing activities
|
| | | | 252,354 | | | | | | 182,786 | | | | | | 48,399 | | | | | | 77,743 | | | | | | 56,311 | | | | | | (146) | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 339,066 | | | | | £ | 245,593 | | | | | £ | 72,174 | | | | | $ | 42,982 | | | | | £ | 31,133 | | | | | £ | 5,180 | | |
| | |
Payment Due by Period
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
| |
< 1 Year
|
| |
1-3 Years
|
| |
3-5 Years
|
| |
5 Years +
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lease liabilities (1)
|
| | | £ | 3,467 | | | | | £ | 677 | | | | | £ | 1,344 | | | | | £ | 829 | | | | | £ | 617 | | |
Capital commitments(2)
|
| | | | 1,701 | | | | | | 1,701 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Total contractual obligations
|
| | | £ | 5,168 | | | | | £ | 2,378 | | | | | £ | 1,344 | | | | | £ | 829 | | | | | £ | 617 | | |
Total contractual obligations
|
| | | $ | 7,135 | | | | | $ | 3,283 | | | | | $ | 1,856 | | | | | $ | 1,144 | | | | | $ | 852 | | |
Name
|
| |
Age
|
| |
Position(s)
|
|
Executive Officers: | | | | | | | |
Andrew L. Hopkins, DPhil | | |
49
|
| |
Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
Ben Taylor | | |
43
|
| | Chief Financial Officer and Director | |
David Hallett, Ph.D. | | |
51
|
| | Chief Operations Officer | |
Garry Pairaudeau, Ph.D. | | |
55
|
| | Chief Technology Officer | |
Non-Executive Directors: | | | | | | | |
David Nicholson, Ph.D.(1)(2)(3) | | |
66
|
| | Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
Elizabeth Crain(1)(2)(3) | | |
56
|
| | Director | |
Robert Ghenchev | | |
38
|
| | Director | |
Mario Polywka, DPhil(1)(2)(3) | | |
58
|
| | Director | |
Joanne Xu | | |
43
|
| | Director | |
Participants
|
| |
Series D1
Shares (#) |
| |||
SVF II Excel (DE) LLC (an entity affiliated with SoftBank)
|
| | | | 28,554 | | |
Entities affiliated with BlackRock, Inc.
|
| | | | 5,425 | | |
Participants
|
| |
Series C1
Shares (#) |
| |||
Entities affiliated with BlackRock, Inc.
|
| | | | 17,132 | | |
Participants
|
| |
Series C
Shares (#) |
| |||
Novo Holdings A/S
|
| | | | 38,197 | | |
Evotec SE
|
| | | | 9,549 | | |
Celgene Corporation
|
| | | | 4,452 | | |
Participants
|
| |
Series B
Shares (#) |
| |||
Celgene Corporation
|
| | | | 12,464 | | |
Evotec SE
|
| | | | 4,480 | | |
GT Healthcare Partners Fund III, LP
|
| | | | 12,464 | | |
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
| |
Number of
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned |
| |
Percentage of Ordinary
Shares Beneficially Owned |
| |||
|
Before Offering
and Concurrent Private Placement |
| |
After Offering
and Concurrent Private Placement |
| |||||
5% or Greater Shareholders: | | | | | | | | | | |
Evotec SE(1)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Softbank Group Corp.(2)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Novo Holdings A/S(3)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Entities affiliated with BlackRock, Inc.(4)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Celgene Corporation(5)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
GT Healthcare Partners Fund III, L.P.(6)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Executive Officers and Directors: | | | | | | | | | | |
Andrew Hopkins, DPhil, FRSE, FRSC(7)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Ben Taylor(8)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
David Hallett, Ph.D.(9)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Garry Pairaudeau(10)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
David Nicholson, Ph.D. (11)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Elizabeth Crain(12)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Robert Ghenchev(13)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
| |
Number of
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned |
| |
Percentage of Ordinary
Shares Beneficially Owned |
| |||
|
Before Offering
and Concurrent Private Placement |
| |
After Offering
and Concurrent Private Placement |
| |||||
Mario Polywka, Ph.D.(14)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Joanne Xu
|
| | | | | | | | | |
All current directors and executive officers as a
group (9 persons) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
Number of Directors | | | Under the Companies Act, a public limited company must have at least two directors and the number of directors may be fixed by or in the manner provided in a company’s articles of association. | | | Under Delaware law, a corporation must have at least one director and the number of directors shall be fixed by or in the manner provided in the bylaws. | |
Removal of Directors | | | Under the Companies Act, shareholders may remove a director without cause by an ordinary resolution (which is passed by a simple majority of those voting in person or by proxy at a general meeting) irrespective of any provisions of any service contract the director has with the Company, provided 28 clear days’ notice of the resolution has been given to the Company and its shareholders. On receipt of notice of an intended resolution to remove a director, the Company must forthwith send a copy of the notice to the director concerned. Certain other procedural requirements under the. Companies Act must also be followed such as allowing the | | | Under Delaware law, any director or the entire board of directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors, except (a) unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise, in the case of a corporation whose board of directors is classified, shareholders may effect such removal only for cause or (b) in the case of a corporation having cumulative voting, if less than the entire board of directors is to be removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against his removal would be sufficient to elect him if then cumulatively voted at an election of the entire board of | |
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
| | | director to make representations against his or her removal either at the meeting or in writing. | | | directors, or, if there are classes of directors, at an election of the class of directors of which he is a part. | |
Vacancies on the Board of Directors | | | Under the laws of England and Wales, the procedure by which directors, other than a company’s initial directors, are appointed is generally set out in a company’s articles of association, provided that where two or more persons are appointed as directors of a public limited company by resolution of the shareholders, resolutions appointing each director must be voted on individually unless a resolution has first been unanimously passed confirming that a single resolution appointing two or more directors may be tabled at that meeting. | | | Under Delaware law, vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office (even though less than a quorum) or by a sole remaining director unless (a) otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the corporation or (b) the certificate of incorporation directs that a particular class of stock is to elect such director, in which case a majority of the other directors elected by such class, or a sole remaining director elected by such class, will fill such vacancy. | |
Annual General Meeting | | | Under the Companies Act, a public limited company must hold an annual general meeting in each six-month period following its annual accounting reference date. | | | Under Delaware law, the annual meeting of stockholders shall be held at such place, on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the board of directors or as provided in the certificate of incorporation or by the bylaws. | |
General Meeting | | |
Under the Companies Act, a general meeting of the shareholders of a public limited company may be called by the directors.
Shareholders holding at least 5% of the paid-up capital of the Company carrying voting rights at general meetings (excluding any paid up capital held as treasury shares) can require the directors to call a general meeting and, if the directors fail to do so within a certain period, may themselves (or any of them representing more than one half of the total voting rights of all of them) convene a general meeting.
|
| | Under Delaware law, special meetings of the stockholders may be called by the board of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorised by the certificate of incorporation or by the bylaws. | |
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
Notice of General Meetings | | | Subject to a company’s articles of association providing for a longer period, under the Companies Act, 21 clear days’ notice must be given for an annual general meeting and any resolutions to be proposed at the meeting. Subject to a company’s articles of association providing for a longer period, at least 14 clear days’ notice is required for any other general meeting. In addition, certain matters, such as the removal of directors or auditors, require special notice, which is 28 clear days’ notice. The shareholders of a company (that is not a “traded company”, as such term is defined in Part 13 of the Companies Act) may in all cases consent to a shorter notice period, the proportion of shareholders’ consent required being 100% of those entitled to attend and vote in the case of an annual general meeting and, in the case of any other general meeting, a majority in number of the members having a right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority who together hold not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares giving a right to attend and vote at the meeting. | | | Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, written notice of any meeting of the stockholders must be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting and shall specify the place, date, hour and purpose or purposes of the meeting. | |
Quorum | | | Subject to the provisions of a company’s articles of association, the Companies Act provides that two shareholders present at a meeting (in person, by proxy or authorised representative under the Companies Act) shall constitute a quorum for companies with more than one shareholder. | | |
The certificate of incorporation or bylaws may specify the number of shares, the holders of which shall be present or represented by proxy at any meeting to constitute a quorum, but in no event shall a quorum consist of less than one third of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting. In the absence of such specification in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders.
|
|
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
Proxy | | | Under the Companies Act, at any meeting of shareholders, a shareholder may designate another person to attend, speak and vote at the meeting on their behalf by proxy. | | | Under Delaware law, at any meeting of stockholders, a stockholder may designate another person to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A director of a Delaware corporation may not issue a proxy representing the director’s voting rights as a director. | |
Preemptive Rights | | | Under the Companies Act, “equity securities”, being (1) shares in the Company other than shares that, with respect to dividends and capital, carry a right to participate only up to a specified amount in a distribution, referred to as “ordinary shares” or (2) rights to subscribe for, or to convert securities into, ordinary shares, proposed to be allotted for cash must be offered first to the existing equity shareholders in the Company in proportion to the respective nominal value of their holdings, unless an exception applies or a special resolution to the contrary has been passed by shareholders in a general meeting or the articles of association provide otherwise in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. | | | Under Delaware law, shareholders have no preemptive rights to subscribe to additional issues of stock or to any security convertible into such stock unless, and except to the extent that, such rights are expressly provided for in the certificate of incorporation. | |
Authority to Allot | | | Under the Companies Act, the directors of a company must not allot shares or grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares unless an exception applies or an ordinary resolution to the contrary has been passed by shareholders in a general meeting or the articles of association provide otherwise in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. | | | Under Delaware law, if the corporation’s charter or certificate of incorporation so provides, the board of directors has the power to authorise the issuance of stock. It may authorise capital stock to be issued for consideration consisting of cash, any tangible or intangible property or any benefit to the corporation or any combination thereof. It may determine the amount of such consideration by approving a formula. In the absence of | |
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
| | | | | | actual fraud in the transaction, the judgement of the directors as to the value of such consideration is conclusive. | |
Liability of Directors and Officers
|
| |
Under the Companies Act, any provision, whether contained in a company’s articles of association or any contract or otherwise, that purports to exempt a director of a company, to any extent, from any liability that would otherwise attach to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the Company is void.
Any provision by which a company directly or indirectly provides an indemnity, to any extent, for a director of the Company or of an associated company against any liability attaching to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the Company of which he is a director is also void except as permitted by the Companies Act, which provides exceptions for the Company to (a) purchase and maintain insurance against such liability; (b) provide a “qualifying third party indemnity” (being an indemnity against liability incurred by the director to a person other than the Company or an associated company or criminal proceedings in which he is convicted); and (c) provide a “qualifying pension scheme indemnity” (being an indemnity against liability incurred in connection with our activities as trustee of an occupational pension plan).
|
| |
Under Delaware law, a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may include a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation and its stockholders for damages arising from a breach of fiduciary duty as a director. However, no provision can limit the liability of a director for:
•
any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders;
•
acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
•
intentional or negligent payment of unlawful dividends or stock purchases or redemptions; or
•
any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.
|
|
Voting Rights | | | Under the laws of England and Wales, unless a poll is demanded by the shareholders of a company or is required by the chairman of the meeting or our articles of association, | | | Delaware law provides that, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder. | |
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
| | |
shareholders shall vote on all resolutions on a show of hands. Under the Companies Act, a poll may be demanded by (a) not fewer than five shareholders having the right to vote on the resolution; (b) any shareholder(s) representing not less than 10% of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote on the resolution (excluding any voting rights attaching to treasury shares); or (c) any shareholder(s) holding shares in the Company conferring a right to vote on the resolution (excluding any voting rights attaching to treasury shares) being shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than 10% of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right. A company’s articles of association may provide more extensive rights for shareholders to call a poll.
Under the laws of England and Wales, an ordinary resolution is passed on a show of hands if it is approved by a simple majority (more than 50%) of the votes cast by shareholders present (in person or by proxy) and entitled to vote. If a poll is demanded, an ordinary resolution is passed if it is approved by holders representing a simple majority of the total voting rights of shareholders present, in person or by proxy, who, being entitled to vote, vote on the resolution. Special resolutions require the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the votes cast by shareholders present, in person or by proxy, at the meeting. If a poll is demanded, a special resolution is passed if it is approved by holders representing not less than 75% of the total voting rights of
|
| | | |
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
| | | shareholders in person or by proxy who, being entitled to vote, vote on the resolution. | | | | |
Shareholder Vote on Certain Transactions | | |
The Companies Act provides for schemes of arrangement, which are arrangements or compromises between a company and any class of shareholders or creditors and used in certain types of reconstructions, amalgamations, capital reorganisations or takeovers. These arrangements require:
•
the approval at a shareholders’ or creditors’ meeting convened by order of the court, of a majority in number of shareholders or creditors representing 75% in value of the capital held by, or debt owed to, the class of shareholders or creditors, or class thereof present and voting, either in person or by proxy; and
•
the approval of the court.
|
| |
Generally, under Delaware law, unless the certificate of incorporation provides for the vote of a larger portion of the stock, completion of a merger, consolidation, sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of a corporation’s assets or dissolution requires:
•
the approval of the board of directors; and
•
approval by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock or, if the certificate of incorporation provides for more or less than one vote per share, a majority of the votes of the outstanding stock of a corporation entitled to vote on the matter.
|
|
Standard of Conduct for Directors | | |
Under the laws of England and Wales, a director owes various statutory and fiduciary duties to the Company, including:
•
to act in the way he considers, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole;
•
to avoid a situation in which he has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly conflicts, with the interests of the Company;
•
to act in accordance with our constitution and only exercise his powers for the purposes for which they are conferred;
•
to exercise independent judgement;
|
| |
Delaware law does not contain specific provisions setting forth the standard of conduct of a director. The scope of the fiduciary duties of directors is generally determined by the courts of the State of Delaware. In general, directors have a duty to act without self-interest, on a well-informed basis and in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interest of the stockholders.
Directors of a Delaware corporation owe fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the corporation and to its shareholders. The duty of care generally requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of
|
|
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
| | |
•
to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence;
•
not to accept benefits from a third party conferred by reason of his being a director or doing, or not doing, anything as a director; and
•
a duty to declare any interest that he has, whether directly or indirectly, in a proposed or existing transaction or arrangement with the Company.
|
| |
all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director act in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He must not use his corporate position for personal gain or advantage. In general, but subject to certain exceptions, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Delaware courts have also imposed a heightened standard of conduct upon directors of a Delaware corporation who take any action designed to defeat a threatened change in control of the corporation.
In addition, under Delaware law, when the board of directors of a Delaware corporation approves the sale or break-up of a corporation, the board of directors may, in certain circumstances, have a duty to obtain the highest value reasonably available to the shareholders.
|
|
Stockholder Suits | | | Under the laws of England and Wales, generally, the Company, rather than its shareholders, is the proper claimant in an action in respect of a wrong done to the Company or where there is an irregularity in the Company’s internal management. Notwithstanding this general position, the Companies Act provides that (1) a court may allow a shareholder to bring a derivative claim (that is, an action in respect of and on | | |
Under Delaware law, a stockholder may initiate a derivative action to enforce a right of a corporation if the corporation fails to enforce the right itself. The complaint must:
•
state that the plaintiff was a stockholder at the time of the transaction of which the plaintiff complains or that the plaintiffs shares thereafter devolved on the plaintiff by operation of law; and
|
|
| | |
England and Wales
|
| |
Delaware
|
|
| | | behalf of the Company) in respect of a cause of action arising from a director’s negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust and (2) a shareholder may bring a claim for a court order where our affairs have been or are being conducted in a manner that is unfairly prejudicial to some of its shareholders. | | |
•
allege with particularity the efforts made by the plaintiff to obtain the action the plaintiff desires from the directors and the reasons for the plaintiff’s failure to obtain the action; or
•
state the reasons for not making the effort.
Additionally, the plaintiff must remain a stockholder through the duration of the derivative suit. The action will not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the Delaware Court of Chancery.
|
|
Service
|
| |
Fees
|
|
•
Issuance of ADSs (e.g., an issuance of ADS upon a deposit of ordinary shares, upon a change in the ADS(s)-to-ordinary share(s) ratio, or for any other reason), excluding ADS issuances as a result of distributions of ordinary shares)
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS issued | |
•
Cancellation of ADSs (e.g., a cancellation of ADSs for delivery of deposited property, upon a change in the ADS(s)-to-ordinary share(s) ratio, or for any other reason)
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS cancelled | |
•
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (e.g., upon a sale of rights and other entitlements)
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held | |
•
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to (i) stock dividends or other free stock distributions, or (ii) exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held | |
•
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (e.g., upon a spin-off)
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held | |
•
ADS Services
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established by the depositary | |
•
Registration of ADS transfers (e.g., upon a registration of the transfer of registered ownership of ADSs, upon a transfer of ADSs into DTC and vice versa, or for any other reason)
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS (or fraction thereof) transferred | |
•
Conversion of ADSs of one series for ADSs of another series (e.g., upon conversion of Partial Entitlement ADSs for Full Entitlement ADSs, or upon conversion of Restricted ADSs (each as defined in the Deposit Agreement) into freely transferable ADSs, and vice versa).
|
| | Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS (or fraction thereof) converted | |
Underwriters
|
| |
Number of ADSs
|
|
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
|
| |
|
|
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
|
| | | |
BofA Securities, Inc.
|
| | | |
Barclays Capital Inc.
|
| | | |
Total
|
| | | |
| | |
No Exercise
|
| |
Full Exercise
|
| ||||||
Per ADS
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
Total
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | |
Expense
|
| |
Amount
|
| |||
SEC registration fee
|
| | | $ | 10,910 | | |
Nasdaq initial listing fee
|
| | | | 25,000 | | |
FINRA filing fee
|
| | | | 15,500 | | |
Printing expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
Legal fees and expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
Accounting fees and expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
Miscellaneous fees and expenses
|
| | | | * | | |
Total
|
| | | | * | | |
| | |
page
|
| |||
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and
2019 |
| | |||||
| | | | F-2 | | | |
| | | | F-3 | | | |
| | | | F-4 | | | |
| | | | F-5 | | | |
| | | | F-6 | | | |
| | | | F-7 | | | |
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020
|
| | |||||
| | | | F-42 | | | |
| | | | F-43 | | | |
| | | | F-44 | | | |
| | | | F-45 | | | |
| | | | F-46 | | |
| | |
Note
|
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| |
December 31,
2019 |
| ||||||
| | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Revenue
|
| |
5
|
| | | | 9,672 | | | | | | 9,107 | | |
Cost of Sales
|
| | | | | | | (14,226) | | | | | | (5,634) | | |
Gross (loss)/profit
|
| | | | | | | (4,554) | | | | | | 3,473 | | |
Research and development expenses
|
| | | | | | | (10,917) | | | | | | (6,671) | | |
General administrative expenses
|
| | | | | | | (8,923) | | | | | | (5,512) | | |
Other income
|
| |
6
|
| | | | 1,205 | | | | | | 534 | | |
Operating loss
|
| |
7
|
| | | | (23,189) | | | | | | (8,176) | | |
Finance income
|
| |
8
|
| | | | 110 | | | | | | 272 | | |
Finance expenses
|
| |
9
|
| | | | (89) | | | | | | (50) | | |
Share of loss of joint venture
|
| |
16
|
| | | | (1,211) | | | | | | (90) | | |
Loss before taxation
|
| | | | | | | (24,379) | | | | | | (8,044) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| |
12
|
| | | | 2,096 | | | | | | 1,727 | | |
Loss for the year
|
| | | | | | | (22,283) | | | | | | (6,317) | | |
Other comprehensive loss: | | | | | ||||||||||||
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency loss on translation of foreign operations
|
| | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Total other comprehensive loss for the year, net tax
|
| | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the year
|
| | | | | | | (22,386) | | | | | | (6,325) | | |
Basic and diluted loss per share
|
| |
13
|
| | | | (0.22) | | | | | | (0.64) | | |
| | |
Note
|
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| |
December 31,
2019 |
| |||||||||
| | | | | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill
|
| | |
|
14
|
| | | | | 173 | | | | | | 173 | | |
Intangible assets
|
| | |
|
14
|
| | | | | 139 | | | | | | 159 | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
| | |
|
15
|
| | | | | 4,619 | | | | | | 2,247 | | |
Investment in joint venture
|
| | |
|
16
|
| | | | | 123 | | | | | | 360 | | |
Right-of-use assets
|
| | |
|
17
|
| | | | | 3,735 | | | | | | 929 | | |
Total non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | 8,789 | | | | | | 3,868 | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade receivables | | | | | | | | | | | 446 | | | | | | 1,995 | | |
Other receivables and contract assets
|
| | |
|
18
|
| | | | | 2,718 | | | | | | 856 | | |
Current tax assets
|
| | | | | | | | | | 3,187 | | | | | | 3,296 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | |
|
19
|
| | | | | 62,584 | | | | | | 31,454 | | |
Total current assets
|
| | | | | | | | | | 68,935 | | | | | | 37,601 | | |
Total assets
|
| | | | | | | | | | 77,724 | | | | | | 41,469 | | |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital and reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital
|
| | |
|
24
|
| | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Share premium
|
| | |
|
26
|
| | | | | 89,099 | | | | | | 32,318 | | |
Foreign exchange reserve
|
| | |
|
26
|
| | | | | (111) | | | | | | (8) | | |
Share-based payment reserve
|
| | |
|
28
|
| | | | | 3,589 | | | | | | 1,884 | | |
Accumulated losses
|
| | |
|
26
|
| | | | | (34,054) | | | | | | (12,140) | | |
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent
|
| | | | | | | | | | 58,523 | | | | | | 22,054 | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contract liabilities
|
| | |
|
20
|
| | | | | 1,265 | | | | | | 2,507 | | |
Lease liabilities
|
| | |
|
17
|
| | | | | 2,761 | | | | | | 885 | | |
Provisions
|
| | |
|
22
|
| | | | | 535 | | | | | | — | | |
Total non-current liabilities
|
| | | | | | | | | | 4,561 | | | | | | 3,392 | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade payables
|
| | | | | | | | | | 3,333 | | | | | | 2,214 | | |
Other payables
|
| | |
|
21
|
| | | | | 1,589 | | | | | | 1,002 | | |
Contract liabilities
|
| | |
|
20
|
| | | | | 9,041 | | | | | | 12,580 | | |
Lease liabilities
|
| | |
|
17
|
| | | | | 677 | | | | | | 227 | | |
Total current liabilities
|
| | | | | | | | | | 14,640 | | | | | | 16,023 | | |
Total liabilities
|
| | | | | | | | | | 19,201 | | | | | | 19,415 | | |
Total equity and liabilities
|
| | | | | | | | | | 77,724 | | | | | | 41,469 | | |
| | |
Share
capital |
| |
Share
premium |
| |
Foreign
exchange reserve |
| |
Share-based
payment reserve |
| |
Accumulated
losses |
| |
Total
equity |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
As at January 1, 2019
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 32,303 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,680 | | | | | | (6,330) | | | | | | 27,653 | | |
Loss for the year
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (6,317) | | | | | | (6,317) | | |
Foreign exchange loss on translation of subsidiaries
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (8) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (8) | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the year
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (8) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (6,317) | | | | | | (6,325) | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 711 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 711 | | |
Issue of share capital
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 15 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 15 | | |
Exercise of share options
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (507) | | | | | | 507 | | | | | | — | | |
As at December 31, 2019
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 32,318 | | | | | | (8) | | | | | | 1,884 | | | | | | (12,140) | | | | | | 22,054 | | |
Loss for the year
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22,283) | | | | | | (22,283) | | |
Foreign exchange loss on translation of subsidiaries
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (103) | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the year
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (103) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22,283) | | | | | | (22,386) | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,074 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,074 | | |
Issue of share capital, net of transaction costs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 56,770 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 56,770 | | |
Exercise of share options
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 11 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (369) | | | | | | 369 | | | | | | 11 | | |
As at December 31, 2020
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 89,099 | | | | | | (111) | | | | | | 3,589 | | | | | | (34,054) | | | | | | 58,523 | | |
| | |
Note
|
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| |
December 31,
2019 |
| | ||||||||
| | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| | ||||||||
Operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
Loss before tax
|
| | | | | | | (24,379) | | | | | | (8,044) | | | | ||
Adjustments to reconcile loss before tax to net cash flows from operating activities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
|
| |
17
|
| | | | 439 | | | | | | 185 | | | | ||
Depreciation of other tangible fixed assets
|
| |
15
|
| | | | 603 | | | | | | 370 | | | | ||
Amortisation of intangible assets
|
| |
14
|
| | | | 23 | | | | | | 19 | | | | ||
Sales for non-cash consideration
|
| | | | | | | — | | | | | | (140) | | | | ||
Loss recognised from joint venture
|
| |
16
|
| | | | 1,211 | | | | | | 90 | | | | ||
Finance income
|
| |
8
|
| | | | (110) | | | | | | (272) | | | | ||
Finance expenses
|
| |
9
|
| | | | 89 | | | | | | 50 | | | | ||
R&D tax credits
|
| | | | | | | (1,008) | | | | | | (534) | | | | ||
Share-based compensation expenses
|
| | | | | | | 2,074 | | | | | | 711 | | | | ||
Foreign currency movement
|
| | | | | | | (6) | | | | | | — | | | | | |
Changes in working capital: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
Decrease/ (Increase) in trade receivables
|
| | | | | | | 1,549 | | | | | | (1,983) | | | | ||
(Increase)/ Decrease in other receivables and contract
assets |
| | | | | | | (1,862) | | | | | | 962 | | | | ||
(Decrease)/Increase in contract liabilities
|
| | | | | | | (4,781) | | | | | | 15,087 | | | | ||
Increase / (Decrease) in trade payables
|
| | | | | | | 1,056 | | | | | | (47) | | | | ||
Increase in other payables
|
| | | | | | | 345 | | | | | | 185 | | | | ||
Interest received
|
| | | | | | | 110 | | | | | | 272 | | | | ||
Interest paid
|
| | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | ||
Income taxes received
|
| | | | | | | 3,214 | | | | | | 114 | | | | ||
Net cash flows (used in)/from operating activities
|
| | | | | | | (21,433) | | | | | | 7,025 | | | | ||
Investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
|
| | | | | | | (2,364) | | | | | | (1,527) | | | | ||
Purchase of intangible assets
|
| |
14
|
| | | | (3) | | | | | | (172) | | | | ||
Additional investment in joint venture
|
| |
16, 21
|
| | | | (1,378) | | | | | | — | | | | ||
Net cash flows (used in) investing activities
|
| | | | | | | (3,745) | | | | | | (1,699) | | | | ||
Financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
Proceeds from issue of share capital, net of transactions costs
|
| | | | | | | 56,781 | | | | | | 16 | | | | ||
Payments of obligations under lease liabilities
|
| | | | | | | (470) | | | | | | (162) | | | | ||
Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities
|
| | | | | | | 56,311 | | | | | | (146) | | | | ||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | | | | 31,133 | | | | | | 5,180 | | | | ||
Exchange loss on cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | | | | (3) | | | | | | (4) | | | | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
|
| | | | | | | 31,454 | | | | | | 26,278 | | | | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
|
| |
19
|
| | | | 62,584 | | | | | | 31,454 | | | | ||
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing Information | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
Capital expenditures recorded within trade payables
|
| | | | | | | 63 | | | | | | 1 | | | | ||
Capital expenditures recorded within other payables
|
| | | | | | | 548 | | | | | | — | | | |
|
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors: Definition of material.
|
| |
The Group has adopted the amendments of IAS 1 and IAS 8 for the first time in the year ended December 31, 2020. The amendments make the definition of material in IAS 1 easier to understand and are not intended to alter the underlying concept of materiality in IFRS standards.
|
|
| Definition of a Business- Amendments to IFRS3 | | |
The amended definition of a business requires an acquisition to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The definition of the term ‘outputs’ is amended to focus on goods and services provided to customers, generating investment income and other income, and it excludes returns in the form of lower costs and other economic benefits.
|
|
| | |
Effective date
periods beginning on or after |
|
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures (Amendments): Interest Rate Benchmark Reform Phase 2
|
| |
January 1, 2021
|
|
IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment: Amendments in relation to proceeds before intended use
|
| |
January 1, 2022
|
|
IAS 37 Provision Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets: Amendments in relation to the costs of fulfilling a contract when assessing onerous contracts
|
| |
January 1, 2022
|
|
IFRS 3: Business Combinations: Amendments to update references to Conceptual Framework
|
| |
January 1, 2022
|
|
Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2018 – 2020 cycle)
|
| |
January 1, 2022
|
|
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Amendments in relation to the classification of liabilities as current or non-current
|
| |
January 1, 2023
|
|
| Computer software | | | — 4 years on a straight line basis | |
| Patents | | | — Over the term of the patent on a straight line basis | |
| Assets under construction | | | — | | | Not depreciated | |
| Plant and equipment | | | — | | | 4 years | |
| Fixture and fittings | | | — | | | 5 years | |
| Leasehold improvements | | | — | | | Over the term of the lease or to the first-break clause, whichever is earlier | |
| Computer equipment | | | — | | | 4 years | |
| | |
Change in %
Complete Estimate |
| |
Effect on profit
before tax £’000 |
| |
Effect on
equity £’000 |
| |||||||||
Change in estimated market value of share options at grant date
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | (187) | | | | | | (187) | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | 185 | | | | | | 185 | | |
| | |
Change in %
Satisfaction Estimate |
| |
Effect on profit
before tax £’000 |
| |
Effect on
equity £’000 |
| |||||||||
Change in the estimated % satisfaction of performance obligations, based on costs incurred
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | 2,142 | | | | | | 2,142 | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | (2,142) | | | | | | (2,142) | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Service fees
|
| | | | 786 | | | | | | 141 | | |
Licensing fees
|
| | | | 8,886 | | | | | | 8,966 | | |
| | | | | 9,672 | | | | | | 9,107 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
United Kingdom
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Europe
|
| | | | 427 | | | | | | 2,597 | | |
United States of America
|
| | | | 9,245 | | | | | | 6,510 | | |
| | | | | 9,672 | | | | | | 9,107 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Revenue related to obligations discharged over time
|
| | | | 9,672 | | | | | | 9,107 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Within one year
|
| | | | 6,704 | | | | | | 13,186 | | |
More than one year
|
| | | | 747 | | | | | | 2,973 | | |
| | | | | 7,451 | | | | | | 16,159 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
|
Grant income
|
| |
197
|
| |
—
|
|
R&D expenditure credit
|
| |
1,008
|
| |
534
|
|
| | |
1,205
|
| |
534
|
|
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Depreciation of owned fixed assets
|
| | | | 603 | | | | | | 370 | | |
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
|
| | | | 439 | | | | | | 185 | | |
Amortisation of intangible assets
|
| | | | 23 | | | | | | 19 | | |
Research and development costs
|
| | | | 10,917 | | | | | | 6,671 | | |
Foreign exchange loss
|
| | | | 3,062 | | | | | | 774 | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | 2,074 | | | | | | 711 | | |
Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for the audit of the Group & Company’s financial statements
|
| | | | 198 | | | | | | 33 | | |
Other audit services
|
| | | | 3 | | | | | | — | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
|
Bank interest receivable
|
| |
110
|
| |
272
|
|
| | |
110
|
| |
272
|
|
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Interest expense on lease liabilities
|
| | | | 86 | | | | | | 50 | | |
Unwinding of discount rate on provisions
|
| | | | 3 | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | 89 | | | | | | 50 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Wages and salaries
|
| | | | 6,077 | | | | | | 3,722 | | |
Social security costs
|
| | | | 818 | | | | | | 512 | | |
Other pension costs
|
| | | | 90 | | | | | | 52 | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | 2,074 | | | | | | 711 | | |
Total employee benefit expenses
|
| | | | 9,059 | | | | | | 4,997 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Directors’ emoluments
|
| | | | 1,026 | | | | | | 791 | | |
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
|
| | | | 4 | | | | | | 3 | | |
Compensation for loss of office
|
| | | | 29 | | | | | | — | | |
Total emoluments
|
| | | | 1,059 | | | | | | 794 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Short term employee benefits
|
| | | | 290 | | | | | | 235 | | |
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
|
| | | | 1 | | | | | | 1 | | |
| | | | | 291 | | | | | | 236 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Short term employee benefits
|
| | | | 303 | | | | | | 909 | | |
Share based payments
|
| | | | 365 | | | | | | 145 | | |
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
|
| | | | 2 | | | | | | 6 | | |
| | | | | 670 | | | | | | 1,060 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Current tax | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UK current tax on loss for the year
|
| | | | (2,074) | | | | | | (1,497) | | |
Adjustments in respect of prior year
|
| | | | (22) | | | | | | (230) | | |
| | | | | (2,096) | | | | | | (1,727) | | |
Deferred tax | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Origination and reversal of timing differences
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Effect of tax rate change on opening balance
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Total deferred tax benefit
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Tax on loss on ordinary activities
|
| | | | (2,096) | | | | | | (1,727) | | |
Loss on ordinary activities before tax
|
| | | | (24,379) | | | | | | (8,044) | | |
Normal applicable rate of tax
|
| | | | 19% | | | | | | 19% | | |
Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by normal rate
|
| | | | (4,632) | | | | | | (1,528) | | |
Effects of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed asset differences
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 7 | | |
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
|
| | | | 510 | | | | | | 138 | | |
Income not deductible for tax purposes
|
| | | | (1) | | | | | | — | | |
Additional deduction for R&D expenditure
|
| | | | (1,536) | | | | | | (1,116) | | |
Surrender of tax losses for R&D tax credit refund
|
| | | | 644 | | | | | | 468 | | |
R&D expenditure credits
|
| | | | 73 | | | | | | — | | |
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods
|
| | | | (22) | | | | | | (230) | | |
Adjustments for foreign tax
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 9 | | |
Adjust opening deferred tax to average rate of 19.00%
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (93) | | |
Deferred tax not recognised
|
| | | | 2,868 | | | | | | 618 | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | (2,096) | | | | | | (1,727) | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Basic and Diluted loss for the year
|
| | | | (22,283) | | | | | | (6,317) | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
Number
|
| |
Number
|
| ||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
|
| | | | 101,923 | | | | | | 99,106 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share
|
| | | | (0.22) | | | | | | (0.64) | | |
| | |
Goodwill
|
| |
Computer
Software |
| |
Patents
|
| |
Total
|
| ||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||||||||
Cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2018
|
| | | | 173 | | | | | | 60 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 233 | | |
Additions
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 22 | | | | | | 150 | | | | | | 172 | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 173 | | | | | | 82 | | | | | | 150 | | | | | | 405 | | |
Additions
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3 | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 173 | | | | | | 85 | | | | | | 150 | | | | | | 408 | | |
Accumulated amortisation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2018
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 54 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 54 | | |
Amortisation charge- R&D expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 15 | | | | | | 15 | | |
Amortisation charge- G&A expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 4 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 4 | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 58 | | | | | | 15 | | | | | | 73 | | |
Amortisation charge- R&D expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 15 | | | | | | 15 | | |
Amortisation charge- G&A expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 8 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 8 | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 66 | | | | | | 30 | | | | | | 96 | | |
Carrying value
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 173 | | | | | | 19 | | | | | | 120 | | | | | | 312 | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 173 | | | | | | 24 | | | | | | 135 | | | | | | 332 | | |
| | |
Assets under
construction |
| |
Plant and
equipment |
| |
Fixtures
and fittings |
| |
Leasehold
improvements |
| |
Computer
equipment |
| |
Total
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At January 1, 2019
|
| | | | 737 | | | | | | 299 | | | | | | 52 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 97 | | | | | | 1,185 | | |
Additions
|
| | | | 165 | | | | | | 602 | | | | | | 66 | | | | | | 603 | | | | | | 92 | | | | | | 1,528 | | |
Disposal
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (10) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (25) | | | | | | (35) | | |
Reclassification of assets under construction
|
| | | | (737) | | | | | | 180 | | | | | | 20 | | | | | | 537 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 165 | | | | | | 1,081 | | | | | | 128 | | | | | | 1,140 | | | | | | 164 | | | | | | 2,678 | | |
Additions
|
| | | | 1,973 | | | | | | 812 | | | | | | 7 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 183 | | | | | | 2,975 | | |
Reclassification of assets under construction
|
| | | | (165) | | | | | | 165 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 1,973 | | | | | | 2,058 | | | | | | 135 | | | | | | 1,140 | | | | | | 347 | | | | | | 5,653 | | |
Accumulated Depreciation
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At January 1, 2019
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 38 | | | | | | 20 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 38 | | | | | | 96 | | |
Depreciation charge- R&D expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 168 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 168 | | |
Depreciation charge- G&A expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 21 | | | | | | 149 | | | | | | 32 | | | | | | 202 | | |
Disposal
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (10) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (25) | | | | | | (35) | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 206 | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | 149 | | | | | | 45 | | | | | | 431 | | |
Depreciation charge- R&D expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 311 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 311 | | |
Depreciation charge- G&A expenses
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 25 | | | | | | 213 | | | | | | 54 | | | | | | 292 | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 517 | | | | | | 56 | | | | | | 362 | | | | | | 99 | | | | | | 1,034 | | |
Carrying value
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 1,973 | | | | | | 1,541 | | | | | | 79 | | | | | | 778 | | | | | | 248 | | | | | | 4,619 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 165 | | | | | | 875 | | | | | | 97 | | | | | | 991 | | | | | | 119 | | | | | | 2,247 | | |
Name
|
| |
Class of
shares |
| |
Holding
|
| |
Country of
incorporation |
| |
Principal Activity
|
| |
Registered address
|
|
RE Ventures I, LLC (US) | | | Ordinary | | | 50% | | | US | | |
The JV was established to develop novel compounds for rare diseases
|
| |
251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 1980
|
|
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
As at January 1,
|
| | | | 360 | | | | | | — | | |
Equity acquired on establishment of joint venture
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 450 | | |
Additional equity
|
| | | | 1,070 | | | | | | — | | |
Foreign exchange differences
|
| | | | (96) | | | | | | — | | |
Share of the losses
|
| | | | (1,211) | | | | | | (90) | | |
As at December 31,
|
| | | | 123 | | | | | | 360 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Commitment to provide funding for joint venture’s capital commitments, if called
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 800 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Depreciation and amortisation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Operating expenses
|
| | | | (2,422) | | | | | | (180) | | |
Interest income/(expense)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Income tax income/(expense)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Loss for the period
|
| | | | (2,422) | | | | | | (180) | | |
Other comprehensive loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive loss
|
| | | | (2,422) | | | | | | (180) | | |
Current assets
|
| | | | 521 | | | | | | 930 | | |
Current liabilities
|
| | | | (66) | | | | | | (162) | | |
Members surplus
|
| | | | 455 | | | | | | 768 | | |
| | |
£’000
|
| |||
Cost | | | | | | | |
At January 1, 2019
|
| | | | 957 | | |
Additions
|
| | | | 157 | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 1,114 | | |
Additions
|
| | | | 3,245 | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 4,359 | | |
Accumulated Depreciation | | | | | | | |
Depreciation charge
|
| | | | 185 | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 185 | | |
Depreciation charge
|
| | | | 439 | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 624 | | |
Carrying value | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 3,735 | | |
| | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 929 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Recognised within general administrative expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation charge for the right-of-use assets
|
| | | | 439 | | | | | | 185 | | |
Expenses relating to short-term leases
|
| | | | 11 | | | | | | 68 | | |
Recognised within finance expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense on lease liabilities
|
| | | | 86 | | | | | | 50 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
VAT recoverable
|
| | | | 853 | | | | | | 220 | | |
Prepayments
|
| | | | 1,622 | | | | | | 503 | | |
Contract assets
|
| | | | 143 | | | | | | 13 | | |
Other receivables
|
| | | | 100 | | | | | | 120 | | |
| | | | | 2,718 | | | | | | 856 | | |
| | |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
At January 1,
|
| | | | 13 | | | | | | 700 | | |
Invoiced during the year
|
| | | | (110) | | | | | | (700) | | |
Recognised as revenue during the year
|
| | | | 240 | | | | | | 13 | | |
At December 31,
|
| | | | 143 | | | | | | 13 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Cash at bank and in hand
|
| | | | 60,349 | | | | | | 31,454 | | |
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 2,235 | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | 62,584 | | | | | | 31,454 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Within one year
|
| | | | 9,041 | | | | | | 12,580 | | |
More than one year
|
| | | | 1,265 | | | | | | 2,507 | | |
| | | | | 10,306 | | | | | | 15,087 | | |
| | |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
At January 1,
|
| | | | 15,087 | | | | | | — | | |
Additions
|
| | | | 4,982 | | | | | | 23,453 | | |
Recognised as revenue during the year
|
| | | | (9,566) | | | | | | (8,366) | | |
Grant income
|
| | | | (197) | | | | | | — | | |
At December 31,
|
| | | | 10,306 | | | | | | 15,087 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Accruals
|
| | | | 1,234 | | | | | | 504 | | |
Other payables
|
| | | | 98 | | | | | | 5 | | |
Other taxation and social security
|
| | | | 255 | | | | | | 185 | | |
Unpaid share capital in RE Ventures I, LLC
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 308 | | |
Corporation tax
|
| | | | 2 | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | 1,589 | | | | | | 1,002 | | |
| | |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
At January 1,
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Provisions made during the year
|
| | | | 532 | | | | | | — | | |
Unwind of discount rate
|
| | | | 3 | | | | | | — | | |
At December 31,
|
| | | | 535 | | | | | | — | | |
Financial Assets
|
| |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Held at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments and taxes)
|
| | | | 689 | | | | | | 2,128 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | 62,584 | | | | | | 31,454 | | |
| | | | | 63,273 | | | | | | 33,582 | | |
Financial Liabilities
|
| |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Held at amortised cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables (excluding taxes and contract liabilities)
|
| | | | 4,665 | | | | | | 3,031 | | |
Provision
|
| | | | 535 | | | | | | — | | |
Lease liability
|
| | | | 3,438 | | | | | | 1,112 | | |
| | | | | 8,638 | | | | | | 4,143 | | |
| | |
Change in rate
|
| |
Effect on profit
before tax |
| |
Effect on
equity |
| |||||||||
| | | | | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in USD
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | 2,471 | | | | | | 2,471 | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | (2,471) | | | | | | (2,471) | | |
Change in EUR
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | 140 | | | | | | 140 | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | (140) | | | | | | (140) | | |
Change in YEN
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | 10 | | | | | | 10 | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | (10) | | | | | | (10) | | |
2019 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in USD
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | (151) | | | | | | (151) | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | 185 | | | | | | 185 | | |
Change in EUR
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | 12 | | | | | | 12 | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | (15) | | | | | | (15) | | |
Change in YEN
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | 2 | | | | | | 2 | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | (2) | | | | | | (2) | | |
| | |
Carrying
amount |
| |
Demand and
less than 3 months |
| |
From 3 to
12 months |
| |
From
12 months to 2 years |
| |
From 2 to
5 years |
| |
More than
5 years |
| |
Total
contractual cash flows |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | 62,584 | | | | | | 62,584 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 62,584 | | |
Trade and other receivables
|
| | | | 689 | | | | | | 689 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 689 | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other
payables |
| | | | (4,665) | | | | | | (4,638) | | | | | | (27) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (4,665) | | |
Provisions
|
| | | | (535) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (161) | | | | | | (382) | | | | | | (543) | | |
Lease liability
|
| | | | (3,438) | | | | | | (169) | | | | | | (508) | | | | | | (677) | | | | | | (1,632) | | | | | | (820) | | | | | | (3,806) | | |
| | | | | 54,635 | | | | | | 58,466 | | | | | | (535) | | | | | | (677) | | | | | | (1,793) | | | | | | (1,202) | | | | | | 54,259 | | |
| | |
Carrying
amount |
| |
Demand and
less than 3 months |
| |
From 3 to
12 months |
| |
From
12 months to 2 years |
| |
From 2 to
5 years |
| |
Total
contractual cash flows |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | 31,454 | | | | | | 31,454 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 31,454 | | |
Trade and other receivables
|
| | | | 2,128 | | | | | | 2,027 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 101 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,128 | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables
|
| | | | (3,031) | | | | | | (3,031) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (3,031) | | |
Lease liability
|
| | | | (1,112) | | | | | | (68) | | | | | | (204) | | | | | | (544) | | | | | | (417) | | | | | | (1,233) | | |
| | | | | 29,439 | | | | | | 30,382 | | | | | | (204) | | | | | | (443) | | | | | | (417) | | | | | | 29,318 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
|
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||
| | |
£
|
| |
£
|
| ||||||
Issued and fully paid share capital | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
97,324 (2019: 97,324) Ordinary A shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 97 | | | | | | 97 | | |
30,255 (2019: 30,255) Series A Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 30 | | | | | | 30 | | |
29,408 (2019: 29,408) Series B Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 30 | | | | | | 30 | | |
5,785 (2019: 3,413) Ordinary B Shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 6 | | | | | | 3 | | |
10,123 (2019: nil) Junior Series C Shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 10 | | | | | | — | | |
57,295 (2019: nil) Series C Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 57 | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | 230 | | | | | | 160 | | |
| | |
Class A
Ordinary Shares |
| |
Series A
Preferred Shares |
| |
Series B
Preferred Shares |
| |
Class B
Ordinary Shares |
| |
Junior C
Shares |
| |
Series C
Preferred Shares |
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2018
|
| | | | 97,324 | | | | | | 30,255 | | | | | | 29,408 | | | | | | 150 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 157,137 | | |
Issue of shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,263 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,263 | | |
At December 31, 2019
|
| | | | 97,324 | | | | | | 30,255 | | | | | | 29,408 | | | | | | 3,413 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 160,400 | | |
Issue of shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,372 | | | | | | 10,123 | | | | | | 57,295 | | | | | | 69,790 | | |
As at December 31, 2020
|
| | | | 97,324 | | | | | | 30,255 | | | | | | 29,408 | | | | | | 5,785 | | | | | | 10,123 | | | | | | 57,295 | | | | | | 230,190 | | |
| | |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||
Vested outstanding share options
|
| | | | 17,035 | | | | | | 14,601 | | |
Weighted average exercise price
|
| | | £ | 3.45 | | | | | £ | 3.97 | | |
| | |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
|
Exercise price
|
| |
£5.62
|
| |
£5.73
|
|
Expected life
|
| |
2.8 years
|
| |
2.9 years
|
|
Expected volatility
|
| |
86%
|
| |
60%
|
|
Risk-free rate
|
| |
-0.01%
|
| |
0.48%
|
|
Expected dividend rate
|
| |
—
|
| |
—
|
|
Fair value
|
| |
£507.96
|
| |
£147.00
|
|
| | |
2020
Number of share options |
| |
2020
Weighted average exercise price |
| |
2019
Number of share options |
| |
2019
Weighted average exercise price |
| ||||||||||||
Options held at the start of the year
|
| | | | 19,734 | | | | | £ | 3.99 | | | | | | 21,425 | | | | | £ | 3.98 | | |
Granted
|
| | | | 9,282 | | | | | £ | 5.62 | | | | | | 1,572 | | | | | £ | 5.73 | | |
Exercised
|
| | | | (2,342) | | | | | (£ | 4.88) | | | | | | (3,263) | | | | | (£ | 4.77) | | |
Forfeited
|
| | | | (1,835) | | | | | (£ | 5.84) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Expired
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Options held at the end of the year
|
| | | | 24,839 | | | | | £ | 4.38 | | | | | | 19,734 | | | | | £ | 3.99 | | |
| | |
December 31,
2020 |
| |
December 31,
2019 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Assets under construction
|
| | | | 83 | | | | | | — | | |
Plant & Equipment
|
| | | | 972 | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | 1,055 | | | | | | — | | |
| | |
Note
|
| |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Revenue
|
| |
4
|
| | | | 5,575 | | | | | | 4,753 | | |
Cost of Sales
|
| | | | | | | (7,480) | | | | | | (6,909) | | |
Gross loss
|
| | | | | | | (1,905) | | | | | | (2,156) | | |
Research and development expenses
|
| | | | | | | (12,379) | | | | | | (4,323) | | |
General administrative expenses
|
| | | | | | | (10,803) | | | | | | (2,916) | | |
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains
|
| | | | | | | (2,899) | | | | | | 1,489 | | |
Other income
|
| |
5
|
| | | | 1,252 | | | | | | 450 | | |
Operating loss
|
| |
6
|
| | | | (26,734) | | | | | | (7,456) | | |
Finance income
|
| |
7
|
| | | | 5 | | | | | | 77 | | |
Finance expenses
|
| |
8
|
| | | | (59) | | | | | | (26) | | |
Share of loss of joint venture
|
| |
13
|
| | | | (743) | | | | | | (449) | | |
Gain on derivative financial instruments
|
| |
20
|
| | | | 1,362 | | | | | | — | | |
Loss before taxation
|
| | | | | | | (26,169) | | | | | | (7,854) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| |
10
|
| | | | 2,104 | | | | | | 675 | | |
Loss for the period
|
| | | | | | | (24,065) | | | | | | (7,179) | | |
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency gain on translation of foreign operations
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |
| | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 31 | | |
Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through OCI
|
| |
20
|
| | | | 300 | | | | | | — | | |
Total other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax
|
| | | | | | | 306 | | | | | | 31 | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the period
|
| | | | | | | (23,759) | | | | | | (7,148) | | |
Basic and diluted loss per share
|
| |
11
|
| | | | (0.25) | | | | | | (0.07) | | |
| | |
Note
|
| |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill
|
| | | | | | | 173 | | | | | | 173 | | |
Intangible assets
|
| | | | | | | 140 | | | | | | 139 | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
| |
12
|
| | | | 5,759 | | | | | | 4,619 | | |
Investment in joint venture
|
| |
13
|
| | | | 814 | | | | | | 123 | | |
Right-of-use assets
|
| | | | | | | 3,423 | | | | | | 3,735 | | |
Investments in financial assets
|
| |
20
|
| | | | 2,554 | | | | | | — | | |
Total non-current assets
|
| | | | | | | 12,863 | | | | | | 8,789 | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade receivables
|
| |
4
|
| | | | 223 | | | | | | 446 | | |
Other receivables and contract assets
|
| |
14,15
|
| | | | 3,300 | | | | | | 2,718 | | |
Current tax assets
|
| | | | | | | 6,007 | | | | | | 3,187 | | |
Derivative financial instrument
|
| |
20
|
| | | | 1,362 | | | | | | — | | |
Investments in financial assets held for sale
|
| |
20, 26
|
| | | | 1,095 | | | | | | — | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| |
16
|
| | | | 245,593 | | | | | | 62,584 | | |
Total current assets
|
| | | | | | | 257,580 | | | | | | 68,935 | | |
Total assets
|
| | | | | | | 270,443 | | | | | | 77,724 | | |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital and reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital
|
| |
21
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Share premium
|
| |
21
|
| | | | 272,223 | | | | | | 89,099 | | |
Foreign exchange reserve
|
| | | | | | | (105) | | | | | | (111) | | |
Share-based payment reserve
|
| | | | | | | 6,330 | | | | | | 3,589 | | |
Fair value reserve
|
| | | | | | | 300 | | | | | | — | | |
Accumulated losses
|
| | | | | | | (57,711) | | | | | | (34,054) | | |
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent
|
| | | | | | | 221,037 | | | | | | 58,523 | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contract liabilities
|
| |
17
|
| | | | 14,765 | | | | | | 1,265 | | |
Lease liabilities
|
| | | | | | | 2,480 | | | | | | 2,761 | | |
Provisions
|
| |
19
|
| | | | 536 | | | | | | 535 | | |
Total non-current liabilities
|
| | | | | | | 17,781 | | | | | | 4,561 | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade payables
|
| | | | | | | 3,867 | | | | | | 3,333 | | |
Other payables
|
| |
18
|
| | | | 5,745 | | | | | | 1,589 | | |
Contract liabilities
|
| |
17
|
| | | | 21,336 | | | | | | 9,041 | | |
Lease liabilities
|
| | | | | | | 677 | | | | | | 677 | | |
Total current liabilities
|
| | | | | | | 31,625 | | | | | | 14,640 | | |
Total liabilities
|
| | | | | | | 49,406 | | | | | | 19,201 | | |
Total equity and liabilities
|
| | | | | | | 270,443 | | | | | | 77,724 | | |
| | |
Share
capital |
| |
Share
premium |
| |
Foreign
exchange reserve |
| |
Share-based
payment reserve |
| |
Fair value
reserve |
| |
Accumulated
losses |
| |
Total
equity |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
As at January 1, 2020
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 32,318 | | | | | | (8) | | | | | | 1,884 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (12,140) | | | | | | 22,054 | | |
Loss for the period
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (7,179) | | | | | | (7,179) | | |
Foreign exchange gain on
translation of subsidiaries |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 31 | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the period
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (7,179) | | | | | | (7,148) | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,183 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,183 | | |
Issue of share capital, net of transaction costs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 48,535 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 48,535 | | |
As at June 30, 2020
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 80,853 | | | | | | 23 | | | | | | 3,067 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (19,319) | | | | | | 64,624 | | |
As at January 1, 2021
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 89,099 | | | | | | (111) | | | | | | 3,589 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (34,054) | | | | | | 58,523 | | |
Loss for the period
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (24,065) | | | | | | (24,065) | | |
Foreign exchange gain on
translation of subsidiaries |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 6 | | |
Change in fair value of
financial assets through OCI |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 300 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 300 | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the period
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 300 | | | | | | (24,065) | | | | | | (23,759) | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,149 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,149 | | |
Issue of share capital, net of transaction costs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 183,124 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 183,124 | | |
Exercise of share options
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (408) | | | | | | — | | | | | | 408 | | | | | | — | | |
As at June 30, 2021
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 272,223 | | | | | | (105) | | | | | | 6,330 | | | | | | 300 | | | | | | (57,711) | | | | | | 221,037 | | |
| | |
Note
|
| |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before tax
|
| | | | | | | (26,169) | | | | | | (7,854) | | |
Adjustments to reconcile loss before tax to net cash flows from operating activities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue settled with non-cash consideration
|
| |
4
|
| | | | (3,349) | | | | | | — | | |
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
|
| |
6
|
| | | | 312 | | | | | | 138 | | |
Depreciation of other tangible fixed assets
|
| |
6
|
| | | | 570 | | | | | | 287 | | |
Amortisation of intangible assets
|
| |
6
|
| | | | 13 | | | | | | 11 | | |
Loss recognised from joint venture
|
| |
13
|
| | | | 743 | | | | | | 449 | | |
Finance income
|
| |
7
|
| | | | (5) | | | | | | (77) | | |
Finance expenses
|
| |
8
|
| | | | 59 | | | | | | 26 | | |
R&D tax credits
|
| |
5
|
| | | | (711) | | | | | | (450) | | |
Share based compensation expenses
|
| |
23
|
| | | | 3,149 | | | | | | 1,183 | | |
Gain recognised on derivative financial instruments
|
| |
20
|
| | | | (1,362) | | | | | | — | | |
Foreign currency loss/(gain)
|
| | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | (2) | | |
Changes in working capital: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Decrease in trade receivables
|
| | | | | | | 220 | | | | | | 1,555 | | |
(Increase) in other receivables and contract assets
|
| | | | | | | (581) | | | | | | (237) | | |
Increase/(decrease) in contract liabilities
|
| | | | | | | 25,796 | | | | | | (3,464) | | |
Increase in trade payables
|
| | | | | | | 1,112 | | | | | | 314 | | |
Increase in other payables
|
| | | | | | | 3,920 | | | | | | 71 | | |
Interest received
|
| | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | 77 | | |
Interest paid
|
| | | | | | | (1) | | | | | | — | | |
Income taxes received
|
| | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,358 | | |
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities
|
| | | | | | | 3,722 | | | | | | (6,615) | | |
Investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
|
| | | | | | | (2,055) | | | | | | (265) | | |
Purchase of intangible assets
|
| | | | | | | (13) | | | | | | (3) | | |
Additional investment in joint venture
|
| |
13
|
| | | | (1,424) | | | | | | (800) | | |
Net cash flows (used in) investing activities
|
| | | | | | | (3,492) | | | | | | (1,068) | | |
Financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issue of share capital, net of transactions costs
|
| | | | | | | 183,124 | | | | | | 48,535 | | |
Payments of obligations under lease liabilities
|
| | | | | | | (338) | | | | | | (136) | | |
Net cash flows from financing activities
|
| | | | | | | 182,786 | | | | | | 48,399 | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | | | | 183,016 | | | | | | 40,716 | | |
Exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | | | | (7) | | | | | | 4 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
|
| | | | | | | 62,584 | | | | | | 31,454 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
|
| |
16
|
| | | | 245,593 | | | | | | 72,174 | | |
Supplemental disclosure of operating inflow information | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash inflows from collaborations
|
| | | | | | | 28,271 | | | | | | 3,027 | | |
Amounts invoiced during the period
|
| | | | | | | (28,445) | | | | | | (1,448) | | |
Foreign exchange losses on trade receivables
|
| | | | | | | 394 | | | | | | (23) | | |
Decrease in trade receivables
|
| | | | | | | 220 | | | | | | 1,555 | | |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing information | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures recorded within trade payables
|
| | | | | | | (581) | | | | | | 10 | | |
Capital expenditures recorded within other payables
|
| | | | | | | 242 | | | | | | — | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Service fees
|
| | | | 333 | | | | | | 376 | | |
Licensing fees
|
| | | | 5,242 | | | | | | 4,377 | | |
| | | | | 5,575 | | | | | | 4,753 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
United Kingdom
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Europe
|
| | | | 413 | | | | | | 234 | | |
United States of America
|
| | | | 1,599 | | | | | | 4,319 | | |
Rest of the World
|
| | | | 3,563 | | | | | | 200 | | |
| | | | | 5,575 | | | | | | 4,753 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Revenue related to obligations discharged over time
|
| | | | 5,575 | | | | | | 4,753 | | |
| | | | | 5,575 | | | | | | 4,753 | | |
| | |
Change in %
Satisfaction Estimate |
| |
Effect on loss
before tax |
| |
Effect on
equity |
| |||||||||
| | | | | | | | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Change in the estimated % satisfaction of performance obligations, based on costs incurred
|
| | | | +10% | | | | | | 1,279 | | | | | | 1,279 | | |
| | | | | -10% | | | | | | (1,279) | | | | | | (1,279) | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Within one year
|
| | | | 17,032 | | | | | | 6,704 | | |
More than one year
|
| | | | 9,820 | | | | | | 747 | | |
| | | | | 26,852 | | | | | | 7,451 | | |
| | |
January 1,
2021 |
| |
Additions
|
| |
Deductions
|
| |
Foreign
exchange |
| |
June 30,
2021 |
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |||||||||||||||
Trade receivables | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration trade receivables
|
| | | | 446 | | | | | | 28,445 | | | | | | (28,271) | | | | | | (397) | | | | | | 223 | | |
Total receivables
|
| | | | 446 | | | | | | 28,445 | | | | | | (28,271) | | | | | | (397) | | | | | | 223 | | |
Contract assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration contract assets
|
| | | | 143 | | | | | | 261 | | | | | | (241) | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | 166 | | |
Total collaboration contract assets
|
| | | | 143 | | | | | | 261 | | | | | | (241) | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | 166 | | |
Contract liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration contract liabilities
|
| | | | 7,970 | | | | | | 27,096 | | | | | | (1,965) | | | | | | — | | | | | | 33,101 | | |
Total collaboration contract liabilities
|
| | | | 7,970 | | | | | | 27,096 | | | | | | (1,965) | | | | | | — | | | | | | 33,101 | | |
| | |
January 1,
2020 |
| |
Additions
|
| |
Deductions
|
| |
Foreign
exchange |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |||||||||||||||
Trade receivables | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration trade receivables
|
| | | | 1,994 | | | | | | 5,027 | | | | | | (6,596) | | | | | | 21 | | | | | | 446 | | |
Total receivables
|
| | | | 1,994 | | | | | | 5,027 | | | | | | (6,596) | | | | | | 21 | | | | | | 446 | | |
Contract assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration contract assets
|
| | | | 13 | | | | | | (110) | | | | | | 240 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 143 | | |
Total contract assets
|
| | | | 13 | | | | | | (110) | | | | | | 240 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 143 | | |
Contract liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration contract liabilities
|
| | | | 15,087 | | | | | | 2,449 | | | | | | (9,566) | | | | | | — | | | | | | 7,970 | | |
Total collaboration contract liabilities
|
| | | | 15,087 | | | | | | 2,449 | | | | | | (9,566) | | | | | | — | | | | | | 7,970 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Grant income
|
| | | | 541 | | | | | | — | | |
R&D expenditure credit
|
| | | | 711 | | | | | | 450 | | |
| | | | | 1,252 | | | | | | 450 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Depreciation of owned fixed assets
|
| | | | 570 | | | | | | 287 | | |
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
|
| | | | 312 | | | | | | 138 | | |
Amortisation of intangible assets
|
| | | | 13 | | | | | | 11 | | |
Research and development costs
|
| | | | 12,379 | | | | | | 4,323 | | |
Foreign exchange loss/(gain)
|
| | | | 2,899 | | | | | | (1,489) | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | 3,149 | | | | | | 1,183 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Bank interest receivable
|
| | | | 5 | | | | | | 77 | | |
| | | | | 5 | | | | | | 77 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Bank interest payable
|
| | | | 1 | | | | | | — | | |
Interest expense on lease liabilities
|
| | | | 57 | | | | | | 24 | | |
Unwinding of discount rate on provisions
|
| | | | 1 | | | | | | 2 | | |
| | | | | 59 | | | | | | 26 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Wages and salaries
|
| | | | 4,939 | | | | | | 2,752 | | |
Social security costs
|
| | | | 639 | | | | | | 337 | | |
Other pension costs
|
| | | | 185 | | | | | | 40 | | |
Share-based payment charge
|
| | | | 3,149 | | | | | | 1,183 | | |
Total employee benefit expenses
|
| | | | 8,912 | | | | | | 4,312 | | |
| | |
2021
|
| |
2020
|
| ||||||
| | |
Number
|
| |
Number
|
| ||||||
Research and development
|
| | | | 107 | | | | | | 54 | | |
Management and operations
|
| | | | 18 | | | | | | 11 | | |
| | | | | 125 | | | | | | 65 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Basic and Diluted loss for the period
|
| | | | (24,065) | | | | | | (7,179) | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
Number
|
| |
Number
|
| ||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
|
| | | | 95,223 | | | | | | 100,737 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share
|
| | | | (0.25) | | | | | | (0.07) | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
VAT recoverable
|
| | | | 892 | | | | | | 853 | | |
Prepayments
|
| | | | 1,939 | | | | | | 1,622 | | |
Contract assets (see note 15)
|
| | | | 284 | | | | | | 143 | | |
Other receivables
|
| | | | 185 | | | | | | 100 | | |
| | | | | 3,300 | | | | | | 2,718 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Accrued grant income
|
| | | | 118 | | | | | | — | | |
Collaboration contract assets
|
| | | | 166 | | | | | | 143 | | |
| | | | | 284 | | | | | | 143 | | |
| | |
£’000
|
| |||
At January 1, 2021
|
| | | | — | | |
Recognised as income during the period
|
| | | | 118 | | |
At June 30, 2021
|
| | | | 118 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Cash at bank and in hand
|
| | | | 242,593 | | | | | | 60,349 | | |
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 3,000 | | | | | | 2,235 | | |
| | | | | 245,593 | | | | | | 62,584 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Within one year
|
| | | | 21,336 | | | | | | 9,041 | | |
More than one year
|
| | | | 14,765 | | | | | | 1,265 | | |
| | | | | 36,101 | | | | | | 10,306 | | |
| | |
January 1,
2021 |
| |
Additions
|
| |
Recognised
|
| |
June 30,
2021 |
| ||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||||||||
Contract liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration contract liabilities
|
| | | | 7,970 | | | | | | 27,096 | | | | | | (1,965) | | | | | | 33,101 | | |
Deferred income relating to grants
|
| | | | 2,336 | | | | | | 1,087 | | | | | | (423) | | | | | | 3,000 | | |
Total contract liabilities
|
| | | | 10,306 | | | | | | 28,183 | | | | | | (2,388) | | | | | | 36,101 | | |
| | |
January 1,
2020 |
| |
Additions
|
| |
Recognised
|
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||||||||
Contract liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collaboration contract liabilities
|
| | | | 15,087 | | | | | | 2,449 | | | | | | (9,566) | | | | | | 7,970 | | |
Deferred income relating to grants
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 2,533 | | | | | | (197) | | | | | | 2,336 | | |
Total contract liabilities
|
| | | | 15,087 | | | | | | 4,982 | | | | | | (9,763) | | | | | | 10,306 | | |
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Accruals
|
| | | | 5,078 | | | | | | 1,234 | | |
Other payables
|
| | | | 317 | | | | | | 98 | | |
Other taxation and social security
|
| | | | 350 | | | | | | 255 | | |
Corporation tax
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 2 | | |
| | | | | 5,745 | | | | | | 1,589 | | |
| | |
Level 3
|
| |
Total
|
| ||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| ||||||
Financial assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial assets at FVPL- Softbank equity facility
|
| | | | 1,362 | | | | | | 1,362 | | |
Financial assets at FVOCI-investments held in financial assets
Financial assets at FVOCI-assets held for sale |
| | |
|
2,554
1,095 |
| | | |
|
2,554
1,095 |
| |
Total financial assets
|
| | | | 5,011 | | | | | | 5,011 | | |
| | |
Unlisted
equity securities |
| |
Derivatives
at FVPL |
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||
| | |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |
£’000
|
| |||||||||
Opening balance as at January 1, 2021
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Acquisitions
|
| | | | 3,349 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3,349 | | |
Gains recognised in profit and loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 1,362 | | | | | | 1,362 | | |
Gains recognised in other comprehensive income
|
| | | | 300 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 300 | | |
Closing balance as at June 30, 2021
|
| | | | 3,649 | | | | | | 1,362 | | | | | | 5,011 | | |
| | |
Deferred
fair value |
| |||
| | |
£’000
|
| |||
Opening balance as at January 1, 2021
|
| | | | — | | |
Additions
|
| | | | 11,870 | | |
Amount recognised in profit and loss
|
| | | | (1,978) | | |
Closing balance as at June 30, 2021
|
| | | | 9,892 | | |
| | |
Fair value at
June 30, 2021 |
| |
Unobservable inputs
|
| |
Range of
inputs |
| |
Relationship of
unobservable inputs to fair value |
|
| | |
£’000
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Unlisted equity securities | | |
3,649
|
| | Discount rate | | |
11% – 13%
|
| |
A 1% decrease would increase the fair value of the equities by £2,471,000.
|
|
Unlisted equity securities | | |
3,649
|
| | Profit margin on drug sales | | |
44% – 45%
|
| |
A 1% decrease in the operating profit margin achieved on sale of any commercialised drugs decreases the fair value of the equities by £947,000.
|
|
Derivatives at FVPL | | |
1,362
|
| | Share price volatility | | |
50%
|
| |
A 10% increase in the volatility of the underlying share value increases the fair value of the instrument by £2,164,000
|
|
| | | | | | Discount for event probability | | |
60%
|
| |
A 10% increase in the likelihood of an exit event occurring decreases the fair value by £3,922,000.
|
|
| | | | | | Counterparty credit risk discount | | |
1%
|
| |
A 1% increase in counterparty credit risk decreases the fair value by £392,000.
|
|
| | | | | | Discount for lack of marketability | | |
10.3% – 11.2%
|
| |
A 1% increase in the discount for marketability of the underlying instrument decreases the fair value by £392,000.
|
|
| | |
June 30,
2021 |
| |
December 31,
2020 |
| ||||||
| | |
£
|
| |
£
|
| ||||||
Issued and fully paid share capital | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
77,700 (2020: 97,324) Ordinary A shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 78 | | | | | | 97 | | |
30,255 (2020: 30,255) Series A Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 30 | | | | | | 30 | | |
29,408 (2020: 29,408) Series B Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 29 | | | | | | 30 | | |
4,685 (2020: 5,785) Ordinary B Shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 5 | | | | | | 6 | | |
10,123 (2020: 10,123) Junior Series C Shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 10 | | | | | | 10 | | |
57,295 (2020: 57,295) Series C Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 57 | | | | | | 57 | | |
17,132 (2020: nil) Series C1 Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 17 | | | | | | — | | |
88,634 (2020: nil) Series D1 Preference shares of £0.001 each
|
| | | | 89 | | | | | | — | | |
| | | | | 315 | | | | | | 230 | | |
| | |
December 31,
2020 |
| |
Issue of
shares |
| |
Re-designation
of shares |
| |
June 30,
2021 |
| ||||||||||||
Ordinary A shares
|
| | | | 97,324 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (19,624) | | | | | | 77,700 | | |
Series A Preference shares
|
| | | | 30,255 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 30,255 | | |
Series B Preference shares
|
| | | | 29,408 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 29,408 | | |
Ordinary B Shares
|
| | | | 5,785 | | | | | | 3,663 | | | | | | (4,763) | | | | | | 4,685 | | |
Junior Series C Shares
|
| | | | 10,123 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 10,123 | | |
Series C Preference shares
|
| | | | 57,295 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 57,295 | | |
Series C1 Preference shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 17,132 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 17,132 | | |
Series D1 Preference shares
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 64,247 | | | | | | 24,387 | | | | | | 88,634 | | |
| | | | | 230,190 | | | | | | 85,042 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 315,232 | | |
|
Vested outstanding share options
|
| | | | 12,793 | | |
|
Weighted average exercise price
|
| | | £ | 3.72 | | |
|
Exercise price
|
| |
£9.92
|
|
|
Expected life
|
| |
6.0 years
|
|
|
Expected volatility
|
| |
93.7%
|
|
|
Risk-free rate
|
| |
0.91%
|
|
|
Expected dividend rate
|
| |
—
|
|
|
Fair value
|
| |
£1,321.06
|
|
| | |
Number of
share options |
| |
Weighted
average exercise price |
| ||||||
Options held as at 01 January 2021
|
| | | | 24,839 | | | | | £ | 4.38 | | |
Granted
|
| | | | 9,665 | | | | | £ | 9.92 | | |
Exercised
|
| | | | (3,663) | | | | | £ | 3.66 | | |
Forfeited/Replaced
|
| | | | (2,150) | | | | | £ | 3.64 | | |
Options held as at June 30, 2021
|
| | | | 28,691 | | | | | £ | 6.39 | | |
| | |
Number of
RSUs |
| |||
Awards held as at January 1, 2021
|
| | | | — | | |
Granted
|
| | | | 2,250 | | |
Awards held as at June 30, 2021
|
| | | | 2,250 | | |
| | |
£’000
|
| |||
Assets under construction
|
| | | | 239 | | |
Plant & Equipment
|
| | | | 1,462 | | |
| | | | | 1,701 | | |
|
Exhibit
Number |
| |
Description of Exhibit
|
|
|
1.1*
|
| | Form of Underwriting Agreement. | |
|
3.1*
|
| | Articles of Association, as amended and as currently in effect. | |
|
3.2*
|
| | Form of Articles of Association to become effective upon the closing of this offering. | |
|
4.1*
|
| | Form of Deposit Agreement. | |
|
4.2*
|
| | Form of American Depositary Receipt (included in exhibit 4.1). | |
|
5.1*
|
| | Opinion of Cooley (UK) LLP. | |
|
10.1
|
| | Shareholders’ Agreement Relating to Exscientia Limited (then named Exscientia Holdings Limited), dated August 10, 2021, by and between the Subscribers, Non-Investing Shareholders, and Manager thereto and Exscientia Limited. | |
|
10.2#
|
| | Form of Employment Agreementby and between Andrew Hopkins and Exscientia Limited. | |
|
10.3#
|
| | Form of Employment Agreementby and between Ben Taylor and Exscientia Limited. | |
|
10.4†
|
| | | |
|
10.5†
|
| | | |
|
10.6†
|
| | Share Sale, Transfer and Merger Agreement Regarding Allcyte GmbH, dated June 2, 2021, by and among the Sellers thereto and Exscientia AI Limited (then named Exscientia Limited). | |
|
10.7* †
|
| | Research Collaboration and Licence Option Agreement, dated June 27, 2016, by and between Sanofi S.A. and Exscientia AI Limited (then named Exscientia Limited). | |
|
10.8* †
|
| | Collaboration and License Agreement, dated May 3, 2021, by and between Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Exscientia AI Limited (then named Exscientia Limited). | |
|
10.9* †
|
| | Amended and Restated Collaboration Agreement, effective as of December 18, 2019, by and between Bayer A.G. and Exscientia AI Limited (then named Exscientia Limited). | |
|
10.10
|
| | | |
|
10.11
|
| | Lease relating to Part Ground Floor, The Schrodinger Building, The Oxford-Science Park, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford, by and between Exscientia AI Limited (then named Ex Scientia Limited) and The Oxford Science Park Limited, dated July 27, 2018. | |
|
10.12
|
| | | |
|
10.13
|
| | Lease between MEPC Milton Park No. 1 Limited, MEPC Milton Park No. 2 Limited, and Exscientia AI Limited (then named Exscientia Limited), effective as of July 13, 2021. | |
|
10.14
|
| | | |
|
10.15
|
| | | |
|
10.16
|
| | Lease Agreement, by and between HG 3 Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH & CoKG and Alphaexscientia Beteiligungs GmbH, effective as of September 3, 2021. | |
|
10.17*
|
| | Form of Deed of Indemnity between the Registrant and each of its directors. | |
|
10.18*
|
| | Form of Deed of Indemnity between the Registrant and each of its executive officers. | |
|
10.19#
|
| | | |
|
10.20#
|
| | | |
|
10.21#
|
| | | |
|
10.22#
|
| | |
|
Exhibit
Number |
| |
Description of Exhibit
|
|
|
21.1
|
| | | |
|
23.1
|
| | | |
|
23.2*
|
| | Consent of Cooley (UK) LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). | |
|
24.1
|
| | |
|
Signature
|
| |
Title
|
| |
Date
|
|
|
/s/ Andrew Hopkins
Andrew Hopkins, DPhil, FRSE, FRSC
|
| | Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | | |
September 10, 2021
|
|
|
/s/ Ben Taylor
Ben Taylor
|
| | Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | | |
September 10, 2021
|
|
|
/s/ David Nicholson
David Nicholson, Ph.D.
|
| | Chairman of the Board of Directors | | |
September 10, 2021
|
|
|
Signature
|
| |
Title
|
| |
Date
|
|
|
/s/ Elizabeth Crain
Elizabeth Crain
|
| | Director | | |
September 10, 2021
|
|
|
/s/ Robert Ghenchev
Robert Ghenchev
|
| | Director | | |
September 10, 2021
|
|
|
/s/ Joanne Xu
Joanne Xu
|
| | Director | | |
September 10, 2021
|
|
|
/s/ Mario Polywka
Mario Polywka, DPhil
|
| | Director | | |
September 10, 2021
|
|
Exhibit 10.1
DATE: 10 AUGUST 2021 AT 13:10 PM
(1) | THE SUBSCRIBERS |
(2) | THE NON INVESTING SHAREHOLDERS |
(3) | THE MANAGER |
(4) | EXSCIENTIA HOLDINGS LIMITED |
SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT RELATING TO EXSCIENTIA HOLDINGS LIMITED |
CONTENTS
Clause | Page | |
1. | Definitions and Interpretation | 3 |
2. | SHARE OPTION PLAN | 10 |
3. | The Board | 10 |
4. | Information Rights | 13 |
5. | Matters Requiring Consent | 15 |
6. | Business Undertakings | 17 |
7. | Sale, IPO or Holding Company Reorganisation | 17 |
8. | Compliance with Drag Rights | 20 |
9. | Shares held by The Manager and other Individuals | 20 |
10. | Further Issue and Transfer of Shares | 21 |
11. | Manager’s Covenants | 21 |
12. | Confidentiality | 23 |
13. | Announcements | 25 |
14. | Costs and Expenses | 25 |
15. | Survival and Cessation of Obligations of the Manager | 26 |
16. | Effect of Ceasing to Hold Shares | 26 |
17. | Cumulative Remedies | 26 |
18. | Waiver | 26 |
19. | Entire Agreement | 26 |
20. | Variation and Termination | 27 |
21. | No Partnership | 27 |
22. | ASSIGNMENT and Transfer | 27 |
23. | Rights of Third Parties | 28 |
24. | Conflict between Agreements | 28 |
25. | Counterparts; no originals | 28 |
26. | Notices | 28 |
27. | Severance | 29 |
28. | Governing Law | 29 |
29. | Jurisdiction | 29 |
30. | Representation | 29 |
31. | Confirmation by the Manager to the Investors | 30 |
Schedule 1 | 30 | |
PARTICULARS OF THE Subscribers, the NON INVESTING SHAREHOLDERS AND THE MANAGER |
Schedule 2 | 35 | |
reserved matters | ||
Schedule 3 | 39 | |
undertakings | ||
Schedule 4 | 40 | |
DEED OF ADHERENCE | ||
Schedule 5 | 42 | |
PFIC, CFC AND OTHER U.S. TAX MATTERS |
This Agreement is delivered on 10 August 2021 at 13:10 pm
PARTIES
(1) | THE SUBSCRIBERS, whose names and addresses are set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (together the “Subscribers” and each a “Subscriber”); |
(2) | THE PERSONS, whose names and addresses are set out in Part 2 of Schedule 1 (together the “Non Investing Shareholders” and each a “Non Investing Shareholder”); |
(3) | THE PERSON, whose name and address is set out in Part 3 of Schedule 1 (the “Manager”); and |
(4) | EXSCIENTIA HOLDINGS LIMITED a company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales (registered number 13483814) and having its principal place of business at The Schrodinger Building, Heatley Road, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE (the “Company”). |
RECITALS
(A) | The Company is a company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales under company number 13483814. |
(B) | The parties wish to regulate their conduct and the relationships between them in respect of the Company on the terms set out in this Agreement. |
AGREED TERMS
1. | Definitions and Interpretation |
In this Agreement, except where a different interpretation is necessary in the context, the words and expressions set out below shall have the following meanings:
“Act” means the Companies Act 2006;
“Adequate Procedures” means adequate procedures, as referred to in section 7(2) of the Bribery Act 2010 and any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 9 of the Bribery Act 2010 or as referred to in any other applicable anti-corruption laws or regulations of any other jurisdiction;
“Affiliate” means:
(i) | save as it applies to SoftBank, the Fund and Mubadala, with respect to a specified undertaking, any other undertaking that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, the specified undertaking, except that notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiary Undertakings shall be Affiliates of any Shareholder; and |
(ii) | as it applies to SoftBank, SoftBank Vision Fund II-2, L.P. and its Controlled subsidiaries; |
(iii) | as it applies to Mubadala, Mubadala Investment Company PJSC and its Controlled subsidiaries; and |
(iv) | as it applies to the Fund, MDC Capital Management (RS) Limited and its Controlled subsidiaries; |
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“Approved Activities” means in respect of Professor Andrew Hopkins carrying out his normal academic duties or ancillary matters under the terms of his appointment with the Universities of Dundee and Oxford (respectively) whether in collaboration with or with the involvement of third parties or otherwise provided that:
(i) | any such third parties do not, with respect to the project being undertaken at the academic institution, compete with any part or the whole of the business of the Company and the output of such activities is not intended for use by any person or entity other than the Company in any commercial application which is competitive with any part or the whole of the business of the Company; and |
(ii) | such activities do not involve the use of any Intellectual Property or confidential information owned by or licensed to the Company; |
“Associated Person” means in relation to any person, a person (including an employee, agent or Subsidiary Undertaking) who performs services for or on that person’s behalf;
“BLK” means each of BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc., BlackRock Global Funds -- Global Allocation Fund, BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund of BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc., BlackRock Global Allocation Portfolio of BlackRock Series Fund, Inc., BlackRock Global Allocation Fund (Australia), BlackRock Global Allocation Collective Fund, BlackRock Global Funds – Global Dynamic Equity Fund, BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust and BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio of BlackRock Funds V (and for the avoidance of doubt, any Relevant Securities held by BLK and any of its Affiliates and Permitted Transferees from time to time shall be deemed for the purpose of this Agreement and the New Articles to be held by BLK as a single shareholder);
“Board” means the board of directors of the Company as constituted from time to time;
“Board Approval” means a decision of the Board taken in accordance with the New Articles;
“Budget” means the annual budget for each Financial Year (including a detailed annual budget, proposed investments, operational and staffing plan and income and cash flow statements and projections by comparison to the operating budget set out in the then current Business Plan, in each case on a monthly basis);
“Business” means the design and development of small molecule therapeutics primarily by means of artificial intelligence and machine learning and the provision of such services to others as more fully described in the Business Plan;
“Business Day” has the meaning given to the term in the New Articles;
“Business Plan” means the business plan for the Company as updated from time to time;
“CFC” has the meaning given in paragraph 3 of Schedule 5;
“Control” means, in relation to an undertaking: (i) beneficial ownership of at least 50% of the voting securities or other comparable equity interests of such undertaking; or (ii) the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of such undertaking, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, declaration of trust or otherwise, and the term “Controlled” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing;
“CTA 2010” means the Corporation Tax Act 2010;
“Deed of Adherence” means a deed of adherence substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4;
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“Delayed Consideration” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Drag Rights” has the meaning given in clause 8.1;
“Employee” shall have the meaning given to the term in the New Articles;
“Encumbrance” means any mortgage, charge (fixed or floating), standard security interest, lien, pledge, assignation by way of security, equity, claim, right of pre-emption, option, covenant, restriction, reservation, lease, trust, order, decree, judgment, title defect (including retention of title claim), conflicting claim of ownership or any other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever (whether or not perfected);
“Equity Facility” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Evotec Director” means the director appointed by Evotec pursuant to clause 3.8 and Article 50.1.1 of the New Articles;
“Financial Year” means a financial year as determined in accordance with section 390 of the Act;
“Fund” means MIC Capital Partners (Ventures) Europe Parallel (Luxembourg) Aggregator, SCSp;
“Group” means the Company and any Subsidiary Undertaking of the Company from time to time and “Group Company” shall be construed accordingly;
“GT” means GT Healthcare Partners Fund III, L.P. and GT Nextgen Therapies Fund IV, L.P of 22 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong;
“HMRC” means HM Revenue & Customs;
“Holding Company” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Holding Company Reorganisation” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Intellectual Property” means copyrights, trade and service marks, including the trade marks, trade names, business names, rights in logos and get-up, inventions, confidential information, trade secrets and know-how, registered designs, design rights, patents, utility models, semi-conductor topographies, all rights of whatsoever nature in computer software and data, domain names, all rights of privacy and all intangible rights and privileges of a nature similar or allied to any of the foregoing, in every case in any part of the world and whether or not registered; and including all granted registrations and all applications for registration in respect of any of the same and the right to apply for any of the same, and renewals and extensions of any of the same, and the right of use in respect of any of the same;
“Investor Director Consent” means the consent of at least two of the Investor Directors;
“Investor Directors” means each of: (a) the Evotec Director; (b) the Series B Director; (c) the Novo Director; and (d) the SoftBank Director;
“Investor Majority” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Investor Majority Consent” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Investors” means each of the Subscribers, Evotec, Frontier IP Limited and any other person to whom any of them transfers their Series A Preference Shares, Series B Preference Shares, Series C Preference Shares, Series C1 Preference Shares, Series D Preference Shares or who subscribes for Series D Preference Shares and who becomes a party as an “Investor” by signing a Deed of Adherence and is named therein as an “Investor”;
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“IPO” means the admission of all or any of the Shares or securities representing those shares (including without limitation depositary interests, American depositary receipts, American depositary shares and/or other instruments) on NASDAQ or on the Official List of the United Kingdom Listing Authority or on the AIM Market operated by the London Stock Exchange Plc or on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited or any other recognised investment exchange (as defined in section 285 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000);
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service;
“ITEPA” means the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003;
“Junior Series C Preference Shares” means the junior series C preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Key Employee” means any Employee of the Company who has the word “Director”, “Head” or “Chief” in their job title;
“a Member of the same Fund Group” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“a Member of the same Group” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Mubadala” means MIC Capital Management 83 RSC Ltd;
“NASDAQ” means the NASDAQ Stock Market of the NASDAQ OMX Group Inc.;
“New Articles” means the new articles of association of the Company in the agreed form to be adopted on around the date of this Agreement as amended or superseded from time to time;
“Novo Director” means the director appointed by Novo pursuant to clause 3.9 and Article 50.1.2 of the New Articles;
“Observers” means: (i) the observer appointed by Evotec pursuant to clause 3.14; (ii) the observer appointed by GT in accordance with clause 3.15; (iii) the observer appointed by Novo in accordance with clause 3.16; (iv) the observer appointed by BLK in accordance with clause 3.17; and (v) the observer appointed by SoftBank in accordance with clause 3.18 from time to time (and “Observer” shall mean any one of them);
“Ordinary A Directors” means all of the directors (up to four) that have been appointed by an Ordinary A Majority pursuant to clause 3.6 and Article 50.2 of the New Articles (and “Ordinary A Director” shall mean any one of them);
“Ordinary A Majority” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary class A shares of £2.00 each (“Ordinary Class A Shares”) and ordinary class B shares of £2.00 each (“Ordinary Class B Shares”) in the capital of the Company from time to time each having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Period” means the period of two years immediately preceding the Termination Date;
“Permitted Transferee” shall have the meaning given in the New Articles;
“PFIC” has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Schedule 5;
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“QEF” has the meaning given in paragraph 2 of Schedule 5;
“Quarter Date” means in any year each of 31st March, 30th June, 30th September and 31st December;
“Relevant Securities” means, in respect of the Company, any Share or other security in the capital of the Company from time to time, or any other security, agreement or instrument which contains or otherwise provides for any right to subscribe or exchange for, convert into or otherwise call for any issue of any Shares or other securities in the capital of the Company from time to time;
“Sale” means a Share Sale or an Asset Sale, both as defined in the New Articles;
“Series A Preference Shares” means the series A preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Series B Director” means the director that has been appointed by a Series B Investor Majority (subject to approval by the Board) pursuant to clause 3.7 and Article 50.1.3 of the New Articles;
“Series B Investor Majority” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Series B Preference Shares” means the series B preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Series C Preference Shares” means the series C preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Series C1 Preference Shares” means the series C1 preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Series D Preference Shares” means the Series D1 Preference Shares, the Series D2 Preference Shares and the Series D3 Preference Shares;
“Series D1 Preference Shares” means the series D1 preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Series D2 Preference Shares” means the series D2 preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Series D3 Preference Shares” means the series D3 preference shares of £2.00 each in the capital of the Company from time to time having the rights set out in the New Articles;
“Share Option Plan” means:
(a) | the existing EMI share option plan of the Company; |
(b) | the existing unapproved share option plan of the Company; |
(c) | the existing CSOP share option plan of the Company; and |
(d) | any other share option plan(s) and/or share incentive plans adopted by the Company and/or share option agreement(s) entered into by the Company (in each case the terms of which have been approved by the Board with the consent of at least one Investor Director), |
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in each case as amended by the Company, with approval of the Board including the consent of at least one Investor Director;
“Share Option Pool” means the maximum pool of Ordinary Shares which are reserved for issue or grant pursuant to any Share Option Plan, such number being 40,587 as at the date of this Agreement, comprising:
(a) | 37,606 options over Ordinary Shares that have been allocated as at the date of this Agreement; and |
(b) | 2,981 Ordinary Shares that remain unallocated as at the date of this Agreement; |
“Share Sale” has the meaning given in the New Articles;
“Shareholder” means any shareholder of the Company from time to time who is a party to this Agreement (but excludes the Company holding Shares as Treasury Shares from time to time);
“Shares” means the Ordinary Class A Shares, the Ordinary Class B Shares, the Series A Preference Shares, the Series B Preference Shares, the Junior Series C Preference Shares, the Series C Preference Shares, the Series C1 Preference Shares and the Series D Preference Shares and any other class of shares in the capital of the Company from time to time;
“SoftBank” means SVF II Excel (DE) LLC;
“SoftBank Director” means the director that has been appointed by SoftBank (subject to approval by the Board) pursuant to clause 3.10 and Article 50.1.4 of the New Articles;
“Subsidiary Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1162 of the Act;
“Tax” or “Taxation” means all forms of direct and indirect taxation, duties, rates, levies, contributions, withholdings, deductions, liabilities to account, charges and imposts whether imposed in the United Kingdom or elsewhere in the world and shall include all costs, fees, interest, fines, surcharges, assessments, penalties, charges and expenses in addition to Tax resulting from, attributable or incidental to, or in relation to any proceedings, queries, contest or dispute with a Taxing Authority;
“Taxing Authority” means HMRC and any other governmental, state, federal, provincial, local governmental or municipal authority, body or official whether of the United Kingdom or elsewhere in the world, which is competent to impose or collect Taxation;
“Termination Date” has the same meaning as set out in the New Articles;
“Treasury Shares” means shares in the capital of the Company held by the Company as treasury shares within the meaning set out in section 724(5) of the Act;
“VAT” means value added tax chargeable under the VATA or under any legislation replacing it or under any legislation which the VATA replaced and further means value added tax at the rate in force when the relevant supply is made and any tax of a similar nature which is introduced in substitution for such value added tax; and
“VATA” means the Value Added Tax Act 1994.
1.1 | The clause, Schedule and paragraph headings and the table of contents used in this Agreement are inserted for ease of reference only and shall not affect construction. |
1.2 | The Schedules form part of this Agreement and shall have effect as if set out in full in the body of this Agreement. Any reference to this Agreement includes the Schedules. |
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1.3 | References to a SoftBank Director, an Evotec Director, a Novo Director, a Series B Director, an Ordinary A Director or an Observer shall include any alternate appointed to act in his place from time to time. |
1.4 | References to persons shall include bodies corporate, unincorporated associations and partnerships, in each case whether or not having a separate legal personality. |
1.5 | Reference to a party or parties is to a party or parties of the agreement. |
1.6 | References to documents “in the agreed form” are to documents in terms agreed on behalf of the Company and the Subscribers and initialled on behalf of each such party or exchanged by way of email by their solicitors as being in agreed form for the purposes of identification only. |
1.7 | References to any English statute or other legislation or legal term for any action, remedy, method of judicial proceeding, legal document, legal status, court, official or any legal concept or thing shall, in respect of any jurisdiction other than England and Wales, be deemed to include a reference to that which most nearly approximates to the English legal term in that jurisdiction. |
1.8 | References to those of the parties that are individuals include their respective legal personal representatives. |
1.9 | References to “writing” or “written” include any non-transitory form of visible reproduction of words. |
1.10 | References to the word “include” or “including” (or any similar term) are not to be construed as implying any limitation and general words introduced by the word “other” (or any similar term) shall not be given a restrictive meaning by reason of the fact that they are preceded or followed by words indicating a particular class of acts, matters or things. |
1.11 | Reference to “issued Shares” of any class or Shares of any class “in issue” shall exclude any Shares of that class held as Treasury Shares from time to time, unless stated otherwise. |
1.12 | Reference to the “holders” of a class of Shares shall exclude the Company holding Shares of that class as Treasury Shares from time to time, unless stated otherwise. |
1.13 | References to “USD”, “$” or “US$” are references to the lawful currency from time to time of the United States of America. |
1.14 | Except where the context specifically requires otherwise, words importing one gender shall be treated as importing any gender, words importing individuals shall be treated as importing corporations and vice versa, words importing the singular shall be treated as importing the plural and vice versa, and words importing the whole shall be treated as including a reference to any part thereof. |
1.15 | References to statutory provisions or enactments shall include references to any amendment, modification, extension, consolidation, replacement or re-enactment of any such provision or enactment (whether before or after the date of this Agreement), to any previous enactment which has been replaced or amended and to any regulation, instrument or order or other subordinate legislation made under such provision or enactment unless any such change imposes upon any party any liabilities or obligations which are more onerous than as at the date of this Agreement. |
1.16 | Section 1122 of the CTA 2010 shall apply to determine whether one person is connected with another for the purposes of this Agreement. |
1.17 | In respect of any actions or matters requiring or seeking the acceptance, approval, agreement, consent or words having similar effect of (a) a SoftBank Director, (b) an Evotec Director, (b) a Novo Director, or (d) a Series B Director under this Agreement, if at any time a SoftBank Director, an Evotec Director, Novo Director or Series B Director (as applicable) has not been appointed or a SoftBank Director, an Evotec Director, Novo Director or Series B Director (as applicable) declares in writing to the Company and the Investors that he considers that providing such consent gives rise or may give rise to a conflict of interest to his duties as a director, such action or matter shall require written consent from SoftBank (in the case of the SoftBank Director), Evotec (in the case of an Evotec Director), Novo (in the case of a Novo Director) or a Series B Investor Majority (in the case of a Series B Director). |
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1.18 | References to BLK shall be deemed to refer to each entity referred to in the definition of BLK collectively, but for the avoidance of doubt: (i) the obligations of each such entity under this Agreement shall be several, and not joint and several; and (ii) any Relevant Securities held by such entities and any of their Affiliates and Permitted Transferees from time to time shall be deemed for the purpose of this Agreement (including determining whether BLK holds the relevant threshold interest for the purposes of certain rights under this Agreement) to be held by BLK as a single shareholder. |
2. | SHARE OPTION PLAN |
The Share Option Pool shall comprise 40,587 Ordinary Shares. Any options granted by the Company in accordance with a Share Option Plan pursuant to this clause 2 or otherwise in relation to the Share Option Pool shall be granted to directors, employees and consultants of the Company or any Group Company in such number, on such terms and on such occasions as may be decided by the Board with the consent of at least one Investor Director.
3. | The Board |
3.1 | Board meetings will be held at intervals of not more than three months and at least four Board meetings will be held in each calendar year. The Investor Directors may require, in aggregate, up to eight Board meetings (or such number as is reasonably necessary) to be held in each calendar year. |
3.2 | The Company shall send to all the directors and any Observer who may be appointed (in electronic form if so required): |
3.2.1 | reasonable advance notice of each meeting of the Board (being not fewer than five Business Days) and each committee of the Board, such notice to be accompanied by: |
3.2.1.1 | a written agenda specifying the business to be discussed at such meeting together with all relevant papers; and |
3.2.1.2 | such customary financial and operational information concerning the Company and its business as the Board may agree from time to time; |
3.2.2 | as soon as practicable after each meeting of the Board (or committee of the Board) a copy of the minutes; and |
3.2.3 | customary financial and operational information concerning the Company and its business at least five Business Days before each general meeting. |
3.3 | Save with Investor Director Consent, no business shall be transacted at any meeting of the Board (or committee of the Board) save for that specified in the agenda referred to in clause 3.2. |
3.4 | The quorum for Directors’ meetings shall be four directors and must include the attendance of at least two Investor Directors and two Ordinary A Directors. The quorum for any committee of the Board shall be determined by the Board (with Investor Director Consent). If such a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, or if during a meeting such quorum ceases to be present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place or at such time and place as determined by the Directors present at such meeting and notified to each Director (including, without limitation, each Investor Director). If a quorum is not present at any such adjourned meeting within half an hour from the time appointed, then the meeting shall proceed. |
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3.5 | Subject to a maximum aggregate amount of £50,000 per calendar year for all Directors, the Company will upon presentation of invoices in reasonable detail, reimburse those directors and any Observer appointed by an Investor with their reasonable out of pocket expenses (in accordance with the Company’s travel policy) incurred by them in respect of attending meetings of the Board and any committee of the Board, and with respect to other meetings or events attended by such person for and on behalf of the Company. Any individual expense in excess of £1,500 will require the prior written approval of the Board. |
3.6 | The holders of shares equal to at least an Ordinary A Majority shall have the right to appoint and maintain in office up to four natural persons as directors, and to remove from office any person(s) so appointed and to appoint another person(s) in his/their place, pursuant to Article 50.2 of the New Articles. |
3.7 | The holders of shares equal to at least a Series B Investor Majority shall have the right to appoint and maintain in office one natural person (who has been approved by way of Board Approval) as a director, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place, pursuant to Article 50.1.3 of the New Articles. |
3.8 | For so long as Evotec together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to at least 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Evotec shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as a director, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place, pursuant to Article 50.1.1 of the New Articles. In the event that Evotec together with its Permitted Transferees hold Shares that are not equivalent to at least 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Evotec shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as a director (if any) shall resign immediately. |
3.9 | For so long as Novo together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to at least 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Novo shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as a director, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place, pursuant to Article 50.1.2 of the New Articles. In the event that Novo together with its Permitted Transferees hold Shares that are not equivalent to at least 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Novo shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as a director (if any) shall resign immediately. |
3.10 | For so long as SoftBank together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to at least 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, SoftBank shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as a director, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place, pursuant to Article 50.1.2 of the New Articles. In the event that SoftBank together with its Permitted Transferees hold Shares that are not equivalent to at least 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, SoftBank shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as a director (if any) shall resign immediately. |
3.11 | The parties agree that the Investor Directors shall be under no obligation to disclose any information or opportunities to the Company except to the extent that the information or opportunity was passed to him expressly solely in his capacity as a director of the Company. |
3.12 | Each of SoftBank, Evotec and Novo shall procure that the SoftBank Director, Evotec Director or Novo Director (as applicable) appointed by it shall comply with clause 12, save that such SoftBank Director, Evotec Director or Novo Director (as applicable) shall be at liberty from time to time to disclose any information to SoftBank, Evotec or Novo (as applicable) itself, it being understood that SoftBank, Evotec and Novo shall be bound by the provisions of clause 12 with respect to any such information disclosed by the SoftBank Director, Evotec Director or Novo Director (as applicable). |
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3.13 | Each of the Investor Directors shall be entitled at his request to be appointed to any committee of the Board established from time to time. |
3.14 | For so long as Evotec together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to at least 5% but less than 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Evotec shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as an observer who may attend and speak at Board meetings and meetings of Board committees but not vote, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place. The observer shall have the right to receive notice of all such meetings and all information and documents provided to the Board members, and shall in general have all of the same information rights as Board members. In the event that Evotec together with its Permitted Transferees hold Shares that are not equivalent to at least 5% or exceed 10% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Evotec shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as an Observer (if any) shall resign immediately. |
3.15 | For so long as GT together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to more than 5% of the total issued share capital of the Company, GT shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as an observer who may attend and speak at Board meetings and meetings of Board committees but not vote, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place. The observer shall have the right to receive notice of all such meetings and all information and documents provided to the Board members, and shall in general have all of the same information rights as Board members. In the event that GT together with its Permitted Transferees hold Shares that are not equivalent to more than 5% of the total issued share capital of the Company, GT shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as an Observer (if any) shall resign immediately. |
3.16 | In addition to the Novo Director, for so long as Novo together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to more than 5% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Novo shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as an observer who may attend and speak at Board meetings and meetings of Board committees but not vote, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place. The observer shall have the right to receive notice of all such meetings and all information and documents provided to the Board members, and shall in general have all of the same information rights as Board members. In the event that Novo together with its Permitted Transferees hold Shares that are not equivalent to more than 5% of the total issued share capital of the Company, Novo shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as an Observer (if any) shall resign immediately. For the avoidance of doubt, the right of Novo to appoint an observer is in addition to its right to appoint a Novo Director. |
3.17 | For so long as BLK together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to 5% or more of the issued share capital of the Company, BLK shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as an observer who may attend and speak at Board meetings and meetings of Board committees but not vote, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place. The observer shall have the right to receive notice of all such meetings and all information and documents provided to the Board members, and shall in general have all of the same information rights as Board members. In the event that BLK ceases to be entitled to appoint an observer pursuant to this clause, BLK shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as an Observer (if any) shall resign immediately. |
3.18 | For so long as SoftBank together with its Permitted Transferees holds Shares equivalent to 5% or more of the issued share capital of the Company, SoftBank shall be entitled to appoint one person to act as an observer who may attend and speak at Board meetings and meetings of Board committees but not vote, and to remove from office any person so appointed and to appoint another person in his place. The observer shall have the right to receive notice of all such meetings and all information and documents provided to the Board members, and shall in general have all of the same information rights as Board members. In the event that SoftBank ceases to be entitled to appoint an observer pursuant to this clause, SoftBank shall procure that the person it has appointed to act as an Observer (if any) shall resign immediately |
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3.19 | Each of Evotec, GT, Novo, BLK and SoftBank shall procure that any Observer appointed by it pursuant to clauses 3.14 to 3.18 above (as applicable) shall comply with clause 12, save that such Observer: (i) shall not be bound by the provisions of clause 12 with respect to any such information disclosed by the Observer to the Board; and (ii) shall be at liberty from time to time to disclose any information to Evotec, Novo, GT, BLK or SoftBank (as applicable) itself, it being understood that Evotec, Novo, GT, BLK and SoftBank shall be bound by the provisions of clause 12 with respect to any such information disclosed by the Observer. |
3.20 | The parties agree that each Observer shall be under no obligation to disclose any information or opportunities to the Company except to the extent that the information or opportunity was passed to him expressly solely in his capacity as an Observer to the Board. |
4. | Information Rights |
4.1 | The Company shall keep the Investors reasonably informed in a timely manner of all material developments concerning the Business, affairs and prospects of the Company, including but not limited to all fundraisings, significant commercial partnerships, regulatory developments, litigation, any material developments or offers which might lead to any Sale or IPO. |
4.2 | The Company further undertakes to each Investor that it shall deliver to each Investor within ninety (90) days (or 180 days, if such extension is approved by the Board) of the end of the relevant Financial Year, (a) audited annual financial statements (including balance sheet, statement of earnings, shareholders’ equity and cash flow statements for the applicable periods) of the Company in respect of such Financial Year prepared in accordance with IFRS by independent public accountants of national standing, and (b) a consolidated management report in respect of such Financial Year (including details of the progress of the Company and its business, the material developments in its research and development projects, and its expenditure throughout the course of such Financial Year). To the extent such audited annual financial statements and report are not available within 45 days of the end of the relevant Financial Year, the latest unaudited version of such annual financial statements that are consistent with IFRS shall be provided to each Investor within 45 days of the end of the relevant Financial Year (without prejudice to the obligation to provide such audited annual financial statements within the 90 day (or 180 day, if applicable) period which shall still apply). |
4.3 | The Company undertakes to each Investor (for as long as such Investor holds any Shares) that the Company shall deliver to each Investor: |
4.3.1 | within five (5) Business Days of each Quarter Date: |
4.3.1.1 | a summary management report providing summary details of the progress of the Company and its business, including a report on material developments in its research and development projects, and details of the Company’s expenditure throughout the course of the relevant period; |
4.3.1.2 | unaudited quarterly management accounts of the Company (for such quarter and the year-to-date), including income statement, cash position and cash burn and cash flow statements and projections by comparison to the operating budget set out in the then current Business Plan and Budget. Such quarterly management accounts shall be prepared by the Company with reasonable skill and care and, save as noted in such accounts, on a basis reasonably consistent with IFRS, except that such quarterly management accounts do not need to have notes attached and shall be subject to year-end audit adjustments; and |
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4.3.1.3 | a statement showing: |
(i) | the number of shares in each class and series of Shares in sufficient detail to allow each Investor to calculate its respective percentage ownership in the Company; and |
(ii) | the allocation of the Share Option Pool; |
4.3.2 | no later than thirty (30) days (but no earlier than ninety (90) days) prior to the commencement of each Financial Year, an updated draft Business Plan and a draft Budget for the next Financial Year; and |
4.3.3 | within forty-five (45) days of each Quarter Date, unaudited quarterly financial statements of the Company, which shall include a balance sheet, income statement and equity statement. |
4.4 | Upon being given at least five (5) Business Days’ notice in writing, the Company shall permit an Investor to enter the Company’s premises and to make reasonable inspection of its books and records and to have reasonable access to the Employees and the Company’s advisers and accountants for the purposes of ascertaining the accurateness of any information provided to that Investor, the Evotec Director, the Novo Director, the SoftBank Director or the Observers. |
4.5 | If the Company fails to comply with any of its obligations to provide information to an Investor, the Evotec Director, the Novo Director, the SoftBank Director or the Observers pursuant to the provisions of this clause 4, then the Investor affected will be entitled to instruct a firm of accountants to prepare the relevant information and provide it to the Investors, the Evotec Director, the Novo Director, the SoftBank Director and the Observers. The Company will permit reasonable access to its books and records and its premises for this purpose. The reasonable costs of any such appointment (plus any VAT) will be paid by the Company. |
4.6 | The Company undertakes to each Shareholder that the Company shall deliver to each Shareholder within five (5) days after each calendar quarter quarterly profit and loss accounts and balance sheets in respect of such calendar quarter prepared in accordance with IFRS, and shall within 60 days of the end of each Financial Year provide each Shareholder with an overview of the Company’s progress over that year and meet with such Shareholders as may so request to answer any questions they may have on the report. |
4.7 | The Company undertakes to each Investor that the Company shall provide to the Investors all further documents and information reasonably required by any Investor to fulfil its regulatory requirements (or those of any Member of the same Group or Member of the same Fund Group) or requirements pursuant to the rules of any securities exchange on which securities of such Investor (or any Member of the same Group or Member of the same Fund Group) are listed or traded. |
4.8 | The Company undertakes to the Investors that the Company shall provide to the Investors all further documents and information reasonably requested by the Investors in order to comply with regulatory, accounting or tax requirements and either to provide such information or provide a valid reason why such documents or information cannot be provided. |
4.9 | Subject to clause 4.10, but notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement: |
4.9.1 | the Company shall be entitled to not provide or redact or restrict any report, accounts, information, document or thing to be provided under this clause 4 or clause 3 to any Investor (or any Investor Director or Observer) (save for any information, document or thing provided to any Investor or Investor Director pursuant to clauses 4.1 (excluding any information, document or thing in relation to any significant commercial partnerships and/or regulatory developments of the Company) 4.2, 4.3.1.1, 4.6 and 4.8 (inclusive)) to the extent that the Board determines in its reasonable discretion acting in good faith that the provision of such information or other thing to that Investor (or any Investor Director or Observer) would or may conflict with the interests of the Company in respect of any business of a Group Company carried on from time to time with any business invested in or acquired or developed by that Investor or any of its Affiliates directly or indirectly and any Investor Director and/or Observer appointed by such Investor shall not, save as required to enable him to comply with his legal duties as a director, have the right to receive such information by virtue of his position as a director of the Company or any Group Company or observer; and |
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4.9.2 | in the event of a prospective Sale that is in a bona fide competitive sales process with multiple bidders and in which an Investor participates either in its own name or that of an Affiliate, such Investor shall not have the right to receive any financial or other information in connection with such sales process by virtue of its position as an Investor or as a shareholder in the Company and any Investor Director and/or observer appointed by such Investor shall not have the right to receive any financial or other information in connection with such sales process by virtue of his position as a director of the Company or any Group Company or observer, |
and in any such circumstance described in clauses 4.9.1 and 4.9.2 above, the Board shall be entitled to request that the Investor Director and/or Observer appointed by the relevant Investor shall recuse himself or herself from the relevant part of such meeting of the Board or committee of the Board for such time as such matters are being discussed. For the purposes of this clause 4.9, the term “Affiliate” shall also include any company in respect of which that Investor or any of its Affiliates holds at least 10% of the issued share capital or a right to appoint a director to the board.
4.10 | Prior to withholding, redacting or restricting any information from an Investor, Investor Director or Observer in accordance with clause 4.9 or requesting that an Investor Director and/or Observer recuse himself or herself from the relevant part of a meeting of the Board or committee of the Board, the Company shall (in good faith) discuss the circumstances with the relevant Investor, Investor Director or Observer and consult with such Investor, Investor Director or Observer (acting reasonably) to seek an alternative means of sharing such information to the extent reasonably practicable. |
5. | Matters Requiring Consent |
5.1 | Subject to clauses 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 5.6 and 5.7 each of the Shareholders shall exercise all voting rights and powers of control available to him in relation to the Company to procure that save with Board Approval (including Investor Director Consent), the Company shall not effect any of the matters listed in Part 1 of Schedule 2 (except that only Board Approval and the consent of one Investor Director, rather than Investor Director Consent, shall be required in the circumstances expressly stated in paragraphs 13, 14, 20 and 21 of Part 1 of Schedule 2) and that, save with Investor Majority Consent, the Company shall not effect any of the matters referred to in Part 2 of Schedule 2. |
5.2 | Subject to clauses 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7 and as a separate obligation that is severable from the obligations in clause 5.1, the Company agrees that, save with Board Approval (including the Investor Director Consent), it shall not effect any of the matters listed in Part 1 of Schedule 2 (except that only Board Approval and the consent of one Investor Director, rather than Investor Director Consent, shall be required in the circumstances expressly stated in paragraphs 13, 14, 20 and 21 of Part 1 of Schedule 2) and that, save with Investor Majority Consent, it shall not effect any of the matters referred to in Part 2 of Schedule 2. |
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5.3 | Subject to clause 5.7, the restrictions in this clause 5 and Schedule 2 shall apply to the Company and each member of the Group and accordingly references in this clause and these Schedules to the Company shall be construed as a reference to each member of the Group from time to time. |
5.4 | Each of the Shareholders shall exercise all voting rights and powers of control available to him in relation to the Company to procure that save with the prior written consent of the Investor concerned, the Company shall not effect any alteration of the New Articles to the extent such alteration affects the specific rights or obligations of any Investor as a holder of Series A Preference Shares, Series B Preference Shares, Series C Preference Shares, Series C1 Preference Shares or Series D Preference Shares or with respect to the Evotec Director, the Novo Director, the SoftBank Director or any Observer. |
5.5 | Notwithstanding the matters referred to in Schedule 2, the Company undertakes to Celgene that it shall not use the name or logo of Celgene or any of its Affiliates without Celgene's prior written consent. |
5.6 | Notwithstanding the matters referred to in Schedule 2, the Company undertakes to each of the Subscribers that it shall not (and shall procure that each other member of the Group shall not), either directly or indirectly, release any announcement containing, or use in advertising, any reference to any such Subscriber or any of their respective Affiliates, as applicable (including any reference to any individual fund or account managed by a Subscriber or any of their respective Affiliates, as applicable), or use any trade name, trademark owned by a Subscriber or any of their respective Affiliates without the relevant Subscriber’s, prior written consent. This restriction does not affect any announcement or circular required by law or any regulatory body or the rules of any relevant stock exchange, provided that if it is the Company that is required by law or any regulatory body or the rules of any relevant stock exchange, to make an announcement, the Company shall in such announcement include only the minimum amount of information in relation to the Subscriber, as is required to comply with law or any regulatory body or the rules of any relevant stock exchange. |
5.7 | Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, including but not limited to clauses 5.1 - 5.3 (inclusive) and Schedule 2, neither Investor Director Consent nor Investor Majority Consent shall be required in connection with any matter undertaken by the Company pursuant to the Equity Facility, including (but not limited to) the allotment and issue of any Series D Preference Shares, and each Shareholder hereby (i) agrees to exercise all voting rights and powers of control available to him to give effect to the Equity Facility as may be requested by the Board from time to time; and (ii) waives any rights of pre-emption existing under the Act, the New Articles or otherwise with respect to the allotment and issue of Series D Preference Shares pursuant to the Equity Facility. |
5.8 | Each Investor Director, or such other person as an Investor may nominate (by giving notice in writing to the Company), shall be authorised to communicate in writing the consent of its appointing Investor to any of the matters referred to in Schedule 2. |
5.9 | Without prejudice to clause 5.7, an Investor may provide its consent to any of the matters referred to in Schedule 2 in the following ways: |
5.9.1 | a document signed (including by electronic means) by such Investor or by an authorised representative of such Investor; or |
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5.9.2 | an email from a designated authorized officer, specifying the title and authority of such officer, of such Investor expressly giving such consent on behalf of such Investor. |
6. | Business Undertakings |
6.1 | The Manager shall promote the best interests of the Company and ensure, so far as he is able, that the Business is conducted in accordance with the Business Plan and the Budget and with good business practice. |
6.2 | The Manager and the Company severally undertake to the Investors to procure, so far as it lies within their respective power to do so, that the Manager and each member of the Group will comply with the requirements set out in Schedule 3. References to the Company in Schedule 3 shall be construed as a reference to each member of the Group from time to time. |
6.3 | The Company will comply with the requirements set out in Schedule 5. |
7. | Sale, IPO or Holding Company Reorganisation |
7.1 | Each party acknowledges and agrees that upon a Sale or an IPO: |
7.1.1 | the Investors shall not be obliged to give warranties or indemnities except a warranty as to title to the shares held by such Investor; |
7.1.2 | each Investor’s liability shall be several and not on a joint basis with any other person and such liability shall not exceed the aggregate amount of consideration received or receivable by such Investor; and |
7.1.3 | the Investors shall not be obliged to give and shall not be bound by any covenants (including without limitation relating to non-competition and non-solicitation). |
Sale
7.2 | Any costs in relation to a Sale shall be borne by the Shareholders proportionately to the consideration payable (including any Delayed Consideration), whether in cash or otherwise, to each of them pursuant to the terms of the Sale. |
IPO
7.3 | Any underwriting costs and commissions in relation to an IPO shall be borne: (i) by the Company and the Shareholders who sell in such IPO (the "IPO Selling Shareholders") proportionately to their sale of Shares to be sold in such IPO; or (ii) if there are no IPO Selling Shareholders, wholly by the Company. |
7.4 | It is hereby agreed by the parties that, on an IPO, the Shareholders shall: |
7.4.1 | to the extent required by the applicable rules of the relevant exchange, retain such number of their Shares held at the time of the IPO for such period after the IPO as is required by the applicable rules of the relevant exchange; and |
7.4.2 | have regard to the recommendation of the Company’s underwriters or brokers on an IPO in determining their respective sale of shares upon the Company’s IPO and shall make such determination with a view to ensuring the success of the IPO. |
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7.5 | It is agreed that in the event of an initial public offering of the Company’s shares on a US stock exchange (including NASDAQ) the Investors shall be entitled to registration rights on terms to be agreed which shall include: |
7.5.1 | two demand registration rights commencing six months after the Company’s initial public offering; |
7.5.2 | unlimited shelf and piggy back registrations on all registrations by the Company for its own account; and |
7.5.3 | all expenses of a registration will be payable by the Company including the legal costs of one professional firm appointed to act on behalf of the Investors up to a maximum amount of US$60,000. |
7.6 | All Investors shall be entitled to participate in the registration rights referenced in clause 7.5 on a pro rata basis. The Company shall exercise all reasonable endeavours to procure that all of the registrable securities requested by the Investors are included in any registration referenced in clause 7.5. If, after consultation with the Investors and the underwriters that are appointed for the registration, the total number of registrable securities requested by the Investors to be included in the registration exceeds the number of registrable securities that can be included in the registration, then the number of securities that may be included in the registration shall be allocated to the Investors requesting inclusion of their registrable securities in such registration on a pro rata basis. For the purposes of this clause 7.6, “pro rata” basis shall be determined, in respect of an Investor, by the quotient of the number of registrable securities then outstanding in the Company held by such Investor (as the numerator) over the total number of registrable securities then outstanding in the Company held by all Investors participating in the registration (as the denominator). |
7.7 | In the event of an IPO that has been approved by the Board, the holder(s) of more than 55% of the Shares and an Investor Majority (an “Approved IPO”), each Shareholder shall take all steps necessary to implement such Approved IPO on such terms as are approved by the Board, the holder(s) of more than 55% of the Shares and an Investor Majority, including: |
7.7.1 | consenting to, voting for, raising no objections to and waiving any applicable rights as is necessary or desirable (in the opinion of the Board) to: |
7.7.1.1 | give effect to a Holding Company Reorganisation pursuant to clause 7.9; and |
7.7.1.2 | adopt new articles of association of the Company (or any Holding Company), in a form appropriate for a public listed company at the relevant time listed on the relevant investment exchange; |
7.7.2 | re-registering the Company as a public limited company (if applicable); |
7.7.3 | executing a new shareholders’ agreement relating to any new Holding Company that is in the same or substantially the same form as this Agreement; |
7.7.4 | consenting to a general meeting of the Company (or any new Holding Company) being held on short notice in accordance with section 307(4) of the Act and providing a proxy in favour of any Director to vote its Shares in favour of any resolution and/or class consent proposed at such general meeting in connection with an Approved IPO; |
7.7.5 | making all applications needed to a relevant investment exchange to apply for the listing or registration of any shares; and |
7.7.6 | executing (and or otherwise completing) any documents, resolutions, class consents, information requests, agreements, certificates, transfers or other contracts (including without limitation any share exchange agreements, due diligence questionnaires, disclosure schedules, underwriting agreements, share purchase agreements or other documents reasonably required by an underwriting to complete the Approved IPO) (the “IPO Agreements”). |
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7.8 | Each such Shareholder hereby irrevocably appoints any director of the Company to act as his duly authorised agent and attorney (“IPO Attorney”) to take such actions where a party fails to comply with the provisions of clause 7.7 within five Business Days of being requested by the Company to do so (“IPO Defaulting Party”). The IPO Attorney is (as security for the performance of the IPO Defaulting Party’s obligations) irrevocably appointed and authorised to be the true and lawful attorney for the IPO Defaulting Party and in its name and on its behalf to exercise in the absolute discretion of the IPO Attorney all voting rights attaching to the Shares. The power of attorney set out in this clause 7.8 is granted to secure the performance by the Shareholder of his obligations under clause 7.8 and shall be irrevocable. |
Holding Company Reorganisation
7.9 | In the event of a Holding Company Reorganisation approved by the Board, the holder(s) of more than 55% of the Shares and an Investor Majority (a “Proposed Reorganisation”), all Shareholders shall: (i) consent to, vote for, raise no objections to and waive any applicable rights in connection with the Proposed Reorganisation; and (ii) take all necessary actions to tender their Shares required to effect the Proposed Reorganisation (the “Reorganisation Actions”). The Shareholders shall be required to take all Reorganisation Actions with respect to the Proposed Reorganisation as are necessary and required by the Board with Investor Director Consent to facilitate the Proposed Reorganisation, provided that: (1) any such Holding Company Reorganisation shall not affect the legal or economic rights of any Shareholder in a manner which is disproportionate to the manner in which such Holding Company Reorganisation affects other Shareholders (having regard to their respective class and holdings of Shares), except where such Shareholder approves such Holding Company Reorganisation; and (2) nothing in this clause shall require any Shareholder to: (a) take any unlawful action or step; (b) incur any liabilities, obligations, including but not limited to taxes, levies, fines or other liabilities or obligations owed by any Shareholder to any Taxing Authority; or (c) contribute more costs as a consequence of the Reorganisation Actions, except, in each case, to the extent that such liabilities, obligations or costs (other than liabilities, obligations or costs owed to any Taxing Authority) are deemed by the Board (acting reasonably) with Investor Director Consent to be immaterial. Prior to the consummation of the Proposed Reorganisation or any of the Reorganisation Actions contemplated thereby, the Company shall provide each Investor with reasonable notice of the Proposed Reorganisation and use reasonable efforts to procure that each Investor is provided with a copy of a detailed steps-memo prepared by the Company’s accountants describing the Proposed Reorganisation, and the Company shall discuss and consider in good faith the Proposed Reorganisation with such Investors. |
7.10 | Each Shareholder hereby irrevocably appoints any director of the Company to act as his duly authorised agent and attorney (“Holdco Attorney”) to take such actions where a party fails to comply with the provisions of clause 7.9 within five Business Days of being requested by the Company to do so (“Holdco Defaulting Party”). The Holdco Attorney is (as security for the performance of the Holdco Defaulting Party’s obligations) irrevocably appointed and authorised to be the true and lawful attorney for the Holdco Defaulting Party and in its name and on its behalf to exercise in the absolute discretion of the Holdco Attorney all voting rights attaching to the Shares. The power of attorney set out in this clause 7.10 is granted to secure the performance by the Shareholder of his obligations under clause 7.9 and shall be irrevocable. |
7.11 | The obligations of each Shareholder pursuant to clauses 7.5 to 7.10 (inclusive) shall be absolute save that where the fulfilment of such obligation is not within the reasonable control of such Shareholder, the obligations of such Shareholder shall be to use its reasonable endeavours to fulfil the obligation. |
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8. | Compliance with Drag Rights |
8.1 | Each party acknowledges that the rights set out in Article 26 of the New Articles (as may be varied, supplemented, amended or replaced by similar compulsory transfer provisions from time to time) (the “Drag Rights”) may result in a transfer of Shares or other Relevant Securities held by it and agrees and approves the application of the Drag Rights in accordance with their terms. |
8.2 | Subject to clauses 7.9 and 7.10, each Shareholder hereby appoints any director of the Company to act as his duly authorised agent and attorney, to approve, agree and execute on behalf of, and in the name of, such Shareholder, any form(s) of acceptance, transfer form(s), share certificate(s) (or an indemnity in a form reasonably acceptable to the Board in respect of any lost share certificate(s)), any notice(s) of exercise or waiver of any right(s), and/or any other document(s), and as may be necessary or desirable (as determined by the Board) to give effect to the Drag Rights. The power of attorney set out in this clause 8.2 is granted to secure the performance by the Shareholder of his obligations under this clause 8 and the Drag Rights and shall be irrevocable. |
9. | Shares held by The Manager and other Individuals |
9.1 | Provision of information to HMRC |
The Company agrees with all of the parties to this Agreement who are responsible persons for the purposes of section 421L of ITEPA that:
9.1.1 | it is the most appropriate responsible person to obtain information in relation to any Shares acquired by the Manager prior to or at the date of this Agreement; and |
9.1.2 | the Company shall provide HMRC, within any relevant time limits, with the information required by section 421J of ITEPA on the occasion of any reportable event relating to such shares as defined by section 421K of ITEPA, so that the other parties to this Agreement who are responsible persons do not need to provide any information to HMRC. |
9.2 | ITEPA elections |
Each of the parties to this Agreement who is an individual:
9.2.1 | undertakes to inform the Company whenever a reportable event occurs in relation to their Shares and that they will provide the Company with the information required, to the extent that the Company does not have such information; |
9.2.2 | acknowledges that any Shares acquired before the date of this Agreement are received by the individual gross of tax; and |
9.2.3 | agrees that any tax arising in relation to any Shares acquired before the date of this Agreement however and whenever arising, shall be the sole responsibility of the individual concerned. |
9.3 | ITEPA indemnity |
Each of the parties to this Agreement who is an individual undertakes fully and effectually to indemnify the Company, subject to clause 9.4, against any liability of the Company to account to HMRC or any other Taxing Authority for any amounts of, or representing, income tax or National Insurance contributions (including employer’s secondary Class 1 contributions to the extent permitted by law from time to time) which may arise as a result of the operation of Part 7 of ITEPA in relation to any Shares acquired by, held by or disposed of by him or any other person associated with him (within the meaning of section 421C of ITEPA) whether such acquisition, holding or disposal occurs at any time before, on or after the date of this Agreement.
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9.4 | Secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions |
The provisions of clause 9.3 will not have effect in relation to Secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions on any occasion if to do so would contravene the provisions of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or of any regulations made under that act.
9.5 | Future issues to individuals |
If ITEPA would apply to an issue of Shares by the Company to an individual after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not issue such Shares unless the individual has first entered into:
9.5.1 | a valid joint election under section 431(1) of ITEPA, signed by the individual in question and the Company in respect of such Shares; and |
9.5.2 | a binding obligation in the terms of this clause 9 with the Company. |
10. | Further Issue and Transfer of Shares |
10.1 | Each Shareholder undertakes to each other Shareholder, that he/she or it shall not, and shall not agree to, transfer, mortgage, charge or otherwise dispose of the whole or any part of his/hers or its interest in, or grant any option or other rights over, any Shares to any person except: (i) where required or specifically permitted to do so pursuant to the New Articles or this Agreement; or (ii) with the consent of the Board with Investor Director Consent. |
10.2 | No Shareholder shall effect any transfer, mortgage, charge or other disposal of any interest in Shares nor shall the Company issue any Shares or equity securities (as defined in section 560 of the Act) or sell or transfer any Shares held as Treasury Shares, to any person who is not a party to this Agreement without first obtaining from the transferee or subscriber a Deed of Adherence save in respect of the grant or exercise of an option pursuant to the Share Option Plan unless otherwise approved by the Board with Investor Director Consent. |
10.3 | The Deed of Adherence shall be in favour of the Company, the Investors and any other parties to this Agreement and shall be delivered to the Company at its registered office. Subject to clauses 10.1 and 10.2, no share transfer or issue of shares shall be registered unless such Deed of Adherence has been delivered. |
11. | Manager’s Covenants |
Restrictive covenants
11.1 | For the purpose of assuring to the Investors the value of the Business and the full benefit of the goodwill of the business of the Company, the Manager hereby undertakes to and covenants with the Investors and the Company that (save for any interest in the shares or other securities of a company so long as such interest does not extend to more than two per cent of the issued share capital of the company or the class of securities concerned or save with Board consent) he shall not: |
11.1.1 | while he is an Employee (i) carry on or be concerned, engaged or interested directly or indirectly (in any capacity whatsoever) in any trade or business competing with the trade or business of the Company as carried on at the time or, in relation to any trade or business of the Company that he has been engaged or involved in, at any time during a period of two years immediately preceding that time or (ii) without the prior written consent of the Board with Investor Director Consent, carry out any academic research or projects other than the Approved Activities; or |
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11.1.2 | during the period of 18 months commencing on the Termination Date: |
11.1.2.1 | without the prior written consent of the Board with Investor Director Consent, carry on or be materially concerned, engaged or interested directly or indirectly in any capacity whatsoever and anywhere in the world in any trade or business competing with the Business or part(s) of the Business in which he has been engaged or involved in to a material extent at any time during the Period; |
11.1.2.2 | without the prior written consent of the Board with Investor Director Consent, carry out any academic research or projects other than the Approved Activities; |
11.1.2.3 | either on his own behalf or in any other capacity whatsoever directly or indirectly do or say anything which may lead to any person ceasing to do business with the Company on substantially the same terms as previously (or at all); |
11.1.2.4 | either on his own behalf or in any other capacity whatsoever directly or indirectly endeavour to entice away from the Company or solicit any person, firm or company who was a client, customer, supplier, agent or distributor of the Company during the Period with whom he shall have been engaged or involved by virtue of his duties during the Period in competition with or to the detriment of the Company or cause or endeavour to cause, such person, firm or company to materially adversely alter the terms on which they do business with the Company; |
11.1.2.5 | either on his own behalf or in any other capacity whatsoever directly or indirectly have any dealings with any person, firm or company who was a client, customer, supplier, agent or distributor of the Company during the Period with whom he shall have been engaged or involved by virtue of his duties during the Period in competition with or to the detriment of the Company; or |
11.1.2.6 | either on his own behalf or in any other capacity whatsoever directly or indirectly employ, engage or induce, or seek to induce, to leave the service of the Company any person who is or was a Key Employee with whom he shall have had dealings during the Period whether or not such person would commit any breach of his contract of employment by reason of so leaving the service of the Company or otherwise; or |
11.1.3 | at any time after the Termination Date represent himself as being in any way currently connected with or interested in the business of the Company (other than as a shareholder if that be the case). |
11.2 | Each of the restrictions contained in each paragraph of clause 11.1 is separate and distinct and is to be construed separately from the other such restrictions. The Manager hereby acknowledges that he considers such restrictions to be reasonable both individually and in the aggregate and that the duration, extent and application of each of such restrictions are no greater than is necessary for the protection of the goodwill of the businesses of the Company and that the consideration paid by the Investors in respect of their Shares takes into account and adequately compensates him for any restriction or restraint imposed thereby. However, if any such restriction shall be found to be void or unenforceable but would be valid or enforceable if some part or parts thereof were deleted or the period or area of application reduced, the Manager hereby agrees that such restriction shall apply with such modification as may be necessary to make it valid. |
11.3 | Any discovery, invention, secret process or improvement in procedure made or discovered by the Manager: (i) while in the service of any Group Company in connection with or in any way affecting or relating to the Company's business or capable of being used or adapted for use in or in connection with the Company's business; or (ii) following the Manager ceasing to be in the service of any Group Company, arising from the use by such Manager of the Company’s Confidential Information, shall as soon as reasonably practicable be disclosed to the Company and shall belong to and be the absolute property of the Group Company which the Company nominates for the purpose. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as permitting the Manager that ceases to be in the service of any Group Company to use any of the Company's Confidential Information; and (ii) this agreement shall not operate as a transfer instrument and any transfer of Intellectual Property rights shall be effected under a separate agreement. |
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11.4 | The Manager (whether before or after his ceasing to be a Shareholder in the Company or his ceasing to be an employee or engaged as a consultant of any Group Company) shall, upon the request of, and at the expense of, the Company or its nominee apply or join in applying for patent or other similar protection in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland or any other part of the world for any such discovery, invention, process or improvement as referred to in clause 11.3 and shall execute all instruments and do all things necessary for vesting those letters patent or other similar protection when obtained and all right and title to and interest in them in the Company (or its nominee) absolutely and as sole beneficial owner. |
11.5 | The Manager shall have no claim against the Company or an Investor in respect of the termination of his contract of employment in relation to any provision in the New Articles, this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement which has the effect of requiring the Manager to transfer, sell, convert, re-designate or otherwise dispose of the whole or any part of his interest in any shares or other securities in the capital of the Company at any price or into any other class of share (if applicable) or which causes any options or other rights granted to him to become prematurely exercisable or lapse. |
12. | Confidentiality |
12.1 | Subject to clause 12.2, each of the parties agrees to keep secret and confidential and not to use, disclose or divulge to any third party or to enable or cause any person to become aware of (except for the purposes of the Company’s business) any Confidential Information. |
12.2 | The Investors, and each Shareholder who is a director of the Company, shall be at liberty from time to time to make such disclosure: |
12.2.1 | to each Investor's partners, directors, officers or employees, professional advisers, auditors, lenders, investors, proposed lenders and proposed investors (and those of any Member of the same Fund Group or Member of the same Group as such Investor) that reasonably need to know the relevant Confidential Information; |
12.2.2 | to any lender to the Company and/or to any shareholder of the Company; |
12.2.3 | as may be required by law or by any regulatory authority to which the Investor (or any Member of the same Group or Member of the same Fund Group) is subject or by the rules of any securities exchange on which an Investor’s securities (or those of any Member of the same Group or Member of the same Fund Group) are listed or traded; |
12.2.4 | to the Accountants and/or any other professional advisers of the Company and/or to the Investor’s auditors and/or any other professional advisers of the Investor (or of any Member of the Same Fund Group or Member of the same Group as such Investor); and |
12.2.5 | to any person who is considering making an investment in the Company or purchasing Shares for the purposes of evaluating any such investment or purchase, |
in relation to the business affairs and financial position of the Company as it may in its reasonable discretion think fit, provided that the recipient is subject to an obligation to keep the disclosure confidential on terms no less restrictive as are set out in this Agreement.
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12.3 | For the purposes of this clause, “Confidential Information” means any information or know-how of a secret or confidential nature relating to the Company or of any Investor, including (without limitation): |
12.3.1 | any information regarding this Agreement and the investment by the Investor in the Company pursuant to this Agreement; |
12.3.2 | any financial information or trading information relating to the Company or of any Investor which a party may receive or obtain as a result of entering into this Agreement; |
12.3.3 | in the case of the Company, information concerning: |
12.3.3.1 | its finances and financial data, business transactions, dealings and affairs and prospective business transactions; |
12.3.3.2 | any operational model, its business plans and sales and marketing information, plans and strategies; |
12.3.3.3 | its customers, including, without limitation, customer lists, customer identities and contact details and customer requirements; |
12.3.3.4 | any existing and planned product lines, services, price lists and pricing structures (including, without limitation, discounts, special prices or special contract terms offered to or agreed with customers); |
12.3.3.5 | its technology or methodology associated with concepts, products and services including research activities and the techniques and processes used for development of concepts, products and services; |
12.3.3.6 | its computer systems, source codes and software, including, without limitation, software and technical information necessary for the development, maintenance or operation of websites; |
12.3.3.7 | its current and prospective Intellectual Property; |
12.3.3.8 | its directors, officers, employees and shareholders (including, without limitation, salaries, bonuses, commissions and the terms on which such individuals are employed or engaged and decisions or contents of board meetings); |
12.3.3.9 | its suppliers, licensors, licensees, agents, distributors or contractors including the identity of such parties and the terms on which they do business, or participate in any form of commercial co-operation with the Company; |
12.3.3.10 | information concerning or provided to third parties, in respect of which the Company owes a duty of confidence (in particular but without limitation, the content of discussions or communications with any prospective customers or prospective business partner); and |
12.3.3.11 | any other information which it may reasonably be expected would be regarded by a company as confidential or commercially sensitive, but shall not include any information which: |
(i) | is, or which becomes (other than through a breach of this Agreement), available in the public domain or otherwise available to the public generally without requiring a significant expenditure of labour, skill or money; |
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(ii) | is, at the time of disclosure, already known to the receiving party without restriction on disclosure; |
(iii) | is, or subsequently comes, into the possession of the receiving party without violation of any obligation of confidentiality or comes into the possession of the receiving party as a result of a scientific or commercial collaboration between the receiving party and the Company where the terms of such collaboration include separate obligations on the receiving party relating to the confidentiality and use of Company information and those separate obligations are being complied with; |
(iv) | is independently developed by the receiving party without breach of this Agreement; |
(v) | is explicitly approved for release by the written consent of an authorised representative of the disclosing party; or |
(vi) | a party is required to disclose by law, by any securities exchange on which such party’s, or any Member of the same Group as such party’s, securities are listed or traded, by any regulatory or governmental or other authority with relevant powers to which such party or Member of the same Group as such party, is subject or submits, whether or not the requirement has the force of law, or by any court order. |
13. | Announcements |
13.1 | Except in accordance with clause 13.2, the parties shall not make any public announcement or issue a press release or respond to any enquiry from the press or other media concerning or relating to this Agreement or its subject matter (including but not limited to the Investor’s investment in the Company) or any ancillary matter. |
13.2 | Notwithstanding clause 13.1, any party may: |
13.2.1 | make any press release to the effect that it has made an investment in the Company and/or that it is a shareholder in the Company without obtaining the prior approval of any other parties (provided that in doing so it makes no reference to any other shareholder in the Company without the prior consent of that shareholder having been obtained); |
13.2.2 | make or permit to be made an announcement concerning or relating to this Agreement or its subject matter or any ancillary matter with the prior written approval of the Board or if and to the extent required by: |
13.2.2.1 | law; |
13.2.2.2 | any securities exchange on which such party’s securities are listed or traded; |
13.2.2.3 | any regulatory or governmental or other authority with relevant powers to which such party is subject or submits, whether or not the requirement has the force of law; or |
13.2.2.4 | any court order. |
14. | Costs and Expenses |
Each of the parties shall pay its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, performance and implementation of this Agreement and each document referred to in it.
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15. | Survival and Cessation of Obligations of the Manager |
The obligations on the Manager under clauses 11, 12 and 13 shall survive any transfer by him of all or any Shares and shall survive him ceasing to be an Employee but otherwise upon the Manager ceasing to hold Shares and ceasing to be an Employee he shall have no further obligation or liability under this Agreement but without prejudice to the due performance by him of all obligations up to the date of such cessation.
16. | Effect of Ceasing to Hold Shares |
A party shall cease to be a party to this Agreement for the purpose of receiving benefits and enforcing his rights with effect from the date he ceases to hold or beneficially own any Shares (but without prejudice to any benefits and rights accrued prior to such cessation).
17. | Cumulative Remedies |
The rights, powers, privileges and remedies conferred upon the Investors in this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights, powers, privileges or remedies provided by law or otherwise.
18. | Waiver |
The express or implied waiver by any party to this Agreement of any of its rights or remedies arising under this Agreement or by law shall not constitute a continuing waiver of the right or remedy waived or a waiver of any other right or remedy.
19. | Entire Agreement |
19.1 | This Agreement and the documents referred to or incorporated in it constitute the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede and extinguish any prior drafts, agreements, undertakings, representations, warranties and arrangements of any nature whatsoever, whether or not in writing, between the parties in relation to the subject matter of this Agreement. |
19.2 | Each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that it has not entered into this Agreement in reliance on any statement or representation of any person (whether a party to this Agreement or not) other than as expressly incorporated in this Agreement and the documents referred to or incorporated in this Agreement. |
19.3 | Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right or remedy it may have to claim damages and/or to rescind this Agreement by reason of any misrepresentation (other than a fraudulent misrepresentation) having been made to it by any person (whether party to this Agreement or not) and upon which it has relied in entering into this Agreement. |
19.4 | Each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that damages alone may not be an adequate remedy for the breach of any of the undertakings or obligations as set out in this Agreement. Accordingly, without prejudice to any other rights and remedies the parties may have, the parties shall be entitled to seek the remedies of interdict, specific implement or other equitable relief for any threatened or actual breach of the terms of this Agreement. |
19.5 | Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other document referred to or incorporated in it shall be read or construed as excluding any liability or remedy as a result of fraud. |
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20. | Variation and Termination |
20.1 | All and any of the provisions of this Agreement may be deleted, varied, supplemented, restated or otherwise changed in any way at any time with the prior written consent of: (a) the Board; (b) Shareholders holding at least 75 per cent of the issued Shares (excluding Treasury Shares) held by the Shareholders; and (c) an Investor Majority, in which event such change shall be binding on all of the parties hereto provided that, if such change would: (i) impose any new obligations on a party; (ii) amend a specific contractual right of a party pursuant to clause 3, 4, 5 and/or this clause 20 and/or any definitions relating to the foregoing; (iii) increase any existing obligation; (iv) deprive an Investor of its rights under this Agreement without the consent of that Investor, unless such amendment similarly deprives all Investors holding Shares of the same class as that Investor; or (v) materially and adversely vary the rights attaching to any class of shares held by an Investor, the consent of the affected party or Investor (as applicable) to such change shall be specifically required. For the purposes of the foregoing, if, at the time that consent to an amendment to this Agreement is sought, Andrew Hopkins holds 25% or more of the issued voting Shares (excluding Treasury Shares) held by the Shareholders, he shall, provided that such amendment affects each Shareholder equally (having regard to their respective class and holdings of Shares), be deemed to hold 24.99% of such issued Shares for the purposes of this clause 20.1, and each other Shareholder shall be deemed to hold such number of issued Shares that it actually holds plus a number of issued Shares equal to its pro rata portion of the disenfranchised issued Shares of Andrew Hopkins (such “pro rata portion” being calculated based on the number of issued voting Shares held between such other Shareholders). |
20.2 | This Agreement may be terminated with the prior written consent of: (a) the Board; (b) Shareholders holding at least 75 per cent of the issued Shares (excluding Treasury Shares) held by the Shareholders; and (c) an Investor Majority, in which event such termination shall be binding on all of the parties hereto save that nothing in this clause shall release any party from liability for breaches of this Agreement which occurred prior to its termination. |
20.3 | This Agreement shall terminate and cease to have effect upon the first to occur of (i) an IPO; (ii) consummation by the Company of a Holding Company Reorganisation (provided that a shareholders’ agreement relating to the new Holding Company substantially on the terms of this Agreement has been entered into between the relevant parties); (iii) a Share Sale; and (iv) all of the Subscribers and Non Investing Shareholders, and/or their Permitted Transferees, ceasing to hold or beneficially own any Shares, save that nothing in this clause shall release any party from liability for breaches of this Agreement which occurred prior to its termination. |
21. | No Partnership |
Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall be construed as establishing or implying any partnership of any kind between the parties.
22. | ASSIGNMENT and Transfer |
22.1 | Subject to clauses 22.3, this Agreement is personal to the parties and no party shall: |
22.1.1 | assign any of its rights under this Agreement; |
22.1.2 | transfer any of its obligations under this Agreement; |
22.1.3 | sub-contract or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement; or |
22.1.4 | charge or deal in any other manner with this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations. |
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22.2 | Any purported assignment, transfer, sub-contracting, delegation, charging or dealing in contravention of clause 22.1 shall be ineffective. |
22.3 | An Investor may assign the whole or part of any of its rights in this Agreement to any person who has received a transfer of shares in the capital of the Company from such Investor in accordance with the New Articles and has executed a Deed of Adherence. |
23. | Rights of Third Parties |
23.1 | Subject to clause 23.2, this agreement does not confer any rights on any person or party (other than the parties to this Agreement). |
23.2 | The general partner of an Investor or the management or advisory company authorised from time to time to act on behalf of that Investor or another person or persons nominated by that Investor, shall be entitled to enforce all of the rights and benefits under this Agreement at all times as if party to this Agreement. |
24. | Conflict between Agreements |
Subject to any applicable law, in the event of any ambiguity or conflict between this Agreement and the New Articles, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail as between the Shareholders and in such event the Shareholders shall procure such modification to the New Articles as shall be necessary.
25. | Counterparts; no originals |
25.1 | This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, and all the counterparts shall together constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of a fully executed version of this 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 and no exchange of originals is necessary. |
25.2 | Where executed in counterparts: |
25.2.1 | this Agreement shall not take effect until counterparts from at least the Company, the Subscribers and the Requisite Parties have been delivered; and |
25.2.2 | delivery will take place when the date of delivery is agreed between the parties after execution of this Agreement as evidenced by the date inserted at the start of this Agreement. |
25.3 | Where not executed in counterparts, this Agreement shall take effect after its execution upon the date agreed between the parties as evidenced by the date inserted at the start of this Agreement. |
26. | Notices |
26.1 | Any communication and/or information to be given in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing in English and shall either be delivered by hand or sent by internationally recognized overnight courier or email or other electronic form: |
26.1.1 | to any company which is a party at its registered office (or such other address as it may notify to the other parties to this Agreement for such purpose); or |
26.1.2 | to any individual who is a party at the address of that individual shown in Parts 1 – 3 of Schedule 1, |
(or in each such case such other address as the recipient may notify to the other parties for such purpose).
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26.2 | A communication sent according to clause 26.1 shall be deemed to have been received: |
26.2.1 | if delivered by hand, at the time of delivery; |
26.2.2 | if sent by internationally recognized overnight courier, on the fifth day after posting; or |
26.2.3 | if sent by email or other electronic form, at the time of completion of transmission by the sender, |
except that if a communication is received between 5.30 pm on a Business Day and 9.30 am on the next Business Day, it shall be deemed to have been received at 9:30 am on the second of such Business Days.
27. | Severance |
27.1 | If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by any judicial or other competent authority, all other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not in any way be impaired. |
27.2 | If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable but would be valid or enforceable if some part of the provision were deleted, the provision in question will apply with the minimum modifications necessary to make it valid and enforceable. |
28. | Governing Law |
This agreement (and any dispute or claim relating to it or its subject matter (including non-contractual claims)) is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with English law.
29. | Jurisdiction |
The parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any claim, dispute or issue (including non-contractual claims) which may arise out of or in connection with this Agreement.
30. | Representation |
30.1 | Each party to this agreement acknowledges that Cooley (UK) LLP (“Cooley”), the Company’s solicitors, has in the past performed and is or may now or in the future represent one or more Shareholders or their Affiliates in matters unrelated to the transactions contemplated by this agreement (the “Financing”), including representation of such Shareholders or their Affiliates in matters of a similar nature to the Financing. The applicable rules of professional conduct require that Cooley inform the parties hereunder of this representation and obtain their consent. Cooley has served as outside general counsel to the Company and has negotiated the terms of the Financing solely on behalf of the Company. The Company and each Shareholder hereby: |
30.1.1 | acknowledge that they have had an opportunity to ask for and have obtained information relevant to such representation, including disclosure of the reasonably foreseeable adverse consequences of such representation; |
30.1.2 | acknowledge that, with respect to the Financing, Cooley has represented solely the Company, and not any Shareholder or any stockholder, director or employee of the Company or any Shareholder; and |
30.1.3 | gives its informed consent to Cooley’s representation of the Company in the Financing. |
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31. | Confirmation by the Manager to the Investors |
31.1 | The Manager confirms to the Investors that, for the purposes of entering into the transactions contemplated by this Agreement: |
31.1.1 | he has entered into such transactions entirely on the basis of his own assessment of the risks and effect thereof; |
31.1.2 | he is owed no duty of care or other obligation by any Investor; and |
31.1.3 | insofar as he is owed any such duty or obligation (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) by the Investors he hereby waives, to the extent permitted by law, any rights (save in the case of any fraudulent misrepresentation) which he may have in respect of such duty or obligation. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Agreement is executed and delivered as a deed on the date first mentioned above:
EXECUTED as a DEED by | ) | |
EXSCIENTIA HOLDINGS | ) | |
LIMITED | ) | |
acting by two directors | /s/ | |
Director | ||
/s/ | ||
Director |
EXECUTED as a DEED by | ||
NOVO HOLDINGS A/S | Signature: | /s/ Robert Ghenchev |
Print Name: | Robert Ghenchev |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Adelina Grozdanova |
Name: | Adelina Grozdanova | |
Address | 1824 Jackson Street, apt D | |
San Francisco, CA 94109 | ||
Occupation: | Head of Investor Group |
EXECUTED as a DEED by | Signature: | /s/ Enno Spillner |
EVOTEC SE | ||
Print Name: | Enno Spillner |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Heike Meyer-Zengerle |
Name: | Heike Meyer-Zengerle | |
Address | c/o Evotec SE | |
Essener Bogen 7 | ||
22419 Hamburg, Germany | ||
Occupation: | Legal Operations Specialist Global Legal & Compliance |
EXECUTED as a DEED by | Signature: | /s/ Ian McLean |
SVF II EXCEL (DE) LLC | ||
Print Name: | Ian McLean |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Jessica McLean |
Name: | Jessica McLean | |
Address | 87 Central Ave. | |
- | ||
San Francisco, CA 94117 | ||
USA |
Occupation: | Designer |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc. | ||
By: | BlackRock Advisors, LLC, its Investment Advisor | |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis | |
Name: | William Abecassis | |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness | |
Address | 55 E 52nd St | |
New York, NY 10055 | ||
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Global Funds – Global Allocation Fund | ||
By: | BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, as Investment Sub-Advisor | |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis | |
Name: | William Abecassis | |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness | |
Address | 55 E 52nd St | |
New York, NY 10055 | ||
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund of BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. | ||
By: | BlackRock Advisors, LLC, its Investment Advisor | |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis | |
Name: | William Abecassis | |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness | |
Address | 55 E 52nd St | |
New York, NY 10055 | ||
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Global Allocation Portfolio of BlackRock Series Fund, Inc. | ||
By: | BlackRock Advisors, LLC, its Investment Advisor | |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis | |
Name: | William Abecassis | |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness | |
Address | 55 E 52nd St | |
New York, NY 10055 | ||
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Global Allocation Fund (Australia) | ||
By: | BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, as Investment Manager for BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited, the Responsible Entity of BlackRock Global Allocation Fund (Australia) | |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis | |
Name: | William Abecassis | |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness | |
Address | 55 E 52nd St | |
New York, NY 10055 | ||
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Global Allocation Collective Fund
By: | BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., not in its individual capacity but as Trustee of the BlackRock Global Allocation Collective Fund |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis |
Name: | William Abecassis |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness |
Address | 55 E 52nd St |
New York, NY 10055 |
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Global Funds – Global Dynamic Equity Fund
By: | BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, as Investment Sub-Adviser |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis |
Name: | William Abecassis |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: |
Name: | Brett Buchness |
Address | 55 E 52nd St |
New York, NY 10055 |
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust
By: | BlackRock Advisors, LLC, its Investment Advisor |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis |
Name: | William Abecassis |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness |
Address | 55 E 52nd St |
New York, NY 10055 |
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio of BlackRock Funds V
By: | BlackRock Advisors, LLC, its Investment Advisor |
By: | /s/ William Abecassis |
Name: | William Abecassis |
Title: | Head of Innovation Capital |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Brett Buchness |
Name: | Brett Buchness |
Address | 55 E 52nd St |
New York, NY 10055 |
Occupation: | Portfolio Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by MIC CAPITAL | ) | |
PARTNERS (VENTURES) EUROPE | ) | |
PARALLEL (LUXEMBOURG) | ) | |
AGGREGATOR, SCSP | ) | |
) | ||
By: MIC Capital Partners (Ventures) | ) | |
Europe Parallel (Luxembourg) GP S.À.R.L., | ) | |
its unlimited partner (associé commandité) and | ) | |
manager (gérant) | ) | /s/ Rodney Cannon |
Rodney Cannon |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Matthew Ryan |
Name: | Matthew Ryan |
Address | PO Box 45005 |
Abu Dhabi |
Occupation: | Lawyer |
EXECUTED as a DEED by MIC CAPITAL | ) | |
MANAGEMENT 83 RSC LTD. acting by an | ) | |
authorised signatory | ) | /s/ Rodney Cannon |
Rodney Cannon |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Matthew Ryan |
Name: | Matthew Ryan |
Address | PO Box 45005 |
Abu Dhabi |
Occupation: | Lawyer |
EXECUTED as a DEED by MW XO | ) | |
HEALTH INNOVATIONS FUND, LP | ) | |
) | ||
By: Marshall Wace North America, LP, its | ) | |
investment manager | ) | |
) | ||
By: Marshall Wace LLC, the general partner | ) | |
of its investment manager | ) | /s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Veena Malpani |
Name: | Veena Malpani |
Address | 142 Eighth St Apt 8C |
New York, NY 10003 |
Occupation: |
EXECUTED as a DEED by PIVOTAL | ) | |
BIOVENTURE PARTNERS FUND I, L.P. | ) | |
) | ||
By: Pivotal bioVenture Partners Fund I | ) | |
G.P., L.P. its general partner | ) | |
) | ||
By: Pivotal bioVenture Partners Fund I | ) | |
U.G.P. Ltd, its general partner, acting by its | ) | |
the Managing Partner | ) | /s/ Robert Hopfner |
Robert Hopfner, Managing Partner |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Ming Cheah |
Name: | Ming Cheah |
Address | 340 Vallejo Drive #56 |
Millbrae CA 94030 |
USA |
Occupation: | Venture capital investor |
EXECUTED as a DEED by NFLS ZETA | ) | |
LIMITED acting by a director | ) | /s/ |
Director |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Anna Sun |
Name: | Anna Sun |
Address | 23F Nan Fung Tower |
88 Connaught Road Central |
Hong Kong |
Occupation: | Business |
EXECUTED as a DEED by ZONE III | ) | |
HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS, LLC | ) | |
) | ||
By: Farallon Capital Management, LLC, its | ) | |
manager acting by an authorised signatory | ) | /s/ Philip Dreyfuss |
Philip Dreyfuss, Authorised Signatory |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Lexie Woolley |
Name: | Lexie Woolley |
Address | One Maritime Plaza |
Suite 2100 |
San Francisco, CA 94111 |
Occupation: | Assistant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by HONGKOU CAPITAL MASTER FUND LP
By: Hongkou Capital GP LLC, its general partner, acting by its sole member |
) ) ) ) ) |
/s/ Xiaotong Zhou |
Xiaotong Zhou |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ John Larre |
Name: | John Larre | |
Address | 287 Park Avenue South | |
2nd Floor | ||
New York, NY 10010 | ||
Occupation: | Chief Operating Officer |
EXECUTED as a DEED by LAURION CAPITAL MASTER FUND LTD. |
) ) |
/s/ Daniel Woelfel |
Daniel Woelfel |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Laura Brancato |
Name: | Laura Brancato | |
Address | 22 Forest Pk Ave | |
Larchmont, NY 10538 | ||
Occupation: | Homemaker |
EXECUTED as a DEED by GAVIN RESOURCES LIMITED |
) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ KANG Kowk Keung Derek |
Name: | KANG Kowk Keung Derek | |
Address | Flat D, 13/F., Block 2 | |
The Grand Panorama | ||
10 Robinson Road | ||
Hong Kong | ||
Occupation: | Senior Investment Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by DATA TROPHY LIMITED |
) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Winnie Cheung |
Name: | Winnie Cheung | |
Address | 32/F New World Tower | |
18 Queen’s Road Central | ||
Hong Kong | ||
Occupation: | Assistant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by CELGENE CORPORATION |
) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Jill Konowich |
Name: | Jill Konowich | |
Address | 18 Silverthorn Ln | |
Belle Mead NJ | ||
USA | ||
Occupation: | Oncologist |
EXECUTED as a DEED by FRONTIER IP LIMITED |
) ) |
/s/ Neil Crabb |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Jim Fish |
Name: | Jim Fish | |
Address | 6 Moston Terrace | |
Edinburgh | ||
EH9 2DE | ||
Occupation: | CFO |
EXECUTED as a DEED by GT HEALTHCARE PARTNERS FUND III, L.P |
) ) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Gladys Chan |
Name: | Gladys Chan | |
Address | 2/F., 22 Pottinger Street | |
Central, Hong Kong | ||
Occupation: | Accountant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by HARMONY WAY GROUP |
) ) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Tiffany Lai |
Name: | Tiffany Lai | |
Address | 32/F New World Tower | |
18 Queen’s Road Central, HK | ||
Occupation: | Personal Assistant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by RALLY PROFIT LIMITED |
) ) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Wong Man Leung |
Name: | WONG MAN LEUNG | |
Address | FLAT 24H TOWER 33 | |
SOUTH HORIZONS | ||
AP LEI CHAU | ||
HONG KONG | ||
Occupation: | BUSINESSMAN |
EXECUTED as a DEED by GT NEXTGEN THERAPIES FUND IV, L.P. |
) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Gladys Chan |
Name: | Gladys Chan | |
Address | 2/F., 22 Pottinger Street | |
Central, Hong Kong | ||
Occupation: | Accountant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by GT VISIONARY VENTURES LIMITED |
) ) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Gladys Chan |
Name: | Gladys Chan | |
Address |
2/F., 22 Pottinger Street |
|
Central, Hong Kong |
||
Occupation: |
Accountant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by CASDIN PRIVATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND, L.P.
By: Casdin Private Growth Equity Fund GP, LLC., its General Partner |
) ) ) ) ) |
/s/ Kevin O’Brien |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Jeanine O’Brien |
Name: |
Jeanine O’Brien |
|
Address |
15 Harris St |
|
Bay Head, NJ 08742 |
||
USA |
||
Occupation: |
Decorator |
EXECUTED as a DEED by THE UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE |
) ) |
/s/ |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Claire McGinnis |
Name: |
Claire McGinnis |
|
Address |
c/o University of Dundee |
|
Nettergate, Dundee |
||
DD1 4HN |
||
Occupation: |
Solicitor |
EXECUTED as a DEED by ANDREW LEE HOPKINS |
) ) |
/s/ Andrew Lee Hopkins |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Chris Thomas |
Name: |
Chris Thomas |
|
Address |
24 Annesley Road |
|
Oxford |
||
OX4 4JQ |
||
Oxfordshire | ||
Occupation: |
HR
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by GEORGE RICHARD BICKERTON |
) ) |
/s/ Richard Bickerton |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Ruth Bickerton |
Name: |
Ruth Bickerton |
|
Address |
16 South Drive |
|
Liff |
||
Dundee. DD2 5SJ |
||
Occupation: |
Post-graduate student |
EXECUTED as a DEED by JEREMY BESNARD |
) ) |
/s/ Jérémy Besnard |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Milly Chen |
Name: |
Milly Chen |
|
Address |
55 Old Witney Road |
|
Eynsham |
||
OX29 4PT |
||
Occupation: |
Executive Director of Strategic Development |
EXECUTED as a DEED by SENGA OXENHAM |
) ) |
/s/ Senga Oxenham |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Nicola Oxenham |
Name: |
Nicola Oxenham |
|
Address |
90 Main Street, lauchars |
|
St Andrews |
||
FIFE, KY16 0HF |
||
Occupation: |
Analytical Chemist |
EXECUTED as a DEED by GEORGY EGOROV |
) ) |
/s/ Georgy Egorov |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Amit Pilowsky |
Name: |
Amit Pilowsky |
|
Address |
Flat 82 Eyre Court |
|
3-21 Finchley Road |
||
London NW8 9TX |
||
Occupation: |
Investor |
EXECUTED as a DEED by PATRICIA BARCLAY |
) ) |
/s/ Patricia Barclay |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Alison Barr |
Name: |
Alison Barr |
|
Address |
20 Kaimes Road |
|
Edinburgh |
||
EH12 6JS |
||
Scotland | ||
Occupation: |
Secretary |
EXECUTED as a DEED by IVA HOPKINS NAVRATILOVA |
) ) |
/s/ Iva Navratilova |
Witness’s Signature: |
/s/ Chris Thomas |
Name: |
Chris Thomas |
|
Address |
24 Annesley Road |
|
Oxford |
||
OX4 4JQ |
||
Occupation: |
HR |
EXECUTED as a DEED by MIROSLAVA | ) | |
PILAROVA | ) | /s/ Miroslava Pilarova |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Ben Truesdale |
Name: |
Ben Truesdale
|
|
Address | 18 Church Hill Road | |
Oxford | ||
Ox43se | ||
Occupation: | Writer |
EXECUTED as a DEED by ANDREW | ) | |
DOUGLAS | ) | /s/ Andrew Douglas |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Sian Douglas |
Name: |
Sian Douglas
|
|
Address | 9 Church Green | |
Gresford, Wrexham | ||
LL128RJ | ||
Occupation: | Primary School Teacher |
EXECUTED as a DEED by KATHERINE | ) | |
LANSU | ) | /s/ Katherine Lansu |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Marcia Lansu |
Name: |
Marcia Lansu
|
|
Address | 4424 North Mozart Street | |
Chicago, Illinois | ||
60625 | ||
Occupation: | Certified Public Accountant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by MARIO | ) | |
POLYWKA | ) | /s/ Mario Polywka |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Susan Polywka |
Name: |
Susan Polywka
|
|
Address | West Dene | |
Abingdon Road, Tubney | ||
OX13 5QQ | ||
Occupation: | Trustee |
EXECUTED as a DEED by ANDREW | ) | |
SIMON BELL | ) | /s/ Andrew Simon Bell |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Alan D. Brown |
Name: |
Alan D. Brown
|
|
Address | 17 St Andrews Road | |
Deal, Kent, UK | ||
CT14 6AT | ||
Occupation: | Consultant |
EXECUTED as a DEED by MILLIE | ) | |
BRITTON | ) | /s/ Millie Britton |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Benjamin James Wilkins |
Name: |
Benjamin James Wilkins
|
|
Address | 92 Medhurst Way | |
Littlemore | ||
OX4 4NY | ||
Occupation: | General Manager |
EXECUTED as a DEED by SIMON | ) | |
VARZAHDEH | ) | /s/ Simon Varzahdeh |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Tatiana Lobry |
Name: |
Tatiana Lobry
|
||
Address | 96 Medhurst Way | ||
OX4 4NY | |||
Oxford | |||
Occupation: | Scientist |
EXECUTED as a DEED by SIMONE | ) | |
CULURGIONI | ) | /s/ Simone Culurgioni |
Witness’s Signature: | /s/ Lara Clementi |
Name: |
21a Mill Lane
|
|
Address | Oxford | |
OX30PY | ||
Occupation: | Administrative |
Exhibit 10.2
THIS AGREEMENT is made on 2021.
BETWEEN
(1) | EXSCIENTIA AI LIMITED, a company registered in Scotland with registered number SC428761 and having its registered office at Level 3, Dundee One River Court, 5 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, United Kingdom (the “Company”); and |
(2) | ANDREW HOPKINS, residing at Copse House, 61B Oxford Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 2AA (the “Executive”). |
BACKGROUND
On and from the Effective Date, the Company wishes to employ the Executive as Chief Executive Officer on the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Executive wishes to accept such terms of employment.
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1.1. | Definitions |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Effective Date” | means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Parent and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Parent’s ordinary shares (or securities representing such ordinary shares), pursuant to which such securities are priced for the initial public offering; |
“Employment” | means the employment of the Executive under this Agreement or, as the context requires, the duration of that employment; |
“Good Reason” | means any of the following actions taken by the Company without the Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material reduction by the Company of the Basic Salary (other than in a broad based reduction similarly affecting all other members of the Group’s executive management); (ii) the relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment, without the Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens the Executive’s one-way commute distance by fifty (50) or more miles from the Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority, or responsibilities for the Company relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such material reduction; or (iv) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company (or its successor) provided further, that, any such termination by the Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) the Executive gives the Board written notice of intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that the Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); (3) the Company has not, prior to the Board receiving such notice from the Executive, already informed the Executive in writing that their employment with the Company is being terminated; and (4) the Executive voluntarily terminates their employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period |
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“Termination Date” | means the date of termination of the Employment; |
“Works” | means any documents, materials, models, designs, drawings, processes, inventions, formulae, computer coding, methodologies, know-how, Confidential Information or other work, performed made, created, devised, developed or discovered by the Executive during the course of the Employment either alone or with any other person in connection with or in any way affecting or relating to the business of the Company or any Group Company or capable of being used or adapted for use therein or in connection therewith; |
1.2. | Interpretation and Construction |
Save to the extent that the context or the express provisions of this Agreement require otherwise, in this Agreement:
(a) | words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa; |
(b) | words importing any gender shall include all other genders; |
(c) | words importing the whole shall be treated as including reference to any part of the whole; |
(d) | any reference to a Clause, the Schedule or part of the Schedule is to the relevant Clause, Schedule or part of the Schedule of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; |
(e) | reference to this Agreement or to any other document is a reference to this Agreement or to that other document as modified, amended, varied, supplemented, assigned, novated or replaced from time to time; |
(f) | reference to a provision of law is a reference to that provision as extended, applied, amended, consolidated or re-enacted or as the application thereof is modified from time to time and shall be construed as including reference to any order, instrument, regulation or other subordinate legislation from time to time made under it; |
(g) | references to a “person” includes any individual, firm, company, corporation, body corporate, government, state or agency of state, trust or foundation, or any association, partnership or unincorporated body (whether or not having separate legal personality) or two or more of the foregoing; |
(h) | general words shall not be given a restrictive meaning because they are followed by words which are particular examples of the acts, matters or things covered by the general words and “including”, “include” and “in particular” shall be construed without limitation; and |
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(i) | the meaning of any words coming after “other” or “otherwise” shall not be constrained by the meaning of any words coming before “other” or “otherwise where a wider construction is possible. |
1.3. | Headings |
The table of contents and the headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall be ignored in construing this Agreement.
2. | THE EMPLOYMENT |
2.1. | Effectiveness and Appointment |
This Agreement is effective as of, and contingent upon, the occurrence of the Effective Date.
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company employs the Executive and the Executive accepts employment as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on the terms of this Agreement.
2.2. | Work Permits and warranty |
The Executive warrants that he is legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom and will throughout the Employment continue to hold a valid United Kingdom work permit if appropriate. The Executive warrants that he will notify the Company in advance of any possible change to his immigration status, as soon as he becomes aware of any circumstances that might give rise to such change. Should the Company discover that the Executive does not have permission to live and work in the United Kingdom or if any such permission is revoked, notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement the Company reserves the right to terminate the Employment immediately and without notice or pay in lieu of notice and without referring to the warning stages of the Company’s disciplinary procedure.
3. | DURATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT |
3.1. | Continuous Employment |
The Executive’s continuous period of employment with the Company commenced on 20 July 2012. No previous employment shall count as part of the Executive’s continuous period of employment.
3.2. | Duration |
Subject to the provisions of Clauses 3 and 17.1 the Employment shall continue unless and until terminated at any time by:
(a) | the Company, which must give to the Executive not less than twelve months’ prior written notice of termination of the Employment; or |
(b) | the Executive, who must give to the Company not less than twelve months’ prior written notice of termination of the Employment. |
3.3. | Payment in lieu of notice |
(a) | The Company shall be entitled, at its sole discretion, to terminate the Employment immediately at any time by giving the Executive notice in writing. In these circumstances, subject to the terms of Clause 3.3(b), the Company will subsequently make a payment to the Executive in lieu of notice, calculated in accordance with the provisions of Clause 3.3(c) (the payment being referred to as a “PILON”). |
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(b) | The PILON will be paid in equal monthly instalments less all deductions that are required or permitted by law to be made including in respect of income tax, national insurance contributions and any sums due to the Company or any Group Company. |
(c) | The PILON will consist of a sum equivalent to the Basic Salary which the Executive would have received in respect of any notice period outstanding on the Termination Date but will exclude (except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement) any bonus, commission and share of profit and any other benefits which he would have received or would have accrued to him during that period. |
4. | HOURS AND PLACE OF WORK |
4.1. | Hours of work |
The Executive agrees that he shall work normal business hours together with such additional hours as are necessary for the proper performance of his duties.
4.2. | Working Time Regulations |
The Executive has autonomous decision-making powers. The duration of his working time is not measured or predetermined. The Executive agrees that his employment falls within Regulation 20 of the Working Time Regulations 1998.
4.3. | Place of work |
(a) | The Executive’s normal place of work will be at the Company’s offices at Oxford, but the Company may require the Executive to work at any place within the United Kingdom on either a temporary or an indefinite basis. The Executive will be given reasonable notice of any change in his permanent place of work. |
(b) | The Executive may be requested to be absent from the United Kingdom for a period exceeding 1 month at any one time, but there are not currently any particulars to be entered in this regard. |
5. | SCOPE OF THE EMPLOYMENT |
5.1. | Duties of the Executive |
During the Employment the Executive shall:
(a) | undertake and carry out to the best of his ability such duties and exercise such powers in relation to the Company or Group’s business as may from time to time be assigned to or vested in him by the Board including where those duties require the Executive to work for any Group Company; |
(b) | in the discharge of those duties and the exercise of those powers observe and comply with all lawful resolutions, regulations and directions from time to time made by, or under the authority of, the Board and promptly upon request, give a full account to the Board or a person duly authorised by the Board of all matters with which he is involved. He will provide the information in writing if requested; |
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(c) | comply with the Articles of Association (as amended from time to time) of the Parent, the Company and any Group Company; |
(d) | do, or refrain from doing, such things as are necessary or expedient to ensure compliance by himself, the Parent, the Company and any Group Company with applicable law and regulations and all regulatory authorities relevant to the Parent, the Company and any Group Company, and any codes of practice issued by the Parent, the Company and any Group Company (as amended from time to time); |
(e) | act in accordance with all statutory, fiduciary and common law duties that he owes to the Parent, the Company and any Group Company; |
(f) | refrain from doing anything which would cause him to be disqualified from acting as a director; |
(g) | unless prevented by ill-health, holidays or other unavoidable cause, devote the whole of his working time, attention and skill to the business of the Parent, the Company and Group Companies and the discharge of his duties hereunder; |
(h) | faithfully and diligently perform his duties and at all times use his best endeavours to promote and protect the interests of the Parent, the Company and the Group; |
(i) | promptly disclose to the Board full details of any wrongdoing by the Executive or any other employee of any Group Company where that wrongdoing is material to that employee’s employment by the relevant company or to the interests or reputation of any Group Company. |
5.2. | Right to suspend duties and powers |
(a) | During any notice period or for the purpose of investigating any matter in which the Executive is implicated or involved, the Company reserves the right in its absolute discretion to suspend all or any of the Executive’s duties and powers on terms it considers expedient or to require him to perform only such duties, specific projects or tasks as are assigned to him expressly by the Company (including the duties of another position) in any case for such period or periods and at such place or places (including, without limitation, the Executive’s home) as the Company in its absolute discretion deems necessary (the “Garden Leave”). During any period of Garden Leave the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement shall continue to apply to the Executive. |
(b) | The Company may, at its sole discretion, require that during the Garden Leave the Executive shall not: |
(i) | enter or attend the premises of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company; |
(ii) | contact or have any communication with any client or prospective client or supplier of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company in relation to the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company; |
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(iii) | contact or have any communication with any employee, officer, director, agent or consultant of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company in relation to the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company, save that this restriction shall (A) not prevent the Executive from contacting and communicating with his family members, and (B) be without prejudice to the Executive’s rights as shareholder of the Parent; |
(iv) | remain or become involved in any aspect of the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company except as required by such companies; or |
(v) | work either on his own account or on behalf of any other person. |
(c) | During Garden Leave, the Executive will continue to receive his Basic Salary and benefits but will not (except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement) accrue any bonus, commission or share of profit. |
(d) | If the Executive is suspended, other than during any notice period, for the purpose of investigating any matter in which the Executive is implicated or involved and the Executive is subsequently exonerated, the Executive will be paid any amounts not paid to the Executive in respect of the period of suspension where such amounts would have otherwise been paid were it not for the operation of Clause5.2(c). |
(e) | For the avoidance of doubt, the Company may exercise its powers under this Clause 5.2 at any time during the Employment including after notice of termination has been given by either party. |
6. | REMUNERATION |
6.1. | Basic Salary |
(a) | During the Employment the Company shall pay the Executive a Basic Salary of not less than £415,000 per annum. The Basic Salary shall accrue from day to day and be payable by credit transfer in equal monthly instalments in arrears on or around the 25th day of each calendar month or otherwise as arranged from time to time. |
(b) | The Basic Salary shall be inclusive of all director’s fees (if any) to which the Executive may become entitled including all remuneration and director’s fees in respect of services rendered by the Executive to any Group Company (including, without limitation, the Parent). |
6.2. | Salary review |
The Basic Salary shall be reviewed annually. The Company is not obliged to increase the Basic Salary at any review.
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6.3. | Annual bonus |
(a) | Subject to clause 6.3(b), the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) with an annual target of 50% (the “Target Percentage”) of the Executive’s then-current Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”). The Annual Bonus will be based upon the assessment of the Board (or a committee thereof) of the Executive’s performance and Group’s attainment of targeted goals (as established by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion) over the applicable calendar year. The Annual Bonus, if any, will be subject to applicable payroll deductions and withholdings. No amount of any Annual Bonus is guaranteed at any time, and, except as otherwise expressly stated in clause 17 of this Agreement, the Executive must be an employee in good standing (without having given or received notice) through the date of payment of the Annual Bonus in order to be eligible to receive an Annual Bonus and no partial or prorated bonuses will be provided. Unless otherwise stated in clause 17 of this Agreement, any Annual Bonus, if awarded, will be paid by the Company after receipt by the Parent of the audited financial statements of the Parent for the financial year in question, but no later than 15 March of the year following the year to which such bonus relates, and will be paid in cash or in securities, as determined by the Board (or committee thereof). Any Annual Bonus will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Parent or the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Parent’s or any Group Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by applicable law and any clawback policy that the Parent or the Company otherwise adopts, to the extent applicable and permissible under applicable law. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to Good Reason. Except as otherwise stated in clause 6.3(c) or 17 this Agreement, in the event the Executive leaves the employment of the Company for any reason prior to the date the Annual Bonus is paid, the Executive is are not eligible to earn such Annual Bonus, prorated or otherwise. |
(b) | In respect of the 2021 calendar year the Executive’s Annual Bonus target shall be calculated as follows: (a) an amount equal to the prorated portion of the Executive’s Annual Bonus target for the 2021 calendar year as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date (calculated using the number of days in the 2021 calendar year that have passed between 1 January 2021 and the date immediately preceding the Effective Date); plus (b) an amount equal to the prorated portion of the Target Bonus as in effect on the Effective Date (calculated using the Target Percentage for the number of days in the 2021 calendar year that have passed from (and including) the Effective Date and 31 December 2021). |
(c) | In the event that the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause outside of a Change in Control Measurement Period, and subject to the Executive (i) executing a Settlement Agreement; (ii) returning all Company property; (iii) complying with the Executive’s termination and post-termination obligations under this Agreement; (iv) complying with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained therein; and (v) resigning from any other positions held with the Company or any Group Company, including any position on the Board, effective no later than the Termination Date (or such other date as requested by the Board), the Company will pay the Executive an amount equal to the prorated portion of the Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs (calculated using the Target Percentage for the number of days in the calendar year that have passed prior to the Termination Date) (the “Pro-Rated Bonus”). The Pro-Rated Bonus will be subject to standard deductions and withholdings and will be paid in a lump sum on or before the 60th day following the Termination Date. |
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6.4. | Directors’ Remuneration Policy. |
Executive understands and agrees that, if and for so long as the Executive is a director of the Parent, the Executive’s remuneration shall be subject to the terms of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy as may be adopted by the Parent in accordance with applicable law from time to time.
7. | EXPENSES |
7.1. | Out-of-pocket expenses |
The Company shall reimburse to the Executive (against receipts or other appropriate evidence as the Board may require) the amount of all out-of-pocket expenses reasonably and properly incurred by him in the proper discharge of his duties hereunder to the extent that such expenses are incurred in accordance with the Group’s applicable business expenses policy from time to time.
8. | DEDUCTIONS |
The Executive agrees that the Company may deduct from any sums due to him under this Agreement any sums due by him to any Group Company including, without limitation, any debits to his Company credit or charge card not authorised by the Company, the Executive’s pension contributions (if any), any overpayments, loans or advances made to him by any Group Company, the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company’s property caused by him and any losses suffered by the Group as a result of any negligence or breach of duty by the Executive.
9. | PENSION SCHEME |
During the period of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Company will comply at all times with the employer duties under Part 1 of the Pensions Act 2008.
10. | OTHER INSURANCE & BENEFITS |
10.1. | Health Care Scheme |
Without prejudice to the terms of Clauses 3 and 17, the Executive shall be entitled during the Employment, to participate at the Company’s expense in any Health Care Scheme subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) | the Executive’s participation is subject to the Company’s rules regarding eligibility in force from time to time and the rules, terms and conditions of the relevant Health Care Scheme and/or insurance policy in force from time to time; |
(b) | the Company reserves the right to terminate the Executive’s or the Company’s participation in any of the Health Care Scheme(s), substitute a new scheme(s) for an existing scheme(s) and/or alter the level or type of benefits available under any scheme(s); |
(c) | if a scheme provider (e.g. an insurance company or pensions provider) refuses for any reason (whether under its own interpretation of the rules, terms and conditions of the relevant insurance policy or otherwise) to accept a claim and/or provide the relevant benefit(s) to the Executive under the applicable Health Care Scheme, the Company shall not be liable to provide (or compensate the Executive for the loss of) such benefit(s) nor shall it be obliged to take action against the provider to enforce any rights under the Health Care Scheme; |
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(d) | the fact that the termination of the Employment may result in the Executive ceasing to be eligible to receive or continue to receive benefits under any Health Care Scheme does not remove the Company’s right to terminate the Employment; and |
(e) | the Executive’s acceptance of such variations to his terms and conditions of employment as may from time to time be required by the Company. |
10.2. | Medical examinations |
At any reasonable time during the Employment the Company may require the Executive to undergo a medical examination by a medical practitioner appointed by the Company and at the Company’s expense and the Executive will consent to such examination and to the results being made available to the Company.
10.3. | Other leave and benefits |
(a) | The Executive may be eligible for other forms of paid leave, subject to any statutory eligibility requirements or conditions and the Company's rules applicable to each type of leave in force from time to time. Further details of such leave are available in the Company’s Staff Handbook. The Company may replace, amend or withdraw the Company's policy on any types of leave at any time. |
(b) | The Executive may be eligible to be provided with other benefits during their employment with the Company, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit. Further details of these benefits are available from the Staff Handbook. The Company may replace or withdraw such benefits, or amend the terms of such benefits, at any time. |
11. | HOLIDAYS |
11.1. | The holiday year |
The Company’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Holidays can only be taken with the prior agreement of the Chairman (such agreement not be withheld unreasonably).
11.2. | Annual entitlement |
(a) | The Executive shall be entitled to 28 days' paid holiday in each holiday year excluding the usual public holidays in England. |
(b) | Entitlement to contractual holidays is accrued pro rata throughout the holiday year. The Executive will be entitled to take public and customary holidays on the days that they are recognised by the Company during the holiday year. |
(c) | The Executive may carry any unused holiday entitlement forward to the next holiday year in accordance with the Company’s policy on holidays as may apply from time to time, save that any agreement shall be from the Chairman. |
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11.3. | Holiday entitlement on termination |
Upon notice of termination of the Employment being served by either party, the Company may require the Executive to take any unused holidays accrued in the holiday year in which the termination takes place during any notice period. Alternatively, the Company may, at its discretion, on termination of the Employment, make a payment in lieu of accrued contractual holiday entitlement. The Executive will be required to make a payment to the Company in respect of any holidays taken in excess of his holiday entitlement accrued at the Termination Date. Any sums so due may be deducted from any money owing to the Executive by the Company.
12. | TRAINING |
As at the date of this Agreement, the Executive is not required to undertake any particular training. If any particular training is required or offered, details will be provided.
13. | ABSENCE |
13.1. | Absence due to sickness or injury |
If the Executive is absent from work due to sickness or injury he shall:
(a) | immediately inform the Chairman and the Head of Human Resources of his sickness or injury; and |
(b) | In respect of absence due to sickness, injury or accident that continues for more than 7 consecutive days (including weekends) the Executive must provide the Company with a note of fitness to work stating the reason for the absence. Thereafter notes of fitness to work must be provided to the Company to cover the remainder of the period of continuing sickness absence. Failure to follow these requirements may result in disciplinary action and loss of Statutory Sick Pay and/or sick pay pursuant to Clause 13.2. |
13.2. | Payment of salary during absence |
(a) | Subject to the Executive complying with the terms of Clause 13.1, the Company may, at its sole discretion continue to pay Basic Salary and other benefits during any period of absence due to sickness or injury for up to a maximum period of 4 weeks (according to the Company’s Staff Handbook) in any period of 12 consecutive months (the 12 month period referred to as the “Entitlement Period”) and thereafter a sum equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay only during any further period of absence due to sickness or injury in the same Entitlement Period for up to a maximum period of 13 weeks unless the Employment is terminated in terms of Clauses 3 or 17. The first Entitlement Period will begin on the first day of absence and any subsequent Entitlement Period will start on the first day of any absence occurring outside an enduring Entitlement Period. |
(b) | Payment of the Basic Salary in terms of Clause 13.2(a) shall be made less: |
(i) | an amount equivalent to any Statutory Sick Pay payable to the Executive; |
(ii) | any sums which may be received by the Executive under any insurance policy effected by the Company; and |
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(iii) | any other benefits or sums which the Executive receives (e.g. under a PHI or other insurance scheme) in connection with the Employment or under any relevant legislation. |
(c) | Once payment of Basic Salary under Clause 13.2(a) ceases, then the Executive shall have no right to any benefit or emolument from the Company. |
13.3. | Absence caused by third party negligence |
If the Executive’s absence is caused by the negligence of a third party in respect of which damages are recoverable, then all sums paid by the Company during the period of absence shall constitute loans to the Executive who shall:
(a) | immediately notify the Company of all the relevant circumstances and of any claim, compromise, settlement or judgment made or awarded; and |
(b) | if the Company so requires, refund to it an amount determined by the Company, not exceeding the lesser of: |
(i) | the amount of damages recovered by him in respect of loss of earnings during the period of absence under any compromise, settlement or judgment; and |
(ii) | the sums advanced to him by the Company in respect of the period of incapacity. |
14. | OTHER INTERESTS |
14.1. | Disclosure of other interests |
The Executive shall disclose to the Board any interest of his own (or that of his partner or of any child of his or of his partner under eighteen years of age):
(a) | in any trade, business or occupation whatsoever which is in any way similar to any of those in which the Parent, the Company or any Group Company is involved; and |
(b) | in any trade, business or occupation carried on by any supplier or customer of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company whether or not such trade, business or occupation is conducted for profit or gain. |
14.2. | Restrictions on other activities and interests of the Executive |
(a) | During the Employment, the Executive shall not at any time, without the prior written consent of the Board, either alone or jointly with any other person, carry on or be directly or indirectly employed, engaged, concerned or interested in any business, prospective business or undertaking other than a Group Company. Nothing contained in this Clause shall preclude the Executive from being a Minority Holder unless the holding is in a company that is a direct business competitor of the Company or any Group Company in which case, the Executive shall obtain the prior consent of the Board to the acquisition or variation of such holding. |
(b) | If the Executive, with the consent of the Board, accepts any other appointment he must keep the Board accurately informed of the amount of time he spends working under that appointment. |
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14.3. | Transactions with the Company |
Subject to any regulations issued by the Group, the Executive shall not be entitled to receive or obtain directly or indirectly any discount, rebate, commission or any other form of gift or gratuity (any of these referred to as a “Gratuity”) as a result of the Employment or any sale or purchase of goods or services effected or other business transacted (whether or not by him) by or on behalf of the Company or any Group Company and if he (or any person in which he is interested) obtains any Gratuity he shall account to the Company for the amount received by him (or a due proportion of the amount received by the person having regard to the extent of his interest therein).
15. | CONFIDENTIALITY AND COMPANY DOCUMENTS |
15.1. | Restrictions on disclosure and use of Confidential Information |
The Executive must not either during the Employment (except in the proper performance of his duties) or at any time (without limit) after the Termination Date:
(a) | divulge or communicate to any person; |
(b) | use for his own purposes or for any purposes other than those of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company; or |
(c) | through any failure to exercise due care and diligence, cause any unauthorised disclosure of; |
any Confidential Information. The Executive must at all times use his best endeavours to prevent publication or disclosure of any Confidential Information. These restrictions shall cease to apply to any information which shall become available to the public generally otherwise than through the default of the Executive. These restrictions shall not apply to any use or disclosure authorised by the Board or required by law, or any protected disclosure within the meaning of section 43A of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
15.2. | Protection of Company documents and materials |
All notes, records, lists of customers, suppliers and employees, correspondence, computer and other discs or tapes, data listings, codes, keys and passwords, designs, drawings and other documents or material whatsoever (whether made or created by the Executive or otherwise and in whatever medium or format) relating to the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company or any of its or their clients (and any copies of the same):
(a) | shall be and remain the property of the Parent, the Company or the relevant Group Company or client; and |
(b) | shall be handed over by the Executive to the Parent, the Company or the relevant Group Company or client on demand by the Company and in any event on the termination of the Employment. |
16. | INVENTIONS AND OTHER WORKS |
16.1. | Executive to further interests of the Company |
The Company and the Executive agree that the Executive may make or create Works in the course of the Employment and agree that in this respect the Executive is obliged to further the interests of the Company and any Group Company.
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16.2. | Disclosure and ownership of Works |
The Executive must immediately disclose to the Company all Works and all Intellectual Property Rights. Both the Works and all Intellectual Property Rights will (subject to sections 39 to 43 Patents Act 1977) belong to and be the absolute property of the Company or any other person the Company may nominate.
16.3. | Protection, registration and vesting of Works |
The Executive shall immediately on request by the Company (whether during or after the Employment) and at the expense of the Company:
(a) | apply or join with the Company or any Group Company in applying for any Intellectual Property Rights or other protection or registration (“Protection”) in the United Kingdom and in any other part of the world for, or in relation to, any Works; |
(b) | execute all instruments and do all things necessary for vesting all Intellectual Property Rights or Protection when obtained and all right, title and interest to and in the same absolutely and as sole beneficial owner in the Company or such Group Company or other person as the Company may nominate; and |
(c) | sign and execute any documents and do any acts reasonably required by the Company in connection with any proceedings in respect of any applications and any publication or application for revocation of any Intellectual Property Rights or Protection. |
16.4. | Waiver of rights by the Executive |
The Executive hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives all rights under Chapter IV Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and any other moral rights which he may have in the Works, in whatever part of the world such rights may be enforceable including:
(a) | the right conferred by section 77 of that Act to be identified as the author of any such Works; and |
(b) | the right conferred by section 80 of that Act not to have any such Works subjected to derogatory treatment. |
16.5. | Power of Attorney |
The Executive hereby irrevocably appoints the Company to be his attorney and in his name and on his behalf to execute any such act and to sign all deeds and documents and generally to use his name for the purpose of giving to the Company the full benefit of this Clause. The Executive agrees that, with respect to any third parties, a certificate signed by any duly authorised officer of the Company that any act or deed or document falls within the authority hereby conferred shall be conclusive evidence that this is the case.
16.6. | Statutory rights |
Nothing in this Clause 16 shall be construed as restricting the rights of the Executive or the Company under sections 39 to 43 Patents Act 1977.
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17. | TERMINATION |
17.1. | Termination events |
Notwithstanding the provisions of Clauses 3 and 10, the Company shall be entitled, but not bound, to terminate the Employment with immediate effect (without a notice period or payment in lieu of any notice period) by giving to the Executive notice in writing at any time after the occurrence of any one or more of the following events (each being termination for “Cause”):
(a) | if the Executive is guilty of any gross misconduct or behaviour which tends to bring himself or the Company or any Group Company into disrepute; or |
(b) | if the Executive commits any material or persistent breach of this Agreement (in the case of a non-material persistent breach, having been given notice in writing of the breach and a reasonable opportunity to rectify the breach) or fails to comply with any reasonable order or direction of the Board; or |
(c) | if he becomes insolvent or bankrupt or compounds with or grants a trust deed for the benefit of his creditors; or |
(d) | if his behaviour (whether or not in breach of this Agreement) can reasonably be regarded as materially prejudicial to the interests of the Company or any Group Company, including if he is found guilty of any criminal offence punishable by imprisonment (whether or not such sentence is actually imposed); or |
(e) | if he has an order made against him disqualifying him from acting as a company director; or |
(f) | if the Executive is found guilty of any offence of bribery under the Bribery Act 2010, or other bribery legislation in any other jurisdiction, breach of Clause 15 of this Agreement or the Company’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy; or |
(g) | if the Executive commits any material breach or persistent but non-material breach of the Articles of Association of the Company or any Group Company (in the case of a persistent but non-material breach, having been given notice in writing of the breach and a reasonable opportunity to rectify the breach). |
17.2. | Termination on resignation as director |
If the Executive resigns as a director of the Company or any Group Company (otherwise than at the request of the Board), he shall be deemed to have voluntarily resigned from the Employment with effect from the date of his resignation, unless the Company agrees with the Executive that the Employment should continue, in which case the Employment may be subject to any terms and conditions stipulated by the Company in its absolute discretion.
17.3. | No damages or payment in lieu of notice |
In the event of the Employment being terminated pursuant to Clause 17.1 the Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payment in lieu of notice nor make any claim against the Company or any Group Company for damages for loss of office or termination of the Employment. Regardless of this, the termination shall be without prejudice to the continuing obligations of the Executive under this Agreement.
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17.4. | Termination by the Company without Cause or resignation by the Executive for Good Reason (in connection with a Change in Control) |
In the event that the Company terminates the Executive’s Employment without Cause or the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case, upon or within (12) twelve months following the effective date of a Change in Control (such period, the “Change in Control Measurement Period”) then the Executive shall be entitled to his salary and benefits pursuant to the terms of this Agreement through the Termination Date and, subject to the Executive (i) executing a Settlement Agreement; (ii) returning all Company property; (iii) complying with the Executive’s termination and post-termination obligations under this Agreement; (iv) complying with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained therein; and (v) resigning from any other positions held with the Company or any Group Company, including any position on the Board, effective no later than the Termination Date (or such other date as requested by the Board), the Executive shall be eligible to receive the following severance benefits (collectively the “CIC Severance Benefits”):
(a) | The Company will pay the Executive severance pay in the form of continuation of the Executive’s then-current Basic Salary (ignoring any decrease that forms the basis for the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, if applicable) for eighteen (18) months following the Termination Date (such period of time, the “CIC Severance Period”, and such aggregate Basic Salary amount payable, the “CIC Severance”). The CIC Severance will be paid in substantially equal instalments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule over the CIC Severance Period, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, shall be reduced by any Basic Salary received by the Executive during any period of Garden Leave and shall be inclusive of any PILON; provided, however that no portion of the CIC Severance (except for any PILON instalment which is due) will be paid prior to the date that the general release of claims in the Settlement Agreement becomes effective (the “Release Date”), and any such payments that are otherwise scheduled to be made prior to the Release Date shall instead accrue and be made on the first regular payroll date following the Release Date; |
(b) | The Company will pay to the Executive in monthly instalments, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, a fully taxable cash payment equal to: (i) the coverage premium for the Executive (and the Executive’s covered dependents, as applicable) health insurance coverage in effect on the Termination Date until the earliest of: (1) the close of the CIC Severance Period or; (2) the date when the Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; and (ii) the Company’s employer pension contributions that would have been received by the Executive during the CIC Severance Period had Employment continued, at the rate payable by the Company immediately prior to the Termination Date; |
(c) | The Company will make a lump sum cash payment to the Executive in an amount equal to one and a half (1.5) times the Target Bonus for the year in which the Termination Date occurs, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, which will be paid in a lump sum on or before the 60th day following the Termination Date; |
(d) | Effective as of the Termination Date, the vesting and exercisability of all outstanding equity awards covering the Parent’s ordinary shares that are held by the Executive immediately prior to the Termination Date shall be accelerated in full. |
The CIC Severance Benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this clause 17.4 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which the Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy, or program.
Any damages caused by the termination of the Executive’s employment without Cause during the Change in Control Measurement Period would be difficult to ascertain; therefore, the CIC Severance Benefits for which the Executive is eligible pursuant to this clause 17.4 in exchange for the Settlement Agreement are agreed to by the parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.
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17.5. | Termination by the Company without Cause or resignation by the Executive for Good Reason (not in connection with a Change in Control) |
In the event that the Company terminates the Executive’s Employment without Cause or the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case, outside a Change in Control Measurement Period then the Executive shall be entitled to his salary and benefits pursuant to the terms of this Agreement through the Termination Date and, subject to the Executive (i) executing a Settlement Agreement; (ii) returning all Company property; (iii) complying with the Executive’s termination and post-termination obligations under this Agreement; (iv) complying with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained therein; and (v) resigning from any other positions held with the Company or any Group Company, including any position on the Board, effective no later than the Termination Date (or such other date as requested by the Board), the Executive shall be eligible to receive the following severance benefits (collectively the “Non-CIC Severance Benefits”):
(a) | The Company will pay to the Executive in monthly instalments, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the coverage premium for the Executive (and the Executive’s covered dependents, as applicable) health insurance coverage in effect on the Termination Date and/or provide the Executive with continued access to the Company’s health insurance scheme until the earliest of: (1) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date on which notice to terminate the Employment is given in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or; (2) the date when the Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment. |
The Non-CIC Severance Benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this clause 17.5 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which the Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy, or program.
Any damages caused by the termination of the Executive’s employment without Cause outside the Change in Control Measurement Period would be difficult to ascertain; therefore, the Non-CIC Severance Benefits for which the Executive is eligible pursuant to this clause 17.5 in exchange for the Settlement Agreement are agreed to by the parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.
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17.6. | Death or Disability |
(a) | In the event of the Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder and the Executive’s employment shall terminate immediately, but neither the Executive nor their legal representatives will receive the CIC Severance Benefits or the Non-CIC Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this clause or in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from remaining eligible to receive any payments or benefits pursuant to any life assurance or permanent health insurance policy under which the Executive participates, subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such policy and applicable law. |
(b) | Subject to applicable law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to the Executive, to terminate this Agreement based on the Executive’s Disability (as defined below). Termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because the Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of their position with or without reasonable adjustments for twelve (12) months in the aggregate during any eighteen (18) month period or based on the written certification by two qualified licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated based on Disability, the Executive will not receive the CIC Severance Benefits or the Non-CIC Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this clause or in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from remaining eligible to receive any payments or benefits pursuant to any life assurance or permanent health insurance policy under which the Executive participates, subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such policy and applicable law. |
18. | EVENTS UPON TERMINATION |
18.1. | Obligations upon termination |
Immediately upon the termination of the Employment howsoever arising or immediately at the request of the Board at any time after either the Company or the Executive has served notice of termination of the Employment, the Executive shall:
(a) | deliver to the Company all Works, materials within the scope of Clause 15.2 and all other materials and property including credit or charge cards, mobile telephone, computer equipment, disks and software, passwords, encryption keys or the like, keys, security pass, letters, stationery, documents, files, films, records, reports, plans and papers (in whatever format including electronic) and all copies thereof used in or relating to the business of the Company or the Group which are in the possession of or under the control of the Executive; |
(b) | resign (without claim for compensation) as a director and from all other offices held by him in the Company or any Group Company or otherwise by virtue of the Employment. For the avoidance of doubt, such resignations shall be without prejudice to any claims the Executive may have against the Company or any Group Company arising out of the termination of the Employment; and |
(c) | transfer without payment, to the Company, or as the Company may direct, any shares or other securities held by the Executive as nominee or trustee for the Company or any Group Company; |
and should the Executive fail to do so the Company is hereby irrevocably authorised to appoint some person to sign any documents and/or do all things in his name and on his behalf necessary to give effect thereto.
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19. | RESTRICTIONS AFTER TERMINATION |
19.1. | Definitions |
Since the Executive is likely to obtain Confidential Information in the course of the Employment and personal knowledge of and influence over suppliers, customers, clients and employees of the Company and Group Companies, the Executive hereby agrees with the Company that in addition to the other terms of this Agreement and without prejudice to the other restrictions imposed upon him by law, he will be bound by the covenants and undertakings contained in Clauses 19.2 to 19.7. In this Clause 19, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) | England, Scotland and Wales; |
(b) | the United States of America; |
(c) | Japan; and |
(d) | any other country in the world where, on the Termination Date, the Company dealt in Restricted Products or Restricted Services; |
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“Restricted Employee” | means any person who was a director, employee or consultant of the Company at any time within the Relevant Period who by reason of that position and in particular his seniority and expertise or knowledge of Confidential Information or knowledge of or influence over the clients, customers or contacts of the Company is likely to cause damage to the Company if he were to leave the employment of the Company and become employed by a competitor of the Company; |
“Restricted Period” | means the period commencing on the Termination Date and, subject to the terms of Clause 19.4, continuing for 12 months; |
“Restricted Products” | means any products, equipment or machinery researched into, developed, manufactured, supplied, marketed, distributed or sold by the Company (on its own or in collaboration or partnership with others) and with which the duties of the Executive were materially concerned or for which he was responsible during the Relevant Period or about which he had Confidential Information, or any products, equipment or machinery of the same type or materially similar to those products, equipment or machinery; |
“Restricted Services” | means any services (including but not limited to technical and product support, technical advice and customer services) researched into, developed or supplied by the Company (on its own or in collaboration or partnership with others) and with which the duties of the Executive were materially concerned or for which he was responsible during the Relevant Period or about which he had Confidential Information, or any services of the same type or materially similar to those services; |
“Supplier” | means any supplier, agent, distributor or other person who, during the Relevant Period was in the habit of dealing with the Company and with which, during that period, the Executive, or any employee under the direct or indirect supervision of the Executive, had material dealings in the course of the Employment, or about which the Executive had Confidential Information. |
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19.2. | Restrictive covenants |
Both during the Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of the Board, whether by himself, through his employees or agents and whether on his own behalf or on behalf of any person, directly or indirectly:
(a) | so as to compete with the Company, solicit business from or canvas or approach any Customer or Prospective Customer or business partner in respect of Restricted Products or Restricted Services; |
(b) | so as to compete with the Company, accept orders from, act for or have any business dealings with, any Customer or Prospective Customer or business partner in respect of Restricted Products or Restricted Services; |
(c) | within the Restricted Area, be employed, engaged or interested in or provide Confidential Information to that part of a business or person which is involved in Restricted Products or Restricted Services, if the business or person is or seeks to be in competition with the Company. For the purposes of this sub-clause, acts done by the Executive outside the Restricted Area shall nonetheless be deemed to be done within the Restricted Area where their primary purpose is to distribute, sell, supply or otherwise deal with Restricted Products or Restricted Services in the Restricted Area; |
(d) | solicit or induce or endeavour to solicit or induce any person who was a Restricted Employee (and with whom the Executive had dealings during the Relevant Period) to cease working for or providing services to the Company, whether or not any such person would thereby commit a breach of contract; |
(e) | employ or otherwise engage any Restricted Employee in the business of Restricted Products or Restricted Services if that business is, or seeks to be, in competition with the Company; |
(f) | solicit or induce or endeavour to solicit or induce or approach any Supplier to cease to deal with the Company and shall not interfere in any way with any relationship between a Supplier and the Company; or |
(g) | so as to compete with the Company or reduce the Company’s business, solicit, deal with, or attempt to solicit or deal with, any key business partners of the Company, including any entity with whom it has entered into a collaboration agreement (or with whom it is in discussions to enter into a collaboration agreement), and with which entity the Executive has had business dealings during the Relevant Period or about which the Executive has Confidential Information. |
19.3. | Application of restrictive covenants to other Group Companies |
Clause 19.2 shall also apply as though references to the “Company” in Clauses 19.1 and 19.2 include references to each Group Company in relation to which the Executive has in the course of the Employment or by reason of rendering services to or holding office in such Group Company:
(a) | acquired knowledge of its products, services, trade secrets or Confidential Information; or |
(b) | had personal dealings with, or Confidential Information about, its Customers or Prospective Customers; or |
(c) | supervised directly or indirectly employees having personal dealings with its Customers or Prospective Customers; |
but so that references to the “Company” shall for this purpose be deemed to be references to the relevant Group Company. The obligations undertaken by the Executive pursuant to this Clause 19.3 shall, with respect to each Group Company, constitute a separate and distinct covenant in favour of and for the benefit of each Group Company and which shall be enforceable either by the particular Group Company or by the Company on behalf of the Group Company and the invalidity or unenforceability of any such covenant shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the covenants in favour of any other Group Company.
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19.4. | Effect of suspension on Restricted Period |
If the Company exercises its right to suspend the Executive’s duties and powers under Clause 5.2 after notice of termination of the Employment has been given, the aggregate of the period of the suspension and the Restricted Period shall not exceed 12 months and if the aggregate of the two periods would exceed 12 months, the Restricted Period shall be reduced accordingly.
Further undertakings
The Executive hereby undertakes to the Company that he will not at any time:
(a) | during the Employment or after the Termination Date engage in any trade or business outside the Group or be associated with any person engaged in any trade or business using any trading names used by the Company or any Group Company including any of the names or incorporating any of the words “Exscientia” or “Kinetic Discovery”; |
(b) | after the Termination Date make any public statement in relation to the Company or any Group Company or any of their directors, officers or employees or any product or service being sold or developed by the Company or any Group Company; or |
(c) | after the Termination Date represent or otherwise indicate any association or connection with the Company or any Group Company or for the purpose of carrying on or retaining any business represent or otherwise indicate any past association with the Company or any Group Company. |
19.5. | Protection of Company reputation |
The Executive undertakes that, he will not at any time during the Employment and at any time (without limit) after the Termination Date make or publish or cause to be made or published to anyone in any circumstances any disparaging remarks concerning the Company or any Group Company or any of its or their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents or any product or service being sold or developed by the Company or any Group Company. However, this shall not apply to any protected disclosure by the Executive within the meaning of section 43A of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
19.6. | Employment Offer |
In the event that the Executive receives an offer of employment or request to provide services either during the Employment or during the terms of the Restricted Period, the Executive shall:
(a) | provide immediately to such person, company or other entity making such an offer or request a full and accurate copy of the Restrictive Covenants set out at Clause 19 of this Agreement; and |
(b) | notify the Company within 5 working days of receipt of the offer and the identity of the person, company or other entity making the offer. |
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19.7. | Severance |
The restrictions in this Clause 19 (on which the Executive has had the opportunity to take independent advice, as the Executive hereby acknowledges) are separate and severable restrictions and are considered by the parties to be reasonable in all the circumstances. It is agreed that if any such restrictions, by themselves, or taken together, shall be adjudged to go beyond what is reasonable in all the circumstances for the protection of the legitimate interests of the Company or a Group Company but would be adjudged reasonable if some part of it were deleted, the relevant restriction or restrictions shall apply with such deletion(s) as may be necessary to make it or them valid and enforceable.
20. | RECONSTRUCTION AND AMALGAMATIONS |
If the Company undergoes any process of reconstruction or amalgamation (whether or not involving the liquidation of the Company) and the Executive is offered employment by the successor or proposed successor to the Company or any Group Companies on terms not materially less favourable overall to those under this Agreement whether as to duties, responsibilities, remuneration or otherwise and the Executive does not accept the offer within one month of it being made, then the Executive shall have no claim in respect of termination of this Agreement and the Employment.
21. | DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE |
21.1. | Disciplinary procedures |
Any disciplinary action taken in connection with the Employment will usually be taken in accordance with the Company’s normal disciplinary procedures (which are workplace rules and not contractually binding) a copy of which is available from the Company’s Human Resources department.
21.2. | Grievance procedure |
If the Executive wishes to obtain redress of any grievance relating to the Employment or is dissatisfied with any reprimand, suspension or other disciplinary step taken by the Company, he shall apply in writing to the chairman of the Board, setting out the nature and details of any such grievance or dissatisfaction.
22. | GENERAL |
22.1. | Provisions which survive termination |
Any provision of this Agreement which is expressed or intended to have effect on, or to continue in force after, the termination of this Agreement shall have such effect, or, as the case may be, continue in force, after such termination.
22.2. | No collective agreements |
There are no collective agreements that directly affect the terms and conditions of the Employment.
22.3. | Compliance |
The Executive shall comply with the relevant obligations under prevailing law and regulation, including the Companies Act 2006, the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requirements (in each case to the extent applicable) or other laws applicable to the Parent and the Company from time to time as may be notified to the Executive.
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23. | DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY |
23.1. | Data Protection |
The Company will hold, collect and otherwise process certain personal data as set out in the Company’s privacy notice, which is in the Company’s Staff Handbook. All personal data will be treated in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations.
24. | AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS AND REMEDIES |
24.1. | Amendments |
No amendment or variation of this Agreement or any of the documents referred to in it shall be effective unless it is in writing and (other than an alteration in the Basic Salary) signed by or on behalf of each of the parties.
24.2. | Waivers and remedies cumulative |
(a) | The rights of each party under this Agreement: |
(i) | may be exercised as often as necessary; |
(ii) | are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under the general law; and |
(iii) | may be waived only in writing and specifically. |
(b) | Delay in exercising or non-exercise of any right is not a waiver of that right. |
(c) | Any right of rescission conferred upon the Company by this Agreement shall be in addition to and without prejudice to all other rights and remedies available to it. |
25. | ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
(a) | This Agreement and the documents referred to in it constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede and extinguish all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between the parties, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. |
(b) | Each party acknowledges that in entering into this Agreement it does not rely on, and shall have no remedies in respect of, any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not set out in this Agreement. |
(c) | Each party agrees that it shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation or negligent misstatement based on any statement in this Agreement. |
(d) | Nothing in this Clause shall limit or exclude any liability for fraud. |
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26. | NO OUTSTANDING CLAIMS |
The Executive hereby acknowledges that he has no outstanding claims of any kind against the Company or any Group Company (other than in respect of remuneration and expenses due to the date of this Agreement but not yet paid).
27. | SEVERANCE |
If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that shall not affect:
(a) | the legality, validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other provisions of this Agreement; or |
(b) | the legality, validity or enforceability in any other jurisdiction of that or any other provision of this Agreement. |
28. | NOTICE |
28.1. | Notices and deemed receipt |
Any notice hereunder shall be given by either party to the other either personally to the Executive or (where notice is to be given to the Company) the Chairman or the Head of Human Resources or sent in the case of the Company, to its registered office for the time being and, in the case of the Executive, to his address last known to the Company or sent by email to, in the case of the Company, the Company email address of the Chairman and the Head of Human Resources and, in the case of the Executive, his Company email address. Any such notice shall be in writing and shall be given by letter delivered by hand or sent by first class prepaid recorded delivery or registered post or by email transmission. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been received:
(a) | if delivered personally, at the time of delivery; |
(b) | in the case of pre-paid recorded delivery or registered post, 48 hours from the date of posting; |
(c) | in the case of registered airmail, five days from the date of posting; and |
(d) | in the case of email, at the time of transmission; |
provided that if deemed receipt occurs before 9am on a business day the notice shall be deemed to have been received at 9am on that day and if deemed receipt occurs after 5pm on a business day, or on a day which is not a business day, the notice shall be deemed to have been received at 9am on the next business day. For the purpose of this Clause, “business day” means any day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a public holiday in the place at or to which the notice is left or sent. This clause does not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action or, where applicable, any arbitration or other method of dispute resolution.
28.2. | Electronic service |
For the avoidance of doubt, notice given under this Agreement shall be validly served if sent by email.
29. | GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION |
29.1. | Governing law |
This Agreement is governed by and to be construed in accordance with English law.
29.2. | Jurisdiction |
Each party hereby submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts as regards any claim, dispute or matter arising out of or in connection with this Agreement and its implementation and effect.
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IN WITNESS of which this Agreement has been executed and delivered as a deed on the first date written above.
EXECUTED as a Deed by EXSCIENTIA AI LIMITED acting by DAVID NICHOLSON | |||
Director | |||
Witness’s | |||
Signature: | |||
Full Name: | |||
Address: | |||
EXECUTED as a Deed by
ANDREW HOPKINS in the presence of: |
|||
Witness’s | |||
Signature: | |||
Full Name: | |||
Address: | |||
Exhibit 10.3
THIS AGREEMENT is made on 2021.
BETWEEN
(1) | EXSCIENTIA AI LIMITED, a company registered in Scotland with registered number SC428761 and having its registered office at Level 3, Dundee One River Court, 5 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, United Kingdom (the “Company”); and |
(2) | BEN TAYLOR, residing at 39 The Lion Brewery, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1JE (the “Executive”). |
BACKGROUND
On and from the Effective Date, the Company wishes to employ the Executive as Chief Financial Officer on the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Executive wishes to accept such terms of employment.
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1.1. | Definitions |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Basic Salary” | means the salary, as specified in Clause 6.1(a) or, as appropriate, the reviewed annual salary from time to time; |
“Board” | means the Board of directors of the Parent from time to time or any duly authorised committee thereof, or where the relevant powers have been reserved to the Parent’s members, its members from time to time; |
“Cause” | Means as defined in clause 17.1; |
“Change in Control” | means as defined in the Parent’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan with Non-Employee Sub-Plan and CSOP Sub-Plan; |
“Confidential Information” | means all information which is identified or treated by the Company or any Group Company or any of the Group’s clients or customers as confidential or which by reason of its character or the circumstances or manner of its disclosure is evidently confidential including (without prejudice to the foregoing generality) any information about the personal affairs of any of the directors (or their families) of the Company or any Group Company, business plans, proposals relating to the acquisition or disposal of a company or business or proposed expansion or contraction of activities, maturing new business opportunities, research and development projects, designs, secret processes, trade secrets, product or services development and formulae, know-how, inventions, sales statistics and forecasts, marketing strategies and plans, costs, profit and loss and other financial information (save to the extent published in audited accounts), prices and discount structures and the names, addresses and contact and other details of: (a) employees and their terms of employment; (b) customers and potential customers, their requirements and their terms of business with the Company or Group; and (c) suppliers and potential suppliers and their terms of business (all whether or not recorded in writing or in electronic or other format); |
“Effective Date” | means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Parent and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Parent’s ordinary shares (or securities representing such ordinary shares), pursuant to which such securities are priced for the initial public offering; |
“Employment” | means the employment of the Executive under this Agreement or, as the context requires, the duration of that employment; |
“Good Reason” | means any of the following actions taken by the Company without the Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material reduction by the Company of the Basic Salary (other than in a broad based reduction similarly affecting all other members of the Group’s executive management); (ii) the relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment, without the Executive’s consent, in a manner that lengthens the Executive’s one-way commute distance by fifty (50) or more miles from the Executive’s then-current principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties, authority, or responsibilities for the Company relative to the Executive’s duties, authority, or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such material reduction; or (iv) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company (or its successor) provided further, that, any such termination by the Executive shall only be deemed for Good Reason pursuant to this definition if: (1) the Executive gives the Chief Executive Officer written notice of intent to terminate for Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of the condition(s) that the Executive believes constitute(s) Good Reason, which notice shall describe such condition(s); (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written notice (the “Cure Period”); (3) the Company has not, prior to the Chief Executive Officer receiving such notice from the Executive, already informed the Executive in writing that their employment with the Company is being terminated; and (4) the Executive voluntarily terminates their employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the Cure Period |
“Group” | means together or separately the Parent, the Company, any holding company or undertaking of the Parent or the Company and any subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings of the Parent of the Company or such holding company or holding companies or undertaking from time to time (and the words “subsidiary” and “holding company” shall have the meanings given to them in section 1159 in the Companies Act 2006); |
“Group Company” | means any company within the Group; |
“Health Care Scheme” | means any healthcare or disability scheme(s) or arrangement(s) as may be provided or introduced from time to time by the Company (at the Company’s discretion) for the benefit of similarly situated executives in the Company or Group; |
“Intellectual Property Rights” | means any and all existing and future intellectual or industrial property rights in and to any Works (whether registered or unregistered), including all existing and future patents, copyrights, design rights, database rights, trade marks, semiconductor topography rights, plant varieties rights, internet rights/domain names, know-how and any and all applications for any of the foregoing and any and all rights to apply for any of the foregoing in and to any Works; |
“Minority Holder” | means a person who either solely or jointly holds (directly or through nominees) any shares or loan capital in any company, whether or not it is listed or dealt in on a recognised stock exchange, provided that such holding does not, when aggregated with any shares or loan capital held by the Executive’s partner and/or his or his partner’s children under the age of 18, exceed 5% of the shares or loan capital of the class concerned for the time being issued; |
“Parent” | means Exscientia Limited, incorporated in England with company number 13483814; |
“Remuneration Committee” | means the remuneration committee appointed by the Board; |
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“Settlement Agreement” | means a settlement agreement that includes, among other terms, a general release of claims in favour of the Company and each Group Company (subject to standard carve-outs preserving the Executive’s rights to accrued pension benefits), as well as mutual non-disparagement provisions, in a form presented by the Company and to be negotiated by the parties acting reasonably and in good faith; |
“Termination Date” | means the date of termination of the Employment; |
“Works” | means any documents, materials, models, designs, drawings, processes, inventions, formulae, computer coding, methodologies, know-how, Confidential Information or other work, performed made, created, devised, developed or discovered by the Executive during the course of the Employment either alone or with any other person in connection with or in any way affecting or relating to the business of the Company or any Group Company or capable of being used or adapted for use therein or in connection therewith; |
1.2. | Interpretation and Construction |
Save to the extent that the context or the express provisions of this Agreement require otherwise, in this Agreement:
(a) | words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa; |
(b) | words importing any gender shall include all other genders; |
(c) | words importing the whole shall be treated as including reference to any part of the whole; |
(d) | any reference to a Clause, the Schedule or part of the Schedule is to the relevant Clause, Schedule or part of the Schedule of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; |
(e) | reference to this Agreement or to any other document is a reference to this Agreement or to that other document as modified, amended, varied, supplemented, assigned, novated or replaced from time to time; |
(f) | reference to a provision of law is a reference to that provision as extended, applied, amended, consolidated or re-enacted or as the application thereof is modified from time to time and shall be construed as including reference to any order, instrument, regulation or other subordinate legislation from time to time made under it; |
(g) | references to a “person” includes any individual, firm, company, corporation, body corporate, government, state or agency of state, trust or foundation, or any association, partnership or unincorporated body (whether or not having separate legal personality) or two or more of the foregoing; |
(h) | general words shall not be given a restrictive meaning because they are followed by words which are particular examples of the acts, matters or things covered by the general words and “including”, “include” and “in particular” shall be construed without limitation; and |
(i) | the meaning of any words coming after “other” or “otherwise” shall not be constrained by the meaning of any words coming before “other” or “otherwise where a wider construction is possible. |
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1.3. | Headings |
The table of contents and the headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall be ignored in construing this Agreement.
2. | THE EMPLOYMENT |
2.1. | Effectiveness and Appointment |
This Agreement is effective as of, and contingent upon, the occurrence of the Effective Date.
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company employs the Executive and the Executive accepts employment as Chief Financial Officer of the Company on the terms of this Agreement.
2.2. | Work Permits and warranty |
The Executive warrants that he is legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom and will throughout the Employment continue to hold a valid United Kingdom work permit if appropriate. The Executive warrants that he will notify the Company in advance of any possible change to his immigration status, as soon as he becomes aware of any circumstances that might give rise to such change. Should the Company discover that the Executive does not have permission to live and work in the United Kingdom or if any such permission is revoked, notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement the Company reserves the right to terminate the Employment immediately and without notice or pay in lieu of notice and without referring to the warning stages of the Company’s disciplinary procedure.
3. | DURATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT |
3.1. | Continuous Employment |
The Executive’s continuous period of employment with the Company commenced on 17 November 2020. No previous employment shall count as part of the Executive’s continuous period of employment.
3.2. | Duration |
Subject to the provisions of Clauses 3 and 17.1 the Employment shall continue unless and until terminated at any time by:
(a) | the Company, which must give to the Executive not less than six months’ prior written notice of termination of the Employment; or |
(b) | the Executive, who must give to the Company not less than six months’ prior written notice of termination of the Employment. |
3.3. | Payment in lieu of notice |
(a) | The Company shall be entitled, at its sole discretion, to terminate the Employment immediately at any time by giving the Executive notice in writing. In these circumstances, subject to the terms of Clause 3.3(b), the Company will subsequently make a payment to the Executive in lieu of notice, calculated in accordance with the provisions of Clause 3.3(c) (the payment being referred to as a “PILON”). |
(b) | The PILON will be paid in equal monthly instalments less all deductions that are required or permitted by law to be made including in respect of income tax, national insurance contributions and any sums due to the Company or any Group Company. |
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(c) | The PILON will consist of a sum equivalent to the Basic Salary which the Executive would have received in respect of any notice period outstanding on the Termination Date but will exclude (except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement) any bonus, commission and share of profit and any other benefits which he would have received or would have accrued to him during that period. |
4. | HOURS AND PLACE OF WORK |
4.1. | Hours of work |
The Executive agrees that he shall work normal business hours together with such additional hours as are necessary for the proper performance of his duties.
4.2. | Working Time Regulations |
The Executive has autonomous decision-making powers. The duration of his working time is not measured or predetermined. The Executive agrees that his employment falls within Regulation 20 of the Working Time Regulations 1998.
4.3. | Place of work |
(a) | The Executive’s normal place of work will be at the Company’s offices at Oxford, but the Company may require the Executive to work at any place within the United Kingdom on either a temporary or an indefinite basis. The Executive will be given reasonable notice of any change in his permanent place of work. |
(b) | The Executive may be requested to be absent from the United Kingdom for a period exceeding 1 month at any one time, but there are not currently any particulars to be entered in this regard. |
5. | SCOPE OF THE EMPLOYMENT |
5.1. | Duties of the Executive |
During the Employment the Executive shall:
(a) | undertake and carry out to the best of his ability such duties and exercise such powers in relation to the Company or Group’s business as may from time to time be assigned to or vested in him by the Board including where those duties require the Executive to work for any Group Company; |
(b) | in the discharge of those duties and the exercise of those powers observe and comply with all lawful resolutions, regulations and directions from time to time made by, or under the authority of, the Board and promptly upon request, give a full account to the Board or a person duly authorised by the Board of all matters with which he is involved. He will provide the information in writing if requested; |
(c) | comply with the Articles of Association (as amended from time to time) of the Parent, the Company and any Group Company; |
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(d) | do, or refrain from doing, such things as are necessary or expedient to ensure compliance by himself, the Parent, the Company and any Group Company with applicable law and regulations and all regulatory authorities relevant to the Parent, the Company and any Group Company, and any codes of practice issued by the Parent, the Company and any Group Company (as amended from time to time); |
(e) | act in accordance with all statutory, fiduciary and common law duties that he owes to the Parent, the Company and any Group Company; |
(f) | refrain from doing anything which would cause him to be disqualified from acting as a director; |
(g) | unless prevented by ill-health, holidays or other unavoidable cause, devote the whole of his working time, attention and skill to the business of the Parent, the Company and Group Companies and the discharge of his duties hereunder; |
(h) | faithfully and diligently perform his duties and at all times use his best endeavours to promote and protect the interests of the Parent, the Company and the Group; |
(i) | promptly disclose to the Board full details of any wrongdoing by the Executive or any other employee of any Group Company where that wrongdoing is material to that employee’s employment by the relevant company or to the interests or reputation of any Group Company. |
5.2. | Right to suspend duties and powers |
(a) | During any notice period or for the purpose of investigating any matter in which the Executive is implicated or involved, the Company reserves the right in its absolute discretion to suspend all or any of the Executive’s duties and powers on terms it considers expedient or to require him to perform only such duties, specific projects or tasks as are assigned to him expressly by the Company (including the duties of another position) in any case for such period or periods and at such place or places (including, without limitation, the Executive’s home) as the Company in its absolute discretion deems necessary (the “Garden Leave”). During any period of Garden Leave the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement shall continue to apply to the Executive. |
(b) | The Company may, at its sole discretion, require that during the Garden Leave the Executive shall not: |
(i) | enter or attend the premises of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company; |
(ii) | contact or have any communication with any client or prospective client or supplier of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company in relation to the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company; |
(iii) | contact or have any communication with any employee, officer, director, agent or consultant of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company in relation to the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company, save that this restriction shall (A) not prevent the Executive from contacting and communicating with his family members, and (B) be without prejudice to the Executive’s rights as shareholder of the Parent; |
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(iv) | remain or become involved in any aspect of the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company except as required by such companies; or |
(v) | work either on his own account or on behalf of any other person. |
(c) | During Garden Leave, the Executive will continue to receive his Basic Salary and benefits but will not (except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement) accrue any bonus, commission or share of profit. |
(d) | If the Executive is suspended, other than during any notice period, for the purpose of investigating any matter in which the Executive is implicated or involved and the Executive is subsequently exonerated, the Executive will be paid any amounts not paid to the Executive in respect of the period of suspension where such amounts would have otherwise been paid were it not for the operation of Clause5.2(c). |
(e) | For the avoidance of doubt, the Company may exercise its powers under this Clause 5.2 at any time during the Employment including after notice of termination has been given by either party. |
6. | REMUNERATION |
6.1. | Basic Salary |
(a) | During the Employment the Company shall pay the Executive a Basic Salary of not less than £275,000 per annum. The Basic Salary shall accrue from day to day and be payable by credit transfer in equal monthly instalments in arrears on or around the 25th day of each calendar month or otherwise as arranged from time to time. |
(b) | The Basic Salary shall be inclusive of all director’s fees (if any) to which the Executive may become entitled including all remuneration and director’s fees in respect of services rendered by the Executive to any Group Company (including, without limitation, the Parent). |
6.2. | Salary review |
The Basic Salary shall be reviewed annually. The Company is not obliged to increase the Basic Salary at any review.
6.3. | Annual bonus |
(a) | Subject to clause 6.3(b), the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) with an annual target of 35% (the “Target Percentage”) of the Executive’s then-current Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”). The Annual Bonus will be based upon the assessment of the Board (or a committee thereof) of the Executive’s performance and Group’s attainment of targeted goals (as established by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion) over the applicable calendar year. The Annual Bonus, if any, will be subject to applicable payroll deductions and withholdings. No amount of any Annual Bonus is guaranteed at any time, and, except as otherwise expressly stated in clause 17 of this Agreement, the Executive must be an employee in good standing (without having given or received notice) through the date of payment of the Annual Bonus in order to be eligible to receive an Annual Bonus and no partial or prorated bonuses will be provided. Unless otherwise stated in clause 17 of this Agreement, any Annual Bonus, if awarded, will be paid by the Company after receipt by the Parent of the audited financial statements of the Parent for the financial year in question, but no later than 15 March of the year following the year to which such bonus relates, and will be paid in cash or in securities, as determined by the Board (or committee thereof). Any Annual Bonus will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Parent or the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Parent’s or any Group Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by applicable law and any clawback policy that the Parent or the Company otherwise adopts, to the extent applicable and permissible under applicable law. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to Good Reason. Except as otherwise stated in clause 17 this Agreement, in the event the Executive leaves the employment of the Company for any reason prior to the date the Annual Bonus is paid, the Executive is are not eligible to earn such Annual Bonus, prorated or otherwise. |
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(b) | In respect of the 2021 calendar year the Executive’s Annual Bonus target shall be calculated as follows: (a) an amount equal to the prorated portion of the Executive’s Annual Bonus target for the 2021 calendar year as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date (calculated using the number of days in the 2021 calendar year that have passed between 1 January 2021 and the date immediately preceding the Effective Date); plus (b) an amount equal to the prorated portion of the Target Bonus as in effect on the Effective Date (calculated using the Target Percentage for the number of days in the 2021 calendar year that have passed from (and including) the Effective Date and 31 December 2021). |
6.4. | Directors’ Remuneration Policy. |
Executive understands and agrees that, if and for so long as the Executive is a director of the Parent, the Executive’s remuneration shall be subject to the terms of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy as may be adopted by the Parent in accordance with applicable law from time to time.
7. | EXPENSES |
7.1. | Out-of-pocket expenses |
The Company shall reimburse to the Executive (against receipts or other appropriate evidence as the Board may require) the amount of all out-of-pocket expenses reasonably and properly incurred by him in the proper discharge of his duties hereunder to the extent that such expenses are incurred in accordance with the Group’s applicable business expenses policy from time to time.
8. | DEDUCTIONS |
The Executive agrees that the Company may deduct from any sums due to him under this Agreement any sums due by him to any Group Company including, without limitation, any debits to his Company credit or charge card not authorised by the Company, the Executive’s pension contributions (if any), any overpayments, loans or advances made to him by any Group Company, the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company’s property caused by him and any losses suffered by the Group as a result of any negligence or breach of duty by the Executive.
9. | PENSION SCHEME |
During the period of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Company will comply at all times with the employer duties under Part 1 of the Pensions Act 2008.
10. | OTHER INSURANCE & BENEFITS |
10.1. | Health Care Scheme |
Without prejudice to the terms of Clauses 3 and 17, the Executive shall be entitled during the Employment, to participate at the Company’s expense in any Health Care Scheme subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) | the Executive’s participation is subject to the Company’s rules regarding eligibility in force from time to time and the rules, terms and conditions of the relevant Health Care Scheme and/or insurance policy in force from time to time; |
(b) | the Company reserves the right to terminate the Executive’s or the Company’s participation in any of the Health Care Scheme(s), substitute a new scheme(s) for an existing scheme(s) and/or alter the level or type of benefits available under any scheme(s); |
(c) | if a scheme provider (e.g. an insurance company or pensions provider) refuses for any reason (whether under its own interpretation of the rules, terms and conditions of the relevant insurance policy or otherwise) to accept a claim and/or provide the relevant benefit(s) to the Executive under the applicable Health Care Scheme, the Company shall not be liable to provide (or compensate the Executive for the loss of) such benefit(s) nor shall it be obliged to take action against the provider to enforce any rights under the Health Care Scheme; |
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(d) | the fact that the termination of the Employment may result in the Executive ceasing to be eligible to receive or continue to receive benefits under any Health Care Scheme does not remove the Company’s right to terminate the Employment; and |
(e) | the Executive’s acceptance of such variations to his terms and conditions of employment as may from time to time be required by the Company. |
10.2. | Medical examinations |
At any reasonable time during the Employment the Company may require the Executive to undergo a medical examination by a medical practitioner appointed by the Company and at the Company’s expense and the Executive will consent to such examination and to the results being made available to the Company.
10.3. | Other leave and benefits |
(a) | The Executive may be eligible for other forms of paid leave, subject to any statutory eligibility requirements or conditions and the Company's rules applicable to each type of leave in force from time to time. Further details of such leave are available in the Company’s Staff Handbook. |
The Company may replace, amend or withdraw the Company's policy on any types of leave at any time.
(b) | The Executive may be eligible to be provided with other benefits during their employment with the Company, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit. Further details of these benefits are available from the Staff Handbook. The Company may replace or withdraw such benefits, or amend the terms of such benefits, at any time. |
11. | HOLIDAYS |
11.1. | The holiday year |
The Company’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Holidays can only be taken with the prior agreement of the Chairman (such agreement not be withheld unreasonably).
11.2. | Annual entitlement |
(a) | The Executive shall be entitled to 28 days' paid holiday in each holiday year excluding the usual public holidays in England. |
(b) | Entitlement to contractual holidays is accrued pro rata throughout the holiday year. The Executive will be entitled to take public and customary holidays on the days that they are recognised by the Company during the holiday year. |
(c) | The Executive may carry any unused holiday entitlement forward to the next holiday year in accordance with the Company’s policy on holidays as may apply from time to time. |
11.3. | Holiday entitlement on termination |
Upon notice of termination of the Employment being served by either party, the Company may require the Executive to take any unused holidays accrued in the holiday year in which the termination takes place during any notice period. Alternatively, the Company may, at its discretion, on termination of the Employment, make a payment in lieu of accrued contractual holiday entitlement. The Executive will be required to make a payment to the Company in respect of any holidays taken in excess of his holiday entitlement accrued at the Termination Date. Any sums so due may be deducted from any money owing to the Executive by the Company.
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12. | TRAINING |
As at the date of this Agreement, the Executive is not required to undertake any particular training. If any particular training is required or offered, details will be provided.
13. | ABSENCE |
13.1. | Absence due to sickness or injury |
If the Executive is absent from work due to sickness or injury he shall:
(a) | immediately inform the CEO and the Head of Human Resources of his sickness or injury; and |
(b) | In respect of absence due to sickness, injury or accident that continues for more than 7 consecutive days (including weekends) the Executive must provide the Company with a note of fitness to work stating the reason for the absence. Thereafter notes of fitness to work must be provided to the Company to cover the remainder of the period of continuing sickness absence. Failure to follow these requirements may result in disciplinary action and loss of Statutory Sick Pay and/or sick pay pursuant to Clause 13.2. |
13.2. | Payment of salary during absence |
(a) | Subject to the Executive complying with the terms of Clause 13.1, the Company may, at its sole discretion continue to pay Basic Salary and other benefits during any period of absence due to sickness or injury for up to a maximum period of 4 weeks (according to the Company’s Staff Handbook) in any period of 12 consecutive months (the 12 month period referred to as the “Entitlement Period”) and thereafter a sum equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay only during any further period of absence due to sickness or injury in the same Entitlement Period for up to a maximum period of 13 weeks unless the Employment is terminated in terms of Clauses 3 or17. The first Entitlement Period will begin on the first day of absence and any subsequent Entitlement Period will start on the first day of any absence occurring outside an enduring Entitlement Period. |
(b) | Payment of the Basic Salary in terms of Clause 13.2(a) shall be made less: |
(i) | an amount equivalent to any Statutory Sick Pay payable to the Executive; |
(ii) | any sums which may be received by the Executive under any insurance policy effected by the Company; and |
(iii) | any other benefits or sums which the Executive receives (e.g. under a PHI or other insurance scheme) in connection with the Employment or under any relevant legislation. |
(c) | Once payment of Basic Salary under Clause 13.2(a) ceases, then the Executive shall have no right to any benefit or emolument from the Company. |
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13.3. | Absence caused by third party negligence |
If the Executive’s absence is caused by the negligence of a third party in respect of which damages are recoverable, then all sums paid by the Company during the period of absence shall constitute loans to the Executive who shall:
(a) | immediately notify the Company of all the relevant circumstances and of any claim, compromise, settlement or judgment made or awarded; and |
(b) | if the Company so requires, refund to it an amount determined by the Company, not exceeding the lesser of: |
(i) | the amount of damages recovered by him in respect of loss of earnings during the period of absence under any compromise, settlement or judgment; and |
(ii) | the sums advanced to him by the Company in respect of the period of incapacity. |
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14. | OTHER INTERESTS |
14.1. | Disclosure of other interests |
The Executive shall disclose to the Board any interest of his own (or that of his partner or of any child of his or of his partner under eighteen years of age):
(a) | in any trade, business or occupation whatsoever which is in any way similar to any of those in which the Parent, the Company or any Group Company is involved; and |
(b) | in any trade, business or occupation carried on by any supplier or customer of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company whether or not such trade, business or occupation is conducted for profit or gain. |
14.2. | Restrictions on other activities and interests of the Executive |
(a) | During the Employment, the Executive shall not at any time, without the prior written consent of the Board, either alone or jointly with any other person, carry on or be directly or indirectly employed, engaged, concerned or interested in any business, prospective business or undertaking other than a Group Company. Nothing contained in this Clause shall preclude the Executive from being a Minority Holder unless the holding is in a company that is a direct business competitor of the Company or any Group Company in which case, the Executive shall obtain the prior consent of the Board to the acquisition or variation of such holding. |
(b) | If the Executive, with the consent of the Board, accepts any other appointment he must keep the Board accurately informed of the amount of time he spends working under that appointment. |
14.3. | Transactions with the Company |
Subject to any regulations issued by the Group, the Executive shall not be entitled to receive or obtain directly or indirectly any discount, rebate, commission or any other form of gift or gratuity (any of these referred to as a “Gratuity”) as a result of the Employment or any sale or purchase of goods or services effected or other business transacted (whether or not by him) by or on behalf of the Company or any Group Company and if he (or any person in which he is interested) obtains any Gratuity he shall account to the Company for the amount received by him (or a due proportion of the amount received by the person having regard to the extent of his interest therein).
15. | CONFIDENTIALITY AND COMPANY DOCUMENTS |
15.1. | Restrictions on disclosure and use of Confidential Information |
The Executive must not either during the Employment (except in the proper performance of his duties) or at any time (without limit) after the Termination Date:
(a) | divulge or communicate to any person; |
(b) | use for his own purposes or for any purposes other than those of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company; or |
(c) | through any failure to exercise due care and diligence, cause any unauthorised disclosure of; |
any Confidential Information. The Executive must at all times use his best endeavours to prevent publication or disclosure of any Confidential Information. These restrictions shall cease to apply to any information which shall become available to the public generally otherwise than through the default of the Executive. These restrictions shall not apply to any use or disclosure authorised by the Board or required by law, or any protected disclosure within the meaning of section 43A of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
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15.2. | Protection of Company documents and materials |
All notes, records, lists of customers, suppliers and employees, correspondence, computer and other discs or tapes, data listings, codes, keys and passwords, designs, drawings and other documents or material whatsoever (whether made or created by the Executive or otherwise and in whatever medium or format) relating to the business of the Parent, the Company or any Group Company or any of its or their clients (and any copies of the same):
(a) | shall be and remain the property of the Parent, the Company or the relevant Group Company or client; and |
(b) | shall be handed over by the Executive to the Parent, the Company or the relevant Group Company or client on demand by the Company and in any event on the termination of the Employment. |
16. | INVENTIONS AND OTHER WORKS |
16.1. | Executive to further interests of the Company |
The Company and the Executive agree that the Executive may make or create Works in the course of the Employment and agree that in this respect the Executive is obliged to further the interests of the Company and any Group Company.
16.2. | Disclosure and ownership of Works |
The Executive must immediately disclose to the Company all Works and all Intellectual Property Rights. Both the Works and all Intellectual Property Rights will (subject to sections 39 to 43 Patents Act 1977) belong to and be the absolute property of the Company or any other person the Company may nominate.
16.3. | Protection, registration and vesting of Works |
The Executive shall immediately on request by the Company (whether during or after the Employment) and at the expense of the Company:
(a) | apply or join with the Company or any Group Company in applying for any Intellectual Property Rights or other protection or registration (“Protection”) in the United Kingdom and in any other part of the world for, or in relation to, any Works; |
(b) | execute all instruments and do all things necessary for vesting all Intellectual Property Rights or Protection when obtained and all right, title and interest to and in the same absolutely and as sole beneficial owner in the Company or such Group Company or other person as the Company may nominate; and |
(c) | sign and execute any documents and do any acts reasonably required by the Company in connection with any proceedings in respect of any applications and any publication or application for revocation of any Intellectual Property Rights or Protection. |
16.4. | Waiver of rights by the Executive |
The Executive hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives all rights under Chapter IV Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and any other moral rights which he may have in the Works, in whatever part of the world such rights may be enforceable including:
(a) | the right conferred by section 77 of that Act to be identified as the author of any such Works; and |
(b) | the right conferred by section 80 of that Act not to have any such Works subjected to derogatory treatment. |
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16.5. | Power of Attorney |
The Executive hereby irrevocably appoints the Company to be his attorney and in his name and on his behalf to execute any such act and to sign all deeds and documents and generally to use his name for the purpose of giving to the Company the full benefit of this Clause. The Executive agrees that, with respect to any third parties, a certificate signed by any duly authorised officer of the Company that any act or deed or document falls within the authority hereby conferred shall be conclusive evidence that this is the case.
16.6. | Statutory rights |
Nothing in this Clause 16 shall be construed as restricting the rights of the Executive or the Company under sections 39 to 43 Patents Act 1977.
17. | TERMINATION |
17.1. | Termination events |
Notwithstanding the provisions of Clauses 3 and 10, the Company shall be entitled, but not bound, to terminate the Employment with immediate effect (without a notice period or payment in lieu of any notice period) by giving to the Executive notice in writing at any time after the occurrence of any one or more of the following events (each being termination for “Cause”):
(a) | if the Executive is guilty of any gross misconduct or behaviour which tends to bring himself or the Company or any Group Company into disrepute; or |
(b) | if the Executive commits any material or persistent breach of this Agreement (in the case of a non-material persistent breach, having been given notice in writing of the breach and a reasonable opportunity to rectify the breach) or fails to comply with any reasonable order or direction of the Board; or |
(c) | if he becomes insolvent or bankrupt or compounds with or grants a trust deed for the benefit of his creditors; or |
(d) | if his behaviour (whether or not in breach of this Agreement) can reasonably be regarded as materially prejudicial to the interests of the Company or any Group Company, including if he is found guilty of any criminal offence punishable by imprisonment (whether or not such sentence is actually imposed); or |
(e) | if he has an order made against him disqualifying him from acting as a company director; or |
(f) | if the Executive is found guilty of any offence of bribery under the Bribery Act 2010, or other bribery legislation in any other jurisdiction, breach of Clause 15 of this Agreement or the Company’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy; or |
(g) | if the Executive commits any material breach or persistent but non-material breach of the Articles of Association of the Company or any Group Company (in the case of a persistent but non-material breach, having been given notice in writing of the breach and a reasonable opportunity to rectify the breach). |
17.2. | Termination on resignation as director |
If the Executive resigns as a director of the Company or any Group Company (otherwise than at the request of the Board), he shall be deemed to have voluntarily resigned from the Employment with effect from the date of his resignation, unless the Company agrees with the Executive that the Employment should continue, in which case the Employment may be subject to any terms and conditions stipulated by the Company in its absolute discretion.
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17.3. | No damages or payment in lieu of notice |
In the event of the Employment being terminated pursuant to Clause 17.1 the Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payment in lieu of notice nor make any claim against the Company or any Group Company for damages for loss of office or termination of the Employment. Regardless of this, the termination shall be without prejudice to the continuing obligations of the Executive under this Agreement.
17.4. | Termination by the Company without Cause or resignation by the Executive for Good Reason (in connection with a Change in Control) |
In the event that the Company terminates the Executive’s Employment without Cause or the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case, upon or within (12) twelve months following the effective date of a Change in Control (such period, the “Change in Control Measurement Period”) then the Executive shall be entitled to his salary and benefits pursuant to the terms of this Agreement through the Termination Date and, subject to the Executive (i) executing a Settlement Agreement; (ii) returning all Company property; (iii) complying with the Executive’s termination and post-termination obligations under this Agreement; (iv) complying with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained therein; and (v) resigning from any other positions held with the Company or any Group Company, including any position on the Board, effective no later than the Termination Date (or such other date as requested by the Board), the Executive shall be eligible to receive the following severance benefits (collectively the “CIC Severance Benefits”):
(a) | The Company will pay the Executive severance pay in the form of continuation of the Executive’s then-current Basic Salary (ignoring any decrease that forms the basis for the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, if applicable) for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date (such period of time, the “CIC Severance Period”, and such aggregate Basic Salary amount payable, the “CIC Severance”). The CIC Severance will be paid in substantially equal instalments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule over the CIC Severance Period, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, shall be reduced by any Basic Salary received by the Executive during any period of Garden Leave and shall be inclusive of any PILON; provided, however that no portion of the CIC Severance (except for any PILON instalment which is due) will be paid prior to the date that the general release of claims in the Settlement Agreement becomes effective (the “Release Date”), and any such payments that are otherwise scheduled to be made prior to the Release Date shall instead accrue and be made on the first regular payroll date following the Release Date; |
(b) | The Company will pay to the Executive in monthly instalments, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, a fully taxable cash payment equal to: (i) the coverage premium for the Executive (and the Executive’s covered dependents, as applicable) health insurance coverage in effect on the Termination Date until the earliest of: (1) the close of the CIC Severance Period or; (2) the date when the Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment; and (ii) the Company’s employer pension contributions that would have been received by the Executive during the CIC Severance Period had Employment continued, at the rate payable by the Company immediately prior to the Termination Date; |
(c) | The Company will make a lump sum cash payment to the Executive in an amount equal to one (1) times the Target Bonus for the year in which the Termination Date occurs, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, which will be paid in a lump sum on or before the 60th day following the Termination Date; |
(d) | Effective as of the Termination Date, the vesting and exercisability of all outstanding equity awards covering the Parent’s ordinary shares that are held by the Executive immediately prior to the Termination Date shall be accelerated in full. |
The CIC Severance Benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this clause 17.4 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which the Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy, or program.
Any damages caused by the termination of the Executive’s employment without Cause during the Change in Control Measurement Period would be difficult to ascertain; therefore, the CIC Severance Benefits for which the Executive is eligible pursuant to this clause 17.4 in exchange for the Settlement Agreement are agreed to by the parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.
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17.5. | Termination by the Company without Cause or resignation by the Executive for Good Reason (not in connection with a Change in Control) |
In the event that the Company terminates the Executive’s Employment without Cause or the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case, outside a Change in Control Measurement Period then the Executive shall be entitled to his salary and benefits pursuant to the terms of this Agreement through the Termination Date and, subject to the Executive (i) executing a Settlement Agreement; (ii) returning all Company property; (iii) complying with the Executive’s termination and post-termination obligations under this Agreement; (iv) complying with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained therein; and (v) resigning from any other positions held with the Company or any Group Company, including any position on the Board, effective no later than the Termination Date (or such other date as requested by the Board), the Executive shall be eligible to receive the following severance benefits (collectively the “Non-CIC Severance Benefits”):
(a) | The Company will pay the Executive severance pay in the form of continuation of the Executive’s then-current Basic Salary (ignoring any decrease that forms the basis for the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, if applicable) for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date (such period of time, the “Non-CIC Severance Period”, and such aggregate Basic Salary amount payable, the “Non-CIC Severance”). The Non-CIC Severance will be paid in substantially equal instalments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule over the Non-CIC Severance Period, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, shall be reduced by any Basic Salary received by the Executive during any period of notice that the Executive serves (whether worked or in respect of and period of Garden Leave) and shall be inclusive of any PILON; provided, however that no portion of the Non-CIC Severance (except for any PILON instalment which is due) will be paid prior to the date that the general release of claims in the Settlement Agreement becomes effective (the “Release Date”), and any such payments that are otherwise scheduled to be made prior to the Release Date shall instead accrue and be made on the first regular payroll date following the Release Date; |
(b) | The Company will pay to the Executive in monthly instalments, subject to such deductions as the Company is required by law to make, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the coverage premium for the Executive (and the Executive’s covered dependents, as applicable) health insurance coverage in effect on the Termination Date and/or provide the Executive with continued access to the Company’s health insurance scheme until the earliest of: (1) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date on which notice to terminate the Employment is given in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or; (2) the date when the Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment. |
The Non-CIC Severance Benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this clause 17.5 are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits to which the Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy, or program.
Any damages caused by the termination of the Executive’s employment without Cause outside the Change in Control Measurement Period would be difficult to ascertain; therefore, the Non-CIC Severance Benefits for which the Executive is eligible pursuant to this clause 17.5 in exchange for the Settlement Agreement are agreed to by the parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.
17.6. | Death or Disability |
(a) | In the event of the Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the parties hereunder and the Executive’s employment shall terminate immediately, but neither the Executive nor their legal representatives will receive the CIC Severance Benefits or the Non-CIC Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this clause or in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from remaining eligible to receive any payments or benefits pursuant to any life assurance or permanent health insurance policy under which the Executive participates, subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such policy and applicable law. |
(b) | Subject to applicable law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to the Executive, to terminate this Agreement based on the Executive’s Disability (as defined below). Termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because the Executive is unable due to a physical or mental condition to perform the essential functions of their position with or without reasonable adjustments for twelve (12) months in the aggregate during any eighteen (18) month period or based on the written certification by two qualified licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period. In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated based on Disability, the Executive will not receive the CIC Severance Benefits or the Non-CIC Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this clause or in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from remaining eligible to receive any payments or benefits pursuant to any life assurance or permanent health insurance policy under which the Executive participates, subject to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such policy and applicable law. |
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18. | EVENTS UPON TERMINATION |
18.1. | Obligations upon termination |
Immediately upon the termination of the Employment howsoever arising or immediately at the request of the Board at any time after either the Company or the Executive has served notice of termination of the Employment, the Executive shall:
(a) | deliver to the Company all Works, materials within the scope of Clause 15.2 and all other materials and property including credit or charge cards, mobile telephone, computer equipment, disks and software, passwords, encryption keys or the like, keys, security pass, letters, stationery, documents, files, films, records, reports, plans and papers (in whatever format including electronic) and all copies thereof used in or relating to the business of the Company or the Group which are in the possession of or under the control of the Executive; |
(b) | resign (without claim for compensation) as a director and from all other offices held by him in the Company or any Group Company or otherwise by virtue of the Employment. For the avoidance of doubt, such resignations shall be without prejudice to any claims the Executive may have against the Company or any Group Company arising out of the termination of the Employment; and |
(c) | transfer without payment, to the Company, or as the Company may direct, any shares or other securities held by the Executive as nominee or trustee for the Company or any Group Company; |
and should the Executive fail to do so the Company is hereby irrevocably authorised to appoint some person to sign any documents and/or do all things in his name and on his behalf necessary to give effect thereto.
19. | RESTRICTIONS AFTER TERMINATION |
19.1. | Definitions |
Since the Executive is likely to obtain Confidential Information in the course of the Employment and personal knowledge of and influence over suppliers, customers, clients and employees of the Company and Group Companies, the Executive hereby agrees with the Company that in addition to the other terms of this Agreement and without prejudice to the other restrictions imposed upon him by law, he will be bound by the covenants and undertakings contained in Clauses 19.2 to 19.7. In this Clause 19, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Customer” | means any person to which the Company distributed, sold or supplied Restricted Products or Restricted Services during the Relevant Period and with which, during that period either the Executive, or any employee under the direct or indirect supervision of the Executive, had material dealings in the course of the Employment, or about which the Executive had Confidential Information, but always excluding therefrom, any division, branch or office of such person with which the Executive and/or any such employee had no dealings during that period and about which the Executive had no Confidential Information; |
“Prospective Customer” | means any person with which the Company had discussions during the Relevant Period regarding the possible distribution, sale or supply of Restricted Products or Restricted Services and with which during such period the Executive, or any employee who was under the direct or indirect supervision of the Executive, had material dealings in the course of the Employment, or about which the Executive had Confidential Information, but always excluding therefrom any division, branch or office of that person with which the Executive and/or any such employee had no dealings during that period and about which the Executive had no Confidential Information; |
“Relevant Period” | means: (i) where the Employment is continuing, the period of the Employment; and (ii) where the Employment has terminated, the period of twelve months immediately preceding the Termination Date; |
“Restricted Area” | means: |
(a) England, Scotland and Wales;
(b) the United States of America;
(c) Japan; and
(d) any other country in the world where, on the Termination Date, the Company dealt in Restricted Products or Restricted Services; |
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“Restricted Employee” | means any person who was a director, employee or consultant of the Company at any time within the Relevant Period who by reason of that position and in particular his seniority and expertise or knowledge of Confidential Information or knowledge of or influence over the clients, customers or contacts of the Company is likely to cause damage to the Company if he were to leave the employment of the Company and become employed by a competitor of the Company; |
“Restricted Period” | means the period commencing on the Termination Date and, subject to the terms of Clause 19.4, continuing for 12 months; |
“Restricted Products” | means any products, equipment or machinery researched into, developed, manufactured, supplied, marketed, distributed or sold by the Company (on its own or in collaboration or partnership with others) and with which the duties of the Executive were materially concerned or for which he was responsible during the Relevant Period or about which he had Confidential Information, or any products, equipment or machinery of the same type or materially similar to those products, equipment or machinery; |
“Restricted Services” | means any services (including but not limited to technical and product support, technical advice and customer services) researched into, developed or supplied by the Company (on its own or in collaboration or partnership with others) and with which the duties of the Executive were materially concerned or for which he was responsible during the Relevant Period or about which he had Confidential Information, or any services of the same type or materially similar to those services; |
“Supplier” | means any supplier, agent, distributor or other person who, during the Relevant Period was in the habit of dealing with the Company and with which, during that period, the Executive, or any employee under the direct or indirect supervision of the Executive, had material dealings in the course of the Employment, or about which the Executive had Confidential Information. |
19.2. | Restrictive covenants |
Both during the Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of the Board, whether by himself, through his employees or agents and whether on his own behalf or on behalf of any person, directly or indirectly:
(a) | so as to compete with the Company, solicit business from or canvas or approach any Customer or Prospective Customer or business partner in respect of Restricted Products or Restricted Services; |
(b) | so as to compete with the Company, accept orders from, act for or have any business dealings with, any Customer or Prospective Customer or business partner in respect of Restricted Products or Restricted Services; |
(c) | within the Restricted Area, be employed, engaged or interested in or provide Confidential Information to that part of a business or person which is involved in Restricted Products or Restricted Services, if the business or person is or seeks to be in competition with the Company. For the purposes of this sub-clause, acts done by the Executive outside the Restricted Area shall nonetheless be deemed to be done within the Restricted Area where their primary purpose is to distribute, sell, supply or otherwise deal with Restricted Products or Restricted Services in the Restricted Area; |
(d) | solicit or induce or endeavour to solicit or induce any person who was a Restricted Employee (and with whom the Executive had dealings during the Relevant Period) to cease working for or providing services to the Company, whether or not any such person would thereby commit a breach of contract; |
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(e) | employ or otherwise engage any Restricted Employee in the business of Restricted Products or Restricted Services if that business is, or seeks to be, in competition with the Company; |
(f) | solicit or induce or endeavour to solicit or induce or approach any Supplier to cease to deal with the Company and shall not interfere in any way with any relationship between a Supplier and the Company; or |
(g) | so as to compete with the Company or reduce the Company’s business, solicit, deal with, or attempt to solicit or deal with, any key business partners of the Company, including any entity with whom it has entered into a collaboration agreement (or with whom it is in discussions to enter into a collaboration agreement), and with which entity the Executive has had business dealings during the Relevant Period or about which the Executive has Confidential Information. |
19.3. | Application of restrictive covenants to other Group Companies |
Clause 19.2 shall also apply as though references to the “Company” in Clauses 19.1 and 19.2 include references to each Group Company in relation to which the Executive has in the course of the Employment or by reason of rendering services to or holding office in such Group Company:
(a) | acquired knowledge of its products, services, trade secrets or Confidential Information; or |
(b) | had personal dealings with, or Confidential Information about, its Customers or Prospective Customers; or |
(c) | supervised directly or indirectly employees having personal dealings with its Customers or Prospective Customers; |
but so that references to the “Company” shall for this purpose be deemed to be references to the relevant Group Company. The obligations undertaken by the Executive pursuant to this Clause 19.3 shall, with respect to each Group Company, constitute a separate and distinct covenant in favour of and for the benefit of each Group Company and which shall be enforceable either by the particular Group Company or by the Company on behalf of the Group Company and the invalidity or unenforceability of any such covenant shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the covenants in favour of any other Group Company.
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19.4. | Effect of suspension on Restricted Period |
If the Company exercises its right to suspend the Executive’s duties and powers under Clause 5.2 after notice of termination of the Employment has been given, the aggregate of the period of the suspension and the Restricted Period shall not exceed 12 months and if the aggregate of the two periods would exceed 12 months, the Restricted Period shall be reduced accordingly.
Further undertakings
The Executive hereby undertakes to the Company that he will not at any time:
(a) | during the Employment or after the Termination Date engage in any trade or business outside the Group or be associated with any person engaged in any trade or business using any trading names used by the Company or any Group Company including any of the names or incorporating any of the words “Exscientia” or “Kinetic Discovery”; |
(b) | after the Termination Date make any public statement in relation to the Company or any Group Company or any of their directors, officers or employees or any product or service being sold or developed by the Company or any Group Company; or |
(c) | after the Termination Date represent or otherwise indicate any association or connection with the Company or any Group Company or for the purpose of carrying on or retaining any business represent or otherwise indicate any past association with the Company or any Group Company. |
19.5. | Protection of Company reputation |
The Executive undertakes that, he will not at any time during the Employment and at any time (without limit) after the Termination Date make or publish or cause to be made or published to anyone in any circumstances any disparaging remarks concerning the Company or any Group Company or any of its or their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents or any product or service being sold or developed by the Company or any Group Company. However, this shall not apply to any protected disclosure by the Executive within the meaning of section 43A of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
19.6. | Employment Offer |
In the event that the Executive receives an offer of employment or request to provide services either during the Employment or during the terms of the Restricted Period, the Executive shall:
(a) | provide immediately to such person, company or other entity making such an offer or request a full and accurate copy of the Restrictive Covenants set out at Clause 19 of this Agreement; and |
(b) | notify the Company within 5 working days of receipt of the offer and the identity of the person, company or other entity making the offer. |
19.7. | Severance |
The restrictions in this Clause 19 (on which the Executive has had the opportunity to take independent advice, as the Executive hereby acknowledges) are separate and severable restrictions and are considered by the parties to be reasonable in all the circumstances. It is agreed that if any such restrictions, by themselves, or taken together, shall be adjudged to go beyond what is reasonable in all the circumstances for the protection of the legitimate interests of the Company or a Group Company but would be adjudged reasonable if some part of it were deleted, the relevant restriction or restrictions shall apply with such deletion(s) as may be necessary to make it or them valid and enforceable.
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20. | RECONSTRUCTION AND AMALGAMATIONS |
If the Company undergoes any process of reconstruction or amalgamation (whether or not involving the liquidation of the Company) and the Executive is offered employment by the successor or proposed successor to the Company or any Group Companies on terms not materially less favourable overall to those under this Agreement whether as to duties, responsibilities, remuneration or otherwise and the Executive does not accept the offer within one month of it being made, then the Executive shall have no claim in respect of termination of this Agreement and the Employment.
21. | DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE |
21.1. | Disciplinary procedures |
Any disciplinary action taken in connection with the Employment will usually be taken in accordance with the Company’s normal disciplinary procedures (which are workplace rules and not contractually binding) a copy of which is available from the Company’s Human Resources department.
21.2. | Grievance procedure |
If the Executive wishes to obtain redress of any grievance relating to the Employment or is dissatisfied with any reprimand, suspension or other disciplinary step taken by the Company, he shall apply in writing to the chairman of the Board, setting out the nature and details of any such grievance or dissatisfaction.
22. | GENERAL |
22.1. | Provisions which survive termination |
Any provision of this Agreement which is expressed or intended to have effect on, or to continue in force after, the termination of this Agreement shall have such effect, or, as the case may be, continue in force, after such termination.
22.2. | No collective agreements |
There are no collective agreements that directly affect the terms and conditions of the Employment.
22.3. | Compliance |
The Executive shall comply with the relevant obligations under prevailing law and regulation, including the Companies Act 2006, the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requirements (in each case to the extent applicable) or other laws applicable to the Parent and the Company from time to time as may be notified to the Executive.
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23. | DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY |
23.1. | Data Protection |
The Company will hold, collect and otherwise process certain personal data as set out in the Company’s privacy notice, which is in the Company’s Staff Handbook. All personal data will be treated in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations.
24. | AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS AND REMEDIES |
24.1. | Amendments |
No amendment or variation of this Agreement or any of the documents referred to in it shall be effective unless it is in writing and (other than an alteration in the Basic Salary) signed by or on behalf of each of the parties.
24.2. | Waivers and remedies cumulative |
(a) | The rights of each party under this Agreement: |
(i) | may be exercised as often as necessary; |
(ii) | are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under the general law; and |
(iii) | may be waived only in writing and specifically. |
(b) | Delay in exercising or non-exercise of any right is not a waiver of that right. |
(c) | Any right of rescission conferred upon the Company by this Agreement shall be in addition to and without prejudice to all other rights and remedies available to it. |
25. | ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
(a) | This Agreement and the documents referred to in it constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede and extinguish all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between the parties, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. |
(b) | Each party acknowledges that in entering into this Agreement it does not rely on, and shall have no remedies in respect of, any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not set out in this Agreement. |
(c) | Each party agrees that it shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation or negligent misstatement based on any statement in this Agreement. |
(d) | Nothing in this Clause shall limit or exclude any liability for fraud. |
26. | NO OUTSTANDING CLAIMS |
The Executive hereby acknowledges that he has no outstanding claims of any kind against the Company or any Group Company (other than in respect of remuneration and expenses due to the date of this Agreement but not yet paid).
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27. | SEVERANCE |
If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that shall not affect:
(a) | the legality, validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other provisions of this Agreement; or |
(b) | the legality, validity or enforceability in any other jurisdiction of that or any other provision of this Agreement. |
28. | NOTICE |
28.1. | Notices and deemed receipt |
Any notice hereunder shall be given by either party to the other either personally to the Executive or (where notice is to be given to the Company) the Chairman or the Head of Human Resources or sent in the case of the Company, to its registered office for the time being and, in the case of the Executive, to his address last known to the Company or sent by email to, in the case of the Company, the Company email address of the Chairman and the Head of Human Resources and, in the case of the Executive, his Company email address. Any such notice shall be in writing and shall be given by letter delivered by hand or sent by first class prepaid recorded delivery or registered post or by email transmission. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been received:
(a) | if delivered personally, at the time of delivery; |
(b) | in the case of pre-paid recorded delivery or registered post, 48 hours from the date of posting; |
(c) | in the case of registered airmail, five days from the date of posting; and |
(d) | in the case of email, at the time of transmission; |
provided that if deemed receipt occurs before 9am on a business day the notice shall be deemed to have been received at 9am on that day and if deemed receipt occurs after 5pm on a business day, or on a day which is not a business day, the notice shall be deemed to have been received at 9am on the next business day. For the purpose of this Clause, “business day” means any day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a public holiday in the place at or to which the notice is left or sent. This clause does not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action or, where applicable, any arbitration or other method of dispute resolution.
28.2. | Electronic service |
For the avoidance of doubt, notice given under this Agreement shall be validly served if sent by email.
29. | GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION |
29.1. | Governing law |
This Agreement is governed by and to be construed in accordance with English law.
29.2. | Jurisdiction |
Each party hereby submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts as regards any claim, dispute or matter arising out of or in connection with this Agreement and its implementation and effect.
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IN WITNESS of which this Agreement has been executed and delivered as a deed on the first date written above.
EXECUTED as a Deed by EXSCIENTIA AI
LIMITED acting by ANDREW HOPKINS |
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Director | |
Witness’s | |
Signature: | |
Full Name: | |
Address: | |
EXECUTED as a Deed by
BEN TAYLOR in the presence of: |
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Witness’s | |
Signature: | |
Full Name: | |
Address: | |
Exhibit 10.4
Confidential
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
This Collaboration Agreement (Agreement) is made and entered into as of 28th March 2016 (Effective Date) by and between
Ex scientia, a Scottish corporation (registration number SC428761) having its principal office at Dundee Incubator, James Linsay Place, Dundee, DD1 SJJ, United Kingdom (ExS) and
Evotec International GmbH, a German corporation having its principal office at Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany (Evotec).
(ExS and Evotec may each be referred to herein individually as a Party and collectively as the Parties)
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into a Collaboration Agreement supporting the “Adenosine A2A immuno-oncology” project.
WHEREAS, both parties further agree that they will work together both at their own cost to generate one or more immune-oncology pre-clinical development candidate(s) in line with an agreed Program Plan and any successor plan with the goal to partner or otherwise exploit this with a pharmaceutical or biotech company or to develop further together
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants set forth below, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. | DEFINITIONS |
1.1 | Affiliate shall mean, with respect to any person or entity, any other person or entity, which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person or entity. A person or entity shall be regarded as in control of another person or entity if it owns, or directly or indirectly controls, more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or other ownership interest of the other person or entity, or if it directly or indirectly possesses the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the other person or entity by any means whatsoever. |
1.2 | Background Improvement IP means any IP conceived, first reduced to practice or arising from the performance of the Program Plan that (i) constitutes an improvement of or enhancement to either Party’s Background IP introduced into the Program and (ii) does not specifically relate to the Program IP. |
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1.3 | Background IP means any and all IP conceived, first reduced to practice or rightfully acquired prior to the Effective Date or outside the performance of the Program Plan, including without limitation, the IP set forth in Exhibit B as amended from time to time, in each case to the extent necessary for the purpose of performing the activities under this Agreement (including the conclusion of Partnership Agreements). |
1.4 | Confidential Information means all information, including know-how and the subject-matter of any unpublished invention, or any material in tangible form that is disclosed or made available under this Agreement by the Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party and that is marked as “Confidential” at the time it is disclosed or delivered to the Receiving Party (or, if disclosed orally, is identified as confidential when disclosed and such disclosure is confirmed in writing within thirty (30) days by the Disclosing Party) or ought in good faith to be treated as confidential taking account of its content or the circumstances of disclosure. The term Confidential Information shall also include the existence and contents of this Agreement. |
1.5 | Continuing Party is defined in Section 10.2. |
1.6 | Disclosing Party is defined in Section 7.1. |
1.7 | Effective Date is defined in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement. |
1.8 | Indemnified Party is defined in Section 9.3. |
1.9 | Indemnifying Party is defined in Section 10.2. |
1.10 | IP means any and all Patent Rights, utility models, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights, and any applications relating thereto, as well as any technical or scientific data, invention, information or know-how which is not publicly available. |
1.11 | Opt-out Party is defined in Section 10.2. |
1.12 | Partnering Plan is defined in Section 3.2. |
1.13 | Partnership Agreement means a license agreement to be concluded by the Parties with a Third Party under which such Third Party acquires an exclusive or nonexclusive (as the case may be) license or other right to the Program IP generated hereunder and assumes the obligation to further develop such Program IP with the goal of launching at least one therapeutic product based on such Program IP in at least the US and/or EU. |
1.14 | Patent Rights shall mean, with respect to any technology, (a) all patent applications heretofore or hereafter filed or having legal force in any country to the extent and only to the extent they claim or cover such technology or the use thereof; (b) all patents that have issued or in the future issue from such applications referenced in (a) above, including without limitation utility, model and design patents and certificates of invention; and (c) all divisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, reexaminations, renewals, extensions, supplementary protection certificates or additions to any such patent applications and patents. |
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1.15 | Program means the collaborative program to be conducted hereunder for the research and development of immune-oncology pre-clinical development candidate(s) against the Program Target. |
1.16 | Program IP means any and all IP conceived, first reduced to practice or arising from the performance of the Program Plan other than Background Improvement IP. |
1.17 | Program Manager is defined in Section 5.5. |
1.18 | Program Plan means the written research work plan agreed between the Parties which describes the work, and the planned schedule for such work, to be performed under the Program. An initial Program Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit A. |
1.19 | Program Target(s) means Adenosine A2A antagonists (and bispecific A2A-”plus” antagonists) for the use as cancer immunotherapies. |
1.20 | Program Term is defined in Section 10.1. |
1.21 | Receiving Party is defined in Section 7.1. |
1.22 | Revenue means all revenue received by a Party from a Partnership Agreement, including without limitation all up-front, milestone and royalty payments, but excluding (i) any arms’ length research funding paid by the Third Party collaborator in consideration for research and development activities to be performed under the Partnering Agreement or to further advance the program or perform additional studies; and (ii) any value added or other taxes paid by the Third Party collaborator to such Party in connection with such Partnering Agreement. If a Party receives non-cash consideration in connection with a Partnering Agreement or in the case of transactions not at arm’s length, Revenue will be calculated based on the fair market value of such consideration or transaction, at the time of the transaction, assuming an arm’s length transaction made in the ordinary course of business. |
1.23 | Shared Cost is defined in Section 4.1(b). |
1.24 | Steering Committee is defined in Section 5.1. |
1.25 | Third Party means any person or entity other than the Parties and their Affiliates. |
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2. | CONDUCT OF PROGRAM |
2.1 | Goal of Program. The goal of the Program is to discover, research and develop one or more immune-oncology pre-clinical development candidate(s) against the Program Target for further commercialization in accordance with this Agreement. |
2.2 | Program Plan. An initial Program Plan describing the work to be performed by the Parties, is attached hereto as Exhibit A. ExS’s role will be to select the Program Target product profile, undertake fragment screening (where required, including GPCR biophysical fragment screening) and to design the synthetic target molecules (whether for single target or bispecific profiles) using its proprietary automated drug design platform. Evotec’s role will be to provide access to its comprehensive medicinal, synthetic chemistry and drug discovery platform and expertise. Each Party may recommend changes to the Program Plan at any time; provided, however, that such changes shall be effective only upon the approval of the Steering Committee. |
2.3 | General Obligations of the Parties. Each Party shall |
(a) | use its commercially reasonable efforts to successfully undertake the Program in accordance with the Program Plan, and |
(b) | contribute to the Program such personnel, equipment, facilities and other resources as reasonably necessary to perform its obligations under the Program and to achieve efficiently the objectives thereof, and |
(c) | perform its activities under the Program in good scientific manner, and in compliance in all material respects with all requirements of applicable laws and regulations, and |
(d) | keep the other Party fully informed as to its progress, results, status and plans in and for performing and implementing the Program through regular written reports to the Steering Committee (as requested by the Steering Committee or the other Party) and informal oral or written reports exchanged between the Program Managers of each Party. |
2.4 | Records. Each Party shall maintain records, in sufficient detail and in good scientific manner appropriate for patent purposes, which shall be complete and accurate and shall fully and properly reflect all work done and results achieved in its performance of the Program. Each Party shall make such records available to the other Party for inspection upon reasonable written request of the other Party (but not more than once per calendar year) for the purpose of ensuring the Party’s compliance with its research obligations hereunder. Upon request, each Party shall deliver to the other Party copies of all records described in this Section. Each Party shall reimburse the other Party for reasonable costs incurred in providing such copies. |
2.5 | Subcontracting. Each Party shall be entitled to subcontract any work to be performed by such Party to any Affiliate or, upon the other Party’s Program Manager’s or Steering Committee’s approval, any Third Party, provided that each Party shall remain responsible for the due performance of its obligations under this Agreement by the subcontractor(s) appointed by such Party. |
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2.6 | Exclusivity. From the Effective Date until the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the Effective Date or (ii) both Parties’ discontinuation of the Program, neither Party shall without the other Party’s prior written consent perform internally (outside the Program Plan) and/or together with, or for the benefit of, any Third Party any research or development activities relating to the development of any therapeutic product against the Program Target. If a Party is approached during such exclusivity period by a Third Party regarding the performance of any such research and development activities, the Parties shall enter into discussions with such Third Party with the goal to conclude a Partnership Agreement. If the Third Party does not wish to enter into a Partnership Agreement, the Parties shall discuss in good faith whether and to what extent the Party that has been approached by the Third Party may be released from its exclusivity obligation hereunder. If a Party wishes to initiate an internal project using elements of the Program IP other than against the Program Target then it shall advise the other Party of its intentions. If the Parties so agree a further program will be agreed and pursued in accordance with this agreement. If the other Party does not wish to collaborate on the new program then the first Party may continue alone subject to agreement on royalties or other compensation to the non participating party for the use of the Program IP. For the avoidance of doubt this compensation shall reflect the parties contribution to the new program and shall not necessarily be at the rates set out herein. |
2.7 | In the event that the Parties agree that the injection of Third Party funds is desirable to complete the Program a new corporate entity shall be established which shall initially be equally owned by the Parties and into which the Third Party funding shall be received. The funding may be taken in in form of an equity investment. The new entity shall be a single purpose vehicle dedicated to the completion and commercial exploitation of the Program. It shall be governed by a share holder agreement which shall be generally reflective of the terms of this agreement but shall also include terms typical for a joint venture including preemption rights in favour of the Parties. |
3. | COMMERCIALIZATION OF PROGRAM IP |
3.1 | Commercialization. The Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to commercialize any Program IP generated hereunder by entering into one or more Partnership Agreements with interested Third Parties in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3. |
3.2 | Partnering Plan. Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to identify Third Parties which may be interested in concluding a Partnership Agreement and shall disclose such Third Parties to the other Party for further evaluation and discussion between the Parties and (ii) the Parties shall negotiate and agree in good faith on a partnering plan (Partnering Plan), setting out, inter alia |
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(a) | the strategy of the Parties to secure the conclusion of one or more Partnership Agreements, |
(b) | the tasks to be performed by the Parties in this regard as well as applicable timelines for such tasks, and |
(c) | a list of potential Third Party collaborators including the order in which they are to be approached. |
The Partnering Plan may be amended from time to time by mutual agreement between the Parties.
3.3 | Negotiation of Partnership Agreements. Unless otherwise agreed in the Partnering Plan, both Parties shall, at its own expense, be responsible for initiating and engaging in discussions with the potential Third Party collaborators (including without limitation all business and scientific meetings) and for negotiating the Partnership Agreements, provided that the Party engaged in the negotiations shall: |
(a) | keep the other Party at all times fully informed as to the status of any discussions or negotiations with any potential Third Party collaborator, |
(b) | notify the other Party reasonably in advance of any meetings (whether in person, per telephone or otherwise) with any potential Third Party collaborator and the other Party shall have the right (but not the obligation) to attend and participate in all such meetings at its own expense, |
(c) | closely cooperate with the other Party in the preparation and negotiation of all Partnership Agreements (and any term sheets or similar documents relating to any such potential Partnership Agreement), |
(d) | promptly provide the other Party with copies of all relevant drafts and markups of any Partnership Agreements (or any term sheets or similar documents relating to any such potential Partnership Agreement) that are exchanged in the course of the negotiations, and |
(e) | consult with the other Party as to the terms of each Partnership Agreement (or any term sheets or similar documents relating to any such potential Partnership Agreement) and incorporate any reasonable suggestions or requirements that the other Party may communicate to the negotiating Party. |
No Party shall be entitled to conclude any such Partnership Agreement without the prior written approval of the other Party (which shall not be withheld unreasonably).
3.4 | No Partnership Agreement at End of Program. If no Partnership Agreement is concluded after a six-month period following the completion of all activities to be performed under the Program Plan, the Parties agree to meet in order to discuss in good faith a possible extension of the Program Plan or any alternative options to commercialize the results obtained under the Program by such date. |
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4. | PROGRAM COSTS AND REVENUE SHARING |
4.1 | Allocation of Costs and Revenue. Unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement, |
(a) | each Party shall bear its own internal costs and external payments that it incurs in the course of the Program, |
(b) | all Revenue received by the Parties shall be accounted for by the Parties and shared equally between them. |
4.2 | Revenue Reports and Payment. Following the execution of the first Partnership Agreement, within fourteen (14) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter, each Party who has entered into a Partnership Agreement shall deliver to the other Party a written report showing in reasonable detail (i) all Revenue it has received during such calendar quarter and (ii) the share of such Revenue due to the other Party under this Agreement. All Revenue sharing amounts due by one Party to the other shall be payable on the date such report is due. |
4.3 | Records and Audit. Each Party shall keep true and accurate records and books of account containing all data necessary for the calculation of any costs incurred or Revenues received by such Party. Those records and books of account shall be kept for three (3) years following the end of the calendar year to which they relate. Either Party shall have the right to cause a firm of independent certified public accountants that is acceptable to the other Party, such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld, to inspect such records and books of account in order to verify that the costs and/or Revenues have been reported and calculated in accordance with this Agreement. Any such inspection shall occur no more than once per calendar year. Each Party initiating such audit shall pay all audit expenses; provided however, that in the event the audit reveals a greater than five percent (5%) shortfall in the amounts owed to by the other Party to such Party during the relevant audit period, the other Party shall pay all audit expenses. Each Party shall treat all financial information subject to review under this Section 4.3 as confidential, and shall cause its accounting firm to retain all such financial information in confidence under Section 7 below. |
4.4 | Dispute Resolution. In the event of any dispute between the Parties in relation to the determination of costs or Revenues or either Party’s Revenue share pursuant to Section 4.1(b) above, the Parties shall appoint a nationally recognized, independent accounting film as Third Party expert (Schiedsgutachter) to decide on the issue in dispute (and if the Parties cannot agree on such expert, each party shall appoint one accounting firm and both accounting firms so appointed shall select the relevant expert). The Third Party expert shall be entitled to request any information and documents from either Party that it deems relevant for rendering its decision, and each Party shall be obliged to provide such information and documents as quickly as possible. Prior to rendering a decision, the Third Party expert shall provide each Party with reasonable opportunity to comment on its preliminary findings. The decision of the Third Party expert shall be final and binding upon both Parties. |
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5. | CONTRACT GOVERNANCE |
5.1 | Steering Committee. Within thirty (30) days following the Effective Date, the Parties shall establish a joint steering committee (Steering Committee). The Steering Committee shall have a total of four (4) voting members. Two (2) members of the Steering Committee shall be appointed by Evotec, and two (2) members of the Steering Committee shall be appointed by ExS. Each Steering Committee member shall have sufficient authority to ensure acceptance and execution of Steering Committee decisions within its organization. Each Party may appoint substitutes or alternates for its Steering Committee members at any time by written notice the other Party. The Parties may mutually agree to change the size of the Steering Committee at any time. |
5.2 | Responsibilities of Steering Committee. The Steering Committee shall be responsible for directing, coordinating and supervising the research and development activities of the Parties under the Program. In particular, the Steering Committee shall |
(a) | establish the Program Plan and authorize necessary updates or amendments thereto, |
(b) | receive regular reports from each Party’s Program Manager on, and monitor, the conduct, progress and results of the Program, |
(c) | decide upon the strategy for the prosecution of Patent Rights relating to the Program IP, and |
(d) | resolve any issues referred to it by the Parties in accordance with Section 11.8. |
Following the conclusion of the research and development activities under the Program, the Steering Committee shall only have an informatory role in relation to the commercialization efforts of the Parties under Section 3 and shall only be responsible for exchanging information and strategies regarding the commercialization of the Program IP.
5.3 | Meetings. Meetings of the Steering Committee shall be scheduled from time to time by mutual agreement of the Parties or upon request of one Party, but in no event less than once every three (3) months. The meetings may be held in person or per telephone or video conference. The Steering Committee meetings shall be chaired alternately by a member of the Steering Committee employed by Evotec and by ExS. The chair shall draw up and submit to the other members written minutes of each Steering Committee meeting. Any such minutes shall become binding upon the Parties, unless the other Party raises objections to such minutes in writing within fifteen (15) days of its receipt of such minutes. |
5.4 | Decisions. Decisions of the Joint Steering Committee shall be unanimous. If the members of the Joint Steering Committee cannot agree on a particular issue, the issue shall be escalated pursuant to Section 11.8. The Steering Committee shall have no authority to amend or modify the terms and conditions of this Agreement. |
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5.5 | Program Managers. Each Party shall appoint a person to coordinate its part of the activities under the Program (Program Manager). The Program Managers shall be the primary contacts between the Parties with respect to all activities performed under the Program. Either Party may change its Program Manager upon written notice to the other Party. The Program Managers as of the Effective Date shall be Dr Craig Johnstone for Evotec, and Dr Andy Bell for ExS. The Program Managers shall have no authority to amend or modify the terms and conditions of the Program Plan or of this Agreement. |
5.6 | Costs. Each Party shall be responsible for its own personnel, travel and other expenses relating to Program Managers and Joint Steering Committee meetings. |
6. | INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY |
6.1 | Background IP. Each Party shall exclusively own all right, title and interest in and to (i) its Background IP, and (ii) any Background Improvement IP related to the Background IP of such Party. To the extent that a Party is a (co-)owner of any IP owned by the other Party under Section 6.1 (ii), such Party hereby assigns to the other Party all right, title and interest in such IP. |
6.2 | Program IP. The Parties shall jointly own (in equal shares) all right, title and interest in and to the Program IP. Each Party shall be responsible for remunerating its own employees with respect to any employees’ invention made. Without the other Party’s prior written consent and subject to Section 2.6, the Parties may not |
(a) | use the Program IP for any purpose other than performing their obligations under this Agreement or |
(b) | make the Program IP available to any Third Party except as agreed under any Partnership Agreement concluded pursuant to Section ___. |
6.3 | Licenses. |
(a) | Research License. Each Party hereby grants to the other Party a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable (except to permitted subcontractors for the purposes of this Agreement), worldwide, royalty-free license under its Background IP and any Background Improvement IP for the purposes of performing the activities assigned to such other Party under this Agreement. |
(b) | Commercialization License. For the purpose of a Party to negotiate and conclude any Partnership Agreements and subject to Section ___, each Party hereby grants to other Party the right to grant to any Third Party collaborator in a Partnership Agreements the following rights and/or licenses: |
(i) | any rights in any Program IP, whether by transfer of ownership, a nonexclusive or exclusive license or otherwise, as agreed in the Partnership Agreement, and/or |
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(ii) | a non-exclusive worldwide license (with the right to grant sublicenses) under the licensing Party’s Background IP and Background Improvement IP to develop, make, use, sell, offer for sale or import any therapeutic product based on Program IP targeting the Program Target. |
Each Party agrees to assist the other Party, at the requesting Party’s expense, to obtain and to execute all documents reasonably necessary for the requesting Party or any designee to transfer ownership, or grant a non-exclusive or exclusive license to a Third Party Collaborator.
6.4 | Patent Matters. |
(a) | Background IP and Background Improvement IP. Each Party shall have the right (but not the obligation), at its sole expense and sole discretion, to control the preparation, filing, prosecution, maintenance and enforcement of all Patent Rights relating to any Background IP or Background Improvement IP owned by such Party. |
(b) | Prosecution of Program IP. The Parties shall discuss in good faith and mutually agree on the best strategy for the prosecution of Patent Rights relating to Program IP, including without limitation the patent claims and the territorial scope of patent protection. Unless otherwise agreed between the Parties, ExS shall control the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of such Patent Rights and shall (i) provide Evotec with written notice as early as possible in advance of any undertaking to prepare, file, prosecute and maintain any patent application or patents for any of such Patent Rights, (ii) provide Evotec with any draft of patent application as early as possible in advance of filing and incorporate reasonable comments by Evotec thereon; (iii) not file any patent application or make any substantive filing in relation to any such Patent Rights without Evotec’s prior written consent, (iv) provide Evotec with any patent application after such filing; (v) provide Evotec with copies of all substantive communications received from any patent office(s) with respect to such filings and coordinate with Evotec any response relating thereto; and (vi) notify Evotec of any interference, opposition, reexamination request, nullity proceeding, appeal or other interparty action and coordinate with Evotec any response relating thereto. |
Unless otherwise agreed between the Parties, (i) all filings of any such Patent Rights shall be made in the name of both Evotec and ExS, (ii) any such Patents Rights shall be prepared, filed, prosecuted and maintained at least in the countries set forth in Exhibit C, and (iii) all costs and expenses incurred by either Party in connection with any such preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of such Patent Rights shall be shared equally between the Parties.
(c) | Enforcement of Program IP. In the event that either Party is of the opinion that any Program IP may be infringed by a Third Party, such Party shall promptly inform the other thereof and the Parties shall meet within thirty (30) days to discuss possible options to abate any such infringement and to determine whether or not both Parties wish to enforce such Program IP. |
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(i) | If both Parties wish to enforce such Program IP, the Parties shall agree on the actions to be taken and all costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in connection with the enforcement as well as all monies recovered upon the final judgment or settlement of any such suit to enforce such Patent Rights shall be shared equally between the Parties; |
(ii) | If either Party does not wish to enforce such Program IP, the other Party shall have the right (but not the obligation), at its sole discretion, on its own costs and expense, to control the enforcement of the Program IP, provided that all monies recovered upon the final judgment or settlement of any such suit to enforce the Patent Rights (following deduction of the enforcing Party’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with such enforcement) shall be shared between the Parties in the ratio of [****], with the enforcing Party receiving [****]% of the monies. |
(d) | Patent Assistance. Each Party shall perform or procure to be performed such lawful acts and execute or procure to be executed such documents as requested by the other Party from time to time in order to reasonably assist the other Party in the preparation, filing, prosecution, maintenance and enforcement activities described in this Section 6.4. |
(e) | To the extent the assignment of inventions is not covered by statutory law (e.g. the German Employees’ Inventions Act), each Party will maintain valid and enforceable written agreements with all persons acting by or on behalf of such Party or its Affiliates which require such person to assign to such Party their entire right, title and interest in and to all Program IP and Background Improvement IP. Each Party agrees to claim and keep valid and enforceable any invention relating to any Program IP and the other Party’s Background Improvement IP conceived, reduced to practice, developed, made or created in the conduct of the activities under this Agreement. If either Party is obliged by law to make a payment to one of its employees or consultants in respect of that person’s contribution to any invention then that Party employing or engaging that person shall be solely responsible for settling that liability and shall not deduct such costs from the share of the Revenues due to the other Party |
7. | CONFIDENTIALITY |
7.1 | Confidentiality and Restricted Use. Each Party (Receiving Party) shall protect the Confidential Information of the other Party (Disclosing Party) from unauthorized use or disclosure and use it solely for the purposes of this Agreement. |
7.2 | Disclosure to Third Parties. Neither Party shall, except with the express prior written consent of the Disclosing Party, disclose any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party to any person or entity other than its officers, directors, employees, agents and consultants who need to know such information for the performance of this Agreement and who are bound by a written confidentiality agreement not less stringent than the terms of this Agreement or by professional rules of secrecy. |
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7.3 | Exceptions. The above confidentiality obligations shall not apply to information which, as can be established by the Receiving Party, |
(a) | was communicated to the Receiving Party from a Third Party entitled to make such a disclosure; or |
(b) | was already in the public domain or subsequently entered the public domain through no fault of the Receiving Party; or |
(c) | was already known by the Receiving Party or developed independently by the Receiving Party without reference to or reliance upon information provided by the Disclosing Party; or |
(d) | is to be disclosed pursuant to any legal, regulatory or stock exchange requirement (but only to the extent such information needs to be disclosed). |
7.4 | Ownership of Confidential Information. Subject to Section 6.1 and 6.2 and unless specifically described otherwise in this Agreement, (a) as between the Parties, the Disclosing Party owns all Confidential Information disclosed by it, and (b) no sharing of information between the Parties will serve to transfer any right, title or interest in or to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information. |
7.5 | Press releases, references. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Parties shall issue a joint press release. In addition, each Party shall be entitled to disclose the other Party’s name as collaboration partner under this Agreement to Third Parties and use the other Party’s name and logo for such purposes. All other use of the other Party’s name in any advertising or promotional material, or any other publicity relating to this Agreement, shall require the other Party’s prior written consent. |
7.6 | Prior Agreements. As of the Effective Date, the above confidentiality obligations shall supersede any oral or written confidentiality agreements concluded between the Parties prior to this Agreement. As far as under such prior confidentiality agreement information has already been exchanged, the above provisions of this Section 7 shall apply also to such information |
8. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
8.1 | Mutual Representations. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Party that |
(a) | it has the legal right to enter into and deliver this Agreement; |
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(b) | the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement as well as the licenses granted hereunder do not conflict with any agreement, instrument or understanding, oral or written, to which such Party may be bound; |
(c) | to its knowledge, no Third Party IP would be infringed by practicing in accordance with this Agreement any process or method covered by each Party’s Background IP listed in Exhibit B. Each Party shall promptly notify the other if it becomes aware of any actual or suspected infringement of any Third Party IP by the use of its Background IP or Background Improvement IP in accordance with this Agreement or by the manufacture, use, sale or import of any therapeutic product based on Program IP targeting the Program Target. |
8.2 | Disclaimers. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the research and development to be conducted under this Agreement is experimental in nature, and that neither Party can guarantee a successful outcome thereof. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, neither Party makes any representations or extends any warranties of any kind, either express or implied, to the other Party, and each Party hereby disclaims all implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. |
9. | LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION |
9.1 | No Liability for Indirect Losses. Neither Party shall be liable to the other, whether in tort, contract or otherwise, for any consequential, indirect, punitive, exemplary or incidental damages, loss or expenses (including, without limitation, lost profits and lost business opportunities). |
9.2 | Exceptions. The provisions of this Section 9 shall not apply to cases of wilful misconduct, any breach of any warranty set forth in Section 8, or any breach of Section 7. |
9.3 | Indemnification. Each Party shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the other Party, its Affiliates and its directors, officers, employees and agents (performing activities related to Program Plan) of the Indemnified Party (as defined below in 9.4) and its Affiliates, from and against any and all losses, expenses, cost of defense (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees, witness fees, damages, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) and any amounts the Indemnified Party or its Affiliates become legally obligated to pay because of any claim or claims against it by any Third Party to the extent that such claim or claims arise out of: (a) activities related to the Program Plan conducted by or on behalf of the Indemnifying Party (as defined below in 9.4) and its Affiliates; or (b) any material breach by the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent such losses, expenses, costs and amounts are due to the negligence, gross negligence or willful misconduct or failure to act of the Indemnified Party. |
9.4 | Procedure. In the event of a claim by a Third Party against a Party entitled to indemnification under this Agreement (“Indemnified Party”), the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the other party (“Indemnifying Party”) in writing of the claim and the Indemnified Party shall permit the Indemnifying Party to assume direction, undertake and solely manage and control, at its sole expense, the defense of the claim (including the right to settle the claim solely for monetary consideration). The Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party as reasonable requested in the defense of the claim and may, at its option and expense, be represented in any such action or proceeding by counsel of its choice. The Indemnifying Party shall not settle any such claim unless such settlement fully and unconditionally releases the Indemnified Party from all liability relating thereto and does not impose any cost or restriction on the Indemnified Party, unless the Indemnified Party otherwise agrees in writing, which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. |
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10. | TERM, TERMINATION AND OPT-OUT |
10.1 | Term. This Agreement shall become effective on 28th March 2016 and shall continue until all Revenue sharing payments due hereunder have been made, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10. The term for the initial Program Plan shall be two (2) years from the Effective Date with an option for a mutual extension (“Program Term”). |
10.2 | Opt-out Options. At completion of the Program Term, each Party (the Opt-out Party) shall have the right to notify the other Party in writing that it is no longer able or willing to contribute to the Program as agreed hereunder. Upon such notice, the other Party shall, within thirty (30) days following its receipt of the opt-out notice, decide whether it wishes to continue the Program or to terminate this Agreement and shall notify the Opt-out Party accordingly in writing. If the other Party does not notify the Opt-out Party in writing within such thirty (30) days time period that it wishes to continue the Program, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated. |
If the other Party (the Continuing Party) decides to continue the Program, the following shall apply:
(a) | Release of Opt-out Party. The Opt-out Party shall be released from any further obligation to perform activities under the Program Plan or the Partnering Plan or to contribute to any costs. |
(b) | Program Continuation. Sections 2.2 to 2.5 shall no longer apply. The Continuing Party shall be entitled to continue the Program (and any subsequent development activities) in its sole discretion, provided that the Continuing Party shall promptly inform the Opt-out Party in writing if it has decided to discontinue the Program or upon achievement on relevant data points. The Opt-out Party hereby grants to the Continuing Party a non-exclusive, sublicensable subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 10.2(c), worldwide, royalty-free license under the Opt-out Party’s Background IP and Background Improvement IP solely for such purpose. |
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(c) | Support by Opt-out Party. To the extent the Continuing Party wishes to outsource any of its activities under the Program to any entity other than an Affiliate of the Continuing Party and the Opt-out Party has the capability to provide such activity, the Continuing Party shall offer such activity to the Opt-out Party and the Opt-out Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide such activity as research or development service at reasonable service fees to be negotiated in good faith from time to time. The Continuing Party shall only be entitled to use any Third Party for such activity if (i) the Opt-out Party has declined to provide the requested activity or (ii) the Parties have not been able to agree in good faith on the terms of the engagement of the Opt-out Party within a reasonable period of time (of at least sixty (60) days). |
(d) | Conclusion of Partnership Agreements. Sections 3.2 to 3.4 shall no longer apply. The Continuing Party shall be free to negotiate and conclude any Partnership Agreements in its own discretion without any involvement of the Opt-out Party. For such purpose, the Opt-out Party hereby grants to the Continuing Party the right to grant to any Third Party collaborator with whom the Continuing Party has concluded a Partnership Agreement the following rights and/or licenses: |
(i) | any rights in any Program IP, whether by transfer of ownership, a non-exclusive or exclusive license or otherwise, as decided by the Continuing Party in its sole discretion, and (ii) a non-exclusive worldwide license (with the right to grant sublicenses) under the Opt-out Party’s Background IP and Background Improvement IP to develop, make, use, sell, offer for sale or import any therapeutic product based on Program IP targeting the Program Target. |
The Continuing Party shall promptly provide to the Opt-out Party a copy of all Partnership Agreements concluded with any Third Party.
For the avoidance of doubt, the above rights are granted only for the purposes of concluding one or more Partnership Agreements. If the Continuing Party wishes to commercialize any Program IP without entering into any Partnership Agreement (i.e. alone or with Affiliates), the Parties shall negotiate and agree in good faith on a royalty rate to be paid by the Continuing Party to the Opt-out Party that shall reflect the Revenue share that the Opt-out Party would otherwise have received under a Partnership Agreement.
(e) | Cost and Revenue Sharing. The rights of the Opt-out Party in relation to Revenue sharing under Sections 4.1(b) shall be amended as follows: |
All Revenue received by Continuing Party shall be shared between the Parties equal to the Applicable Percentage of Revenue from any Partnership Agreement as defined in the Table 1.0 below
15
“Research Costs” means the actual costs and expenses that are incurred by or on behalf of a Party or any Affiliates of a Party in undertaking the activities in the course of the Program and that are attributable to the conduct of research activities with respect to the Program. For purposes of clarity, such costs and expenses shall include (a) any internal costs incurred by a Party in connection with the conduct of internal research activities with respect to the Program, which internal costs, in any case, shall be determined by multiplying the standard FTE rate by the number of FTEs utilized to conduct such activities, (b) any screening related costs for access to screening technology which are not related to FTE’s; (c) any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the filing, prosecution, and/or maintenance of the Patent Rights relating to Program IP as allocated according to Section 6.4(c); and (d) the actual amounts paid to a Third Party for specific external research activities applicable to the Program and/or for obtaining supplies of raw materials or intermediates for the conduct of the activities in the course of the Program.
The rights of the Opt-out Party under Sections 4.2 to 4.4 shall continue to apply.
(f) | Contract Governance. Section 5 shall no longer apply and the Steering Committee shall be dissolved. Within thirty (30) days following the end of any calendar year, the Continuing Party shall provide to the Opt-out Party a written report on the status, results and plans of its development activities as well as Partnership Agreement discussions with potential Third Party collaborators. |
(g) | Intellectual Property. Any Program IP conceived, first reduced to practice or arising from activities following the opt-out notice shall no longer be governed by Section 6.2 and shall be owned exclusively by the Continuing Party. For the avoidance of doubt, all Program IP conceived, first reduced to practice or arising from activities prior to the opt-out notice shall continue to be governed by Section 6.2. Sections 6.4 (b) and 6.4(c) shall no longer apply and the Continuing Party shall have the sole right to decide on the preparation, prosecution, filing enforcement and maintenance of any Program IP in its sole discretion and on its own costs. |
16
10.3 | Termination for Convenience. Notwithstanding the opt-out options set forth in Section 10.2, following the Program Term either Party may terminate this Agreement upon three (3) months prior written notice to the end of any calendar month. In the event of any such termination for convenience, all rights and obligations of the Parties shall end, except as set forth below or otherwise provided in this Agreement: |
(a) | Sections 10.2(b), 10.2(d), 10.2(e) and 10.2(f) shall apply accordingly (with the non-terminating Party assuming the rights and obligations attributed to the Continuing Party and the terminating Party assuming the rights and obligations of the Opt-out Party), except that the Revenue share of the terminating Party as calculated pursuant to Section 10.2(e) shall be reduced by five (5) percentage points. |
(b) | All ownership rights of the terminating Party relating to any Program IP shall automatically transfer to the other Party. The terminating Party shall be obliged to perform or procure to be performed such lawful acts and execute or procure to be executed such documents as requested by the other Party from time to time in order to have the transfer of ownership recorded in the relevant patent offices. |
10.4 | Termination for Breach. Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time by written notice to the other with immediate effect if the other Party materially breaches any provision of this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days following its receipt of written notice thereof from the terminating Party. In the event of any such termination for breach, all rights and obligations of the Parties shall end, except as set forth below or otherwise provided in this Agreement: |
(a) | Sections 10.2(b), 10.2(d), 10.2(e) and 10.2(f) shall apply accordingly (with the terminating Party assuming the rights and obligations attributed to the Continuing Party and the breaching Party assuming the rights and obligations of the Opt-out Party), except that the Revenue share of the breaching Party as calculated pursuant to 10.2(e) shall be reduced by ten (10) percentage points. In addition, the terminating Party may off-set any damage claims that it may have due to contract breach of the breaching Party from such Revenue share payments. |
(b) | All ownership rights of the breaching Party relating to any Program IP shall automatically transfer to the terminating Party. The breaching Party shall be obliged to perform or procure to be performed such lawful acts and execute or procure to be executed such documents as requested by the terminating Party from time to time in order to have the transfer of ownership recorded in the relevant patent offices. |
10.5 | Survival. Sections 1, 2.5, 4.3, 4.4, 6.1, 6.4(a), 6.4(d), 6.4(e), 7, 8, 9 and 11 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. Sections, 6.2, 6.4(b) and 6.4(c) shall survive only in the event of an expiration of this Agreement (but not in the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.3 or 10.4). |
17
11. | GENERAL PROVISIONS |
11.1 | Notices. All notices, requests and other formal communications shall be made in writing and shall be delivered or sent in each case to the respective address specified below: |
If to Evotec: Evotec
International GmbH
Chief Scientific Officer
Essener Bogen 7
22419 Hamburg
Fax: 040 - 560 81 222
With a copy to:
General Counsel (same address)
If to ExS: Chief
Executive Office
Ex Scientia Ltd
Dundee Incubator
James Lindsay Place
Dundee
Scotland
DD1 5JJ
United Kingdom
With copy to:
General Counsel
Patricia Barclay
31 Merchiston Park
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH10 3PW
United Kingdom
Each Party shall immediately notify the other Party in the event of any changes of its address set forth above.
11.2 | Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Exhibits to this Agreement, represents the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous oral or written communication or agreements, and all contemporaneous oral communication and agreements between the Parties. |
11.3 | Form Requirement. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or supplemented by the Parties in writing. The same applies to this Section 11.3. |
18
11.4 | Assignment. Neither Party may assign its contractual rights and obligations or parts thereof without the prior written consent of the other, provided, however, that either Party may, without such consent, assign this Agreement and all of its rights and obligations hereunder (i) to any Affiliate or (ii) in connection with the transfer or sale of all or substantially all of its business to which this Agreement relates, or in the event of its merger, consolidation, or other similar transaction. |
11.5 | Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity of the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected. Furthermore, the Parties agree that the invalid or unenforceable provision or part thereof shall be superseded by an adequate provision that, to the legally permitted extent, comes closest to what the Parties would have desired at the time of conclusion of the Agreement had they considered the issue concerned. |
11.6 | No Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement, and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, each Party shall not actively solicit for hire as an employee, or engage as an independent contractor, any employee of the other Party which has been involved in the other Party’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party. For the avoidance of doubt, the preceding sentence shall not prohibit either Party from soliciting employment by placement of general advertisements for employees in newspapers or other media of general circulation or hiring any Person who initiates contact with such Party without any solicitation or encouragement by such Party or on its behalf. |
11.7 | Independent Contractor. Nothing in this Agreement shall create, or be deemed to create, a partnership, joint venture, or the relationship of principal and agent or employer and employee between the Parties. Each Party agrees to perform under this Agreement solely as independent contractor. |
11.8 | Dispute Resolution. Any dispute arising between the Parties in connection with this Agreement shall be referred to the Steering Committee. If the Steering Committee is unable to negotiate in good faith and settle the dispute within sixty (60) days after being requested to do so, either Party may submit the dispute to the Parties’ executive officers who shall meet in order to attempt to resolve the dispute. If the dispute is not settled, at the latest, within thirty (30) days from the date that the dispute has been escalated to the executive officers, either Party may pursue legal action in accordance with to Section 11.9 below. |
11.9 | Governing Law, Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of England without reference to its conflict of laws provisions. The courts of Oxford, UK, shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to all disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement. |
[End of Agreement — Signatures on the following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, authorized representatives of the Parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date
For Evotec: | For ex scientia: | |||
By: | /s/ M. Polywka, C. [Dayel] | By: | /s/ Andrew L. Hopkins | |
Name: | M. Polywka, C. [Dayel] | Name: | Andrew L. Hopkkins | |
(Print or Type) | (Print or Type) | |||
Title: | C.O.O. SVP | Title: | CEO |
20
EXHIBIT A
- Program Plan -
21
EXHIBIT A
PROJECT DESCRIPTION EVT02926
A2A ANTAGONISTS FOR IMMUNOONCOLOGY
FOR
exScientia LTD
hereinafter (exScientia)
[****]
EXHIBIT B
- Background IP -
[****]
EXHIBIT C
- Countries in which Program IP shall be prosecuted -
- EU
- USA
- Japan
All via PCT route
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
First Amendment to Collaboration Agreement
(the “First Amendment”)
Effective Date 1st October 2017
WHEREAS; Evotec International GmbH, a company incorporated under the laws of Germany whose principal office is at Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany (“EVOTEC”); and Ex Scientia Ltd., a Scottish corporation (registration number SC428761) having its principal office at Dundee Incubator, James Llnsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ, United Kingdom (ExS) have concluded a Collaboration Agreement effective as of 28th March 2016 (altogether the “Collaboration Agreement”)
WHEREAS; EVOTEC and ExS intend to extend the Collaboration Agreement by this First Amendment;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. | The Parties hereby agree that in addition to the current Evotec resources, consisting of [****] FTEs assigned to this Collaboration Agreement, an additional 2 FTEs will be added effective from 1st October 2017 until 30 June 2018. ExS will pay Evotec a total of [****] GBP for these additional [****] FTEs. This amount will be invoiced monthly in arrears, i.e [****] GBP per month and shall be payable within 30 days as of the date of invoice. |
2. | The Parties hereby agree that for Evotec resources over and above the [****] FTEs assigned to this Collaboration Agreement, as agreed by the joint steering committee, ExS will compensate Evotec at a FTE rate of [****] GBP per FTE per year. The number of incremental FTEs will be calculated on a monthly basis using the actual hours worked by Evotec as part of this Collaboration Agreement and using a yearly number of hours per FTE of 1650 for mainland Europe and 1760 for UK, USA and any other non-European country. This comes into effect from 1st October 2017 and any amount due will be invoiced monthly in arrears and shall be payable within 30 days as of the date of invoice. |
1
3. | This First Amendment is hereby attached to and forms part of the Collaboration Agreement, In the event of any Inconsistency between the provisions of this First Amendment end those contained In the Collaboration Agreement to which this First, Amendment Is annexed, the provisions of this First Amendment shall govern and be binding. |
4. | The Collaboration Agreement Is hereby Ratified by the Parties, and the terms and conditions of the Collaboration Agreement as supplemented by this First Amendment shall remain In full force and effect. |
In witness of the foregoing, EVOTEC and ExS have executed the First Amendment as of the date first written above.
Ex Scientia Ltd | ||||
By: | /s/ Andrew L. Hopkins | By: | /s/ Hima Pilarova | |
Name: Andrew L. Hopkins | Name: Hima Pilarova | |||
Title: CEO | Title: Executive Accountant | |||
Date: 4/12/2017 | Date: 4/12/2017 | |||
Evotec International GmbH: | ||||
By: | /s/ Dr. C. Dargel | By: | /s/ A. Bosler | |
Name: Dr. C. Dargel | Name: A. Bosler | |||
Title: EVP Legal | Title: SVP Group Accounting | |||
Date: December 6, 2017 | Date: December 6, 2017 |
2
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
Second Amendment to Collaboration Agreement
(the “Second Amendment”)
Effective Date: 1st October 2018
WHERAS; Evotec International GmbH, a company incorporated under the laws of Germany whose principal office is at Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany (“EVOTEC”); and Exscientia, a Scottish corporation (registration number SC428761) having its principal office at Dundee Incubator, James Linsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ, United Kingdom (“ExS”) have concluded a Collaboration Agreement effective as of 28th March 2016 (altogether the “Collaboration Agreement”).
WHEREAS; EVOTEC and ExS intend to extend the Collaboration Agreement by this Second Amendment;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. | The Parties hereby agree to extend the Program Term pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Collaboration Agreement by 10 months from 1st July 2018 until 31st January 2019 to allow the development of a pre-clinical candidate (the “Extension Term”). |
2. | The Parties hereby agree to focus the Program on the A2a inhibitor, i.e. the A2a selective antagonist compound. A revised Program Plan for the Extension Term is attached hereto as Exhibit A-2. |
3. | The Parties further agree that EVOTEC exercise its Opt-Out rights pursuant to Section 10.2 of the Collaboration Agreement for any further project as conducted under the initial Program Plan during the initial Program Term that is not covered by the revised Program Plan in Exhibit A-2 hereto (the “Opted-Out Projects”). |
4. | ExS will continue the Opted-Out Projects on the dual A2a-CD73 inhibitor and the CD73 selective inhibitor with minimum EVOTEC 10 FTEs for one year until 30 June 2019. ExS will pay Evotec a total of [****] GBP/FTE for these 10 FTEs. This amount will be invoiced monthly in arrears, i.e [****] GBP per month and shall be payable within 30 days as of the date of invoice. |
1
5. | The Parties agree that Section 10.2 (e) of the Collaboration Agreement shall be amended for the Opted-Out Projects as follows: |
All Revenue received by Continuing Party shall be shared equally (50/50) between the Parties except for any upfront payment that shall be shared as per the following formula:
A 50/50 split of the upfront Revenues minus 2x any further Research Costs incurred by or on behalf of either Party for the relevant Opt-Out Project from July 2018 onwards.
[Example calculation: ExS invests a further £1M in CD73 and then enter into a Partnership Agreement for £20M upfront plus milestone royalties. The split would be (£20m-(2x£1M))/2 = £18M/2 = £9M each to Exscientia and Evotec plus to £2M to Exscienta (ie £9M upfront to Eotec and £11M to Exscientia). Then all down stream milestone and royalties are sprit equally 50/50.]
For clarity, EVOTEC’s share in the continued Program in the A2a inhibitor as per the revised Program Plan attached hereto as Exhibit A-2 shall remain at 50% pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Collaboration Agreement.
6. | This Second Amendment is hereby attached to and form part of the Collaboration Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Second Amendment and those contained in the Collaboration Agreement to which this Second Amendment is annexed, the provisions of this Second Amendment hall govern and be binding. |
7. | The Collaboration Agreement is hereby ratified by the Parties and the terms and conditions of the Collaboration Agreement as supplemented by this Second Amendment shall remain in full force and effect. |
In witness of the foregoing, EVOTEC and ExS have executed this Second Amendment as of the date written above.
Exscientia | ||||
By: | /s/ Andrew Hopkins | By: | /s/ Mark Swindells | |
Name: Andrew Hopkins | Name: Mark Swindells | |||
Title: CEO | Title: COO | |||
Date: 1/10/2018 | Date: 1/10/2018 |
2
Evotec International GmbH: | ||||
By: | /s/ Dr. C. Dargel | By: | /s/ A. Bosler | |
Name: Dr. C. Dargel | Name: A. Bosler | |||
Title: EVP Legal | Title: SVP Group Accounting | |||
Date: October 15, 2018 | Date: October 15, 2018 |
3
EXHIBIT A-2
Revised Program Plan
4
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
Third Amendment to Collaboration Agreement
(the “Third Amendment”)
Effective Date: 26/10/2018
WHERAS; Evotec International GmbH, a company incorporated under the laws of Germany whose principal office is at Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany (“EVOTEC”); and Exscientia, a Scottish corporation (registration number SC428761) having its principal office at Dundee Incubator, James Linsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ, United Kingdom (“ExS”) have concluded a Collaboration Agreement effective as of 28th March 2016 (altogether the “Collaboration Agreement”).
WHEREAS; EVOTEC and ExS intend to extend the activities under the Collaboration Agreement by this Third Amendment;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. | The Parties have signed a Proposal ZNA75040 between ExS and EVOTEC’s affiliate Aptuit (Verona) Srl as attached hereto as Appendix 1. The work performed under this Proposal is part of ongoing Program on the A2a inhibitor, i.e. the A2a selective antagonist compound, that is continued under the Collaboration Agreement as a joint Program. |
2. | The Parties agree that all fees due under the Proposal ZNA75040 (and any related Change Order, as the case may be) shall be [****] between the Parties. As a consequence EVOTEC will invoice ExS [****]% of the fees stated in the Proposal ZNA75040 (and related Change Orders) and contribute the remaining [****]% itself. |
3. | If there is any inconsistency between the Proposal ZNA75040 and the Terms and Conditions attached to it and the Collaborations Agreement, the Collaboration Agreement shall apply instead of the Terms and Conditions |
4. | This Third Amendment is hereby attached to and forms part of the Collaboration Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Third Amendment and those contained in the Collaboration Agreement to which this Third. Amendment is annexed, the provisions of this Third Amendment shall govern and be binding. |
1
5. | The Collaboration Agreement is hereby ratified by the Parties, and the terms and conditions of the Collaboration Agreement as supplemented by this Third Amendment shall remain in full force and effect. |
In witness of the foregoing, EVOTEC and ExS have executed this Third Amendment as of the date written above.
Exscientia | ||||
By: | /s/ M.B. Swindells | By: | /s/ Andrew Hopkins | |
Name: M.B. Swindells | Name: Andrew Hopkins | |||
Title: C.O.O. | Title: CEO | |||
Date: 17 DEC 2018 | Date: 17/12/2018 | |||
Evotec International GmbH: | ||||
By: | /s/ Dr. Mario Polywka | By: | /s/ Kamran Bashir | |
Name: Dr. Mario Polywka | Name: Kamran Bashir | |||
Title: COO | Title: FD (OC) | |||
Date: 20/12/2018 | Date: 20/12/2018 |
2
APPENDIX 1
Proposal ZNA75040
3
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
Fourth Amendment to Collaboration Agreement
(the "Fourth Amendment")
Effective Date: 1 January 2019
WHEREAS; Evotec International GmbH, a company incorporated under the laws of Germany whose principal office is at Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany ("EVOTEC"); and Exscientia, a Scottish corporation (registration number SC428761) having its principal office at Dundee Incubator, James Linsey Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ, United Kingdom ("ExS") have concluded a Collaboration Agreement effective as of 28th March 2016 (altogether the "Collaboration Agreement").
WHEREAS; EVOTEC and ExS intend to extend the Collaboration Agreement by this Fourth Amendment;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. | The Parties hereby agree to further extend the Program Term pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Collaboration Agreement until December 2019 (the "2nd Extension Term"). |
2. | The Parties hereby agree to EVOTEC Opting back in, from 1st January 2019, with respect to the dual Ala-CD73 inhibitor and the CD73 selective inhibitor, reverting to what was stated in the 2nd Amendment with effect from 1st January 2019. Therefore and for the avoidance of doubt, all projects covering the A2a inhibitor and the dual A2a-CD73 inhibitor and the CD73 selective inhibitor will again form part of the Collaboration Agreement. |
3. | The Parties hereby agree that for Evotec resources over and above the 10 FTEs assigned to this Collaboration Agreement, as agreed by the joint steering committee, ExS will compensate Evotec at an FTE rate of [****] GBP per FTE per year. The number of incremental FTEs will be calculated on a monthly basis using the actual hours worked by Evotec as part of this Collaboration Agreement and using a yearly number of hours per FTE of 1650. This comes into effect from 1st January 2019 and any amount due will be invoiced monthly in arrears and shall be payable within 30 days as of the date of invoice. For the avoidance of doubt, any amount due for services provided by Evotec for the previously Opted-Out Projects (as defined in the Second Amendment) between 1st July 2018 and 31st December 2018 will be invoiced and paid as agreed in the Second Amendment. |
1
4. | The Parties agree that Section 10.2 (e) of the Collaboration Agreement shall be amended for the previously Opted-Out Projects, as described in the Second Amendment, but now under the following guidelines: |
All Revenue received by Continuing Party shall be shared equally (50/50) between the Parties except for any upfront payment that shall be shared as per the following formular:
A 50/50 split of the upfront Revenues minus 1x any further Research Costs incurred by or on behalf of either Party for the previously relevant Opt-Out Project from July 2018 till December 2018.
[Example calculation: ExS invests a further £1M in CD73 and then enters into a Partnership Agreement for £2OM upfront plus milestone and royalties. The split would be (£20m-(1x£1M) = £19M/2 = £9.5M each to Exscientia and Evotec plus to £1M to Exscienta (ie £9.5M upfront to Evotec and £10.5M to Exscientia). Then all downstream milestone and royalties are split equally 50/50.]
For clarity, EVOTEC's share in the continued Program on the A2a inhibitor shall remain at 50% pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Collaboration Agreement.
5. | This Fourth Amendment is hereby attached to and forms part of the Collaboration Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Fourth Amendment and those contained in the Collaboration Agreement to which this Fourth. Amendment is annexed, the provisions of this Fourth Amendment shall govern and be binding. |
6. | The Collaboration Agreement is hereby ratified by the Parties, and the terms and conditions of the Collaboration Agreement as supplemented by this Fourth Amendment shall remain in full force and effect. |
2
In witness of the foregoing, EVOTEC and ExS have executed this Second Amendment as of the date written above.
Exscientia Ltd. | ||||
By: | /s/ Andrew L. Hopkins | By: | /s/ G. Egorov | |
Name: | Andrew L. Hopkins | Name: | G. Egorov | |
Title: | CEO | Title: | CFO | |
Date: | 20/12/2018 | Date: | 20/12/2018 | |
Evotec International GmbH: | ||||
By: | /s/ Dr. C. Dargel | By: | /s/ A. Bosler | |
Name: | Dr. C. Dargel | Name: | A. Bosler | |
Title: | EVP Legal | Title: | SVP Group Accounting | |
Date: | December 20, 2018 | Date: | December 20, 2018 |
3
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
Fifth Amendment to Collaboration Agreement
(the “Fifth Amendment”)
Effective Date: January 1st, 2020
WHERAS; Evotec International GmbH, a company incorporated under the laws of Germany whose principal office is at Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany (“EVOTEC”); and Exscientia, a Scottish company (registration number SC428761) having its principal office at Dundee One, River Court, 5 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, DD1 3JT, United Kingdom (“ExS”) have concluded collaboration agreement effective as of 28th March 2016 and which has been amended from time to time (together with its amendments) altogether the “Collaboration Agreement”).
WHEREAS; EVOTEC and ExS wish to extend the Collaboration Agreement by this Fifth Amendment;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. | The Parties hereby agree to further extend the Program Term pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Collaboration Agreement until 31 December 2021 (the “3rd Extension Term”). This extension and the terms hereof shall be effective as of 1st January 2020 notwithstanding the date or dates hereof. |
2. | The Parties hereby agree to focus the Program solely on the A2a inhibitor, i.e. the A2a selective antagonist compound. |
3. | For any work performed on the A2a inhibitor program in January 2020 Evotec will cover [****] FTE assigned to the Collaboration and for any Evotec resources over and above the [****] FTEs, as agreed by the joint steering committee, ExS will compensate Evotec at a FTE rate of [****] GBP per FTE per year. The number of incremental FTEs will be calculated on a monthly basis using the actual hours worked by Evotec as part of this Collaboration Agreement and using a yearly number of hours per FTE of 1650. ExS shall not be obliged to compensate Evotec for any work performed on the A2a inhibitor program in February and March 2020. |
1
4. | From 1st April 2020 Evotec and ExS will share all Research Costs for the A2a inhibitor program 50/50, including without limitation any Evotec resources assigned to the program, as agreed by the joint steering committee, at a FTE rate of [****] GBP per FTE per year using a yearly number of hours per FTE of 1650. The amounts due will be invoiced monthly in arrears and shall be payable within 30 days as of the date of invoice. |
5. | The Parties further agree that both Parties hereby jointly exercise their Opt-Out rights pursuant to Section 10.2 of the Collaboration Agreement for any further project as conducted under the initial Program Plan during the initial Program Term and any extension thereto that is not covered by the revised Program Plan in Exhibit A-2 hereto, i.e. the dual A2a-CD73 inhibitor and the CD73 inhibitor (the “Opted-Out Projects”). |
6. | The Parties agree that for the Opted-Out Projects the Agreement shall not terminate but Section 10.2 of the Collaboration Agreement shall continue to apply amended as follows: |
Neither Party shall continue the Opted-Out Project without notification to the other Party.
Program IP related to the Opted-Out Projects shall remain jointly owned by the Parties.
Each Party shall neither use the Program IP related to the Opted-Out Projects for any purpose nor make such Program IP available to a Third Party or negotiate Partnership Agreements without the other Party’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Party shall be restricted on any activities with regard to CD73 to the extent it does not use any Program IP.
In case, a Party elects to continue one (or more) of the Opted-Out Projects it shall notify the other Party. Upon written consent of such other Party, Section 10.2 shall continue to apply as set out in the Agreement.
For clarity, each Party’s share in the continued Program on the A2a inhibitor shall remain at 50% pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Collaboration Agreement.
7. | This Fifth Amendment is hereby attached to and forms part of the Collaboration Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Fifth Amendment and those contained in the Collaboration Agreement to which this Fifth Amendment is annexed, the provisions of this Fifth Amendment shall govern and be binding. |
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8. | The Collaboration Agreement is hereby ratified by the Parties, and the terms and conditions of the Collaboration Agreement as supplemented by this Fifth Amendment shall remain in full force and effect. |
In witness of the foregoing, EVOTEC and ExS have executed this Fifth Amendment as of the date written above.
3
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
Sixth Amendment to Collaboration Agreement
(the “Sixth Amendment”)
Effective Date: 15 April 2021
WHEREAS; Evotec International GmbH, a company incorporated under the Iaws of Germany whose principal office is at Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany ("EVOTEC"); and Exscientia, a Scottish company (registration number SC428761) having its registered office at Dundee One, River Court, 5 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, DD1 3JT, United Kingdom (“ExS”) have concluded a collaboration agreement effective as of 28th March 2016 and which has been amended from time to time, together with its amendments, the “Collaboration Agreement”).
WHEREAS; EVOTEC and ExS wish to amend the Collaboration Agreement by this Sixth Amendment.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. | Capitalised terms used, but not defined, in this Sixth Amendment have the meaning given to them in the Collaboration Agreement. |
2. | The Parties agree not to extend the Program Term and agree that whilst the term of the Agreement still subsists. The initial Program Plan is hereby terminated. |
3. | The Parties hereby agree that Evotec exercises its Opt-Out rights pursuant to Section 10.2 of the Agreement in respect of the A2a inhibitor, i.e. the A2a selective antagonist compound (“A2a”). For the avoidance of doubt, ExS is the Continuing Party in respect of A2a. |
4. | The Parties further agree that section 10.2(e) of the Agreement (as previously amended by the Fourth Amendment to the Agreement) be further amended in respect of A2a (in relation to which Evotec is opting-out pursuant to this Sixth Amendment) such that all Revenue sharing under clause 4.1(b) of the Collaboration Agreement be amended in accordance with the below table as regards A2a: |
Trigger event |
ExS
Revenue
Share |
Evotec
Revenue
Share |
Start of clinical trial in healthy volunteers (Phase 1a) | [****] | [****] |
Publication of headline results (e.g. PR) from Phase 1a study | [****] | [****] |
Dosing of 5th patient in first efficacy study (Phase 1b/2a) | [****] | [****] |
Publication of headline results (e.g. PR) from Phase 1b/2a | [****] | [****] |
Dosing of 5th patient in a registrational study | [****] | [****] |
1.
5. | This Sixth Amendment is hereby attached to and forms part of the Collaboration Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Sixth Amendment and those contained in the Collaboration Agreement to which this Sixth Amendment is annexed, the provisions of this Sixth Amendment shall govern and be binding. |
6. | The Collaboration Agreement is hereby ratified by the Parties, and the terms and conditions of the Collaboration Agreement as supplemented by this Sixth Amendment shall remain in full force and effect. |
In witness of the foregoing, EVOTEC and ExS have executed this Sixth Amendment as of the date written above.
Exscientia Ltd | ||||
By: | /s/ Ben Taylor | By: | /s/ David Hallett | |
Name: | Ben Taylor | Name: | David Hallett | |
Title: | CFO | Title: | COO | |
Date: | 4/18/2021 | Date: | 4/20/2021 | |
Evotec International GmbH | ||||
By: | /s/ Enno Spillner | By: | /s/ Christian Dargel | |
Name: | Enno Spillner | Name: | Christian Dargel | |
Title: | CFO | Title: | EVP Legal & Compliance | |
Date: | 4/16/2021 | Date: | 4/15/2021 |
2.
Exhibit 10.5
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed.
THIS AGREEMENT is effective the first day of January 2019 notwithstanding the date or date hereof
The University of Dundee, established by Royal Charter dated 20 July 1967 and a Scottish registered charity registered under number SC015096, whose principal address is at 149 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN ("the Assignor")
and
ExScientia Limited, a company registered in Scotland under number SC428761 and having its registered office at Dundee Incubator, James Lindsay Place, Dundee, United Kingdom, DD1 5JJ ("the Assignee")
together "the Parties"
WHEREAS:
(1) | The Parties entered into a licence dated 10 September 2012 (the Licence") whereby the Assignor licensed certain IPR as defined therein to the Assignee. In the Licence the Assignee is designated by its former name Ex Scientia Limited and at its previous registered office of 14 City Quay, Dundee, DD1 3JA |
(2) The IPR includes the patent estate detailed in Schedule 1 (the "Patents")
(3) The Assignee wishes to acquire the IPR by way of an assignation
(4) The Assignor wishes to assign the IPR to the Assignee subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
IT IS AGREED as follows.
1. | Definitions and Interpretation |
1.1 | In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the following meanings: |
"Affiliate" | means, in relation to a body corporate, any subsidiary or holding company of the body corporate and any subsidiary of any such holding company; | ||
"Effective Date" | means 1st January 2019; and | ||
"Fee" | means the sum of [****] payable in consideration of the assignation in accordance with clause 3 below |
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1.2 | Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference in this Agreement to: |
1.2.1 | "writing", and any cognate expression, includes a reference to any communication effected by electronic or facsimile transmission or similar means; |
1.2.2 | a statute or a provision of a statute is a reference to that statute or provision as amended or re-enacted at the relevant time; |
1.2.3 | "this Agreement" is a reference to this Agreement and each of the Schedules as amended or supplemented at the relevant time; |
1.2.4 | a Schedule is a schedule to this Agreement; |
1.2.5 | a Clause or paragraph is a reference to a Clause of this Agreement (other than the Schedules) or a paragraph of the relevant Schedule; and |
1.2.6 | a "Party" or the "Parties" refer to the parties to this Agreement. |
1.3 | The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall have no effect upon the interpretation of this Agreement. |
1.4 | Words imparting the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa. |
2. | Assignation |
Subject to the timely payment and receipt of the Fee in accordance with Clause 3, the Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee as of the Effective Date with full title guarantee all rights, title and interest in and to the IPR including, but not limited to:
2.1 | the right to bring any proceedings and obtain any remedy in respect of any infringement of the Patents which has occurred prior to the date of this Agreement; |
2.2 | all other intellectual property rights subsisting in the Patents including, but not limited to, copyright and design rights; |
2.3 | the full entitlement to any applications comprised in the Patents or which may be made based on the IPR and to patents arising therefrom, for the full term thereof; |
2.4 | the right to apply for patent protection or any other form of registered protection for any and all inventions comprised in the IPR including, but not limited to, the right to claim priority with respect to the Patents. |
3. | Fee and Payment |
3.1 | The Assignee shall pay to the Assignor the Fee in consideration for the assignment of the Patent(s) under this Agreement exclusive of any value added tax or other tax payable on the assignation of the IPR under this Agreement on receipt by the Assignee of an invoice for the Fee from the Assignor |
3.2 | Payment of the Fee shall not discharge the Assignee from payment of royalties and any reimbursement of costs due under the Licence accrued prior to the Effective Date. The Assignee agrees to pay all such sums to the Assignor within 60 days of execution hereof. |
3.3 | Subject to 3.2 above, on payment of the Fee the Licence shall be deemed terminated as of the Effective Date. |
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4. | Proceedings |
4.1 | The Assignor shall, on request, provide the Assignee with reasonable assistance in relation to any legal action which may be brought by the Assignee in accordance with its rights under sub-Clause 2.1 or be brought against the Assignee in respect of the IPR. |
4.2 | The Assignee shall reimburse the Assignor for any reasonable costs or expenses (including legal costs) incurred by the Assignor in providing assistance under this Clause 4. |
4.3 | The rights under sub-Clause 2.1 and the provisions of this Clause 4 shall apply notwithstanding any warranty given by the Assignor under Clause 6. |
5. | Further Assistance |
5.1 | Subject to receipt of the Fee, the Assignor shall, at the Assignee's reasonable expense, provide all reasonable assistance that may be reasonably required by the Assignee in order to: |
5.1.1 | perfect or confirm the assignation of the IPR including, but not limited to, performing all acts and executing all documents required to vest the Patents and all relevant associated rights in the Assignee; |
5.1.2 | give the Assignee the full benefit of this Agreement; |
5.1.3 | assist the Assignee or its licensees to take legal action against third parties in respect of any infringement of the Patent(s); |
5.1.4 | assist the Assignee or its licensees to defend any legal proceedings brought by third parties in relation to the use of the IPR by the Assignee or its licensees. |
5.1.5 | The Assignee shall reimburse the Assignor for any reasonable costs or expenses (including legal costs) incurred by the Assignor in complying with the requests of the Assignee under sub-Clause 5.1. |
5.2 | Within thirty days of execution of this Agreement, the Assignor shall deliver up to the Assignee originals (or copies if originals are not available) of any and all correspondence, documents, evidence and legal advice which relates to: |
5.2.1 | the creation of the IPR; |
5.2.2 | any and all previous transfers of ownership of the IPR); or |
5.2.3 | any ongoing matters relating to the Patent(s) where the same are within the power, possession, custody or control of the Assignor or of an Affiliate. |
5.3 | Nothing within this Agreement shall be interpreted as prohibiting the Licensor from using the IPR in pursuit of its own non-commercial research and teaching activities. |
6. | Assignor's Warranties |
6.1 | The Assignor hereby warrants and represents that: |
6.1.1 | the IPR is owned solely, exclusively and absolutely by the Assignor and that the Assignor is free to assign it/them absolutely to the Assignee; |
3 |
6.1.2 | the Patents exist and, but for the assignment to the Assignee under this Agreement, would be fully enforceable by the Assignor against any third party; |
6.1.3 | no third party has any right, title or interest in the IPR nor has claimed the same at any time prior to the Effective Date; |
6.1.4 | to the best of its current knowledge and belief after due and diligent enquiry, the Patents are free from any and all charges and encumbrances; |
6.1.5 | to the best of its current knowledge and belief after due and diligent enquiry, the Patents are not being infringed (nor threatened to be so) by any third party as at the Effective Date; |
6.1.6 | to the best of its current knowledge and belief after due and diligent enquiry, no third party has infringed the Patent(s) at any time prior to the Effective Date. |
6.2 | The Assignor gives neither warranties nor makes any representations beyond those detailed in sub-Clause 6.1 with respect to the IPR and any other matters arising out of this Agreement. |
6.3 | The Assignor hereby acknowledges that, in entering into this Agreement, it does not rely on any warranty, representation or undertaking other than those expressly set out in this Agreement and further waives any claim for breach of any representation which is not specifically contained in this Agreement as a warranty, save for those made fraudulently. |
7. | Assignee's Warranties |
7.1 | The Assignee hereby warrants and represents that: |
7.1.1 | it has the right to enter into this Agreement; |
7.1.2 | it shall pay the Fee in accordance with Clause 3; and |
7.1.3 | it shall not exceed the rights granted by this Agreement; |
7.1.4 | from the Effective Date it is solely responsible with the costs of protection and maintenance of the IPR |
7.2 | The Assignee hereby acknowledges that, in entering into this Agreement, it does not rely on any warranty, representation or undertaking other than those expressly set out in this Agreement and further waives any claim for breach of any representation which is not specifically contained in this Agreement as a warranty, save for those made fraudulently. |
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8. | Indemnity |
8.1 | The Assignee shall indemnify and hold harmless the Assignor against any claim, loss, damage, proceedings, settlement, costs or expenses howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, as a result of any breach or non-performance by the Assignee of any of its obligations, undertakings or warranties as set out in this Agreement. |
8.2 | The Assignee shall indemnify and hold harmless the Assignor against any claim, loss, damage, proceedings, settlement, costs or expenses howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, as a result of its use of the Patents including, but not limited to, manufacture, use, sale or other dealing in any product made under the Patents. |
8.3 | The Indemnities in sub-Clauses 8.3 and 8.4 shall apply provided that in all cases the Indemnitee shall: |
8.3.1 | notify the Indemnitor as soon as is reasonably possible of any claim, loss or damage; |
8.3.2 | consult with the Indemnitor as to the action to be taken in dealing with any such matters; and |
8.3.3 | make no agreement with any third party for the payment of any sum without the prior agreement of the Indemnitor, such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld. |
8.5. | To the extent permitted by law, the maximum limit of the Assignor's liability to the Assignee, whether in contract, tort, negligence, breach of statutory duty or otherwise shall be limited to [****]. |
9. | Assignment of Agreement |
The Assignee shall have the right to assign, transfer, sub-contract, or in any other manner make over to any third party the benefit and/or burden of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Assignor.
10. | Notices |
10.1 | All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and be deemed duly given if signed by the Party giving the notice or by a duly authorised officer thereof, as appropriate. |
10.2 | Notices shall be deemed to have been duly given: |
10.2.1 | when delivered, if delivered by courier or other messenger (including registered mail) during the normal business hours of the recipient; or |
10.2.2 | on the second business day following mailing, if mailed by first class ordinary mail, postage prepaid; |
10.3 | All notices under this Agreement shall be addressed to the most recent address notified to the other Party. |
5 |
11. | Force Majeure |
Neither Party to this Agreement shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing their obligations where such failure or delay results from any cause that is beyond the reasonable control of that Party. Such causes include, but are not limited to: power failure, Internet Service Provider failure, industrial action, civil unrest, fire, flood, storms, earthquakes, acts of terrorism, acts of war, governmental action or any other event that is beyond the control of the Party in question.
12. | No Waiver |
The Parties agree that no failure by either Party to enforce the performance of any provision in this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of the right to subsequently enforce that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. Such failure shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach and shall not constitute a continuing waiver.
13. | Severance |
The Parties agree that, in the event that one or more of the provisions of this Agreement is found to be unlawful, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, that those provisions shall be deemed severed from the remainder of this Agreement. The remainder of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable.
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14. | Law and Jurisdiction |
14.10 | This Agreement (including any non-contractual matters and obligations arising therefrom or associated therewith) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Scotland. |
14.11 | Any dispute, controversy, proceedings or claim between the Parties relating to this Agreement (including any non-contractual matters and obligations arising therefrom or associated therewith) shall fall within the jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Agreement comprising of this ad the preceding five pages together with the Schedule attached has been duly executed the day and year first before written
SIGNED in Dundee for and on behalf of the University of Dundee by Karen Sullivan Director Research and Innovation Services
/s/ Karen Sullivan | 18.09.19 | |
date |
In the presence of this witness
/s/ I. Van Der Toorn | |
signature | |
IRENE VAN DER TOORN | |
name | |
UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE | |
RESEARCH & INNOVATION SERVICES, DUNDEE | |
address | |
PA to the Director | |
occupation |
SIGNED for and on behalf of Exscientia Limited
by
one
of its directors in Oxford
/s/ | 01/10/2019 | |
date |
In the presence of this witness
In the presence of this witness
/s/ Ben Ashwell-Fryer | |
signature | |
BEN ASHWELL-FRYER | |
name | |
15 SIMMONS FIELDS, READING, | |
BERKS, RG10 9WW | |
address | |
ACCOUNTANT |
occupation
7 |
This is the Schedule to which reference is made in the Assignation between the University of Dundee and Exscientia Limited
SCHEDULE 1
TABLE 1
Territory | Application No | Filed | Title | Publication No | Priority | |||||
EP | 10801225.3 | 2010-11-22 | Design of Molecules | 2502173 | 2009-11-20 | |||||
IN | 1329/MUMNP/2012 | 2012-05-29 | Design of Molecules | 50/2013 | 2009-11-20 | |||||
US | 14/986516 | 2015-12-31 | Design of Molecules | 2016/0196412 | 2009-11-20 |
8 |
Exhibit 10.6
Certain information in this document, marked by brackets [****], has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
2021
SHARE SALE, TRANSFER AND MERGER AGREEMENT
REGARDING ALLCYTE GMBH
(1) | SELLERS |
(2) | EXSCIENTIA LIMITED |
Cooley (UK) LLP, Dashwood, 69 Old Broad Street,
London EC2M 1QS, UK
T: +44 (0) 20 7583 4055 F: +44 (0) 20 7785 9355 www.cooley.com
CONTENTS
Clause | Page | |
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION | 1 |
2. | CONDITIONS PRECEDENT | 11 |
3. | AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND MERGER | 12 |
4. | CONSIDERATION | 13 |
5. | PERIOD BEFORE MERGER COMPLETION | 13 |
6. | TERMINATION | 15 |
7. | COMPLETION AND MERGER | 16 |
8. | CONSIDERATION SHARES | 18 |
9. | COMPLETION ACCOUNTS AND ADJUSTMENT TO THE AMOUNT PAID AT COMPLETION | 18 |
10. | RETENTION | 19 |
11. | LOCK-UP | 22 |
12. | KEY PERSON EQUITY CLAWBACK | 22 |
13. | RELEASE OF ASSURANCES | 23 |
14. | WARRANTIES | 23 |
15. | TAXATION | 26 |
16. | PROTECTION OF THE INTERESTS OF THE PARENT AND THE BUYER | 26 |
17. | REINVESTMENT OF CASH CONSIDERATION | 28 |
18. | GUARANTEE | 28 |
19. | PAYMENTS AND INTEREST | 28 |
20. | FURTHER ASSURANCE | 29 |
21. | ASSIGNMENT AND NOVATION | 30 |
22. | ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CONFIDENTIALITY | 30 |
23. | COSTS | 32 |
24. | THE SELLERS' REPRESENTATIVE | 32 |
25. | NOTICES | 33 |
26. | THIRD PARTY RIGHTS | 34 |
27. | WAIVER | 34 |
28. | SEVERANCE | 34 |
29. | CUMULATIVE RIGHTS | 35 |
30. | LIABILITY | 35 |
31. | NO MERGER | 35 |
32. | ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND FRAUD | 35 |
33. | APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION | 36 |
Schedule 1 Sellers' Shareholdings and Entitlements | 37 | |
Schedule 2 Details of the Company | 42 | |
Schedule 3 covenants between signing and MERGER Completion | 43 | |
Schedule 4 Completion Obligations | 45 |
i
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
Schedule 5 Warranties | 46 |
Part 1 – Title and Capacity | 46 |
Part 2 – Intellectual Property | 48 |
Part 3 – General | 54 |
Schedule 6 Taxation | 68 |
Part 1 – Tax Definitions and Interpretation | 68 |
Part 2 – Tax Warranties | 72 |
Part 3 - Tax Covenant | 78 |
Schedule 7 LEASES | 85 |
Schedule 8 Limitations on Sellers' Liability | 86 |
Schedule 9 Completion Accounts | 90 |
Part 1 – Preparation of the Completion Accounts | 90 |
Part 2 – Basis of Preparation of the Completion Accounts | 92 |
Part 3 – Completion Statement | 93 |
Part 4 – Completion Accounts' Pro forma Format | 94 |
Schedule 10 Appointment of Independent Accountant | 95 |
Schedule 11 STRUCTURE OVERVIEW | 97 |
Agreed Form Documents
Disclosure Letter
Service Agreements
Grant letter of equity incentives granted to Key Persons
Clawback Power of Attorney
ii
THIS AGREEMENT is executed as a deed and delivered on | 2021 |
BETWEEN:
(1) | THE PERSONS whose names and addresses are set out in column (A) of Schedule 1 (together "Sellers" and each a "Seller"); and |
(2) | EXSCIENTIA LIMITED, a company incorporated in Scotland (registered number SC428761) whose registered office is at Level 3, Dundee One River Court, 5 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, United Kingdom ("Parent"), |
(each “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).
RECITALS:
(A) | Allcyte GmbH is a limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) incorporated in Austria, having its registered office in Vienna and its business address at Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria, with registered number FN 465200 v (the "Company"). Further details about the Company are set out in Schedule 2. |
(B) | At the date of this Agreement, the Parent is the ultimate holding company of the Buyer's Group. The Buyer's Group envisages the acquisition of the Company's business. |
(C) | Therefore, the Parties envisage the sale and transfer of shares in the Company from the Sellers to the Buyer and the merger of the Company as transferring entity into the Buyer as absorbing entity, on the terms of this Agreement. |
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1.1 | In this Agreement, the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings: |
"Accounts" means the annual accounts of the Company for the financial year ended on the Accounts Date;
"Accounts Date" means 31 December 2020;
"Acquisition Instrument" means the acquisition instrument pursuant to which the Sale Shares are sold by, assigned and transferred from the Sellers holding such Sale Shares to the Buyer in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Buyer and the Sellers as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement;
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified person, any other person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by, controls or is under common control with such first person. For purposes of this definition, "control" shall include (i) the ownership of more than 50 per cent. of the legal or beneficial interest in any person, (ii) the legal power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, (iii) the ability to appoint, directly or indirectly, the majority of its directors or executive officers, (iv) the ability to exercise, directly or indirectly, a majority of the votes exercisable at a general meeting and (v) the right to receive, directly or indirectly, a majority of the proceeds arising from: (a) any declaration of a dividend, or (b) a distribution arising in the course of winding up, whether solvent or insolvent, or any return of capital to shareholders or members; the expressions "controlled" and "controls" shall be construed accordingly;
1
"Associate" means (a) in relation to an individual, any person who at any relevant time is connected with that individual within the meaning of section 32 para 1 of the Austrian Insolvency Code (Insolvenzordnung) and (b) in relation to a corporation, partnership, association or other public or private legal entity of whatsoever nature, any Affiliate of that corporation, partnership, association or other public or private legal entity at any relevant time;
"Assurance" means any indemnity, guarantee or similar commitment;
"Austrian GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles, policies and practices applied in Austrian and applicable to the Company, as in effect from time to time, applied by the Company on a basis consistent with past practice;
"Austrian Regulatory Condition" means the approval of the Transaction being granted by the Austrian Ministry for Digitalization and Economic Affairs (Bundesministerium für Digitalisierung und Wirtschaftsstandort) in accordance with the Austrian Investment Control Act (Investitionskontrollgesetz, Austrian Federal Gazette I 87/2020) or any waiting or other time or limitation period in relation to the Transaction under the Austrian Investment Control Act having expired, lapsed, waived or otherwise terminated;
“AWS Amount” means €700,000, being the amount of the grant received by the Company from Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH and which will become repayable upon Completion;
“Bad Leaver” means a Key Person who gives or receives notice to cease to be employed or otherwise engaged by the Buyer’s Group (including where such Key Person is placed on garden leave by the relevant member of the Buyer’s Group in accordance with his employment agreement pending termination of his employment on a date that has been specified):
(a) | as a result of termination by the relevant employing entity for a Good Reason; or |
(b) | as a result of his voluntary resignation other than (i) as a result of death, long-term ill health or disability of the Key Person or a close family member of the Key Person resulting in such Key Person’s inability to perform their role or duties as required by their Service Agreement, or (ii) for cause in accordance with section 26 of the Austrian Employees Act (Angestelltengesetz); |
“Bad Leaver Date” means the earlier of the date upon which the Bad Leaver (i) ceases to be employed or otherwise engaged by the Buyer’s Group or (ii) is placed on garden leave by the relevant member of the Buyer’s Group in accordance with his employment agreement pending termination of his employment on a date that has been specified;
"Business" means the business operations of the Company as conducted at the date of this Agreement;
2
"Business Day" means a day that is not a Saturday or Sunday or a public holiday in England, Austria or the State of New York, United States of America;
"Buyer" means an Austrian limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) having a share capital of at least EUR 70,000.00 to be incorporated by the Parent pursuant to clause 5.10;
"Buyer Accession Deed“ means a deed of accession to this agreement to be executed in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Parent and the Sellers as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement
"Buyer’s Austrian Counsel" means Kunz Wallentin Rechtsanwälte GmbH;
"Buyer's Group" means the Parent, the Buyer and their Affiliates at any relevant time (and, following the Parent Reorganisation, the New Parent Holdco and any intermediate holding company);
"Buyer's Solicitors" means Cooley (UK) LLP;
"Cash Consideration" means:
(a) | the Cash Sum; |
(b) | less the Phantom Rights Amount; |
(c) | plus the Completion Accounts Adjustment Amount; |
"Cash Consideration Percentage" means the percentage of the Cash Consideration for the Relevant Sale Share receivable by the relevant Seller, as set out in column (C) of Schedule 1;
“Cash Sum” means €25,002,098;
"CeMM License Agreement" means the license agreement dated 22 December 2020 between CeMM – Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH and the Company;
"CeMM Payment" means the payment to be made by the Company to CeMM – Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH pursuant to the CeMM License Agreement as a consequence of the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (exclusive of VAT, if any);
“Clawback Period” has the meaning given in clause 12.4;
“Clawback Power of Attorney” means a power of attorney granted by each Key Person to the Parent for the purpose of enforcing its rights under Clause 12, in the agreed form;
“Clawback Release Date” has the meaning given in clause 12.1;
“Clawback Shares” has the meaning given in clause 12.2;
"Competition Law" means all applicable competition, state aid, antitrust or merger control laws in any jurisdiction in which the Company has material assets or carries on business;
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"Completion" means completion of the sale, transfer and assignment of all the Sale Shares in accordance with section 3.1 of this Agreement;
"Completion Accounts" means the balance sheet of the Company as at the Completion Date and the profit and loss account of the Company for the period from the Accounts Date to the Completion Date, as agreed or determined in accordance with Schedule 9, in each case drawn up using the format set out in Part 4 of Schedule 9;
"Completion Accounts Adjustment Amount" means an amount (which may be positive or negative) equal to the amount (if any) by which the Completion Working Capital exceeds the Target Working Capital or (as the case may be) the amount (if any) by which the Completion Working Capital is less than the Target Working Capital;
"Completion Date" has the meaning set out in clause 7.1;
"Completion Statement" means the statement of the Completion Working Capital in the format set out in Part 3 of Schedule 9 and as agreed or determined in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 9;
"Completion Working Capital" means the aggregate value of the current assets of the Company as at the Completion Date, less the aggregate value of the current liabilities (including for the avoidance of doubt any liabilities for or in respect of Tax, but excluding the Phantom Rights Amount, the AWS Amount, and the amounts of any investments made or agreed to be made by the Company after the date of this Agreement with the prior written consent of the Parent (for which purposes the consent procedure pursuant to clause 5.2 shall apply)) of the Company as at the Completion Date, in each case as derived from the Completion Accounts and stated in the Completion Statement;
"Condition" means the Austrian Regulatory Condition and the Parent Reorganisation Condition;
"Consideration Shares" has the meaning given in clause 8;
“Covenant Incompliance” means a violation by a Key Person of any non-compete and non-solicitation covenants imposed by the relevant Key Person’s Service Agreement but only to the extent that the actions and/or circumstances giving rise to such violations would, if they had occurred immediately following the cessation of such Key Person’s employment or engagement by the Buyer’s Group, have constituted a breach of the post-contractual non-compete and non-solicitation covenants imposed by the relevant Key Person’s Service Agreement;
"Data Room" means the electronic data room made available by the Company to the Parent via Brainloop Secure Dataroom Solutions until 5pm on the date falling two Business Days prior to the Completion Date;
"Deed of Adherence" means a deed of adherence to the shareholders’ agreement in respect of the Parent or, to the extent that Completion occurs after the completion of the Parent Reorganisation and prior to the IPO, a deed of adherence to the shareholders’ agreement in respect of the New Parent Holdco;
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"Disclosed" means disclosed in the Disclosure Letter or the Data Room in sufficient detail to identify the nature and scope of that matter and the Warranties qualified by it;
"Disclosure Documents" means the documents (i) listed in the index of documents attached to the Disclosure Letter and (ii) contained in the Data Room;
"Disclosure Letter" means the disclosure letter in the agreed form to be issued from the Key Persons to the Parent, dated with the date of this Agreement;
"Due Amount" means the amount (if any) due for payment by the Sellers to the Parent in respect of a Notified Claim that has been Resolved;
"Employee" means any person employed or engaged by the Company on the Completion Date or any other person who held such a position at the Company at any time during the period of 12 months ending on the Completion Date;
"Encumbrance" means a mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, option, restriction, right of first refusal, right of pre-emption, retention of title arrangement or other third party right, interest or claim of any kind or any agreement or commitment to create or give any of the foregoing, unless provided by the articles of association of a person;
"ESOP Payment" means the aggregate amount of payments to be made by the Company pursuant to the Company's phantom share participation plan dated 7 February 2021 and the individual allocation agreements related thereto as a consequence of the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, for the avoidance of doubt, all Payroll Tax for which the Company is liable to account in connection therewith;
"Estimated Adjustment Amount" means the amount (if any) by which the Estimated Completion Working Capital exceeds the Target Working Capital or (as the case may be) the amount (if any) by which the Estimated Completion Working Capital is less than the Target Working Capital, which may be a positive or a negative number;
"Estimated Cash Consideration" means:
(a) | the Cash Sum; |
(b) | less the Estimated Phantom Rights Amount; |
(c) | plus the Estimated Adjustment Amount; |
"Estimated Completion Working Capital" means the Sellers' estimate of the Completion Working Capital as set out in the notice given by the Sellers' Representatives (acting jointly) under clause 5.7;
"Estimated Phantom Rights Amount" means the Sellers' estimate of the Phantom Rights Amount (considering the Retention Amount) as set out in the notice given by the Sellers' Representatives (acting jointly) under clause 5.7;
"Event" has the meaning in part 1 of Schedule 6;
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"Exchange Rate" means with respect to the conversion of a particular currency into another currency on a particular date, the closing mid-point rate for conversion of the first currency into that other currency on that date or, if that date is not a Business Day, on the first Business Day after that date, in both cases as set out in the London edition of the Financial Times containing exchange rates applicable to the relevant Business Day;
"Founders" has the meaning ascribed to it in clause 24.1;
"Founders' Representative" means Dr Nikolaus Krall or any other Founder appointed as a replacement in accordance with clause 24.3;
"General Warranties" means each of the Warranties in parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 5;
"General Warranty Claim" means a claim for breach of any of the General Warranties;
“Good Leaver” means a Key Person who gives or receives notice to cease to be employed or otherwise engaged by the Buyer’s Group (including where such Key Person is placed on garden leave by the relevant member of the Buyer’s Group in accordance with his employment agreement pending termination of his employment on a date that has been specified) and who is not a Bad Leaver;
“Good Reason” means:
(a) | fraud, dishonesty, misconduct or other material or persistent breach by the Key Person of his Service Agreement or any general policies of the Buyer’s Group applicable to all employees of the Buyer's Group (including him), which would permit the relevant employing entity to terminate the Key Person’s employment for cause (aus wichtigem Grund) in accordance with such Key Person's Service Agreement, Art 27 paragraph 1 and paragraphs 3 to 6 of the Austrian Employees Act (Angestelltengesetz); or |
(b) | any Covenant Incompliance by a Key Person prior to cessation of his employment with the Buyer's Group, |
and, for the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not include a Key Person being made redundant by the employing entity;
"Investors" has the meaning ascribed to it in clause 24.1;
"Investors' Representative" means Air Street Capital I LP or any other Investor appointed as a replacement in accordance with clause 24.3;
"IP Warranties" means the warranties set out in Part 2 of Schedule 5;
"IP Warranty Claim" means a claim for breach of any of the IP Warranties;
"IPO" means an initial public offering of shares or securities representing shares of the Parent (or the New Parent Holdco) on a stock exchange or the listing of its shares or securities representing its shares on a stock exchange or a listing through any other method including by way of a direct listing or a de-spac transaction;
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"ITEPA" means the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003;
"Key Person" means Dr Nikolaus Krall and Dr Gregory Vladimer;
"Leases" means the leases listed in Schedule 7;
"Liability Percentage" means, with respect to a specified Seller, the percentage set out in column (G) of Schedule 1;
"Losses" means in relation to any matter, any positive damages (positiver Schaden), including reasonable legal costs for the adequate prosecution of claims (zweckentsprechende Rechtsverfolgung);
"MedUni Payment" means the payment to be made by the Company to Medizinische Universität Wien pursuant to the exit bonus and dividend participation agreement entered into by Medizinische Universität Wien, the Company, Dr Giulio Superti-Furga, Dr Gregory Vladimer, Dr Berend Snijder and Dr Nikolaus Krall dated 9 August 2017 as a consequence of the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
"Merger" has the meaning ascribed to it in clause 7.9;
"Merger Completion" means completion of the Merger in accordance with the Merger Instrument;
"Merger Completion Date" means the date on which the Merger becomes effective;
"Merger Instrument" means the merger instrument in relation to the Merger to be entered into between the Buyer and the Company in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Buyer and the Sellers as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement;
"Merger Shares" means such parts of Outstanding Shares (Geschäftsanteile) as listed in column (B3) of Schedule 1, each such part of an Outstanding Share being a "Merger Share";
"New Parent Holdco" means a newly formed holding company (or ultimate holding company) of the Buyer incorporated in England and Wales which has become the parent (or ultimate parent) company of the Parent as a result of the Parent Reorganisation;
"New Parent Holdco Accession Deed" means a deed of accession to this agreement to be executed in form of an Austrian notarial deed in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Parent and the Sellers as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, pursuant to which New Parent Holdco will accede to this Agreement and undertake to take certain actions including issuing the Consideration Shares to the Sellers in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
"Notified Claim" means a Warranty Claim or a Tax Claim that is notified by the Parent to the Sellers in accordance with the relevant provision of paragraph 2 of Schedule 8 on or before the Release Date;
"Outstanding Claim" means a Notified Claim which has not been Resolved on or before the Release Date;
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"Outstanding Shares" means all issued and outstanding share quotas (Geschäftsanteile) in the Company, corresponding to a fully-paid up share capital contribution (Stammeinlage) of in aggregate EUR 66,646.00; each individual share quota (Geschäftsanteil) held by a Seller and corresponding to a fully-paid up capital contribution (Stammeinlage) in the respective amount as listed in column (B1) of Schedule 1, being an "Outstanding Share";
“Parent Reorganisation” means the proposed issuance of shares by a new holding company to the shareholders of the Parent in exchange for the transfer of their shares in the Parent to the new holding company with the intention of inserting the New Parent Holdco above the Parent as its parent (or ultimate parent) company;
"Parent Reorganisation Condition" has the meaning given in clause 2.1(b);
“Payroll Tax” has the meaning in part 1 of Schedule 6;
"Phantom Right" means any right to receive any amount in respect of securities or in connection with the sale or disposal of securities (including any right pursuant to any phantom option arrangement in respect of securities) in the Company (including for the avoidance of doubt the ESOP Payment, the MedUni Payment and the CeMM Payment);
"Phantom Rights Amount" means the sum of [****];
"Properties" means the properties occupied by the Company under the Leases and a reference to a "Property" is a reference to any one of them;
"Purchase Price" has the meaning given in clause 4.1;
"Release Date" means the date on which the Completion Accounts become final and binding on the Parties in accordance with Schedule 9;
"Relevant Sale Share" means in respect of a Seller, that Sale Share (Geschäftsanteil) set against that Seller's name in column (B2) of Schedule 1;
"Relief" has the meaning given in part 1 of schedule 6;
"Resolved" means, in respect of a Notified Claim: (a) agreed in writing between the Parent and the Sellers as to both liability and quantum; (b) finally determined (as to both liability and quantum) by a court of competent jurisdiction with no right of appeal or where such right of appeal has lapsed, or (c) unconditionally withdrawn by the Parent in writing;
"Retention Account" means the account held in the name of the Retention Agent details of which are provided by the Retention Agent to the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives no later than 5 Business Days prior to the Completion Date;
"Retention Agent" means Dr Rudolf Kaindl, Austrian notary public of Kaindl, Dürr, Schuller-Köhler & Partners, Donaustadtstraße 1, A-1220 Vienna;
"Retention Amount" means €500,000.00;
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“Retention Letter” means the letter to be entered into between the Parties and the Retention Agent in respect of the management of the Retention Account in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Buyer and the Sellers as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement;
"Sale Shares" means such parts of Outstanding Shares (Geschäftsanteile) as listed in column (B2) of Schedule 1, each such part of an Outstanding Share being a "Sale Share";
"Sellers' Account" has the meaning given in clause 19.1;
“Seller Liability Cap” means the amount set out next to the relevant Seller’s name in column (F) of Schedule 1 minus any payments made by such Seller pursuant to clause 9.2(a) or 9.3(a) (if any) plus any payments received by such Seller pursuant to clause 9.2(b) or 9.3(b) (if any);
"Sellers' Representatives" means the Founders' Representative and the Investors' Representative;
"Sellers' Solicitors" means BRANDL TALOS Rechtsanwälte GmbH;
“Series D Shareholders’ Agreement” means the amended and restated shareholders' agreement relating to the Parent entered into in connection with the Parent's series D financing round by the Parent, its existing shareholders, the manager and certain investors dated 27 April 2021;
“Series D Subscription Agreement” means the subscription agreement in relation to the Series D financing round of the Parent entered into by the Parent and certain investors, dated 27 April 2021;
"Service Agreements" means the service agreements in the agreed form between the Company and each of the Key Persons respectively;
"Surviving Provisions" means clauses 1, 2.6, 17, 21 to 28, 32 and 33;
"Target Working Capital" means €[****], being the amount agreed by the Parties to be the target working capital of the Company at Completion;
"Tax" or "Taxation" has the meaning given in Part 1 of Schedule 6;
"Tax Authority" has the meaning given in Part 1 of Schedule 6;
"Tax Claim" means a claim under the Tax Covenant or a Tax Warranty Claim;
"Tax Covenant" means the tax covenants given in favour of the Parent set out in Part 3 of Schedule 6;
"Tax Warranties" means the warranties set out in Part 2 of Schedule 6;
"Tax Warranty Claim" means a claim for breach of any of the Tax Warranties;
"Title and Capacity Warranties" means the warranties set out in Part 1 of Schedule 5;
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"Transaction" means the Buyer becoming the holder of the entire business of the Company by way of the acquisition of the Sale Shares and the Merger, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;
“Unreleased Percentage” has the meaning given in clause 12.1;
"VAT" means value added tax and any similar tax on sales or turnover;
"Warranties" means the warranties set out in Schedule 5, and the Tax Warranties; and
"Warranty Claim" means a claim for breach of any of the Warranties, other than a Tax Warranty Claim.
1.2 | In this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise, or otherwise stated: |
(a) | use of the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and use of any gender includes the other genders; and |
(b) | a reference to any specific legislation includes a reference to that legislation as re-enacted, consolidated, replaced or amended; any previous legislation of which it is a re-enactment, consolidation, replacement or amendment; and any subordinate legislation made under any of the same (and "legislation" in this clause 1.2(b) includes any statute, statutory provision, regulation, rule or subordinate legislation). |
1.3 | In this Agreement, unless otherwise stated: |
(a) | any reference to the Parties or a recital, clause or schedule (or part thereof) is to the Parties (and permitted assignees) or the relevant recital, clause or schedule (or part thereof) of or to this Agreement; |
(b) | any reference in a schedule to a part or a paragraph is to a part or a paragraph of that schedule or, where relevant, to a paragraph of that part of that schedule; |
(c) | any reference to a "person" includes an individual, firm, partnership, body corporate, corporation, association, organisation, government, state, foundation and trust, in each case whether or not having separate legal personality; |
(d) | “to the extent that” means “if and to the extent that”; |
(e) | any reference to an individual includes a reference to his personal representatives, on whom this Agreement shall be binding; |
(f) | the clause, schedule and paragraph headings are included for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement; |
(g) | schedules and recitals form part of this Agreement and shall have effect as if set out in full in the body of this Agreement and any reference to this Agreement includes the schedules and recitals; |
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(h) | any reference in this Agreement to a document being "in the agreed form" means a document in a form agreed by the Parties before the signing of this Agreement and either entered into on the date of this Agreement by the relevant Parties or initialled by the Parties (or on their behalf) and where that document is not entered into on the date of this Agreement, with such amendments as the Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives (on behalf of the Sellers) may subsequently agree; |
(i) | the words "other", "including", "includes", "include", "in particular" and any similar words shall not limit the general effect of words that precede or follow them; |
(j) | any sum in any currency which is required to be construed, for the purposes of this Agreement, as a sum in any other currency (for example, in construing for the purposes of Schedule 8 the amount of a Warranty Claim which is not denominated in Euros) shall, unless expressly stated otherwise, be regarded as converted into that other currency at the Exchange Rate on the date of this Agreement; |
(k) | “Euros” and “€” shall each mean the lawful currency of the Eurozone monetary union; and |
(l) | any reference in this Agreement to a time of day, shall be to the time of day on the relevant date in Vienna, Austria. |
2. | CONDITIONS PRECEDENT |
2.1 | Completion is conditional on the satisfaction or, in case of the Parent Reorganisation Condition, waiver by the Sellers' Representatives pursuant to clause 2.3 of: |
(a) | the Austrian Regulatory Condition; and |
(b) | the condition that: (i) the Parent Reorganisation has been completed and such fact has been notified by the Parent to the Sellers' Representatives; or (ii) the shareholders of the Parent have decided not to implement the Parent Reorganisation and such fact has been notified by the Parent to the Sellers' Representatives (the "Parent Reorganisation Condition"). |
2.2 | The Parent shall use all reasonable endeavours (including in relation to any conditions imposed by any competent authority) to ensure that the Austrian Regulatory Condition is satisfied as soon as reasonably practicable, and shall notify the Sellers' Representatives, with appropriate supporting documentation, as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes aware that the Austrian Regulatory Condition is satisfied or has become, or is likely to become, incapable of being satisfied. The Parent shall file the relevant notification with the Austrian Ministry for Digitalization and Economic Affairs (Bundesministerium für Digitalisierung und Wirtschaftsstandort) as soon as reasonably practicable but in any case within 10 Business Days following the date of this Agreement. |
2.3 | The Parent shall use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the Parent Reorganisation Condition is satisfied as soon as reasonably practicable, and shall notify the Sellers' Representatives, with appropriate supporting documentation, as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes aware that the Parent Reorganisation Condition is satisfied. The Sellers' Representatives (acting jointly) may, in their sole discretion, at any time waive the Parent Reorganisation Condition. |
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2.4 | The Sellers’ Representatives and the Sellers shall provide such assistance, information and documentation as may reasonably be required to enable the Parent to comply with its obligations under clause 2.2. |
2.5 | The Parent shall promptly notify the Sellers' Representatives sufficiently in advance of any notification, submission, response or other communication (excluding communications of an administrative nature) which it proposes to make or submit to any regulatory authority in connection with the process relating to the Austrian Regulatory Condition and at the same time provide the Sellers' Representatives with copies thereof and any supporting documentation or information reasonably requested by the Sellers' Representatives provided that the Parent shall not be required to provide the Sellers' Representatives with any confidential information or business secrets; such information to be provided to Sellers’ Solicitors on a counsel-to-counsel basis only. The Parent shall to take into account the reasonable comments of the Sellers' Representatives in relation to any such notification, submission, communication or response to a request for further information prior to making the relevant notification, submission, communication or response. The Parent further agrees to keep the Sellers' Representatives reasonably informed as to the material progress of any process or notification in relation to the Austrian Regulatory Condition and shall permit the Sellers' Solicitors to attend all material meetings and conference calls with any regulatory authority or other persons or bodies (unless prohibited by the authority or other person) in connection with the transactions contemplated herein and to make oral submissions at such meetings and conference calls. |
2.6 | If the Conditions are not satisfied or, in case of the Parent Reorganisation Condition, waived pursuant to clause 2.3 on or before 5.30 p.m. on 30 November 2021, this Agreement shall automatically terminate (other than the Surviving Provisions which shall remain binding on the Parties in accordance with their terms). In such event, neither party shall have a claim against the other except for any rights and liabilities which have accrued before termination or under the Surviving Provisions. |
3. | AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND MERGER |
3.1 | Each Seller agrees to sell and transfer and the Parent agrees to procure that the Buyer buys and takes over that Seller's Relevant Sale Share pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, provided that the transfer and assignment of all Sale Shares shall become effective immediately upon the execution of the Acquisition Instrument. Each Seller shall sell his Relevant Sale Share free from all Encumbrances and with all rights attaching to them at Completion, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after Completion. |
3.2 | Immediately following Completion, the Parent, the Buyer and the Sellers holding Merger Shares shall implement the Merger in accordance with clause 7.9. |
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3.3 | Each Seller herewith unconditionally and irrevocably, in form of a circular resolution, (i) approves the execution and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein (including the sale, transfer and assignment of the Sale Shares), and (ii) waives any rights of pre-emption or similar rights conferred on it by the articles of association of the Company or otherwise existing in respect of any of the Sale Shares. |
3.4 | The Buyer shall not be obliged to complete the purchase of any of the Sale Shares unless the purchase of all the Sale Shares is completed simultaneously. |
4. | CONSIDERATION |
4.1 | The consideration for (i) the Sale Shares and (ii) the other transactions to be performed by the Sellers pursuant to this Agreement (the “Purchase Price”) shall be: |
(a) | the Cash Consideration; |
(b) | plus the Consideration Shares, |
and shall be allocated between the Sellers in accordance with Schedule 1.
4.2 | Any amount paid by or on behalf of any Seller in respect of any claim for any breach of this Agreement or pursuant to any indemnity or undertaking to pay any amount under this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed to reduce the Purchase Price attributable to such Seller by, and be a repayment of, that amount. |
5. | PERIOD BEFORE MERGER COMPLETION |
5.1 | Each Seller shall, to the extent legally possible and permissible and in so far as it is within each of its respective power to control the same, procure that during the period beginning on the signing of this Agreement and ending at Completion and the Parties shall, to the extent legally possible and permissible and in so far as it is within each of its respective power to control the same, procure that from Completion until Merger Completion: |
(a) | the Company shall not take any action set out in Schedule 3 without the prior written consent of the Parent; |
(b) | neither the Company nor the shareholders shall declare, make or pay any dividend or other distribution by the Company without the prior written consent of the Parent; |
(c) | subject to (i) clause 5.3 and (ii) the Sellers' right to exclude the Parent from any information, (internal) discussions or meeting relating to this Agreement (and any ancillary agreements) and the Transaction, the Parent receives notice of and is allowed to be present as an observer, through any duly authorised representative, at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company held during that period; and |
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(d) | subject to (i) clause 5.3 and (ii) the Sellers' right to exclude the Parent from any information, (internal) discussions or meeting relating to this Agreement (and any ancillary agreements) and the Transaction, to the extent permitted under Competition Law, the Parent and its agents and representatives are, upon reasonable prior notice to the Sellers' Representatives: |
(i) | given reasonable access during normal business hours to the books, records and Key Persons of the Company and to the Properties; |
(ii) | permitted to make copies of any documents and records of the Company reasonably required by the Parent in connection with this Agreement; |
(iii) | subject to clause 22, given reasonable prior notice of any press release or other public announcement relating to the Company; and |
(iv) | provided with any information relating to the business and affairs of the Company as any of them may from time to time reasonably require. |
5.2 | In case the Parent fails to respond to a request to consent to a specific transaction issued by a Seller or the Company in accordance with clause 5.1(a) within 10 Business Days, such consent shall be deemed granted. For purposes of clauses 5.1(a) and 5.2, consent requests issued by e-mail to and approvals given by CFO Ben Taylor on behalf of the Parent via e-mail (btaylor@exscientia.co.uk) shall be sufficient. |
5.3 | The Parent’s rights pursuant to clauses 5.1(c) and 5.1(d) shall be subject to the Sellers' and the Company's right to limit disclosures pursuant to good faith efforts to preserve (i) business secrets, know-how or other confidential information of the Company and (ii) their rights under this Agreement. |
5.4 | During the period beginning on the signing of this Agreement and ending at Merger Completion, no Seller shall dispose of any interest in or otherwise grant an Encumbrance in respect of any of his relevant Outstanding Share other than pursuant to this Agreement. |
5.5 | Each Seller shall promptly notify the Parent in writing of any matter which becomes known to him before Completion and which constitutes, or might reasonably be expected (either immediately or after the lapse of time) to constitute, a breach of any of the Warranties given by that Seller as at the date of this Agreement, a breach of any of the Warranties to be given by that Seller when given as at Completion, or a material adverse change in the financial or trading position, operations or prospects of the Company. |
5.6 | The Parent shall promptly notify the Sellers’ Representatives in writing following the completion of the Parent Reorganisation and/or an IPO, in each case to the extent that the relevant event occurs prior to Completion. |
5.7 | As soon as reasonably practicable following completion of the Parent Reorganisation, the Parent shall procure that the New Parent Holdco accedes to this Agreement by the execution of the New Parent Holdco Accession Deed. |
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5.8 | The Sellers’ Representatives (acting jointly) shall, on the third Business Day before the Completion Date, notify the Parent of the Estimated Adjustment Amount and the Estimated Phantom Rights Amount. |
5.9 | The notice given under clause 5.8 shall be given in good faith, as soon as reasonably practicable after 5.30pm on the relevant date and shall be accompanied by a breakdown of the items comprised within the estimate and any relevant supporting documentation. The Sellers' Representatives shall provide any information in relation to such estimate as the Parent or the Buyer may from time to time reasonably require. |
5.10 | The Parent shall incorporate the Buyer as soon as reasonably practicable but in any case within six weeks following the date of this Agreement. As soon as reasonably practicable following the incorporation of the Buyer, the Parent shall procure that the Buyer accedes to this Agreement by the execution of the Buyer Accession Deed. |
6. | TERMINATION |
6.1 | If at any time before Completion: |
(a) | the Parent becomes aware of any breach of any of the Title and Capacity Warranties given as at the date of this Agreement or of any matter which would constitute a breach of any of the Title and Capacity Warranties if repeated as at Completion (reading, for the purposes of this clause 6.1, references in the Warranties (whether express or implied) to the date of this Agreement as references to the Completion Date); or |
(b) | the Parent becomes aware of any breach of any of the Warranties (other than the Title and Capacity Warranties) given as at the date of this Agreement or of any matter which would constitute a breach of any of such Warranties if repeated as at Completion (reading, for the purposes of this clause 6.1, references in such Warranties (whether express or implied) to the date of this Agreement as references to the Completion Date |
where, in either case, the effect of that breach (or the cumulative effect of those breaches if there is more than one):
(i) | has, will or would reasonably be expected to result in Losses of the Buyer or the Company in excess of €5,000,000; or |
(ii) | would prevent any of the Sellers from transferring and assigning any Sale Share to the Buyer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, |
the Parent may, without prejudice and in addition to any other right or remedy it may have, by notice to the Sellers' Representatives, postpone Completion for a period not exceeding 20 Business Days, elect to proceed to Completion, or elect not to complete the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares. If Completion is so postponed by the Parent on any occasion, this clause 6.1 shall continue to apply, as appropriate, with respect to each occasion to which it is postponed.
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6.2 | If the Parent elects not to complete the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares in accordance with clause 6.1, the Parties shall have no further rights or obligations under this Agreement, other than accrued rights and obligations at the time of that election and for those purposes the Surviving Provisions shall remain binding on the Parties in accordance with their terms. |
7. | COMPLETION AND MERGER |
7.1 | Subject to clause 6, Completion shall take place at midday remotely or at the offices of the Buyer's Austrian Counsel on the fifth Business Day after the Conditions are both satisfied or, in case of the Parent Reorganisation Condition, waived in accordance with clause 2.3, or any other day and time the Parties may agree (the “Completion Date”). |
7.2 | At Completion, the Sellers and the Parent shall comply, and the Parent shall procure that the Buyer complies, with their respective obligations set out in Schedule 4. |
7.3 | Subject to and immediately after the Sellers, the Parent and the Buyer having complied with their obligations set out in Schedule 4, at Completion the Parent shall procure that the Buyer shall pay an amount equal to the sum of: (i) the Estimated Cash Consideration; and (ii) the Estimated Phantom Rights Amount to the Retention Account maintained with the Retention Agent with the instruction to release the funds on the Merger Completion Date in accordance with clause 10.12. To finance the payments by the Buyer pursuant to item (ii) of the preceding sentence, the Parent shall pay an unconditional and irrevocable shareholder contribution (Gesellschafterzuschuss) to the Buyer. |
7.4 | Immediately following Merger Completion but in any event within 2 Business Days thereafter, the Parent shall: (i) cause the Consideration Shares to be allotted and issued to or for the account of the Sellers, credited as fully paid in such amounts as are set out against each such Seller’s name in columns (D) and (E) of Schedule 1; and (ii) deliver to each Seller duly executed certificates of the relevant Consideration Shares to be allotted to such Seller. |
7.5 | Immediately following receipt of the payments pursuant to section 7.3 by the Retention Agent, the Buyer and the Sellers shall at Completion enter into the Acquisition Instrument. The transfer and assignment of the Relevant Sale Share from the relevant Seller to the Buyer shall become effective immediately upon execution of the Acquisition Instrument. Immediately following Completion, the Parties shall execute a closing memorandum confirming that: (i) the Conditions have been satisfied or, as the case may be, waived; (ii) all actions pursuant to Schedule 4, clauses 7.3 and 7.5 have been performed or waived; and (iii) that Completion has occurred. |
7.6 | If either: (i) the Sellers; or (ii) the Parent or the Buyer (referred to in this clause 7 as the "defaulting party") do not or are unable to fulfil any of their respective obligations set out in Schedule 4 or clauses 7.3 or 7.5 at the time when Completion is due to take place under clause 7.1, the other Party (referred to in this clause 7 as the "non-defaulting party") may, without prejudice and in addition to any other right or remedy the non-defaulting party may have, by notice to the defaulting party: |
(a) | postpone Completion for a period not exceeding 20 Business Days; or |
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(b) | elect to proceed to Completion, in which case the defaulting party shall be obliged to fulfil those obligations set out in Schedule 4 or clauses 7.3 or 7.5 which the defaulting party is then able to fulfil and to fulfil the remaining obligations on or before any later date specified for the purpose in the notice; or |
(c) | if having already given notice under clause 7.6(a) and the period of postponement so notified having elapsed without each unfulfilled obligation in question having been fulfilled, elect not to complete the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares, |
and for the purposes of this clause 7.6, notices to be given by or to the Sellers shall be given by or to the Sellers' Representative.
7.7 | If Completion is postponed on any occasion under clause 7.6(a), this clause 7 shall apply with respect to each occasion to which it is so postponed. |
7.8 | If the non-defaulting party elects not to complete the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares in accordance with clause 7.6(c), the Parties shall have no further rights or obligations under this Agreement, other than accrued rights and obligations at the time of that election and for those purposes the Surviving Provisions shall remain binding on the Parties in accordance with their terms. |
7.9 | Immediately following Completion: |
(a) | the Parent as shareholder of the Buyer shall hold a shareholders meeting in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Parent and the Sellers holding Merger Shares as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement pursuant to which, inter alia, the Merger is approved; |
(b) | the Buyer and the Sellers holding Merger Shares as shareholders of the Company shall hold a shareholders meeting in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Parent and the Sellers holding Merger Shares as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement pursuant to which, inter alia, the Merger is approved; |
(c) | the Sellers holding Merger Shares and the Buyer shall procure that the Company enters into and the Buyer shall enter into the Merger Instrument, pursuant to which: (i) the Company as transferring entity shall be merged into the Buyer as absorbing entity; (ii) all assets and liability of the Company are transferred by way of universal succession to the Buyer; and (iii) the Sellers holding Merger Shares waive their right to receive exchange shares in the Buyer in accordance with section 224 para 2 no 2 of the Austrian Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) in connection with section 96 para 2 of the Austrian Act on Limited Liability Companies (GmbH-Gesetz) (the "Merger"); and |
(d) | the Buyer shall file, and the Sellers holding Merger Shares and the Buyer shall procure that the Company files, the Merger with the respective competent commercial registries pursuant to the filing documentation in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Buyer and the Sellers holding Merger Shares as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement. |
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7.10 | Schedule 11 contains an overview of the shareholder structure in the Company following completion of certain transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
8. | CONSIDERATION SHARES |
8.1 | The Consideration Shares to be issued pursuant to clause 7.4 shall be, in the event that Completion occurs: |
(a) | prior to completion of the Parent Reorganisation and prior to an IPO, ordinary class A shares, each having a nominal value of £0.001 in the capital of the Parent; or |
(b) | after completion of the Parent Reorganisation but prior to an IPO, ordinary class A shares with a nominal value to be determined in the capital of the New Parent Holdco with at least the same economic value, rights and privileges as those shares described in paragraph (a) above; or |
(c) | after completion of the Parent Reorganisation and after an IPO, ordinary shares with a nominal value to be determined in the capital of the New Parent Holdco with at least the same economic value, rights and privileges as those shares described in paragraph (a) above, |
or such other class of shares of no lesser value which rank no lower than those shares listed in paragraphs (a) to (c) above as may be agreed by the Parent and the Sellers (the “Consideration Shares”).
8.2 | The Consideration Shares shall be credited as fully paid up and will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing shares of the same class in the same entity, including the right to receive all dividends declared, made or paid after the date on which they are issued (save that they shall not rank for any dividend or other distribution declared, made, or paid before the date on which they are issued). |
8.3 | Each Seller shall be entitled to direct that its respective Consideration Shares be issued and registered in the name of any nominee or custodian holding such shares on its behalf as bare nominee and the provisions of clauses 7.4 and 8 shall be construed accordingly. |
9. | COMPLETION ACCOUNTS AND ADJUSTMENT TO THE AMOUNT PAID AT COMPLETION |
9.1 | The Buyer and the Sellers shall comply with their respective obligations under Schedule 9 pursuant to which the Completion Statement is to be prepared and become final and binding on the Parties. |
9.2 | Subject to clause 9.5, on the date falling five Business Days after the Completion Statement becomes final and binding on the Parties: |
(a) | if the Estimated Cash Consideration exceeds the Cash Consideration, then the Buyer shall be entitled to payment of such excess from all Sellers (in their Liability Percentage); or |
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(b) | if the Estimated Cash Consideration is less than the Cash Consideration, then the Buyer shall pay an amount equal to the shortfall to the Sellers apportioned between the Sellers in their Liability Percentage, |
in each case, such payments shall be made in cash in accordance with clause 19.1.
9.3 | On the date falling five Business Days after the Completion Statement becomes final and binding on the Parties: |
(a) | if the Phantom Rights Amount exceeds the Estimated Phantom Rights Amount, then the Buyer shall be entitled to payment of such excess from all Sellers (in their Liability Percentage); or |
(b) | if the Phantom Rights Amount is less than the Estimated Phantom Rights Amount, then the Buyer shall pay an amount equal to the shortfall to the Sellers apportioned between the Sellers in their Liability Percentage, |
in each case, such payments shall be made in cash in accordance with clause 19.1.
9.4 | Further, in case the Phantom Rights Amount exceeds the Estimated Phantom Rights Amount, the Parent shall, within 5 Business Days after the Completion Statement becomes final and binding on the Parties, pay an irrevocable and unconditional shareholder contribution (Gesellschafterzuschuss) in an amount equal to such difference to the Buyer. |
9.5 | No payment pursuant to clause 9.2 shall be required to be made unless the amount of that payment exceeds €[****] in which circumstances the whole of that amount shall be payable and not merely the excess over €[****]. |
9.6 | Notwithstanding any provision of Schedule 9, the agreement or determination of the Completion Working Capital and any consequential payment made pursuant to clause 9.2, to the extent not taking into account or fully taking into account any matter then or subsequently giving rise to a Warranty Claim, a Tax Claim or any other claim under this Agreement, shall not prevent the Buyer from asserting that claim, or limit the damages recoverable. |
10. | RETENTION |
10.1 | The Parent and the Sellers shall procure the establishment of the Retention Account prior to the Completion Date and payment shall be made in accordance with clause 7.3 and the Retention Amount shall be held in the Retention Account in accordance with the terms of this clause 10 and the Retention Letter. |
10.2 | Any interest accruing on the credit balance on the Retention Account from time to time shall be credited to the Retention Account and form part of the Retention Amount and any payment of principal out of the Retention Account shall include a payment of the interest earned on that principal sum. |
10.3 | The liability to Tax on any interest on any amount in the Retention Account shall be borne by the party ultimately entitled to that interest. |
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10.4 | The Parent and the Sellers (acting by the Sellers’ Representatives) shall promptly provide such instructions to the Retention Agent (where relevant in the form specified by the Retention Letter) and take all other actions in relation to the Retention Account as are necessary to give effect to the provisions of this clause 10. |
10.5 | Nothing in this clause 10 shall prejudice, limit or otherwise affect any right or remedy the Buyer or the Parent may have against the Sellers from time to time, whether arising under this Agreement. |
10.6 | No amount shall be released from the Retention Account otherwise than in accordance with this clause 10 and the terms of the Retention Letter. |
10.7 | If a payment is due to the Buyer under clause 9.2 that is: |
(a) | less than the Retention Amount, the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives (acting jointly) shall instruct the Retention Agent to release to the Buyer from the Retention Account the amount due to the Buyer pursuant to clause 9.2; or |
(b) | equal to or greater than the Retention Amount, the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives (acting jointly) shall instruct the Retention Agent to release to the Buyer the full amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account. |
10.8 | If a payment that is due to the Buyer under clause 9.2 or 9.3 is not satisfied in full by a payment to the Buyer from the Retention Account, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or otherwise restrict the Buyer’s right to recover the balance from the Sellers in proportion to their Liability Percentage, and the Completion Accounts Adjustment Amount due to the Buyer (to the extent not so satisfied from the Retention Account) shall remain fully enforceable against the Sellers in proportion to their Liability Percentage. |
10.9 | If a Notified Claim which is not a Tax Claim arises and is Resolved on or before the Release Date, the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives shall instruct the Retention Agent to release to the Buyer out of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account the Due Amount in respect of that Notified Claim or, if lower, the amount of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account. |
10.10 | If a Notified Claim which is a Tax Claim arises and is Resolved on or before the Release Date, the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives may (at the election of the Parent) instruct the Retention Agent to release to the Buyer out of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account the Due Amount in respect of that Tax Claim or, if lower, the amount of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account. |
10.11 | For the avoidance of doubt: |
(a) | any Notified Claim which is not a Tax Claim that arises and is Resolved on or before the Release Date must be claimed out of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account before any further claim can made against the Sellers in proportion to their Liability Percentage; and |
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(b) | any Notified Claim which is a Tax Claim that arises and is Resolved on or before the Release Date may be claimed out of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account or directly against the Sellers in proportion to their Liability Percentage at the sole election of the Parent. |
10.12 | The Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives shall instruct the Retention Agent to pay on the Merger Completion Date: |
(a) | to the Sellers an amount equal to the Estimated Cash Consideration standing to the credit of the Retention Account less the Retention Amount in proportion to their Cash Consideration Percentage; and |
(b) | to the Buyer, who has by way of the Merger assumed the respective obligations of the Company to make the relevant payments underlying the Phantom Rights Amount, an amount equal to the Estimated Phantom Rights Amount. |
10.13 | On the Release Date, the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives shall instruct the Retention Agent to pay to the Sellers out of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account an amount (if any) equal to the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account at that time, less the following sums: |
(a) | in respect of each Outstanding Claim (if any) an amount equal to the Parent’s reasonable estimate (acting in good faith) of the Sellers’ liability in respect of that Outstanding Claim or, if lower, the amount of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account; and |
(b) | in respect of each Due Amount, to the extent that it has not been satisfied in accordance with Clause 10.9 or otherwise on or before the Release Date, the amount of the Due Amount or, if lower, the amount of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account, |
such payment to be paid to the Sellers in accordance in their Liability Percentage.
10.14 | If following the Release Date, the Retention Amount (or any part of it) continues to be held in the Retention Account pending resolution of any Outstanding Claims, the following provisions shall apply: |
(a) | upon an Outstanding Claim being Resolved, the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives shall instruct the Retention Agent to release to the Buyer out of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account any unpaid Due Amount in respect of that Outstanding Claim or, if lower, the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account (less any applicable bank charges); and |
(b) | after all Outstanding Claims have been Resolved and all Due Amounts (if any) have been paid to the Parent in full, the Parent and the Sellers’ Representatives shall instruct the Retention Agent to release to the Sellers (in proportion to their Liability Percentage) the remaining balance (if any) of the Retention Amount standing to the credit of the Retention Account (together with any accrued interest on the amount so paid but less any applicable bank charges). |
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10.15 | All payments made from the Retention Account in connection with a Notified Claim to the Buyer or the Parent under this clause 10 shall (to the extent permitted at law) be treated as a reduction of the Purchase Price. |
10.16 | For the purpose of calculating any payment out of the Retention Account in Euros, where the underlying amount is incurred or paid in another currency, the applicable Euro amount shall be determined using the Exchange Rate. |
11. | LOCK-UP |
11.1 | The Sellers agree that, in the event of an IPO, their Consideration Shares shall be subject to a lock-up of a duration of 180 days following the date of the IPO. |
11.2 | The Sellers agree: |
(a) | to execute any documents relating to the lock-up required in connection with an IPO, provided that the terms are no more onerous than those imposed on the holders of any class of shares in the Parent or the New Parent Holdco, as applicable, that benefits from a liquidation preference immediately prior to any conversion to ordinary shares in connection with such IPO and subject always to the lock-up period referred to in clause 11.1; and |
(b) | that the Parent or the New Parent Holdco, as applicable, shall not be required to register any transfer that would be in breach of such lock-up. |
11.3 | Each Seller hereby irrevocably appoints any director of the Parent to act as his duly authorised agent and attorney (“IPO Attorney”) to take such actions where a party fails to comply with the provisions of clauses 11.1 and 11.2 within five Business Days of being requested by the Parent to do so (“IPO Defaulting Party”), but only for as long as the IPO Defaulting Party continues to fail to comply with its obligations under clauses 11.1 and 11.2. The IPO Attorney is (as security for the performance of the IPO Defaulting Party’s obligations) irrevocably appointed and authorised to be the true and lawful attorney for the IPO Defaulting Party and in its name and on its behalf to exercise in the absolute discretion of the IPO Attorney all voting rights attaching to the Consideration Shares of the IPO Defaulting Party. The power of attorney set out in this clause 11.3 is granted to secure the performance by the Sellers of their obligations under clause 11.3 and shall be irrevocable. |
12. | KEY PERSON EQUITY CLAWBACK |
12.1 | For the purposes of this Clause, the “Clawback Release Date” and associated “Unreleased Percentage” and shall have the meanings given in the following table: |
Clawback Release Date | Unreleased Percentage |
From the Completion Date until the first anniversary of the Completion Date | [****] |
On and from the first anniversary of the Completion Date until (but excluding) the second anniversary of the Completion Date | [****] |
On and from the second anniversary of the Completion Date until (but excluding) the third anniversary of the Completion Date | [****] |
On and from the third anniversary of the Completion Date | [****] |
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12.2 | For the purposes of this clause “Clawback Shares” means [****]. |
12.3 | Where a [****]. |
12.4 | If, during the period beginning on the Merger Completion Date and ending on the third anniversary of the Completion Date (the “Clawback Period”) [****]. |
12.5 | If the Parent or the New Parent Holdco (as applicable) elects to exercise its rights under clause 12.4 in respect to [****]. |
12.6 | [****]. |
12.7 | [****]. |
13. | RELEASE OF ASSURANCES |
Each Seller shall, at the cost of that Seller, execute and deliver all documents, and use all reasonable endeavours to take all other actions as the Parent or the Buyer may reasonably request from time to time after Completion, in order to effect the release and discharge in full (on a non-recourse basis to the Parent, the Buyer and the Company) of any Assurance given by the Company to any person in respect of any obligation of that Seller or any Associate of that Seller. Pending each such release and discharge, the relevant Seller shall pay to the Buyer on demand the amount of all Losses incurred by the Company arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with any such Assurance given by the Company to any person in respect of any obligation of that Seller or any Associate of that Seller.
14. | WARRANTIES |
14.1 | Subject to this clause 14 (including clause 14.8) and Schedule 8, each Seller severally and not jointly (einzelschuldnerisch) warrants by means of an independent guarantee within the meaning of Article 880a second part (zweiter Halbsatz) ABGB to the Parent that, save as Disclosed, each of the Title and Capacity Warranties is true and accurate as at the date of this Agreement and again as at Completion solely in respect of such Seller and its Relevant Sale Share. |
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14.2 | Subject to this clause 14 (including clause 14.8), Schedule 6 and Schedule 8, each Key Person severally and not jointly (einzelschuldnerisch) warrants by means of an independent guarantee within the meaning of Article 880a second part (zweiter Halbsatz) to the Parent that, save as Disclosed, each of the General Warranties and the Tax Warranties is true and accurate as at the date of this Agreement and again as at Completion (except where expressly made with reference to a specific point in time, in which case such Warranty is given at such point in time only). |
14.3 | Each of the Warranties is separate and is to be construed independently of, and without reference to qualifications contained in, the other Warranties. |
14.4 | The Sellers acknowledge that the Parent is entering into this Agreement and that the Buyer will accede to this Agreement in reliance on the Warranties and will have the benefit of the Warranties as if such Warranties were given both to the Buyer and the Parent. |
14.5 | The Sellers do not represent or warrant or make any representation or warranties other than the Warranties. Save for the Warranties, the Sellers shall not be liable for any other, expressed or implied, representation and warranties and each of the Parent and the Buyer confirms that it does not rely on any other representation and warranties other than the Warranties. |
14.6 | Where any statement in the Warranties is qualified by the expression “to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the Key Persons” or “so far as the Key Persons are aware” or any similar expression, the Key Persons shall be deemed to have knowledge of all facts, matters and circumstances of which any Key Person is actually aware. |
14.7 | Each Seller unconditionally and irrevocably waives any rights that Seller may have (in each case whether founded in negligence or otherwise) against the Company, or any director, employee, officer or agent of the Company, on whom that Seller has or may have relied in connection with preparing the Disclosure Letter or agreeing to any terms of this Agreement or any document to be entered into pursuant to it. Nothing in this clause 14.7 shall apply to restrict the ability of any Seller to make any claim against any person for fraud, nor shall it apply to preclude any Seller from claiming against any other Seller by virtue of any right of contribution or indemnity to which he might be entitled. |
14.8 | Paragraph 2 of Part 3 of Schedule 6 (in the case of a Tax Claim) and Schedule 8 (in the case of a Warranty Claim and, where specified, a Tax Claim) shall apply to limit or exclude, in accordance with their respective terms, any liability which the Sellers might otherwise have in respect of any Warranty Claim or any Tax Claim. |
14.9 | The Parent warrants by means of an independent guarantee within the meaning of Article 880a second part (zweiter Halbsatz) ABGB to each of the Sellers as at the date of this Agreement and, except for the warranty pursuant to clause 14.9(b), again as at Completion that: |
(a) | the Parent is duly incorporated under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation; |
(b) | the Parent is the ultimate holding company of the Buyer's Group; |
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(c) | the Parent has and, upon their respective incorporation, each of the Buyer and New Parent Holdco will have the right, power and authority to enter into (or accede to) and perform its respective obligations under this Agreement (or will have at the time such obligations are to be performed) and the provisions of this Agreement will, when executed, constitute valid and binding obligations on the Parent, and, upon their respective accession to this Agreement, the Buyer and New Parent Holdco; |
(d) | the execution and delivery of, and the performance by the Parent, the Buyer and New Parent Holdco of its respective obligations under this Agreement will neither: |
(i) | result in a breach of any provision of its memorandum or articles of association or any document, order or judgment that applies to or binds it or any of its assets; nor |
(ii) | result in a breach of any order, judgment or decree of any court or governmental entity to which it is a party or by which it is bound; |
(e) | except as expressly provided in this Agreement, all permits or filings with any governmental entity and all agreements of any other person which are necessary for the Parent, the Buyer and New Parent Holdco to obtain in order to enter into (or accede to) and perform its respective obligations under this Agreement in accordance with their respective terms have been obtained in writing (or will have been at the time such obligations are to be performed); |
(f) | the Parent has not received notice in writing of any claim in respect of the warranties given by the Parent to certain investors pursuant to the Series D Subscription Agreement; |
(g) | the Consideration Shares (i) will, when issued and allotted in accordance with this Agreement, be validly issued and allotted to the respective Seller in accordance with applicable law and be fully paid in compliance with all applicable laws, and (ii) are not subject to any Encumbrances (other than as set forth in the Series D Shareholders’ Agreement) or the shareholders’ agreement relating to the New Parent Holdco on substantially similar terms to the Series D Shareholders’ Agreement; |
(h) | upon an IPO the Consideration Shares will convert 1:1 into publicly listed common stock (in the same manner as all other shares of the Parent or the New Parent Holdco (as applicable); |
(i) | at Completion, the Parent holds 100% of the outstanding share capital in the Buyer and, except for the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, the Buyer has not conducted any business; and |
(j) | there are no: |
(i) | judgments, orders, injunctions or decrees of any governmental entity or court or arbitration tribunal outstanding against or affecting the Parent; |
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(ii) | law suits, actions or proceedings outstanding or have been threatened, or so far as the Parent is aware, pending against or affecting Buyer's Group; or |
(iii) | investigations by any governmental entity which are outstanding or have been threatened or, so far as the Parent is aware, are pending against Buyer's Group, |
in each case that will, or is reasonably likely to have, an adverse effect on the ability of the Parent to execute and deliver, or perform, its obligations under this Agreement.
14.10 | The Parent does not represent or warrant or make any representation or warranties other than the warranties set out in clause 14.9. Save for the warranties set out in clause 14.9, the Parent shall not be liable for any other, expressed or implied, representation and warranties and each of the Sellers confirms that it does not rely on any other representation and warranties other than the warranties set out in clause 14.9. |
15. | TAXATION |
15.1 | The provisions of parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 6 shall apply with effect from the date of this Agreement save that the provisions in part 3 of Schedule 6 shall apply with effect from Completion. |
15.2 | The Disclosure Letter shall not qualify the Tax Covenant or otherwise limit the liability of the Sellers in respect of any claim brought by the Parent under the Tax Covenant. |
16. | PROTECTION OF THE INTERESTS OF THE PARENT AND THE BUYER |
16.1 | Each of the Founders (other than Dr Werner Lanthaler, Dr Gustav Ammerer and W.LAN Holding GmbH) acknowledges that the Buyer is buying the Sale Shares in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and that the Buyer is therefore entitled to protect the goodwill of the Company. Accordingly, each of the Founders (other than Dr Werner Lanthaler, Dr Gustav Ammerer and W.LAN Holding GmbH) agrees with the Parent and the Buyer that he shall not, directly or indirectly, alone or jointly with any other person, and whether as a shareholder, partner, director, principal, consultant or agent or in any other capacity (save for the purposes only of any continuing employment or engagement of that Founder (other than Dr Werner Lanthaler, Dr Gustav Ammerer and W.LAN Holding GmbH) by the Company or any member of the Buyer’s Group): |
(a) | for a period of 24 months starting on the Completion Date, employ or engage the services of any Employee; or |
(b) | for a period of 24 months starting on the Completion Date induce, or endeavour to induce, any Employee to leave his position, whether or not that person would commit a breach of his contract by so leaving. |
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16.2 | Nothing in clause 16.1 shall prohibit the placing of a public advertisement for any post if the advertisement is not specifically targeted at any Employee, nor shall it prohibit the employment of any Employee who applies for a post so advertised. |
16.3 | No Seller shall, at any time after Completion, disclose or use any confidential information relating to the Company or the Company's customers or suppliers, save for the purposes only of any continuing employment or engagement of that Seller by the Company or any member of the Buyer’s Group, and each of the Sellers shall use all reasonable endeavours to prevent the publication or disclosure of any such confidential information. This clause shall not prohibit the use or disclosure of any such confidential information to the extent permitted by clause 22. |
16.4 | No Seller shall at any time after the Completion Date: |
(a) | use in any manner in the course of any business, or (so far as within his power) permit or encourage to be so used (other than by the Company) the name “Allcyte”, or any other trade name, business name, mark, sign or logo used by the Company (or any confusingly similar name, mark, sign or logo); or |
(b) | present himself or permit himself to be presented as in any way connected with the Company or interested in any of the Sale Shares, |
other than in relation to references to being a former shareholder of the Company or holder of the relevant Consideration Shares. Further, the Sellers shall be entitled to communicate the IRR and other relevant KPIs of their investment in the Company to its shareholders, (potential) investors and financing sources.
16.5 | Each of the Sellers shall ensure that none of his Associates takes or omits to take any action which, if taken or omitted by that Seller, would constitute a breach of clause 16.3 or 16.4 and each of the Founders (other than Dr Werner Lanthaler, Dr Gustav Ammerer and W.LAN Holding GmbH) shall ensure that none of his Associates takes or omits to take any action which, if taken or omitted by that Seller, would constitute a breach of clause 16.1. |
16.6 | Since the Sellers have confidential information relating to the Company and a detailed awareness of the Company’s client and supplier connections, and since the purchase price payable for the Sale Shares has been calculated on the basis that the Sellers would assume the obligations set out in this clause 16, the Parties acknowledge that each of those obligations is reasonable as to subject matter, area and duration and is necessary to protect the Buyer's legitimate interest in the goodwill of the Company. |
16.7 | Without prejudice to any other remedy which may be available to the Parent or the Buyer, the Parties agree that the Parent or the Buyer shall be entitled to seek injunctive or other equitable relief in relation to any breach of clauses 16.1, 16.3, 16.4 and 16.5, it being acknowledged that an award of damages might not be an adequate remedy if there is such a breach. |
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16.8 | Each of the Sellers and the Parent acknowledges that he/it has entered into this Agreement on an arm's length basis and that he/it has taken independent legal advice in so doing. |
17. | REINVESTMENT OF CASH CONSIDERATION |
The Parent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide each Seller with the opportunity to participate in the book building process with respect to the IPO and reinvest its respective portion of the Cash Consideration in the IPO.
18. | GUARANTEE |
The Parent guarantees by means of an independent guarantee within the meaning of Article 880a second part (zweiter Halbsatz) ABGB and without objections to each of the Sellers, the due and punctual performance of the Buyer's obligations under this Agreement and the documents and agreements referred to herein, and fully indemnifies each Seller and its Associates against any Losses that such Seller or any of its Associates incurs arising from or in connection with the Buyer's failure to fulfil any of its obligations under this Agreement or the documents and agreements referred to herein.
19. | PAYMENTS AND INTEREST |
19.1 | Payments to be made in cash to the Sellers (or any of them) under this Agreement shall be made in Euros by electronic transfer of immediately available funds to any single account of which the Sellers’ Representatives (acting jointly) give the Buyer at least three prior Business Days' written notice from time to time (the "Sellers' Account"). |
19.2 | Payments to be made in cash to the Buyer under this Agreement shall be made in Euros by electronic transfer of immediately available funds to the Buyer's Solicitors or to any other single account of which the Buyer gives the Sellers’ Representatives at least three prior Business Days' written notice from time to time. |
19.3 | Payment of any sum to the Buyer's Solicitors or otherwise in accordance with clause 19.1 or clause 19.2 will discharge the obligations of the paying party to pay the sum in question and the paying party shall not be concerned to see the application of the monies so paid. |
19.4 | All payments to be made under this Agreement shall be made free and clear of all deductions, withholdings, counterclaims or set-off of any kind except for those required by law. |
19.5 | If the Buyer, the Parent, the New Parent Holdco or the Company has from time to time any obligation to account for any Tax arising in respect of or connection with any other Party in relation to any payment to be made to such other Party pursuant this Agreement (including pursuant to any Consideration Shares), or in relation to any other matter pursuant to this Agreement involving such Party (including any issue of Consideration Shares to any Seller or any shares in the New Parent Holdco which are issued to any Seller in exchange for the transfer to the New Parent Holdco of any Consideration Shares), the Buyer, the Parent, the New Parent Holdco or the Company shall be entitled, if and to the extent that the Buyer, the Parent, the New Parent Holdco or the Company has not otherwise recovered, or been made whole in respect of, such amount pursuant to this Agreement, to deduct or withhold an amount equal to such Tax from any payment to the receiving Party, provided that any such amount so deducted or withheld shall be treated as being received by the relevant receiving Party. |
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19.6 | If: |
(a) | any deduction or withholding is required by law to be made from any sum payable by the Sellers (or any of them) to the Parent, the Buyer or to the New Parent Holdco under this Agreement, the Sellers (or the relevant Seller as the case may be) shall be obliged to pay such increased sum as will, after the deduction or withholding has been made, leave the Parent, the Buyer or the New Parent Holdco with the same amount as it would have been entitled to receive in the absence of such requirement to make a deduction or withholding; and |
(b) | any sum paid or payable to the Parent, to the Buyer or to the New Parent Holdco under this Agreement ("original sum") is or will be chargeable to Tax, the Sellers (or the relevant Seller as the case may be) shall be obliged to pay on demand such additional sum to the Parent, the Buyer or to the New Parent Holdco as will ensure that, after payment of the Tax, the Parent, the Buyer or the New Parent Holdco is left with an amount equal to the original sum, and for these purposes a sum shall be regarded as chargeable to Tax in circumstances where it would have been chargeable to Tax but for some Relief available to the Parent, the Buyer or the New Parent Holdco, |
save that if any Seller makes an increased payment pursuant to clause 19.6(a) in respect of which the Parent, the Buyer or the New Parent Holdco receives or is granted any credit against, relief for, or repayment of, any Tax payable by the Parent, the Buyer or the New Parent Holdco, which credit, relief, or repayment the Parent, the Buyer or the New Parent Holdco would not otherwise have received or been granted, the Parent shall reimburse such Seller such amount as shall leave the Parent, the Buyer or the New Parent Holdco in no worse position than it would have been in had there been no such deduction or withholding.
20. | FURTHER ASSURANCE |
20.1 | The Sellers shall at their own cost execute all such documents and do or cause to be done all such other things as the Parent or the Buyer may from time to time reasonably require in order to vest in the Buyer legal title to and the full benefit of the Sale Shares and otherwise to give full effect to this Agreement. |
20.2 | The Parent shall at its own cost execute all such documents and do or cause to be done all such other things as each Seller may from time to time reasonably require in order to vest in the relevant Seller legal title to and the full benefit of the relevant Consideration Shares and otherwise to give full effect to this Agreement. |
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21. | ASSIGNMENT AND NOVATION |
21.1 | This Agreement shall be binding on and enure for the benefit of the successors and permitted assignees of the Parties. |
21.2 | Except as provided in clause 21.3, no party may assign or otherwise dispose of any rights under this Agreement, at law or in equity, including by way of declaration of trust. Any purported assignment in breach of this clause shall be void and confer no rights on the purported assignee. |
21.3 | The Parent and the Buyer may assign all or any of its rights under this Agreement to its bankers by way of security and to any member of the Buyer's Group, provided that (i) the Parent or Buyer (as applicable) shall remain jointly and severally (solidarisch) liable for its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) any such member of the Buyer's Group shall cease to be entitled to exercise those rights, and shall reassign those rights to the Parent or Buyer (as applicable), on ceasing to be a member of the Buyer's Group. If there is any such assignment, references to the Parent or the Buyer (other than in this clause) shall be construed as references to the holder, at any relevant time, of the Parent’s or the Buyer's rights under this Agreement. |
22. | ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CONFIDENTIALITY |
22.1 | No Party may make or permit any other person to make any press release or other public announcement about this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by it. |
22.2 | Clause 22.1 shall not apply to: |
(a) | the press release that may be issued by the Parties; or |
(b) | any other public announcement of the sale and acquisition of the Sale Shares made by a Party or any of such Party's Associates, including any announcement to the customers or suppliers of (a) the Company or (b) any other member of the Buyer’s Group, which contains no material information relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by it that is not in that press release; or |
(c) | any announcement required to be made by applicable law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange. |
22.3 | Subject to clauses 22.4 and 22.6, each Party shall treat the following information as confidential and shall not disclose or use it: |
(a) | details of the provisions of this Agreement and any agreement, document or arrangement entered into in connection with this Agreement; |
(b) | information relating to the negotiations leading to the execution of this Agreement and any agreement, document or arrangement entered into in connection with this Agreement; and |
(c) | (to the extent obtained as a result of or in connection with entering into, or fulfilling obligations under, this Agreement) non-public information relating to the Parent or the Buyer or any member of the Buyer's Group or to any of the Sellers or any Associate of any of the Sellers. |
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22.4 | Any Party may disclose or use information otherwise required by clause 16.3 or clause 22.3 to be treated as confidential: |
(a) | if and to the extent included in the press release referred to in clause 22.2(a); |
(b) | if disclosed to or used by (i) that Party's insurers, professional advisers, auditors, bankers, shareholders, partners, managers or investors (at any relevant time); any Associate of such Party; or the insurers, professional advisers, auditors, bankers, shareholders, partners, managers or investors (at any relevant time) of any Party's Associates; |
(c) | if and to the extent required for the purpose of any legal (including arbitration and regulatory) proceedings arising out of this Agreement or any other agreement, document or arrangement entered into in connection with this Agreement; |
(d) | if disclosure is made to a Tax Authority, in connection with the tax affairs or reporting obligations of the disclosing party; |
(e) | if and to the extent the information is or comes into the public domain through no fault of that Party; or |
(f) | if disclosed to or used by any permitted assignee, or any prospective buyer of any of the Sale Shares or any material assets of the Company, or any prospective investor in the Buyer's Group after Completion. |
22.5 | Each Party shall ensure that any person to whom confidential information is disclosed pursuant to clause 22.4(b) or 22.4(f) is made aware of the obligations of confidentiality contained in this clause and complies with clause 16.3 and clause 22.3 as if binding on it directly. |
22.6 | Any party may disclose or use information otherwise required by clause 16.3 or clause 22.3 to be treated as confidential, or may make, or permit any person to make, any press release or other public announcement: |
(a) | if and to the extent required by applicable law, regulation or the rules of any stock exchange in any relevant jurisdiction; and |
(b) | if and to the extent required or requested by any court, competent regulatory or governmental body (other than a Tax Authority) or securities exchange in any relevant jurisdiction, whether or not the requirement or request has the force of law; |
and, provided that any party using such information or making or permitting such disclosure, press release or announcement shall take all such steps as are reasonably practicable in the circumstances and permitted by law, to notify the other Parties before the relevant disclosure, release or announcement is made.
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23. | COSTS |
Each party shall bear his/its own costs and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the documents referred to in it. All fees and charges resulting from the execution of this Agreement and the Acquisition Instrument, including, but not limited to, notarial fees, registration fees and stamp duties, and any filing fees relating to the Austrian Regulatory Condition shall be borne by the Buyer. The costs of the Retention Agent as well as the notarial fees relating to the implementation of the Merger shall be split 50/50 between the Buyer on the one hand and the Sellers on the other hand; the Sellers shall share their part of the costs in proportion to the Liability Percentages. For the avoidance of doubt, this clause 23 is without prejudice to the provisions of Schedule 6.
24. | THE SELLERS' REPRESENTATIVE |
24.1 | Any notice to be given under this Agreement to or by any of the following Sellers may be given to or by the Founders' Representative in accordance with clause 25: (i) Dr Giulio Superti-Furga, (ii) Dr Gregory Vladimer, (iii) Dr Berend Snijder, (iv) Dr Nikolaus Krall, (v) Dr Gustav Ammerer, (vi) Dr Werner Lanthaler, (vii) W.LAN Holding GmbH and (viii) Krall Privatstiftung (such persons together the "Founders"). |
24.2 | Any notice to be given under this Agreement to or by any of the following Sellers may be given to or by the Investors' Representative in accordance with clause 25: (i) PUSH Ventures GmbH & Co KG, (ii) 42CAP III GmbH & Co. KG, (iii) Air Street Capital I LP, (iv) Dr Valentin Piëch and (v) Amino Collective I GmbH & Co. KG (such persons together the "Investors"). |
24.3 | The Founders may notify the Parent that they have chosen a different Founder to be the Founders' Representative to replace the Founder then acting as such. Further, the Investors may notify the Parent that they have chosen a different Investor (or any representative of such Investor) to be the Investors' Representative to replace the person then acting as such. Any such notice shall, notwithstanding clause 24.1, be valid only if signed by (or on behalf of) each Founder (in case of a replacement of the Founders' Representative) or, as the case may be, each Investor (in case of a replacement of the Investors' Representative) and otherwise shall be given in accordance with clause 25. The change in identity of any of the Sellers' Representatives shall take effect five Business Days after notice of the change is received by the Parent or (if later) on the date (if any) specified in the notice. Until any such notice is received by the Parent, the Parent shall continue to be entitled to give notices to, and to rely on notices given (and other actions taken) by, the last Founders' Representative or Investors' Representative, as the case may be, of whom it had actual knowledge. |
24.4 | The Sellers agree that the Parent and the Buyer shall be entitled to (a) rely on notices given to and by (i) the Founders' Representatives under this Agreement as if given to and by each of the Founders (or the relevant Founder, as appropriate) or (ii) the Investors' Representative under this Agreement as if given to and by each of the Investors (or the relevant Investor, as appropriate and (b) to rely on the exercise by the Sellers' Representatives of any of the other rights and powers conferred on them by this Agreement irrespective of whether the exercise of any of those rights or powers in a particular way, or at all, is consented to or not by any Seller. The appointment of the Founders' Representative shall be conclusively binding on each Founder in favour of the Parent and the Buyer and the appointment of the Investors' Representative shall be conclusively binding on each Investor in favour of the Parent and the Buyer. |
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25. | NOTICES |
25.1 | Any notice, consent or other communication given under this Agreement shall be in writing and in English and signed by or on behalf of the Party giving it, and shall be delivered by hand or sent by prepaid recorded or special delivery post (or prepaid international recorded airmail if sent internationally) in accordance with the details set out below (and, for the avoidance of doubt, may not be given by email except (i) as expressly set out in this Agreement or (ii) by attaching a scan copy of a document signed by or on behalf of the Party and delivered by e-mail): |
to the Parent or the Buyer:
For the attention of: Ben Taylor
at
Exscientia Limited, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, United Kingdom
btaylor@exscientia.ai
with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to each of:
(a) | Michal Berkner at mberkner@cooley.com; and |
(b) | the legal department at legal@exscientia.com. |
to the Founders (or any of them) and the Founders' Representative:
For the attention of: Dr Nikolaus Krall
at
Probusgasse 15/3, 1190 Wien, Austria
nikolaus.krall@allcyte.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
BRANDL TALOS Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Mariahilfer Straße 116, 1070 Vienna, Austria
Attn: Roman Rericha
rericha@brandltalos.com; and
to the Investors (or any of them) and the Investors' Representative:
For the attention of: Nathan Benaich
at
40-44 Newman Street, London W1T 1QD, United Kingdom
nathan@airstreet.com
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25.2 | The Parties may from time to time notify each other of any other person or address for the receipt of notices or copy notices. Any such change shall take effect five Business Days after notice of the change is received or (if later) on the date (if any) specified in the notice as the date on which the change is to take place. |
25.3 | Any notice, consent or other communication given in accordance with clause 25.1 and received after 5.30 p.m. on a Business Day, or on any day which is not a Business Day, shall for the purposes of this Agreement be regarded as received on the next Business Day. |
26. | THIRD PARTY RIGHTS |
26.1 | The Company and the directors, employees, officers and agents of the Company may rely upon and enforce the terms of clause 14.7. |
26.2 | Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Sellers Representatives (on behalf of the Sellers) and the Parent may by agreement in writing (unless a specific form such as a notarial deed is required under applicable law, in which case any amendment or variation hereto needs to be made in such form) amend or vary any of the provisions of this Agreement without the consent of any third party. |
26.3 | Unless expressly stated otherwise in this Agreement, no third party may enforce any term of this Agreement. |
26.4 | Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, a person who is not a party to this Agreement shall have no right to rely upon or enforce any term of this Agreement. |
27. | WAIVER |
No delay, failure or omission (in whole or part) in enforcing, exercising or pursuing any right, power, privilege, claim or remedy conferred by or arising under this Agreement or by law shall be deemed to be, or be construed as, a waiver of that or any other right, power, privilege, claim or remedy, or operate so as to bar the enforcement, exercise or pursuance of that or any other right, power, privilege, claim or remedy, in any other instance at any other time.
28. | SEVERANCE |
If any provision of this Agreement is found by any court or administrative or regulatory body of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the other provisions of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect. In lieu of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision, this Agreement shall be applied in a reasonable manner, which, so far as legally permissible, comes as close as possible to the application of what the Parties intended, according to the spirit and purpose of this Agreement. It is the express intent of the Parties that the validity, legality and enforceability of all other provisions of this Agreement shall be maintained.
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29. | CUMULATIVE RIGHTS |
The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement) are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
30. | LIABILITY |
30.1 | Notwithstanding the fact that the General Warranties and the Tax Warranties are only provided by the Key Persons, each Seller shall, subject to the provisions and limitations set out in this Agreement (including clause 14, Schedule 6 and Schedule 8), be severally and not jointly (einzelschuldnerisch) liable in proportion to their Liability Percentage for any Losses incurred by the Parent or the Buyer resulting from a Warranty Claim or Tax Warranty Claim, save for: |
(a) | a claim for a breach of the Title and Capacity Warranties against a Seller in respect of which such Seller shall be severally and not jointly (einzelschuldnerisch) liable in full; and |
(b) | any Tax Claim relating to income tax or employee (but not, for the avoidance of doubt, employer) social security contributions arising in connection with a Seller, in respect of which such Seller shall be severally liable in full. |
30.2 | The fact that the General Warranties and the Tax Warranties are only provided by the Key Persons shall neither increase the relevant Key Person's individual liability for any Losses (which shall not in no event exceed the relevant Liability Percentage) nor release any of the other Sellers from their liability in relation to their Liability Percentage in case of a breach of a General Warranty or Tax Warranty by Key Persons in accordance with the terms and limitations set forth in this Agreement, including clause 14, Schedule 6 and Schedule 8. |
31. | NO MERGER |
The provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding Completion.
32. | ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND FRAUD |
32.1 | This Agreement and the documents referred to in it together constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and those documents, and supersede any previous agreement between any of the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and those documents, which shall cease to have any further effect. |
32.2 | Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or exclude the liability of any party for the fraud of that party or any of its directors, employees, officers, agents or advisers. |
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33. | APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION |
33.1 | The validity, construction and performance of this Agreement and any claim, dispute or matter (whether contractual or non-contractual) arising under or in connection with this Agreement or its enforceability shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Austria, without reference to or application of any conflict of law rules and excluding the UN sales law (UN-Kaufrecht). |
33.2 | Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent court for commercial matters in the first district of Vienna, Austria, over any claim, dispute or matter arising under or in connection with this Agreement or its enforceability or the legal relationships established by this Agreement (including non-contractual disputes or claims) and waives any objection to proceedings being brought in such courts on the grounds of venue or on the grounds that proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each party further irrevocably agrees that a judgment in any proceedings brought in the competent court for commercial matters in the first district of Vienna, Austria, shall be conclusive and binding upon each party and may be enforced in the courts of any other jurisdiction. |
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36
Schedule 1
Sellers' Shareholdings and Entitlements
(A) | (B1) | (B2) | (B3) | (C) | (D) | (E) | (F) | (G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and address
of Seller |
Outstanding
Shares |
Sale
Shares |
Merger
Shares |
Cash
Consideration Percentage (%) |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be issued as consideration for Sale Shares |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be allotted as consideration for the Merger |
Liability
Cap (€) |
Liability
Percentage (%) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr Giulio Superti-Furga Lerchenfelder Straße 15/13, 1070 Vienna, Austria |
4,136 | 2,659.45 | 1,476.55 | 6.40 | % | 0 | 386 | € | 2,922,896 | 6.20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dr Gregory Vladimer Alser Straße 37/19, 1080 Vienna, Austria |
10,072 | 3,947.00 | 6,125.00 | 12.10 | % | 0 | 1,604 | € | 7,123,380 | 15.11 | % |
37
(A) | (B1) | (B2) | (B3) | (C) | (D) | (E) | (F) | (G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and address
of Seller |
Outstanding
Shares |
Sale
Shares |
Merger
Shares |
Cash
Consideration Percentage (%) |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be issued as consideration for Sale Shares |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be allotted as consideration for the Merger |
Liability
Cap (€) |
Liability
Percentage (%) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr Berend Snijder Leonhardsstrasse 55, 4051 Basel, Switzerland |
8,750 | 5,626.25 | 3,123.75 | 15.86 | % | 0 | 818 | € | 6,189,939 | 13.13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dr Nikolaus Krall Waldweg 2, 3644 Emmersdorf an der Donau, Austria |
6,125 | 0 | 6,125 | 0 | % | 0 | 1,604 | € | 4,332,486 | 9.19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dr Gustav Ammerer Seidengasse 31/19, 1070 Vienna, Austria |
10,356 | 8,357.29 | 1,998.71 | 25.59 | % | 0 | 523 | € | 7,326,097 | 15.54 | % |
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(A) | (B1) | (B2) | (B3) | (C) | (D) | (E) | (F) | (G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and address
of Seller |
Outstanding
Shares |
Sale
Shares |
Merger
Shares |
Cash
Consideration Percentage (%) |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be issued as consideration for Sale Shares |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be allotted as consideration for the Merger |
Liability
Cap (€) |
Liability
Percentage (%) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr Werner Lanthaler Neudeggergasse 5/15, 1080 Vienna, Austria |
2,333 | 1,299.48 | 1,033.52 | 3.72 | % | 0 | 270 | € | 1,650,022 | 3.50 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
W.LAN Holding GmbH Neudeggergasse 5/15, 1080 Vienna, Austria |
2,119 | 1,180.28 | 938.72 | 3.87 | % | 0 | 245 | € | 1,499,163 | 3.18 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
PUSH Ventures GmbH & Co KG Dragaweg 1, 7111 Parndorf, Austria |
3,532 | 1,260.92 | 2,271.08 | 4.04 | % | 0 | 594 | € | 2,498,604 | 5.3 | % |
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(A) | (B1) | (B2) | (B3) | (C) | (D) | (E) | (F) | (G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and address
of Seller |
Outstanding
Shares |
Sale
Shares |
Merger
Shares |
Cash
Consideration Percentage (%) |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be issued as consideration for Sale Shares |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be allotted as consideration for the Merger |
Liability
Cap (€) |
Liability
Percentage (%) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
42CAP III GmbH & Co. KG Seitzstraße 23, 80538 Munich, Germany |
9,182 | 9,182 | 0 | 10.48 | % | 1,546 | 0 | € | 6,496,371 | 13.78 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Air Street Capital I LP 40-44 Newman Street, London, W1T 1QD, United Kingdom |
4,238 | 4,238 | 0 | 4.85 | % | 713 | 0 | € | 2,998,325 | 6.36 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Valentin Piëch Im Bleuler 4 8700 Küsnacht/ZH Switzerland |
2,119 | 2,119 | 0 | 3.87 | % | 245 | 0 | € | 1,499,163 | 3.18 | % |
40
(A) | (B1) | (B2) | (B3) | (C) | (D) | (E) | (F) | (G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and address
of Seller |
Outstanding
Shares |
Sale
Shares |
Merger
Shares |
Cash
Consideration Percentage (%) |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be issued as consideration for Sale Shares |
Number of
Consideration Shares to be allotted as consideration for the Merger |
Liability
Cap (€) |
Liability
Percentage (%) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amino Collective I GmbH & Co. KG Rosenthaler Straße 72a, 10119 Berlin, Germany |
1,059 | 1,059 | 0 | 1.21 | % | 178 | 0 | € | 749,581 | 1.59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Krall Privatstiftung Schenkenstraße 4/6. Stock, 1010 Vienna, Austria |
2,625 | 2,625 | 0 | 8.01 | % | 0 | 0 | € | 1,857,453 | 3.94 | % |
41
Schedule 2
Details of the Company
Date and place of incorporation: 26 January 2017, Vienna
Registered number: FN 465200 v
Registered office: Vienna
Issued share capital: EUR 66,646.00
Directors: Dr Nikolaus Krall
Accounting reference date: 31 December
42
Schedule 3
covenants between signing and MERGER Completion
1. | Depart from the ordinary course of its day-to-day business. |
2. | Allot, issue, redeem or purchase any shares or other securities of the Company or grant any option to subscribe for the same. |
3. | Purchase or otherwise acquire any shares or securities (or any option to acquire any shares or securities) in any other company, or purchase or otherwise acquire any ownership interest (or any option to acquire any ownership interest) in any other undertaking. |
4. | Grant, issue or redeem any mortgage, charge, debenture or other security outside the ordinary course of business. |
5. | Give any Assurance or enter into any security agreement or similar agreement in respect of any obligation of any person (other than in the ordinary course of business). |
6. | Pay any management charge, service charge, royalty or other similar fee (directly or indirectly) to any Seller or any Associate of any Seller, other than in accordance with any employment, services or consultancy agreements which have been Disclosed in the Data Room in the ordinary course of business in a manner substantially consistent with past practice. |
7. | Transfer or surrender any asset (or interest in any asset) to any Seller or any Associate of any Seller, other than in accordance with any employment, services or consultancy agreements which have been Disclosed in the Data Room in the ordinary course of business in a manner substantially consistent with past practice. |
8. | Assume any obligations, actual or contingent, including by the giving of an indemnity or guarantee, or incur any liability, in either case for the benefit of any Seller or any Associate of any Seller. |
9. | Waive any liability or obligation owed to the Company by any Seller or any Associate of any Seller. |
10. | Pay any costs or expenses relating to the sale of the Sale Shares or relating to any of the other transactions contemplated by any of the documents referred to in this Agreement as being in the agreed form and or pay any transaction or sale bonus or make any other payment as a result of the completion of the sale of the Sale Shares or any of the other transactions contemplated by any of the documents referred to in this Agreement as being in the agreed form. |
11. | Appoint, employ or engage any person as a director, employee or consultant at a basic salary or fee exceeding €100,000 per annum or terminate or give notice to terminate (in each case other than for breach) the appointment, employment or engagement of any such director, employee or consultant. |
43
12. | Save as set out in the Disclosure Letter, make or pay any discretionary bonus, commission or profit-related or other incentive payment to any directors, employees or consultants, or, except for promotions in the ordinary course of business, increase by more than 10 per cent the annual remuneration or pension entitlement of any director, employee or consultant or make any other material change in the terms and conditions of appointment, employment or engagement of any director, employee or consultant. |
13. | Make any change to any Tax accounting principles, methods or practices other than to comply with accounting principles that come into effect after the date of this Agreement or with a change in law; change an accounting period; waive or extend any statute of limitation in respect of any Tax or period within which an assessment or reassessment of Tax may be issued; settle or compromise any Tax proceedings, Tax claim or liability or enter into any arrangement with a Tax Authority in respect of Tax; surrender any right to claim a refund of Taxes; assume (or enter into an arrangement to assume) any Tax liabilities of any other person (whether by contract or otherwise); or file (or amend) any Tax return, or make, change, amend or rescind any Tax election or claim, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business of the Company. |
14. | Fail to pay any insurance premium when due for payment or fail to renew any of its insurance policies or reduce the amount or scope of cover of any such policies. |
15. | Enter into any agreement, or incur any commitment, which is not capable in accordance with its terms of being performed in full within 12 months of the date on which it is entered into or incurred, or which is not in the ordinary course of business, or which is not on arm's length terms, or which involves or may involve expenditure of more than €250,000 per annum, or capital expenditure in excess of €500,000 in aggregate. |
16. | Terminate, give notice to terminate or adversely vary the terms of, any material agreement or commitment to which it is a party at the date of this Agreement. |
17. | Enter into any agreement, commitment or transaction with any Seller or any Associate of any Seller. |
18. | Incur or assume any borrowings other than in the ordinary course of business. |
19. | Make any loan or advance to any person, including any loan to a director. |
20. | Commence or settle any claims (including insurance claims) or any legal (including arbitration or regulatory) proceedings. |
21. | Agree, conditionally or otherwise, to do any of the above activities. |
44
Schedule 4
Completion Obligations
1. | The Sellers shall deliver or make available to the Parent and the Buyer: |
1.1 | the Disclosure Letter duly executed by the Key Persons; |
1.2 | the Service Agreements duly executed by each of the Key Persons respectively; |
1.3 | (unless Completion occurs following an IPO) a Deed of Adherence duly executed by each Seller; |
1.4 | statements for each bank account of the Company at the close of business on the last Business Day preceding Completion; and |
1.5 | Clawback Powers of Attorney executed by each Key Person. |
2. | Subject to and immediately after the Sellers having complied with paragraph 1, the Parent shall procure that the Buyer delivers or makes available to the Sellers: |
2.1 | a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the directors of the Parent and the Buyer, in the form to be agreed in good faith between the Parent the Sellers as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, resolving that the Parent and the Buyer should complete this Agreement, and execute or sign each other document to be executed or signed by or on behalf of it at Completion, and authorising the execution or signing of those documents by each person signing on behalf of the Parent and the Buyer; and |
2.2 | the Service Agreements duly executed by the Buyer; and |
2.3 | a copy of the shareholders’ agreement in respect of the Parent or, to the extent that Completion occurs after the completion of the Parent Reorganisation and prior to the IPO, of the New Parent Holdco; and |
2.4 | the Disclosure Letter duly acknowledged by the Parent; and |
2.5 | a copy of any shareholder or other corporate or investor authorities required by the Parent (or the New Parent Holdco, as applicable) to comply with its obligations under this Agreement including, without limitation, the issue of Consideration Shares; and |
2.6 | a side letter in the agreed form relating to the equity incentives to be granted by the Parent, or as the case may be, Parent New Holdco to the Key Persons. |
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Schedule 5
Warranties
Part 1 – Title and Capacity
1. | SALE SHARES AND OTHER SECURITIES |
1.1 | The Company is a company with limited liability (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) duly organized and existing under Austrian law. |
1.2 | The issued share capital set out in Schedule 2 constitutes the entire issued share capital of the Company and is fully paid up. |
1.3 | No third person (other than a Seller) has a right or has claimed to have a right (whether exercisable now or at a future date and whether contingent or not) to subscribe for, convert any security into or otherwise acquire, any Outstanding Shares, debentures or other securities of the Company, including pursuant to an option or warrant. |
1.4 | No contributions are payable by or have been called from shareholders in the Company. |
1.5 | No contributions have been repaid or otherwise refunded to a Seller and no other transaction has been carried out which qualifies as a forbidden repayment of contributions under Art 82 GmbHG (Austrian Law on Limited Liability Companies). |
2. | TITLE |
2.1 | Each Seller is the legal and beneficial owner of its relevant Outstanding Share (including its Relevant Sale Share), which is fully paid, free from Encumbrances (other than under the shareholders' agreement entered into between the Sellers and the Company in relation to the Company dated 30 October 2020; the "Existing ShA"), and is, subject to the Company's articles of association and the terms of the Existing ShA, entitled to enjoy and exercise the rights of shareholders in relation to the Company. |
2.2 | No Seller has been a party to any other transaction pursuant to, or as a result of, which its respective Outstanding Share (or any part thereof) is, or may become, liable to be transferred or re-transferred to another person. |
3. | CAPACITY |
3.1 | Each Seller has all necessary power and authority to enter into and the capacity to act and perform its obligations under this Agreement and all agreements and documents to be executed or signed by such Seller or on its behalf pursuant to this Agreement. |
3.2 | This Agreement, and all agreements and documents to be executed or signed by or on behalf of each Seller pursuant to this Agreement, constitute, or will when executed or signed constitute, binding and enforceable obligations on such Seller in accordance with their respective terms. |
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3.3 | The execution and performance by each Seller of this Agreement and each of the other documents to be executed or signed by or on behalf of such Seller pursuant to this Agreement, and compliance with their respective terms shall not breach or constitute a default: |
(a) | under any agreement or instrument to which any Seller is a party or by which any Seller is bound; or |
(b) | of any order, judgment, decree or other restriction applicable to any Seller; and |
(c) | will not require the consent of any third party (save for the Austrian Regulatory Condition). |
3.4 | None of the Sellers: |
(a) | has had a bankruptcy petition presented against them or been declared bankrupt; |
(b) | is unable to pay its debts; |
(c) | has entered into, or has proposed to enter into, any composition or arrangement with, or for, their creditors (including an individual voluntary arrangement); or |
(d) | has been subject of any other event analogous to the foregoing in any jurisdiction. |
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Part 2– Intellectual Property
1. | DEFINITIONS |
1.1. | “Company Intellectual Property Registrations” means all Intellectual Property that is owned by, purported to be owned by, filed by, or under obligation of ownership or assignment to, Company, and is the subject of a registration (or current outstanding application for registration) by the Company with any governmental authority or domain name registry. |
1.2. | “Company Intellectual Property” means: (a) all Owned Intellectual Property; and (b) all Intellectual Property owned by a third party and used or held for use by the Company. |
1.3. | “Company Websites” means any and all websites and webpages owned, controlled or operated by, or operated for the benefit of, the Company. |
1.4. | “Confidential Information” means any and all trade secrets, confidential information (including business, financial and technical information), know-how and proprietary information and materials, in any format or medium, (i) relating to the Company or the Business and/or (ii) received by the Company from any other person (including any existing, previous and/or potential suppliers and/or customers) under an obligation or duty of confidentiality. |
1.5. | “Contract” means any contract, agreement, instrument, commitment, understanding, arrangement, permit, or undertaking of any nature, whether oral or written (including any concession, franchise, license, lease, mortgage, indenture or other business arrangement). |
1.6. | “Inbound IP Contracts” means all licences, agreements, authorisations and permissions (in whatever form and whether express or implied) under which Company uses or exploits any Intellectual Property owned by any third party (including the Standard Inbound IP Contracts). |
1.7. | “Intellectual Property” means any and all intellectual property rights (whether or not any of these rights are registered, and including applications, renewals and extensions and the right to apply for registration of any such rights), including Patents, Trade Marks, domain names, database rights and rights in data, designs and rights in designs, copyrights, all Software, all inventions (whether patentable or not and whether or not reduced to practice), invention disclosures, all so-called “moral rights” in or to any of the foregoing, and all rights and forms of protection of a similar nature or having equivalent or similar effect. Without limiting the foregoing, this includes claims and causes of action arising out of or related to infringement, misuse, misappropriation or violation of any of the foregoing. |
1.8. | “IT Assets” has the meaning given in paragraph 14.1. |
1.9. | “Open Source Materials” means any Software code or component that contains or is derived (in whole or in part) from any Software that is distributed as free software, shareware, open source software or distributed under a similar licensing or distribution model, including any Software that is licensed under any licence described by the Open Source Initiative as set forth at https://opensource.org/licenses. |
1.10. | “Order” means any order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling, writ, assessment or other similar requirement enacted, adopted, promulgated or applied by any governmental authority. |
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1.11. | “Outbound IP Contracts” has the meaning given in paragraph 2.15. |
1.12. | “Patents” means any patents, utility models and applications relating thereto (and any patents or utility models that issue as a result of such applications) all related reissues, re-examinations, divisions, renewals, extensions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part related to such patents, utility models and applications. |
1.13. | “Proprietary Software” means any Software forming part of the Owned Intellectual Property. |
1.14. | “Security Breach” means any security breach, compromise or other event or circumstance, which leads, or is likely to lead, to the unintended, accidental, unauthorised or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, disclosure of, or access to the IT Assets or any portion of any of the foregoing, including (in each case) any and all data (including Personal Data), content, media, information or Software stored therein or controlled or accessed thereby. |
1.15. | “Social Media” means any websites, Software applications, services and databases that use the Internet to enable users to create, share or exchange content or information, to participate in social or business networking or to store customer contact information or data; |
1.16. | “Social Media Accounts” means any accounts, pages, handles, feeds and tags in relation to Social Media which have been or are created, used or registered by or on behalf of or in relation to Company; |
1.17. | “Software” means computer programs and systems, whether embodied in software, firmware or otherwise, (whether in, e.g., source code, object code, executable code or human readable form). |
1.18. | “Standard Inbound IP Contracts” means (a) written non-disclosure agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, and in a fashion that is consistent with industry practice, under which Company receives Confidential Information; (b) “shrink wrap”, “click wrap”, and similar non-exclusive licence agreements for: (i) off-the-shelf or commercially available unmodified Software; or (ii) non-bespoke, commercially available, ‘software as a-service’ or cloud services, in each case (i) and (ii) that is not redistributed with, bundled with or integrated into any Company Products; and (c) any open source software licences that are permissive licences, non-copyleft licences (as defined by the Open Source Initiative at https://opensource.org/faq). |
1.19. | “Standard Form Customer Contracts” means Company’s standard form contract(s) for the supply by Company of Company Products to its customers in the form set out in the Data Room. |
1.20. | “Standard Outbound IP Contracts” means (a) non-disclosure agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, under which Company discloses Confidential Information; and (b) the Standard Form Customer Contracts. |
1.21. | “Trade Marks” means all trade marks, service marks, trade dress, business and trading names, styles, logos and get-ups, (whether or not any of these rights are registered, and including applications and the right to apply for registration of any such rights) in any part of the world. |
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2. | INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND SOFTWARE |
Ownership and sufficiency
2.1. | Except for Intellectual Property licensed to Company pursuant to an Inbound IP Contract, Company exclusively owns all right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property used or held for use in or necessary to conduct the Business free and clear of all Encumbrances (the “Owned Intellectual Property”). |
Intellectual Property particulars
2.2. | The Data Room contains complete and accurate particulars of all: |
(a) | Company Intellectual Property Registrations; |
(b) | all Owned Intellectual Property as of the date of this Agreement that is not the subject of a Company Intellectual Property Registration and is material to the conduct of the Business; and |
(c) | all Intellectual Property that is, at the date of this Agreement, licensed to Company pursuant to an Inbound IP Contract that is not a Standard Inbound IP Contract. |
Validity
2.3. | Each of the Company Intellectual Property Registrations is valid, enforceable and subsisting. |
2.4. | There has been no conduct by the Company and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no information or facts that, would, render any of the Company Intellectual Property Registrations (or the subject matter thereof) invalid or unenforceable. |
2.5. | As at the date of this Agreement, the Company has taken all necessary actions, and there are no further actions that must be taken within thirty (3) days after the date of this Agreement, for the purposes of obtaining, maintaining, perfecting, preserving or renewing any Company Intellectual Property Registrations, including the payment of any registration, maintenance or renewal fees or the filing of any documents. |
Exploitability
2.6. | All Owned Intellectual Property is transferable, alienable, licensable and otherwise exploitable by Company without payment or other obligation of any kind to any Person other than as prescribed by applicable law. |
2.7. | No Owned Intellectual Property is, at the date of this Agreement, the subject of any proceedings with any competent court or authority, Order, Encumbrance or Contract which materially restricts Company’s exploitation, transfer or licensing thereof, or which is otherwise inconsistent with the operation of the Business. |
2.8. | So far as the Key Persons are aware, no Company Intellectual Property (which is not Owned Intellectual Property) is, at the date of this Agreement, the subject of any Order or Encumbrance which materially restricts Company’s exploitation, transfer or licensing thereof, or which is otherwise inconsistent with the operation of the Business. |
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Company Intellectual Property and Company Products
2.9. | Immediately after Completion, Company will have valid title to all Owned Intellectual Property, and will have the right to use, license, transfer and otherwise exploit all other Company Intellectual Property in the same manner as, and on the same terms and conditions that Company had, immediately prior to Completion. |
2.10. | The Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete and accurate list of all products that are, at the date of this Agreement, under commercial release, or planned for commercial release in the next twelve (12) months following the date of this Agreement, by Company (the “Company Products”). |
Perfection of Ownership Rights
2.11. | Company has required each of its current and former employees, contractors, consultants and each other Person, who has contributed to the conception, creation, development or reduction to practice of any Intellectual Property on behalf of Company to enter into a valid and enforceable agreement that includes: |
(a) | confidentiality obligations in favour of Company; |
(b) | an effective and valid assignment to Company of all right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property conceived, created, developed or reduced to practice by such Person in the scope of such Person’s employment by or engagement with Company; |
(c) | a waiver, or an obligation that such Person procure a waiver, of any and all moral rights (to the fullest extent possible under applicable law) any Person may possess in such Intellectual Property, |
(such agreements, collectively, the “IP Assignment Agreements”).
2.12. | True, correct and complete copies of all IP Assignment Agreements have been included in the Data Room. |
2.13. | Company has not entered into any agreement or other arrangement which would have the effect of invalidating all or any part of any IP Assignment Agreement. |
2.14. | So far as the Key Persons are aware, no counterparty to any IP Assignment Agreement is in breach of any provision thereof related to Intellectual Property or confidentiality. |
Outbound IP Contracts
2.15. | The Data Room contains complete copies of all Contracts under which Company has, as of the date of this Agreement, licensed or otherwise granted rights (including any covenant not to sue or similar) in, to, or in respect of, any Company Intellectual Property to any Person (“Outbound IP Contracts”) (provided that Standard Outbound IP Contracts shall be excluded from such Disclosure requirement). |
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2.16. | Company has not: |
(a) | as of the date of this Agreement, transferred ownership of, or granted or agreed to grant any licence of or right to use or otherwise made available (except on a non-exclusive basis in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to an Outbound IP Contract), granted any covenant not to sue (or similar), or authorised the retention of any rights to use or joint ownership of, any Intellectual Property that is or was Company Intellectual Property, to any third party; or |
(b) | permitted its rights in or to any Company Intellectual Property Registrations to lapse. |
Intellectual Property Contracts Generally
2.17. | All Inbound IP Contracts and all Outbound IP Contracts: |
(a) | are valid and binding; |
(b) | have not been the subject of any material breach or material default by Company, nor, so far as the Key Persons are aware, the relevant counterparties thereto; and |
(c) | are not the subject of any dispute or proceedings pending against the Company with any competent court or authority. |
Confidentiality
2.18. | The Company has taken reasonable steps to protect and maintain the confidentiality of, and the rights of Company in, Company’s Confidential Information, in accordance with good industry practice. |
2.19. | Company has taken reasonable steps to protect and maintain the confidentiality of any Confidential Information disclosed to it by any other Person in accordance with any applicable obligation or duty of confidentiality subject to which such Confidential Information was disclosed. |
No Violation of Company’s Rights
2.20. | As of the date of this Agreement, Company has not commenced or threatened any proceedings, or asserted any allegation or claim, against any Person for infringement, misappropriation, misuse, or violation of any Company Intellectual Property. |
2.21. | So far as the Key Persons are aware, no Person has infringed, misappropriated, misused or violated, or is infringing, misappropriating, misusing, or violating, any Company Intellectual Property as of the date of this Agreement. |
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No Violation of Third Party Rights
2.22. | So far as the Key Persons are aware, neither the conduct of the Business nor Company’s creation, use, license, transfer or exploitation of any Company Intellectual Property infringes, misappropriates, misuses or violates, or has infringed, misappropriated, misused or violated, any Person’s rights in or to any Intellectual Property. |
2.23. | As of the date of this Agreement there are no pending and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, threatened disputes or proceedings between Company and any other Person relating to any Company Intellectual Property. |
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Part 3 – General
1. | CONSTITUTIONAL AND CORPORATE DOCUMENTS |
1.1 | A copy of the articles of association of the Company as of the date of this Agreement has been Disclosed, and such copy document is true, accurate and complete. |
1.2 | All returns, particulars, resolutions and other documents that the Company is required by law to file with, or deliver to, any authority have been duly filed or delivered. |
1.3 | All accounting, financial and other records of the Company (including its statutory books and registers): |
(a) | have been properly prepared and maintained in accordance with applicable legal requirements; |
(b) | constitute an accurate record of all matters required by law to appear in them, and comply with any applicable requirements of applicable laws and the Company’s articles of association; |
(c) | do not contain any material inaccuracies or discrepancies; and |
(d) | are, to the extent legally required, in the possession of the Company. |
2. | COMPLIANCE AND CONSENTS |
2.1 | The Company has at all times conducted its business in accordance with, and has acted in compliance with, all applicable laws in all material respects. |
2.2 | The Company holds all licences, consents, permits and authorities necessary to carry on the Business in the places and in the manner in which it is carried on at the date of this Agreement (“Consents”). |
2.3 | Each of the Consents is valid and subsisting, the Company is not in breach of the terms or conditions of the Consents (or any of them) and so far as the Key Persons are aware there is no reason why any of the Consents may be revoked or suspended (in whole or in part) or may not be renewed on the same terms. |
3. | INSURANCE |
3.1 | The policies of insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Company (“Policies”) (a list of which is Disclosed in the Disclosure Letter) are in full force and effect, all premiums due on them have been paid and all other conditions of the Policies have been performed and observed in all material respects. So far as the Key Persons are aware, the Company has not done, or omitted to do, anything that may result in an increase in the premium payable for any of the Policies, or affect the renewal of any of the Policies. |
3.2 | There are no outstanding claims under, or in respect of the validity of, any of the Policies and there are no circumstances known to the Key Persons as being likely to give rise to a claim under any of the Policies. |
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4. | DISPUTES AND INVESTIGATIONS |
4.1 | Neither the Company, nor, so far as the Key Persons are aware, its director (in relation to its capacity as director of the Company), or any person for whose acts the Company may be vicariously liable, is, at the date of this Agreement, engaged or involved in any of the following matters (such matters being referred to in this paragraph 4 as “Relevant Proceedings”): |
(a) | any litigation, or any administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims, actions or hearings (except for debt collection in the normal course of business); or |
(b) | any dispute with, or, to the best knowledge of the Key Persons, any investigation or inquiry, or any enforcement proceedings by, any governmental, regulatory or similar body. |
4.2 | At the date of this Agreement, no Relevant Proceedings have been threatened in writing or, so far as the Key Persons are aware, are pending by or against the Company or its director (in relation to its capacity as director of the Company), and there are no circumstances known to the Key Persons as being reasonably likely to give rise to any such Relevant Proceedings. |
4.3 | The Company is not adversely affected by any subsisting or, so far as the Key Persons are aware, pending judgment, order, or other decision or ruling against the Company of any court, tribunal or arbitrator, or any governmental, regulatory or similar body, nor has it given any undertaking in connection with any Relevant Proceedings which remains in force. |
5. | CONTRACTS AND TRADING |
5.1 | All material contracts between the Company and its suppliers existing at the date of this Agreement have been provided to the Buyer in the Data Room. |
5.2 | The Company is not a party to any contract, agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment which is of an unusual or exceptional nature, outside the ordinary course of the Business, or not on arm’s length terms and which has not been Disclosed in the Data Room. |
5.3 | Neither the Company nor (so far as the Key Persons are aware) any counterparty is in any material default of any material agreement to which the Company is a party, and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, (i) no such material default has been threatened in writing and (ii) there are no facts or circumstances of which the Key Persons are aware which are likely to give rise to any such default. At the date of this Agreement, no notice of termination of any such material agreement has been received or served by the Company in writing, and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no grounds for the termination for cause or a unilateral material adverse change in the terms of any such material agreement. |
5.4 | Other than reimbursement of expenses, wages for the current salary period and holiday pay for the current holiday year, there is no outstanding indebtedness or other liability (actual or contingent) and no outstanding contract, commitment or arrangement between the Company and any of the following: |
(a) | the Sellers (or any person connected with the Sellers); or |
(b) | a director of the Sellers (or any person connected with any such director). |
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6. | EFFECT OF SALE OF THE SHARES |
The acquisition of the Sale Shares by the Buyer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Merger pursuant to the Merger Instrument will not:
(a) | so far as the Key Persons are aware, cause the Company to lose the benefit of any right, asset or privilege it presently owns or benefits from; |
(b) | relieve any person of any contractual obligation to the Company, or enable any third person to exercise any other right in respect of the Company; |
(c) | result in the loss of, or any default under, any Consents (as defined in paragraph 2.2); or |
(d) | other than as set out in the Disclosure Letter, entitle any person to any payment under a Phantom Right. |
7. | FINANCE AND GUARANTEES |
7.1 | The Disclosure Letter contains full particulars of all money borrowed by the Company and all financial facilities currently outstanding or available to the Company (in each case, at the date of this Agreement), including copies of all material related documentation. |
7.2 | No Encumbrance over any of the Company’s assets is now enforceable, and, as far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances likely to give rise to any such enforcement. |
7.3 | The Company has not factored or discounted any of its debts, or engaged in financing of a type that would not need to be shown or reflected in the Accounts. |
7.4 | No Encumbrance, guarantee or indemnity has been entered into, given or agreed to be given by: |
(a) | any third party in respect of any indebtedness or other obligations of the Company; or |
(b) | the Company in respect of any indebtedness or other obligations of any third party. |
7.5 | The Company has no outstanding loan capital, nor has it lent any money that has not been repaid, and there are no debts owing to the Company other than debts that have arisen in the normal course of the Company's business. |
8. | ACCOUNTS |
8.1 | The definitions in this paragraph apply in this Agreement: |
“Previous Accounts” means the accounts equivalent to the Accounts in respect of the accounting period ending on the Previous Account Date; and
“Previous Accounts Date” means 31 December 2019.
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8.2 | The Accounts and the Previous Accounts: |
(a) | present a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities (Vermögenslage), financial position (Finanzlage), and results of operations (Ertragslage) of the Company (vermitteln ein möglichst getreues Bild der Vermögens-, Finanz- und Ertragslage) as of and with respect to the fiscal year ended on the Accounts Date or the Previous Accounts Date (as applicable); |
(b) | have been properly prepared in accordance with the Austrian GAAP, using appropriate accounting policies and estimation techniques as required by the Austrian GAAP; |
(c) | comply with the requirements of the Company’s articles of association and all other applicable laws ; and |
(d) | save as the Accounts expressly disclose, have been prepared using accounting policies and estimation techniques consistent with those adopted and applied in preparing the Previous Accounts. |
8.3 | As far as the Key Persons are aware, the Company does not have any liabilities or obligations, whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise except (i) as disclosed in the respective financial statements, or (ii) incurred since the date of the last respective financial statement in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. |
8.4 | A complete and accurate copy of the Accounts are contained in the Data Room. |
9. | CHANGES SINCE THE ACCOUNTS DATE |
From the Accounts Date until the date of this Agreement:
(a) | the Company has conducted the Business in the normal course and as a going concern; |
(b) | there has been no material adverse change in the turnover or financial position of the Company; |
(c) | no dividend or other distribution of profits or assets has been, or agreed to be declared, made or paid by the Company to or in favor of any Seller; |
(d) | the Company has not borrowed or raised any money or taken or given any form of financial security, nor has it incurred or committed to any capital expenditure, or acquired or disposed of any individual item, in either case in excess of €50,000; and |
(e) | the Company has paid its creditors within the applicable periods agreed with the relevant creditor and, as at the date of this Agreement, there are no amounts owing by the Company which have been outstanding for more than 60 days. |
10. | DISTRIBUTIONS |
All dividends and distributions declared, made or paid by the Company at any time were declared, made or paid in accordance with applicable laws and the then articles of association of the Company.
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11. | CASH AND ASSETS |
11.1 | The assets owned by the Company included in the Accounts, together with any assets acquired by the Company since the Accounts Date (except for those disposed of since the Accounts Date in the normal course of business) and all other assets owned by the Company in connection with the Business are: |
(a) | legally and beneficially owned by the Company, free from Encumbrance or any other third party right, and the Company has good and marketable title to such assets (except for those that are subject to customary retention of title rights (Eigentumsvorbehalte)); and |
(b) | in the possession and control of the Company. |
11.2 | The assets and rights owned by or licensed to the Company, together with any assets held under a finance lease, hire purchase agreement, rental agreement or credit sale agreement, comprise all of the material assets and rights necessary to continue the Business as carried on at the date of this Agreement. |
11.3 | All office and other equipment owned or used by the Company are in good repair and condition (subject to fair wear and tear) and have, in all material respects, been maintained in accordance with the provisions of any applicable finance leases and hire purchase, rental, credit sale and other similar agreements. |
The Company has not been a party to any transaction pursuant to, or as a result of, which any asset or right owned or purportedly owned by a Company is, or may become, liable to be transferred or re-transferred to another person.
12. | EMPLOYMENT |
12.1 | The definitions in this paragraph apply in this Schedule 5. |
“Employee” means any person employed by the Company under a contract of employment at the date of this Agreement.
“Worker” means any person who is not an Employee and who personally performs work for the Company but who is not in business on their own account or in a client/customer relationship.
12.2 | The Data Room includes anonymised particulars of each Employee and Worker (including notice period, location where the Employee or Worker performs services, commencement date of each contract, title, and remuneration (including any material benefits provided), details of whether they are on a period of leave for any reason, and any other material terms of their respective contracts with the Company). |
12.3 | The Data Room includes a copy of the Company’s template employment contract (“Template Terms”) and copies of all written contracts of employment or engagement between the Company and: |
(a) | its directors; and |
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(b) | any Employee not engaged on terms which are substantially consistent with the Template Terms. |
12.4 | At the date of this Agreement, no offer of employment or engagement has been made by the Company which is outstanding for acceptance, or which has been accepted but not yet commenced. |
12.5 | At the date of this Agreement, no written notice from the Company to terminate the contract of employment of any Employee or Worker is pending, outstanding or threatened, and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances likely to give rise to such notice. |
12.6 | The Company is not a party to, bound by or proposing to introduce in respect of any of its current or former directors, Employees or Workers, any redundancy payment scheme (in addition to statutory redundancy pay), or any incentive arrangement or scheme (including, without limitation, any share option or share award plan, commission, profit sharing or bonus scheme). |
12.7 | The Company has not incurred any actual or contingent liability in connection with the termination of employment of any Employee (other than in respect of any salary or payments for unused leave owed), or for failing to comply with any order for the reinstatement or re-engagement of any Employee. |
12.8 | The Company has not made or provided, or agreed to make or provide, any payment or benefit (other than in respect of any salary or payments for unused leave owed) to any of its present or former directors, Employees or Workers (or their dependants) in connection with the actual or proposed termination or suspension of employment or variation of an employment contract. |
12.9 | There are no sums owing to or from any current or former Employee or Worker other than reimbursement of expenses, wages for the current salary period and holiday pay for the current holiday year. |
12.10 | As of the date of this Agreement, the Company has not offered, promised or agreed to any future variations in the contract of any Employee or Worker. |
12.11 | The Data Room includes copies of all contracts, handbooks, policies and other similar documents which apply to the Employees and Workers. |
12.12 | The Company (i) has not entered into any agreement or arrangement with any trade union, employee representative or body of employees or their representatives (whether binding or not) and nor are there any works councils or staff associations or other employee representatives in place; and (ii) is not involved in any industrial or trade dispute, or negotiation regarding a claim, with any trade union, group or organisation of Employees or Workers or their representatives and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances likely to give rise to such a dispute or claim. |
12.13 | The Company has performed all obligations and duties it is required to perform in respect of each Employee and Worker in all material respects, whether arising under contract, statute, or under any treaties or laws of the European Union. |
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12.14 | All material details of any court or tribunal case, claim, dispute or action brought by any present or former director, Employee or Worker within the previous 2 years and all material details of any court or tribunal case, claim or action which the Key Persons have reasonable grounds to believe that any such person may bring against the Company have been Disclosed and so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances likely to give rise to such a dispute. |
12.15 | No Employee or Worker is subject to a current disciplinary warning or procedure, or has raised a formal grievance which is currently outstanding. |
12.16 | During the year ending on the date of this Agreement, the Company has not: |
(a) | given, or been required to give, notice of any redundancies to the competent Austrian administration; or |
(b) | undertaken to provide information to, or consult with, (or been required to provide information to, or consult with,) any trade union or employee representatives in relation to potential redundancies or otherwise. |
12.17 | Every Employee and Worker has current and appropriate permission to work in the jurisdiction in which they are working. |
12.18 | No Employee, Worker, or director of the Company is entitled to terminate his employment or engagement with the Company or to receive any payment or other benefit as a direct result of the sale of the Sale Shares to the Buyer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the performance by the Parties of their obligations under this Agreement. |
12.19 | So far as the Key Persons are aware, (i) all contractual relationships between the Company and its consultants and advisors have been or will be recognized as independent contractor relationships, and (ii) these contractors have no claims against the Company resulting from the application of any applicable employment and social security laws. |
12.20 | Any bonus and/or stock option awards granted or issued to the consultants and advisors of the Company are or were entirely voluntary and discretionary and the consultants and advisors of the Company have no legal claim against the Company to receive such bonus or stock option awards in the future. |
13. | RETIREMENT BENEFITS |
13.1 | The Company has no obligations to provide or contribute towards pension, death, ill-health, disability or accident benefits in respect of its past or present director and Employees other than as prescribed by applicable laws or collective bargaining agreements. No proposal or announcement has been made to any director, Employee or Worker of the Company as to the introduction, continuance, increase or improvement of, or the payment of a contribution towards, any pension, death, ill-health, disability or accident benefit other than as prescribed by applicable laws or collective bargaining agreements. |
13.2 | All documents (including, without limitation, all constituting documents) relating to any pension funds, pension plans, benefit plans or similar health or welfare commitments for the benefit of any employee of the Company are disclosed in the Data Room. |
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13.3 | The Company has complied in all respects with all applicable laws relating to social security, pension and worker compensation. |
13.4 | The Company has not discriminated against, or in relation to, any Employee on grounds of age, sex, disability, marital status, hours of work, fixed-term or temporary agency worker status, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief in providing pension, lump-sum, death, ill-health, disability or accident benefits. |
14. | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
IT Assets.
14.1 | All Software, computer hardware and peripherals, telecommunications and network equipment owned, used or held for use, leased or licensed in by or to Company, which are material to the Business (collectively, the “IT Assets”) are in sufficient working order to serve their purpose and have been, and are being, properly and regularly maintained, and function otherwise as required by Company in connection with the Business. |
14.2 | The IT Assets are sufficient to fulfil the needs of the Business as at the Agreement Date. |
14.3 | Each element of the IT Assets which is: |
(a) | owned by Company, is owned free from any Encumbrance; and |
(b) | not owned by Company, is used pursuant to a written agreement and/or licence between Company and a third party and a list (which is complete and accurate in all material respects) of which (current as of the date of this Agreement) is set forth in the Data Room (provided that any Standard Inbound IP Contracts shall be excluded from such disclosure requirement). |
14.4 | In the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of this Agreement, Company has not suffered (i) any material, repeated, persistent or prolonged failures or breakdowns of any of the IT Assets which have resulted in material, repeated, persistent or prolonged disruption to the Business; or (ii) a Security Breach. |
14.5 | All IT Assets have the benefit of appropriate support and maintenance agreements which are contained in the Data Room, or which form part of the Standard Inbound IP Contracts, none of which have a term that is due to expire on or before the date falling one (1) year following Completion. |
14.6 | Company has in place, and has at all relevant times materially complied with, documented policies and procedures (which accord with standards required by good industry practice) to ensure the security of the IT Assets and the confidentiality, integrity and security of all data held on or processed by the IT Assets (including the use of appropriate virus-checking software, password protection procedures and the taking and storing of back-up copies of such data). |
14.7 | Company has in place, and has at all relevant times materially complied with, documented business continuity and other policies and plans (which accord with standards required by good industry practice) to enable the Business to continue without material adverse change in the event of a failure of any of the IT Assets. |
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14.8 | Source Code |
(a) | Company possesses source code versions of all releases or separate versions of the Proprietary Software, together with any Software that is not Proprietary Software that is incorporated or embedded in any Proprietary Software. |
(b) | Company has not disclosed or delivered to any escrow agent or any other Person any of the source code for any Proprietary Software, nor any Software that is not Proprietary Software that is incorporated or embedded in any Proprietary Software (other than the delivery of the Company Product to users in the ordinary course of business). |
(c) | Company has not, nor has, so far as the Key Persons are aware, any Person on its behalf, actually or ostensibly granted to any Person any right, contingent or otherwise, to obtain access to or use any such source code, except to Employees, Workers, freelancers or consultants of the Company or otherwise in the ordinary course of the Company's business. |
14.9 | Open Source. A complete and accurate list of all Open Source Materials used by the Company in or in connection with any Proprietary Software or Company Products as of the date of this Agreement is contained in the Data Room. |
14.10 | No Copyleft. Company has not, nor has, so far as the Key Persons are aware, any Person on its behalf, used any Open Source Materials that are subject to a “copyleft licence” (as that term is generally understood in the context of Open Source Materials, and as further defined by the Open Source Initiative at https://opensource.org/faq) in a manner that does or might impose a requirement or condition that any Proprietary Software or Company Product, or any portion thereof be: |
(i) | disclosed, distributed or made available in source code form; |
(ii) | licensed for the purpose of making modifications or derivative works; or |
(iii) | redistributable at no charge; |
which requirement or condition materially restricts the operation of the Business.
Websites and Social Media
14.11 | So far as the Key Persons are aware, no domain names have been registered by any Person other than Company that are confusingly similar to any Trade Marks or domain names used, created or owned by Company. |
14.12 | The contents and operation of the Company Websites comply with all applicable laws in all material respects. |
14.13 | Without limiting the generality of paragraph 14.12, the Company (and not any current or former Company employee, contractor, consultant or any other Person) is the sole registrant and user of all domain names used or held for use in or necessary to conduct the Business (including the domain names for the Company Websites). |
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14.14 | The Disclosure Letter sets out a true, correct and complete list of all Social Media Accounts that Company operates at the date of this Agreement, including in connection with marketing or promoting any Company Products and/or services. |
14.15 | The operation of the Social Media Accounts complies with and has complied with all applicable Laws and all terms and conditions, terms of use, terms of service and other Contracts applicable to such Social Media Accounts. |
15. | DATA PROTECTION |
15.1 | Definitions |
(a) | “Company Processor” means any Person who Processes Personal Data on behalf of Company; |
(b) | “Controller” has the meaning given to that term in Article 4(7) of the GDPR; |
(c) | “Data Protection Authority” means any applicable governmental authority that supervises compliance with Privacy Laws (including, without limitation, the Austrian Data Protection Authority (Datenschutzbehörde); |
(d) | “Data Subject” has the meaning given to that term in Article 4(1) of the GDPR; |
(e) | “GDPR” means, to the extent applicable to the Company, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016, together with any applicable implementing legislation in any member state of the EU. References to “Articles” and “Chapters” of, and other relevant defined terms in, the GDPR shall be construed accordingly (if and as applicable); |
(f) | “Personal Data” has the meaning given in Article 4(1) of the GDPR; |
(g) | “Personal Data Breach” has the meaning given in Article 4(12) of the GDPR; |
(h) | “Privacy Laws” means, to the extent applicable to the Company, (a) the GDPR; (b) Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (and the laws of nations implementing that Directive); (c) Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (and the laws of nations implementing that Directive); and (d) any other applicable laws concerning the privacy, Processing, security or protection of Personal Data and/or personally identifiable information, including, without limitation, the Austrian Data Protection Act (Datenschutzgesetz); |
(i) | “Privacy Policies” means each of Company’s privacy policies as of the date of this Agreement; and |
(j) | “Processing” has the meaning given to that term in Article 4(2) of the GDPR, and “Process” and its derivatives shall be construed accordingly. |
15.2 | Privacy Policies. Copies of all Privacy Policies are contained in the Data Room. No Privacy Policies contain or contained (as applicable) any material omissions concerning Company’s then-current privacy practices and Processing activities (having regard always to the standards and disclosures required by applicable Privacy Laws with respect to transparency with Data Subjects concerning such practices). |
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15.3 | Compliance. Company, and the conduct of the Business, complies, and has at all times complied in all material respects, with all applicable Privacy Laws. With respect to its Processing of Personal Data, and/or any Processing carried out on its behalf or otherwise under its express or implicit authorisation, Company complies, and has complied in all material respects at all applicable times, with: |
(a) | all relevant, then-current Privacy Policies; and |
(b) | all contractual commitments that it has entered into relating to the Processing of Personal Data. |
15.4 | Disclosures of Personal Data. The Company has not provided or otherwise made available any Personal Data to any third party other than: |
(a) | a Person: |
(i) | who acts as a Company Processor in respect of their Processing of Personal Data so disclosed to them; and |
(ii) | with whom Company has a Contract that incorporates the terms stipulated by Article 28 of the GDPR in all material respects; |
(b) | a Person: |
(i) | who acts as an independent Controller in respect of their Processing of Personal Data so disclosed to them; and |
(ii) | with whom Company has a Contract that complies with all applicable requirements of Privacy Laws relating to such disclosure of Personal Data; or |
(c) | a Person: |
(i) | who acts as a joint Controller (as described in Article 26 of the GDPR) with Company in respect of their Processing of Personal Data so disclosed to them; or |
(ii) | with whom Company has a Contract that complies with all applicable requirements of Privacy Laws relating to such disclosure and such parties’ Processing of Personal Data as joint Controllers (including, where applicable, having regard to the matters described in Article 26 of the GDPR). |
15.5 | Company as Processor. In all cases where Company Processes Personal Data on behalf of any other Person, such Processing is governed by a Contract, which incorporates the terms stipulated by Article 28 of the GDPR, and Company has at all relevant times materially complied with the terms and conditions of such Contract. |
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15.6 | Cross-border transfers. Company has not transferred or made available any Personal Data to any Person located outside the European Economic Area otherwise than: |
(a) | pursuant to an agreement provided in the Data Room; and |
(b) | in accordance with the requirements of applicable Privacy Laws relating to such cross-border transfer of Personal Data. |
15.7 | Security of Personal Data. |
(a) | Company has put in place a response plan for Personal Data Breaches, which accords with good industry practice, that enables Company to comply with: |
(i) | relevant requirements of applicable Privacy Laws (including Section 2 of Chapter IV of the GDPR); and |
(ii) | its applicable contractual commitments to third parties, in the event of such a Personal Data Breach. |
(b) | Company uses, and has used efforts, which accord with good industry practice, to ensure that all Personal Data in its possession or under its control is protected against a Personal Data Breach, or other misuse or unlawful Processing. |
(c) | None of: |
(i) | the Company; nor |
(ii) | so far as the Key Persons are aware: |
(A) | any Company Processor, in respect of its Processing of Personal Data on behalf of the Company; nor |
(B) | any other Person, in respect of Personal Data that is the subject of any Processing activities in relation to which the Company acts as joint Controller, |
has at any time suffered, or is suffering, a Personal Data Breach.
15.8 | DPO and Records. Company: |
(a) | is not required by GDPR to appoint a data protection officer (as that role is commonly understood in the context of the GDPR) at the date of this Agreement; |
(b) | has maintained complete, accurate and up to date records of its Personal Data Processing activities as and if required to do so by applicable Privacy Laws (including Article 30 of the GDPR); and |
(c) | has compiled and maintained complete, accurate and up to date records of, all: |
(i) | data protection impact assessments; and |
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(ii) | ‘legitimate interest assessments’ (as that term is commonly understood in the context of the Processing of Personal Data and the GDPR), |
in each case, as and if required by applicable Privacy Laws.
15.9 | Registrations. Company has filed any required registrations with, and/or paid any required data protection fees to, applicable Data Protection Authority(ies) as required by applicable Privacy Laws, and the details contained therein are correct and, where applicable, accurately reflect the purpose(s) for which Company Processes Personal Data. |
15.10 | Claims. At the date of this Agreement, Company has not received any written claim, notice, letter, complaint, notification or request for assessment or other communication from any Person (including a Data Protection Authority) alleging breach by Company of any Privacy Laws or requesting an audit of Company’s or any Company Processor’s premises, systems or facilities and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances which are likely to give rise to any such claim, notice, letter, complaint, notification or request being served, given or made. No individual has been awarded, or otherwise received, compensation by or from Company under any Privacy Laws, no written claim for such compensation has been received by the Company at the date of this Agreement and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances which might lead to any claim for such compensation being made. |
(a) | Data Subject Requests. Company has complied in all material respects with all valid requests from Data Subjects in respect of Personal Data of which Company is a Controller (“Data Subject Requests”) and there are no such Data Subject Requests outstanding as at the date of this Agreement; and |
(b) | established appropriate technical and organisational measures to enable it to: |
(i) | fulfil Data Subject Requests in respect of Personal Data of which Company is a Controller; and |
(ii) | assist any Persons on whose behalf it Processes Personal Data in meeting those Persons’ obligations to fulfil Data Subject Requests in respect of such Personal Data, |
in accordance with the requirements of applicable Privacy Laws or, where applicable, any Contracts relevant thereto, (including with respect to any relevant timeframes prescribed or recommended therein).
15.11 | Direct Marketing. In respect of all Persons to whom Company delivers direct marketing communications, Company has all necessary consents from such Persons to the delivery of such communications, which are no older than one (1) year and which are valid and effective for the purposes of applicable Privacy Laws. |
16. | COMPETITION LAW |
16.1 | The Company is not and has not been a party to or concerned in any agreement, concerted practice or course of conduct which in infringes Competition Law any material respect. |
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16.2 | As far as the Key Persons are aware, the Company is, at the date of this Agreement, not the subject of any investigation, inquiry or proceedings in connection with any actual or alleged infringement of Competition Law by the Company. |
16.3 | As of the date of this Agreement, no such investigation, inquiry or proceedings as mentioned in paragraph 16.2 has been threatened to the Company in writing or, so far as the Key Persons are aware, is pending and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances likely to give rise to any such investigation, inquiry or proceedings. |
17. | BRIBERY ACT |
Neither the Company, nor, as far as the Key Persons are aware, any of its respective officers, Employees or agents, has at any time, or is presently or has agreed to become, engaged in any conduct (including by way of acquiescence or failure to perform) that would constitute an offence under any applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery laws.
18. | TRADE LAWS |
18.1 | “Trade Laws” means any trade, economic or financial sanction, export control, embargo and/or military or dual-use restriction administered by the United Nations, the United States, the UK and/or the European Union (including any member state) that are applicable to the Company. |
18.2 | The Company has not violated or failed to comply in any material respects with Trade Laws. |
19. | PROPERTY |
19.1 | The Company does not use or occupy or has any interest in any land and/or buildings for the purposes of its business other than the Properties. |
19.2 | Except as Disclosed in the Disclosure Letter: |
(a) | no written notice has been received by the Company as of the date of this Agreement of any breach or alleged breach by the Company of any covenants, servitudes, restrictions and stipulations which do affect the Properties (including covenants contained in the Lease); |
(b) | the Company is not in breach of (and has not breached) the terms of the Lease; and |
(c) | the Company is in exclusive and undisputed occupation of the whole of the Properties. |
19.3 | The leasehold documents referred to in Schedule 7 set out the terms of such leasehold documents as of the date of this Agreement, save for any adjustments of rent in accordance with the applicable adjustment provisions of such leasehold documents. |
19.4 | The Company is not in dispute with the landlord or any other person in connection with the Properties. |
19.5 | There are no outstanding liabilities (actual or, to the best knowledge of the Key Persons, anticipated or contingent) of the Company in relation to any of the Properties (including outstanding rent reviews and future duties to reinstate alterations) or in relation to any property formerly owned or occupied by the Company other than rent and other obligations pursuant to the terms of the relevant lease, the due date for payment of which has not yet arrived. |
20. | BANK ACCOUNTS |
The Disclosure Letter contains a true and complete list of Company’s bank accounts.
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Schedule 6
Taxation
Part 1– Tax Definitions and Interpretation
1. | Definitions |
Words and expressions defined in or for the purposes of the Agreement shall, except where expressly defined in this Schedule or where the context otherwise requires, have the same meanings in this Schedule and:
“Accounts Relief” means any Relief (including any Right to Repayment) which has been taken into account in computing (and thereby reducing), or in obviating the need for, any provision for Tax in the Completion Accounts, or which is reflected or shown as an asset in the Completion Accounts;
“Event” means any act, omission, event, transaction or occurrence and includes, without limitation, the receipt or accrual of any income, profit or gains, the declaration, making or payment of any distribution, any constructive or deemed distribution, becoming, being or ceasing to be a member of any group, fiscal unity, consolidation or partnership or associated or connected with any person, death, any winding up or dissolution, any residence or change in residence of any person for Tax purposes, the expiry of any period, the entering into of this Agreement, Completion and the Merger Completion;
“Parent’s Relief” means (i) any Accounts Relief, (ii) any Relief attributable to a period after Completion or arising in respect of any Event occurring or deemed to occur after Completion, or (iii) any Relief of any member of the Parent’s Tax Group (other than the Company);
“Parent’s Tax Group” means the Parent and any company or entity which at any relevant time is connected or associated with or in the same group of companies or fiscal unity or consolidation as the Parent for the purposes of any Tax or Relief, and ‘member of the Parent’s Tax Group’ shall have a corresponding meaning;
“Payroll Tax” means employer’s and employee’s social security and pension contributions or levies and income tax accountable via payroll (including for the avoidance of doubt “Mitarbeitervorsorgekasse”, “Zuschlag zum Dienstgeberbeitrag”, “Kommunalsteuer”, and“Dienstgeberbeitrag zum Familienlastenausgleichsfonds”), and any similar Tax, contributions or levies in any jurisdiction, together with all penalties, fines, charges, surcharges and interest relating to any of the foregoing, or resulting from a failure to comply with the provisions of any enactment relating to any Payroll Tax within this definition, including in connection with the failure to make any return, the making of any incomplete or incorrect return, or the failure to maintain records;
“Payroll Tax Claim” means any Tax Claim which relates to Payroll Tax arising in connection with any of the Sellers;
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“Relief” means any relief, loss, allowance, claim, credit, deduction, exemption or set-off in respect of Tax or relevant to the computation of Tax or any income, profits or gains for the purposes of Tax, or any Right to Repayment, including any amount payable by a Tax Authority as a result of any R&D Claim, and:
(a) | any reference to the ‘use or set-off’ of a Relief shall be construed accordingly and shall include use or set-off in part; |
(b) | references to the ‘loss’ of a Relief (including the loss of any Accounts Relief, and any other defined Relief) shall include the loss, non-availability, non-existence, reduction, counteraction, disallowance, clawback, cancellation or failure to obtain such Relief, and shall also include such Relief being available only in a reduced amount, and ‘lose’ and ‘lost’ shall be construed accordingly; |
“Right to Repayment” means any right to a repayment of Tax or a payment in respect of Tax and includes any repayment supplement or interest in respect thereof;
“R&D Claim” means any claim for relief for expenditure incurred on research and development;
“R&D Credit Payment” means a payment received by the Company from a Tax Authority in respect of an R&D Claim;
"Tax" or "Taxation" means all forms of direct and indirect tax, duty, levy, charge, contribution, rate, tariff and impost whether of the Republic of Austria or any political subdivision thereof or any other jurisdiction and any other amount payable to any Tax Authority (including, for the avoidance of doubt, social security contributions or levies and including, for the avoidance of doubt, pension contributions whether payable to a Tax Authority or otherwise payable in connection with any pension scheme or arrangement), all related withholdings or deductions and all penalties, fines, charges, surcharges and interest relating to any of the foregoing or resulting from a failure to comply with the provisions of any enactment relating to any Taxation within this definition, including in connection with the failure to make any return, the making of any incomplete or incorrect return, or the failure to maintain records;
"Tax Authority" means the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (Bundesministerium für Finanzen), HM Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom and any other authority, body or official competent to assess, demand, impose, administer or collect Tax or make any decision or ruling on any matter relating to Tax and any other person who has a right to demand or recover amounts of, or in respect of, or on account of, Tax or a Tax Liability;
“Tax Demand” means any notice, demand, assessment, self-assessment, letter or other document or action taken by or on behalf of any Tax Authority from which it appears that there is or may be a Tax Liability or other liability in respect of which a Tax Claim may be made for which the Sellers are or may be liable;
“Tax Documents” has the meaning given in paragraph 4.1 of part 3 of this Schedule;
“Tax Liability” means:
(a) | any liability to make an actual payment or increased payment of, or in respect of, or on account of, Tax (whether or not presently payable), in which case the amount of the Tax Liability shall be the amount of the actual payment or the increase in the amount of the payment; |
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(b) | the loss (in whole or in part) of any Accounts Relief (other than a Right to Repayment, and otherwise than by way of use or set-off), in which case the amount of the Tax Liability shall be the Tax which would have been saved by the Company but for such loss, the amount of such Tax being calculated on the basis of the relevant rates of Tax current at Completion and on the assumption that the Company has sufficient profits fully to utilise the relevant Accounts Relief and that the Accounts Relief is used in priority to any other Relief available to the Company or, where the Accounts Relief in question would not have operated as a deduction from gross income, profits or gains, the amount of the Relief which would otherwise have been obtained or the amount by which such Relief is reduced, as the case may be; |
(c) | the loss (in whole or in part) of any Accounts Relief which is a Right to Repayment, in which case the amount of the Tax Liability is the amount of the Right to Repayment; and |
(d) | the use or set-off (in whole or in part) of any Parent’s Relief to reduce or eliminate any liability to make an actual payment of Tax in respect of which, but for such use or set-off, the Sellers would have been liable in respect of a Tax Claim, in which case the amount of the Tax Liability shall be the amount for which the Sellers would have been liable but for such use or set-off; and |
in each case regardless of whether there is or may be any right of reimbursement or recovery against any other person.
2. | Interpretation |
In this Schedule:
(a) | persons shall, without limitation, be treated as “connected” for the purposes of this Schedule if they are treated as connected for any Tax purpose; |
(b) | “profits” includes income, profits or gains of any description and from any source and any other consideration, value, receipt or measure by reference to which Tax is chargeable or assessed, and profits earned on or before a certain date or in respect of a certain period and includes profits treated as, or deemed to be, earned on or before that date or in respect of that period for Tax purposes; |
(c) | any reference to Tax, Relief or any other amount being “payable” shall include any Tax, Relief or other amount which would have been payable but for being set off or netted off against any other amount, and any reference to the “payment” of any Tax, Relief or other amount shall include the discharge or utilisation of such Tax, Relief other amount through being set off or netted off against any other amount; |
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(d) | any reference to an Event or the consequence of an Event occurring on or before Completion or Merger Completion shall include, without limitation: |
(i) | any Event which is deemed for relevant Tax purposes to be the case or to occur for Tax purposes on or before Completion or Merger Completion; and |
(ii) | the combined effect of any two or more Events all of which shall have taken place or be deemed for relevant Tax purposes to have taken place on or before Completion or Merger Completion; |
(e) | in any case falling within (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of Tax Liability, the Tax Liability shall be treated as arising in respect of an Event which occurred on or before Completion; |
(f) | any reference to any form of Tax, Relief, legislation, law or legal or Tax concept which exists in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Austria or any other jurisdiction includes a reference to any equivalent or substantially equivalent Tax, Relief, legislation, law or legal or Tax concept in any other relevant jurisdiction; |
(g) | any stamp duty or transfer tax which is charged or chargeable on any document or in respect of any transaction and which it is necessary to incur or which is incurred in order to: |
(i) | establish or register the title of the Company to any asset; |
(ii) | prove to a Tax Authority any expenditure incurred by the Company; or |
(iii) | enable the Company, the Parent or the Buyer to produce the relevant document in evidence in any civil proceedings or before any arbitrator or referee or to use the document for any other official purpose, |
and any interest, penalty, charge, surcharge, fine or other similar imposition relating to such stamp duty shall be deemed to be a liability of the Company to make an actual payment of Tax, and the execution of the document or (in the case of a bearer instrument) the issue of the instrument shall be deemed to be the Event which gave rise to such liability;
(h) | any assessment, demand or other liability which is received or arises in respect of a claim made, or payment received, by the Company before Completion under or in connection with under measures announced in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic shall (in each case) be deemed to be an Event occurring in connection with the Company prior to Completion for the purposes of this Schedule; and |
(i) | following the Merger, pursuant to which all assets and liabilities of the Company are transferred by way of universal succession to the Buyer, references in this Schedule to the Company shall be deemed, where appropriate, to include references to the Buyer. |
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Part 2 – Tax Warranties
1. | Payments of Tax |
1.1. | The Company has: (i) duly and punctually paid all Tax which it has become liable to pay; (ii) deducted, withheld or collected for payment (as appropriate) all Tax due to have been deducted, withheld or collected for payment and has accounted for or paid all such Tax to the relevant Tax Authority to the extent due to be paid prior to the date of this Agreement; and (iii) not deferred payment or agreed with any Tax Authority to defer payment of any Tax. |
1.2. | The Company is not, and has not at any time within the last six years been, liable to pay any interest, penalty or surcharge in respect of any unpaid Tax or as a result of a default in respect of any Tax matter or has otherwise been subject to the operation of any penal provision under any enactment relating to Tax, except for interest, penalties or surcharges not exceeding an amount of EUR 5,000 in the individual case. |
2. | Compliance |
2.1. | All returns, computations, accounts, reports, statements, assessments, claims, elections, disclaimers, notices and any other information which are or have been required to be made or given by the Company for any Tax purposes have been made or given both within the requisite periods and on a proper basis and were when made and remain true and accurate and none of them is, or so far as the Key Persons are aware is likely to be, the subject of any enquiry, query or dispute with any Tax Authority. |
2.2. | The Company has complied at all times with all applicable statutory requirements, regulations, notices, orders, directions and conditions relating to all relevant Taxes, including the terms of any agreement made with any Tax Authority. |
2.3. | The Company has maintained complete and accurate records, invoices and other information in relation to Tax that meet all legal requirements and enable the Company to calculate any Tax liability or Relief and to deliver correct and complete returns. |
3. | Tax Disputes |
The Company is not, nor has it been at any time within the last six years, involved in any dispute with or investigation, audit, discovery or enquiry by any Tax Authority or any enquiry into any Tax return and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, no such dispute, investigation, audit, discovery or enquiry is, planned, threatened or likely to arise.
4. | Provisions in the Accounts |
The provisions or reserve for Tax appearing in the Accounts are sufficient to cover all Tax for which the Company was at the Accounts Date, or may after that date become, liable to pay or account in respect of any period ended on or before the Accounts Date.
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5. | Position since the Accounts Date |
5.1. | In respect of the period starting immediately after the Accounts Date, the Company has no liabilities for Tax other than (i) income tax which comprises Payroll Tax, and payroll and social security contributions and levies, in each case, payable in respect of amounts that the Company is contractually obliged to pay to its employees and directors in respect of that period and (b) in respect of payments to the respective beneficiaries of the Company's phantom share participation plan dated 7 February 2021 and the individual allocation agreements related thereto as a consequence of the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) VAT arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and (iii) minimum corporate income tax (Mindestkörperschaftssteuer). |
5.2. | The Company has no liability for Tax that is due for payment on or before Completion other than the liabilities for Tax described in paragraph 5.1. |
5.3. | No accounting period of the Company for corporate tax purposes has ended, and the Company has not made any distribution, since the Accounts Date. |
6. | Secondary Liabilities |
The Company is not, so far as the Key Persons are aware, nor is likely to become, liable to make to any person (including any Tax Authority) any payment in respect of any liability to Tax which is primarily or directly chargeable against, or attributable to, any person other than the Company.
7. | Obligation to Deduct or Withhold Tax |
The Company has no obligation to deduct or withhold tax on repayment of any borrowings which the Company has in respect of any premium, interest or other amount comprised in those borrowings.
8. | Clearances, Consents and Special Arrangements |
All clearances and consents obtained by the Company from any Tax Authority prior to the date of this Agreement have been fully disclosed in the Data Room and were based on full and accurate disclosure of all the facts and circumstances material to the decision of the Tax Authority. The Company has complied in all respects with any conditions to which any such consents or clearances are subject and has not taken any action which might alter, prejudice or in any way disturb any such consent or clearance nor will anything done pursuant to this Agreement have such an effect. No Tax Authority has agreed to operate any special arrangement (being an arrangement not based on a strict and detailed application of the relevant legislation) in relation to the affairs of the Company.
9. | Benefits to Connected Persons |
9.1. | The Company has not provided any benefit or facility to any Seller, or to any director or employee of the Company (or to any person connected with any such Seller, director or employee), the provision of which has been or should have been treated as a distribution of profits. |
9.2. | No loan or advance or debt has been (or has been treated as having been) incurred, made or agreed to be made by the Company to any Seller, or to any director or employee of the Company (or any person connected with any such Seller, director or employee), and the Company has not since the Accounts Date released, written off or agreed to release or write off the whole or part of any such loan or advance. |
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10. | Inheritance, Estate or Gift Tax |
The Company is not liable, and there are no circumstances in existence as a result of which it may become liable, to be assessed to inheritance, estate or gift tax or any other Taxation as donor or donee of any gift, or transferor or transferee of value and there are no other circumstances by reason of which any liability in respect of inheritance, estate or gift tax has arisen or could arise for the Company or any charge in relation to unpaid inheritance, estate or gift tax has arisen or could arise in respect of the assets of the Company or the Outstanding Shares.
11. | Residence and Presence Outside the Austrian Republic |
11.1. | The Company is, always has been and will be at Completion or Merger Completion resident in the Republic of Austria for Tax purposes. The Company is not, never has been and will not be at Completion or Merger Completion resident for any purpose in any other jurisdiction and does not have, has never had and will not have at Completion or Merger Completion any branch, office, permanent establishment or other taxable presence in any other jurisdiction. |
11.2. | The Company is not and never has been liable for any Tax as the agent of any other person, business or enterprise and does not constitute and never has constituted the permanent establishment of any other person, business or enterprise for any Tax purposes. |
12. | Employment and Withholding Taxes |
12.1. | No person has acquired a right to acquire shares or securities or any Phantom Right, or has acquired any shares or securities or Phantom Right, which in each case may give rise to a liability in respect of any Payroll Tax for the Company, including upon the exercise or disposal of that right or Phantom Right or upon the acquisition or disposal of those shares or securities or Phantom Right or any other Event in connection with any Phantom Right. |
12.2. | Neither the Company nor any employee benefit trust or other third party has made, or agreed to make, any payment to, or provided or agreed to provide any benefit for, any director or former director, officer or employee (or associate of any of the foregoing) of the Company, whether as compensation for loss of office, termination of employment or otherwise, which is not allowable as a deduction in calculating the profits of the Company for Tax purposes. |
12.3. | No payments or loans have been made to, any assets made available or transferred to, or any assets earmarked, however informally, for the benefit of, any employee or former employee (or anyone linked with such employee or former employee) of the Company by an employee benefit trust or another third party and details of any trust or arrangement capable of conferring such a benefit. |
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12.4. | No part of the consideration for the Transaction will be treated as employment income, whether as employment income of any Seller or any other person. No Tax or any amount in respect of Tax is required to be withheld, paid or remitted by the Parent, the Buyer, the Company or any member of the Parent’s Tax Group in connection with any Event contemplated by this Agreement, the Acquisition Instrument or the Merger Instrument including, without limitation: (i) any payment, vesting or release from the Retention Account of any part of the Purchase Price; (ii) any right to acquire, or the allotment, issuance, holding, vesting, forfeiture, clawback, conversion, reclassification, repurchase or disposal of any Consideration Shares; (iii) the allocation of consideration or liabilities between the Sellers pursuant to this Agreement; (iv) any movement in the value of the Consideration Shares or any Outstanding Shares between the date of this Agreement and the Merger Completion Date (v) the acquisition by any Seller of such Seller’s Outstanding Shares from any other party on or prior to the date of this Agreement; (vi) the exchange by any Seller of such Seller’s Consideration Shares for shares in the New Parent Holdco pursuant to the Parent Reorganisation; (vii) the cancellation, exercise or satisfaction of any options or any Phantom Right; or (viii) the granting of any rights to the Sellers pursuant to clause 16. |
12.5. | There is no arrangement, formal or informal: |
(a) | involving any Seller to redistribute (or which has the effect of redistributing) any consideration receivable under the Agreement; or |
(b) | for any payment to be made to, or for any benefit to be received by, any current, former or prospective employee or office holder in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
12.6. | The amount of the ESOP Payment is sufficient to cover (in additional to the amounts payable to participants in the Company’s share participation plan dated 7 February 2021) all Payroll Tax arising in connection with such plan. No Payroll Tax has arisen, or will arise before Completion, in connection with such plan. Other than (i) as covered by the ESOP Payment and (ii) VAT in respect of the CeMM Payment in relation to which the Company will have a corresponding input VAT claim, no Tax or amount in respect of Tax will be payable by the Company in connection with any Phantom Rights. |
12.7. | All contractual arrangements between the Company and its consultants, advisers and advisors have been and will be recognised as independent contractor relationships, and no such arrangements have been or will be treated as employment relationships for Tax purposes, or otherwise have been or will be subject to Payroll Tax. |
13. | R&D Claims |
The Data Room sets out full details all R&D Claims made by the Company in the last six years before the date of this Agreement, and, in respect of each R&D Claim, sets out the amount and date of any corresponding R&D Credit Payment. All such claims have been duly made on a proper basis within applicable time limits, and no Tax Authority has disputed or challenged (or has grounds to dispute or challenge) the Company’s entitlement to make any such claim and/or the amount of any such claim.
14. | Groups |
The Company is not and has never been a member of a group of companies for any Tax purposes.
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15. | Transfer Pricing |
All transactions or arrangements made or entered into by the Company have been made on arm’s length terms. The Company is not nor has it been involved in any correspondence, enquiry or dispute or received any notice in any jurisdiction concerning the adjustment of profits of associated enterprises for Tax purposes.
16. | Loan Relationships |
All financing costs, including interest, discounts and premiums payable by the Company are eligible to be brought into account by the Company as a debit for relevant Tax purposes to the extent that they are from time to time recognised in the Company's accounts (assuming that the accounting policies and methods adopted for the purpose of the Accounts continue to be so adopted).
17. | Transfer Taxes |
17.1. | There is no instrument to which the Company is a party and which is necessary to establish the Company’s rights or title to any asset, which is or could be liable to any real estate or securities transfer tax or issuance tax (or any similar duty or Tax in a jurisdiction outside the Republic of Austria) which has not been duly stamped or in respect of which the relevant Tax has not been paid. |
17.2. | Neither the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares, nor any other transaction, event or circumstance contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, will give rise to any Austrian real estate transfer tax. |
17.3. | Before the date of this Agreement, the Company has paid all Austrian stamp duty arising from a rental contract with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. |
18. | Tax Avoidance |
The Company has not been involved in any scheme, arrangement, transaction or series of transactions in which the main purpose, or one of the main purposes was or might be held to have been: (i) the avoidance, deferral or reduction of Tax; (ii) the production of a loss for Tax purposes with no corresponding commercial loss, or (iii) to contain one or more steps which have no commercial purpose other than avoiding, deferring or saving Tax or obtaining a Tax advantage.
19. | Tax Evasion |
The Company has in place such prevention procedures as are required by law and the published guidance of the relevant Tax Authorities in respect of the prevention of tax evasion.
20. | VAT |
20.1. | The Company (i) is, where it ought to have been so registered, a duly registered taxable person for the purposes of VAT (or other equivalent sales or similar Tax in any jurisdiction), (ii) is not, nor has in the last three years been, wholly or partly exempt for such purposes, and (iii) is not subject to any conditions imposed by or agreed with any Tax Authority. |
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20.2. | All claims made by the Company for refunds of VAT have been made on a proper basis within applicable time limits, and no Tax Authority has disputed or challenged, or has grounds to dispute or challenge, the Company’s entitlement to make any such claim and/or the amount of any such claim. |
21. | COVID-19 pandemic |
21.1. | The Data Room sets out full details of any payments of or in respect of Tax that have been deferred by the Company under arrangements announced in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic prior to the date of this Agreement. |
21.2. | The Data Room sets out full details of all claims made and payments received by the Company prior to the date of this Agreement under measures announced in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic (such as the United Kingdom’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or its equivalent in any other jurisdiction). As of the date of this Agreement, the Company has not been notified that a Tax Authority or other governmental authority intends to recover any payment (or part thereof) received by the Company under such measures (whether by assessment to Tax or otherwise), and, so far as the Key Persons are aware, there are no circumstances in existence in respect of which a Tax Authority or other governmental authority could make such recovery. |
22 | Sellers’ tax status |
Each Seller which is a natural person is resident for Tax purposes solely in the Republic of Austria and is not liable to Tax in any other jurisdiction, except for (i) Berend Snijder and Valentin Piëch, each of whom is resident for Tax purposes solely in the Swiss Confederation and is not liable to Tax in any other jurisdiction, and (ii) Gregory Vladimer, who is also liable to US Tax.
23. | Merger |
No Tax will arise to the Company, the Parent or the Buyer in respect of the Merger.
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Part 3 - Tax Covenant
1. | Covenant to pay |
1.1 | Liability to pay |
The Sellers severally and not jointly (einzelschuldnerisch) covenant with the Parent to pay to the Parent, in proportion to their Liability Percentages, an amount equal to any Tax Liability: (i) of the Company; or (ii) in respect of the matters falling within sub-paragraphs (c) to (i) below, of the Parent or any person connected after Completion with the Parent (including for the avoidance of doubt the Buyer and the Company), arising directly or indirectly in respect of or as a consequence of or by reference to:
(a) | any income, profits or gains earned, accrued or received on or before the Merger Completion Date; |
(b) | any Event which occurred on or before the Merger Completion Date; |
(c) | a failure to discharge Tax by any company or person with which the Company has been, or has been treated as being, connected or otherwise associated on or before the Merger Completion Date, or by any company or person which at any time after Completion is treated as connected or associated in any way with, any Seller for any Tax purpose (other than the Company, the Buyer or any member of the Parent’s Tax Group); |
(d) | an option or other right to acquire securities or interest in securities or Phantom Right granted or acquired prior to the Merger Completion Date or in respect of the exercise, acceleration or satisfaction of any such option or right or Phantom Right or any other Event in relation to such option or right or Phantom Right, in each case where such option or right or Phantom Right comprises or relates to securities in the Company or was granted by the Company or acquired by any officer or employee of the Company in connection with their involvement with the Company (except for VAT in respect of which the Company is able to recover a corresponding amount of input VAT where such input VAT is not an Accounts Relief); |
(e) | any securities or interest in securities acquired on or before the Merger Completion Date or as a result of a right or obligation (whether or not legally binding) created on or before the Merger Completion Date; |
(f) | any person (other than the Company, the Buyer or any member of the Parent’s Tax Group) making a payment or providing a loan, benefit or payment (otherwise than with the express written agreement of the Parent or, after the Merger Completion Date, the Company) to any person to the extent that, and in circumstances where, such payment or benefit constitutes remuneration for acts undertaken for, or services rendered to, the Company by any current or former officer or employee of the Company before the Merger Completion Date; |
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(g) | any Event contemplated by this Agreement, the Acquisition Instrument and/or the Merger Instrument, including, without limitation: (i) any payment, vesting or release from the Retention Account of any part of the Purchase Price; (ii) any right to acquire, or the allotment, issuance, holding, vesting, forfeiture, clawback, conversion, reclassification, repurchase or disposal of any Consideration Shares; (iii) the allocation of consideration or liabilities between the Sellers pursuant to this Agreement; (iv) any movement in the value of the Consideration Shares or any Outstanding Shares between the date of this Agreement and the Merger Completion Date; (v) the acquisition by any Seller of such Seller’s Outstanding Shares from any other party on or prior to the date of this Agreement; (vi) the exchange by any Seller of such Seller’s Consideration Shares for shares in the New Parent Holdco pursuant to the Parent Reorganisation (to the extent that the Merger Completion Date occurs before completion of the Parent Reorganisation); and (vii) the cancellation, exercise or satisfaction of any options or any Phantom Right; (viii) the granting of any rights to the Sellers pursuant to clause 16; (ix) the waiver contemplated in clause 7.10(c); or (x) the compensation of any Losses by the transfer of any Consideration Shares to the Parent pursuant to paragraph 10.3 of Schedule 8. |
(h) | any disposal, including any sale, of Consideration Shares by a Seller or any person connected to a Seller, to the extent that such Tax Liability comprises Payroll Tax; or |
(i) | the failure or delay by any person to reimburse any amount in respect of income tax arising in connection with any of the circumstances or Events described in sub-paragraphs (d) to (h). |
1.2 | R&D Claims |
Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 1.1, the Sellers severally and not jointly (einzelschuldnerisch) covenant with the Parent to pay to the Parent in proportion to their Liability Percentages an amount equal to any Tax Liability or other liability which arises as a consequence of or by reference to any R&D Claim made or any R&D Credit Payment received by the Company on or before the Merger Completion Date being wholly or partially disallowed or clawed back by any Tax Authority.
1.3 | Costs and expenses |
Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2, the Sellers severally and not jointly (einzelschuldnerisch) covenant with the Parent to pay to the Parent in proportion to their Liability Percentages an amount equal to all reasonable costs and expenses (excluding internal costs) properly incurred or payable by the Parent or any member of the Parent’s Tax Group or the Company in connection with or in consequence of any Tax Liability, Tax Claim or Tax Demand in respect of which the Sellers are liable under this Schedule.
2. | Exclusions |
2.1 | Exclusions |
The Sellers shall not be liable in respect of any of the Tax Warranties, and the covenants in paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2 above shall not cover any Tax Liability, if and to the extent that:
(a) | provision, accrual, reserve or liability in respect of the Tax Liability has been made or is reflected in the Completion Accounts; |
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(b) | the Tax Liability was paid or discharged before Completion and such payment or discharge was reflected in the Completion Accounts; |
(c) | the Tax Liability arises as a result of any increase in rates of Tax made after Completion with retrospective effect or of any change in legislation or published administrative practice which is announced or first published and comes into force after Completion with retrospective effect, other than a change introduced to target Tax avoidance; |
(d) | the Tax Liability can be avoided by offsetting taxable profits against any Tax loss carrybacks or Tax loss carryforwards that are or were available (including as a result of subsequent tax audits) prior to Completion and which are not Parent’s Reliefs; |
(e) | the Tax Liability corresponds to or can be offset against Tax reductions (Steuerminderungen), which are based on circumstances having triggered the Tax Liability, including pursuant to reciprocal effects (Wechselwirkungen) e.g. resulting from the lengthening of depreciation periods or higher depreciation allowances (Phasenverschiebung); |
(f) | the Tax Liability arises as a result of a change after the Merger Completion Date in the accounting reference date of the Company, or in the length of any accounting period of the Company, or in the accounting policies or practices of the Company from those used in preparing the Accounts other than any change required because such policies or practices were not compliant with Austrian GAAP on the Merger Completion Date; |
(g) | the Tax Liability results directly from a voluntary act of the Company, the Buyer or any other member of the Buyer’s Group after the Merger Completion Date outside the ordinary course of the business of the Company, the Buyer, or other member of the Buyer’s Group, as the case may be, as carried on immediately prior to Completion and which act the Company, the Buyer, or other member of the Buyer’s Group (as appropriate) was aware, or ought reasonably to have been aware, would give rise to such Tax Liability, save where such act is: |
(i) | pursuant to a legally binding obligation of the Company entered into prior to Completion; |
(ii) | contemplated by this Agreement, the Acquisition Instrument or the Merger Instrument; |
(iii) | at the written request or with the written consent of any of the Sellers, |
provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any disclosure to or filing or other communication with any Tax Authority shall not be voluntary act to which this sub-paragraph 2.1(f) applies;
(h) | the Parent, the Buyer or any other member of the Buyer’s Group has been compensated for the Tax Liability under any other provision of this Agreement; or |
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(i) | the Tax Liability arises in the ordinary course of business of the Company in consequence of or in respect of or by reference to any Event occurring, or any income, profits or gains earned, accrued or received, after Completion but on or before the Merger Completion Date. |
2.2 | Exclusions carve out |
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Schedule:
(a) | the exclusions set out in paragraphs 2.1(c), (e), (f), (g) and (i)) shall not apply to limit any liability of the Sellers in respect of any Payroll Tax Claim; |
(b) | the exclusion set out in paragraph (i) shall apply to limit any liability of the Sellers only in respect of any claim under paragraphs 1.1(a) and (b). |
2.3 | Further exclusions |
Schedule 8 shall also apply to limit or exclude, in accordance with its specific terms, the liability of the Sellers in respect of Tax Claims.
3. | Recovery from third parties and Reliefs |
3.1 | Recovery |
If any payment is made by the Sellers under this Schedule in discharge of a Tax Liability and the Buyer or the Company or any other member of the Buyer's Group receives, or is or becomes entitled to recover or obtain, from any person (other than the Buyer, any member of the Parent’s Tax Group, the Company or a current or former officer or employee of either of them) a payment or Relief relating to or arising from the Tax Liability in question which would not otherwise have arisen, which in each case is not a Parent’s Relief, is not attributable to any change in law after Completion, to a voluntary act of the Buyer or the Company or to the utilisation of a Parent’s Relief then:
(a) | if so requested in writing by the Sellers’ Representatives and at the Sellers’ sole expense and upon the Sellers providing such indemnity as the Parent and/or the Company shall reasonably require against all costs and expenses to be incurred or any additional Tax liability of the Company, the Buyer or any member of the Parent’s Tax Group which may arise, the Parent shall take (or shall procure that the Company shall take) such action (including legal remedies) as the Sellers’ Representatives may reasonably request (subject to paragraph 3.4) to enforce such recovery or to obtain such payment or Relief; and |
(b) | if the Parent or the Company receives or obtains such payment or Relief the provisions of paragraph 3.2 shall apply. |
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3.2 | Timing and amount of payments |
Where the provisions of this paragraph 3.2 apply:
(a) | in a case where the Parent or the Company receives a payment, within ten Business Days of the receipt thereof the lesser of: |
(i) | the amount paid by the Sellers to the Parent in respect of the relevant Tax Liability under paragraph 1; and |
(ii) | an amount equal to the payment (including interest (if any)) received (less (i) all reasonable costs and expenses properly incurred by the Company, the Parent or the relevant member of the Parent’s Tax Group in obtaining such payment and (ii) any Tax paid or payable by the Company, the Parent or any member of the Parent’s Tax Group in respect of such receipt (or any Tax which would have been payable but for the availability of a Relief)); and |
(b) | in a case where the Parent or the Company obtains a Relief, on or before the later of (i) the date on which Tax would have become due to a Tax Authority but for the use of such Relief (provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Company or the Parent shall not be required to use such Relief in priority to any other Relief) and (ii) the auditors for the time being of the Company certifying (at the request of the Sellers’ Representatives and at the cost of the Sellers) the existence and amount of the Relief so obtained that would not otherwise have arisen, the lesser of: |
(i) | the amount of Tax which the Company would have been liable to pay but for obtaining the Relief, as certified by the auditors of the Company at the expense of the Sellers; and |
(ii) | the amount paid by the Sellers under paragraph 1 in respect of the Tax Liability giving rise to the Relief, |
shall first be set off against any payment then due from the Sellers under this Schedule and secondly, to the extent there is an excess, a refund shall be made to the Sellers of any previous payment or payments made by the Sellers under this Schedule (save to the extent that any amount paid by the Sellers in respect of the Tax Liability in question has previously been refunded under any provision of this Agreement or otherwise).
3.3 | Date on which payment of Tax would have been due |
For the purposes of the provisions in sub-paragraph 3.2(b) above, it shall be assumed that the latest date on which a payment of Tax would have been due but for the use of a Relief is the last date on which an actual payment of Tax would have had to have been paid but for the use of the Relief without incurring any interest, charge, penalty, fine or surcharge in respect thereof.
3.4 | Action not required |
The action which the Sellers’ Representatives may request the Parent or the Company to take under paragraph 3.1 does not include:
(a) | any action which, in the Parent’s reasonable opinion, would be unlawful or materially prejudice the business or Tax affairs of the Parent or the Company or any other member of the Parent’s Tax Group; or |
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(b) | allowing the Sellers’ Representatives or the Sellers (or any person nominated by them) to undertake the conduct of any action necessary to effect recovery of the amount in question. |
4. | Tax affairs |
4.1 | Assistance |
The Key Persons and the Sellers shall give the Parent such assistance, information and documentation as may reasonably be required to enable the Parent to prepare, submit and deal with all computations, returns, claims and other documentation of or correspondence to or from the Company relating to Tax (the “Tax Documents”), and deal with all matters relating to such Tax Documents, in respect of all fiscal or accounting periods of the Company ending on or before Completion and in respect of the accounting period current at Completion in respect of any Event occurring (or deemed for Tax purposes to occur) on or before Completion.
4.2 | Comments |
The Parent shall not submit any Tax Document in respect of the Company for any fiscal or accounting periods of any Company ending on or before Completion and in respect of the accounting period current at Completion in respect of any Event occurring (or deemed for Tax purposes to occur) on or before Completion, where such Tax Document could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Sellers under paragraphs 1.1 or 1.2, without giving the Sellers’ Representatives a reasonable opportunity to comment thereon, and taking account of all reasonable comments or representations made by the Sellers’ Representatives.
4.3 | Priority |
For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of paragraph 5 shall take precedence over the provisions of this paragraph 4.
5. | Tax Demands |
If the Parent becomes aware of any Tax Demand, the Parent shall give written notice thereof to the Sellers’ Representatives (including, so far as practicable, reasonably sufficient details of such Tax Demand, the due date for any payment, the time limits for any appeal and the amount of any corresponding Tax Claim) as soon as reasonably practicable provided that the giving of such notice shall not be a condition precedent to the liability of the Sellers under this Schedule; and, where appropriate to do so, the Parent will keep the Sellers’ Representatives informed of and consult with the Sellers’ Representatives with respect to, all material matters relating to the Tax Demand. If any Tax Demand is received by or comes to the notice of the Sellers (or any of them), the Sellers’ Representatives shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, give the Parent notice of the Tax Demand. If and to the extent a failure of the Parent to comply with its obligations under this paragraph 5 leads to an increase of the liabilities and losses underlying the Parent's claim, the Sellers shall not be liable for such increase.
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6. | Due Date of Payment |
6.1 | Due date of payment |
Where the Sellers become liable to make any payment pursuant to a Tax Claim, then, to the extent the relevant liability has not already been satisfied by payment to the Parent from the Retention Amount, the due date for the making of the payment shall be the date falling 15 Business Days after the date of service by the Parent of a written notice on the Sellers’ Representatives demanding payment or (if later):
(a) | in the case of a Tax Liability or other liability which involves an actual payment of Tax, five Business Days before the latest date on which such payment of Tax is due to be made to the relevant Tax Authority; |
(b) | in the case of a Tax Liability which results from loss of an Accounts Relief (other than a Right to Repayment), five Business Days before the latest date on which a payment of Tax is due to be made to a Tax Authority which would not have been due had such Accounts Relief been available (based on the assumptions set out in paragraph (b) in the definition of Tax Liability); |
(c) | in the case of a Tax Liability which results from the loss of an Accounts Relief which is a Right to Repayment, on the date on which such Right to Repayment would otherwise have become due; and |
(d) | in the case of a Tax Liability which results from the use or set-off of a Parent’s Relief, the latest date on which the relevant Tax would have been due but for such use or set-off. |
6.2 | Due date of Tax |
21.3. | For the purposes of the provisions in paragraph 6.1 above, it shall be assumed that the latest date on which a payment of Tax is due is the last date on which payment can be made to the relevant Tax Authority without incurring any interest, charge, penalty, fine or surcharge in respect thereof and on the assumption that no appeal is made against any assessment or Tax Demand. |
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Schedule 7
LEASES
· | Sub lease contract dated 6.2.2018 between “Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien” and “Allcyte GmbH” in respect of the property at 1030 Vienna, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 5 / Helmut Qualtinger Gasse 6, EZ 4354, GrstNr. 2847/5 (Business premises on Level 3) |
· | Lease contract dated 6.11/3.11.2015 between “TC-QUINTA Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H.” and “Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien” in respect of the property at 1030 Vienna, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 5 / Helmut Qualtinger Gasse 6, EZ 4354, GrstNr. 2847/5 (Business premises on Level 3) |
· | Sub lease contract dated 26.7.2017 between “Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien” and “Universität Wien” in respect of the property at 1030 Vienna, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 5 / Helmut Qualtinger Gasse 6, EZ 4354, GrstNr. 2847/5 (parts of the business premises on Level 3) |
· | Sub-sub lease contract dated 24.7./26.7.2018 between “Allcyte GmbH” and “Ares Genetics GmbH” in respect of the property at 1030 Vienna, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 5 / Helmut Qualtinger Gasse 6, EZ 4354, GrstNr. 2847/5 (parts of the business premises on Level 3) |
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Schedule 8
Limitations on Sellers' Liability
1. | FINANCIAL LIMITS |
1.1 | The Sellers shall not be liable in respect of any Warranty Claim unless their liability in respect of such Warranty Claim would exceed €50,000, excluding any liability for costs and interest. For the purposes of this paragraph, Warranty Claims arising from the same events or causes shall be regarded as a single Warranty Claim. |
1.2 | The Sellers shall not be liable in respect of any Warranty Claim unless their aggregate liability in respect of all such Warranty Claims (excluding Warranty Claims for which they have no liability by reason of paragraph 1.1) would exceed €500,000, excluding any liability for costs and interest, in which circumstances the Sellers shall be liable for the entire amount and not just the excess over €500,000. |
1.3 | Unless expressly provided otherwise, the aggregate liability of each Seller for all claims under this Agreement shall not exceed such Seller’s Seller Liability Cap, provided always that the aggregate liability of each Seller for: |
(a) | all General Warranty Claims (other than IP Warranty Claims) shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of such Seller’s Seller Liability Cap less any claims previously paid out by such Seller under this Agreement; |
(b) | all IP Warranty Claims shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of such Seller’s Seller Liability Cap less any claims previously paid out by such Seller under this Agreement; |
(c) | all Tax Claims shall not exceed an amount equal to 30% of such Seller’s Seller Liability Cap less any claims previously paid out by such Seller under this Agreement. |
2. | TIME LIMITS |
2.1 | No Seller shall be liable in respect of any General Warranty Claim unless notice in writing has been given to the Sellers’ Representatives in relation to such breach on or before the date falling 18 months after the Completion Date. |
2.2 | No Seller shall be liable in respect of any claims for breach of any of the Title and Capacity Warranties unless notice in writing has been given to the Sellers’ Representatives in relation to such breach on or before the date falling on or before the fifth anniversary of the Completion Date. |
2.3 | No Seller shall be liable in respect of any Tax Claim unless notice in writing has been given to the Sellers’ Representatives in relation to such Tax Claim on or before the fifth anniversary of the end of the accounting period of the Company current at Completion. |
2.4 | The Sellers shall not be liable in respect of any Warranty Claim unless legal proceedings are validly issued and served on the Sellers on or before the date falling 135 days after the date on which that Warranty Claim is notified or, in the case of a Warranty Claim that relates to a liability that is contingent, 135 days after the date on which the contingent liability becomes an actual liability. The Sellers shall not be liable in respect of any Tax Claim unless legal proceedings are validly issued and served on the Sellers on or before the date falling 135 days after the date on which the matter which is the subject of the Tax Claim has been finally determined. |
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3. | MATTERS INCLUDED IN ACCOUNTS |
The Sellers shall not be liable for a Warranty Claim to the extent the matter giving rise to that Warranty Claim has been taken into account in the Accounts or the Completion Accounts by way of any specific provision, accrual or reserve (Rückstellung), liability (Verbindlichkeit), exceptional depreciation (außerplanmäßige Abschreibung) or depreciation to reflect lower market values (Abschreibung auf den niedrigeren beizulegenden Wert).
4. | PARENT'S ACTIONS |
4.1 | The Sellers shall not be liable in respect of a Warranty Claim to the extent that the matter giving rise to it results from or is wholly attributable to: |
(a) | any act or omission done or omitted to be done before Completion at the written request of or with the written approval of the Parent or any other member of the Buyer's Group; or |
(b) | any act or omission done or omitted to be done on or after Completion by or on behalf of the Parent or any member of the Buyer's Group; or |
(c) | any change after Completion in the accounting policies or practices used in preparing the Company's annual accounts or in the accounting reference date of the Company. |
5. | CHANGES IN LAW AND REGULATION |
The Sellers shall not be liable in respect of any Warranty Claim to the extent that the matter giving rise to it results from or is attributable to the enactment, amendment, or change in the generally accepted interpretation or application, of any law, rule, regulation, directive or ordinance, or any change in the published practice of any governmental, regulatory or other body (including a Tax Authority) after Completion, or the imposition of any Tax not in force at Completion, or any change after Completion, in the rates of Taxation.
6. | KNOWLEDGE AND DISCLOSURE |
6.1 | The Sellers shall not be liable for any Warranty Claim or Tax Warranty Claim to the extent that the Parent had actual knowledge of (i) the facts, matters, events or circumstances which give rise to the Warranty Claim or Tax Warranty Claim and (ii) the fact that such facts, matters, events or circumstances constitute or may constitute a Warranty Claim or Tax Warranty Claim. |
6.2 | For the purposes of paragraph 6.1, the knowledge of the Parent shall mean the actual knowledge of Andrew Hopkins, Ben Taylor, Dan Ireland and Ben Ashwell-Fryer. |
6.3 | The Sellers shall not be liable for any Warranty Claim or Tax Warranty Claim in respect of any fact, matter, event or circumstance to the extent that such fact, matter, event or circumstance has been Disclosed. |
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7. | EXCLUSION OF LOSS OF PROFITS, INDIRECT AND CONSEQUENTIAL LOSSES |
The Sellers shall not be liable under or in connection with this Agreement in respect of any (i) loss of profit (entgangener Gewinn), (ii) loss of goodwill (Verlust von Firmenwert), (iii) indirect losses (indirekte Schäden), (iv) consequential losses (Folgeschäden), (v) frustrated expenses or (vi) any internal costs incurred by the Buyer or the Parent. In no event shall any multipliers or ratios be taken into account in determining the amount of losses suffered by the Parent, Buyer or the Company.
8. | THIRD PARTY CLAIMS AND RIGHTS OF RECOVERY AGAINST THIRD PARTIES |
8.1 | If the Parent becomes aware of any matter which has given, or is reasonably likely to give rise, to a claim being made by a third party against the Company, which will or is reasonably likely to give rise to a Warranty Claim ("Third Party Claim”) then the Parent shall: |
(a) | give written notice (containing reasonable details of the Third Party Claim) to the Sellers' Representatives of the matter as soon as reasonably practicable and shall consult with the Sellers' Representatives with respect to that Third Party Claim and keep the Sellers' Representatives fully and promptly informed of all developments in relation to that Third Party Claim; and |
(b) | consult in a reasonable manner with the Sellers’ Representatives with the respect to the conduct of the Third Party Claim; and |
(c) | not (and procure that Company will not) admit liability or make any agreement or compromise in relation to the Third Party Claim without the prior written approval of the Sellers' Representatives. |
8.2 | If the Parent becomes aware of any matter in respect of which the Parent or any member of its Group (including the Company) is or is reasonably likely to become entitled to recover (whether by way of payment, discount, credit, set-off, counterclaim or otherwise) from any third party any sum in respect of any loss, damage or liability which has been, is or is reasonably likely to become the subject of a Warranty Claim, the Parent shall, and shall procure that each relevant member of the Group (including the Company) shall use its reasonable endeavours to recover that amount and, if any such recovery is made, the Sellers shall have no liability in respect of such Warranty Claim to the extent of the cash sum recovered (less all reasonable costs, fees and expenses properly incurred and paid by the Parent or any other member of the Buyer’s Group in recovering such sum and any Taxation which is payable (or which would have been payable but for the availability of a Relief) by the Parent or any member of the Buyer’s Group thereon). |
8.3 | If, after the Sellers have made any payment in respect of a Warranty Claim, any member of the Buyer’s Group or the Company is the recipient from a third party (whether by payment, discount, credit, relief or otherwise) of any cash sum which is referable to that payment (including, without limitation, any recovery of costs or expenses) or would not have been received but for the circumstances giving rise to that Warranty Claim (such sum, the “Recovery Amount”), then the Parent shall within 30 days repay (or procure the repayment) to the Sellers of an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of: (i) the Recovery Amount (less all reasonable costs, fees and expenses properly incurred and paid by the Parent or any other member of the Buyer’s Group in recovering the Recovery Amount and any Taxation arising to the Parent or any member of the Buyer’s Group thereon or in connection therewith (including any Taxation which would have been payable but for the availability of a Relief)); and (ii) the sum paid by the Sellers in respect of such Warranty Claim. |
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9. | PARENT'S REMEDIES |
To the extent permitted by law, the Parent irrevocably and unconditionally waives any further claims and remedies it may have (including any right it may have to rescind or terminate this Agreement) in relation to Warranty Claims or Tax Claims other than as explicitly provided for in this Agreement, irrespective of which nature, amount or legal basis, in particular, without limitation, claims under pre-contractual fault (Pflichtverletzung aus dem vorvertraglichen Schuldverhältnis), the right to reduce the Purchase Price (Minderung) or to rescind this Agreement (Rücktritt), the right to challenge this Agreement on the grounds of any form of avoidance (Anfechtung) and any liability in tort (Deliktshaftung). Furthermore, the Parties explicitly waive the right to rescind or to adjust this Agreement on the grounds of error (Irrtum), laesio enormis or frustration of contract (Wegfall der Geschäftsgrundlage) or an adjustment or rescission of this Agreement based on any other grounds. Furthermore, it is explicitly agreed by the Parties that the assumption set forth in Article 924 ABGB shall not apply.
10. | GENERAL |
10.1 | The provisions of paragraphs 1.1, 1.2 and 3 shall not apply to any claim for breach of any of the Title and Capacity Warranties. |
10.2 | The Parent shall take reasonable steps to mitigate any Losses or damage which it may suffer in consequence of any breach of a Warranty or a Tax Warranty, and nothing in this paragraph 10.2 shall in any way limit or restrict such obligation to mitigate any Losses or damage. The Parent's responsibility to mitigate (as set out in the preceding sentence) shall include an obligation to procure that the Company takes reasonable steps to so mitigate. |
10.3 | Subject to paragraph 10.4, the sole remedy of the Parent against the Sellers for any Warranty Claims or Tax Warranty Claims shall be monetary claims for Losses that are calculated, subject to the limitations and exclusions contained in this Agreement, on a EUR-for-EUR basis without taking into account any multiplier or ratios. If and to the extent the liability of any Seller under this Agreement should exceed the portion of the Cash Consideration received by such Seller (net of any Taxes), such Seller shall be entitled, to the extent legally permissible, to compensate the Parent for such liability by way of transfer of Consideration Shares to the Parent or such person as the Parent may nominate with such Consideration Shares to be valued at the valuation contemplated by this Agreement. |
10.4 | If a matter giving rise to a claim of the Parent against a Seller (other than a Tax Claim) is capable of remedy, the Parent shall only be entitled to compensation pursuant to clause 10.3 if it gives the Sellers' Representatives written notice of the breach of this Agreement and the breach is not remedied within 20 Business Days after the date on which such notice is received by the Sellers' Representatives. The Parent shall provide (or shall procure that any relevant member of the Buyer's Group provides) all reasonable assistance to the Sellers' Representatives and the Sellers to remedy any such breach at the relevant Seller's costs. |
10.5 | The Parent shall not, either directly or indirectly through the Company, be entitled to recover more than once in respect of the same loss suffered. |
10.6 | Following the Merger, pursuant to which all assets and liabilities of the Company are transferred by universal succession to the Buyer, references in this Schedule to the Company shall be deemed, where appropriate, to include references to the Buyer. |
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Schedule 9
Completion Accounts
Part 1 – Preparation of the Completion Accounts
1. | DEFINITIONS |
In this schedule the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings unless otherwise stated:
"Completion Statement" means the statement of the Completion Working Capital in the format set out in part 3 and as agreed or determined in accordance with this part 1;
"Disagreement Notice" has the meaning given in paragraph 3.2;
"Draft Completion Accounts" has the meaning given in paragraph 3.1;
"Draft Completion Statement" has the meaning given in paragraph 3.1;
"Independent Accountant" means any independent chartered accountant appointed pursuant to paragraph 3.4 and in accordance with Schedule 10.
2. | PREPARATION OF THE COMPLETION ACCOUNTS |
3.1 | The Buyer shall ensure that a draft of the Completion Accounts ("Draft Completion Accounts") is prepared and delivered to the Sellers' Representatives on or before the date falling 30 Business Days after Completion, together with a draft of the Completion Statement ("Draft Completion Statement") based on the Draft Completion Accounts signed by the Buyer and together with reasonable supporting documentation. The Draft Completion Accounts shall be drawn up in accordance with the instructions and applying the accounting principles, policies, methodologies, categorisations and practices set out in part 2 of this Schedule 9. |
3.2 | The Draft Completion Accounts and the Draft Completion Statement shall be deemed agreed by the Sellers’ Representatives on the date falling 20 Business Days after the date on which those documents are first received by the Sellers’ Representatives unless during that period the Sellers’ Representatives (acting jointly) give notice to the Buyer ("Disagreement Notice") that it disagrees with the Draft Completion Accounts and/or any amount or calculation included in the Draft Completion Statement. Any Disagreement Notice shall include, to the extent possible at the time and subject to the available documentation, reasonable details of the reasons for each disagreement and any suggested adjustment to the Draft Completion Accounts and Draft Completion Statement, together with reasonable supporting evidence. |
3.3 | If a Disagreement Notice is validly served by the Sellers’ Representatives, the Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives shall attempt in good faith to resolve those matters referred to in the Disagreement Notice as being in dispute and no others and agree a final form of the Draft Completion Accounts and the Draft Completion Statement on or before the date falling 20 Business Days after the date on which the Buyer receives the Disagreement Notice. |
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3.4 | In the absence of agreement between the Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives within the 20 Business Day period referred to in paragraph 3.3, the Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives shall appoint an Independent Accountant (in accordance with Schedule 10) to deliver: |
(a) | a determination of the matters raised in the Disagreement Notice and which remain in dispute and for the purposes of his determination, the Independent Accountant: |
(i) | shall not be entitled to take into account matters not referred to or taken account in the Draft Completion Accounts, Draft Completion Statement or the Disagreement Notice (whether or not known about or discoverable at the date of the relevant document); and |
(ii) | shall not be entitled to deliver a Completion Statement containing a determination of the Completion Working Capital at a figure which is outside the range of figure for that amount contended by the Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives; and |
(b) | a revised version of the Draft Completion Accounts and Draft Completion Statement adjusted to take account of the matters determined by him. |
3.5 | The Draft Completion Accounts and Draft Completion Statement, as agreed or deemed agreed between the Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives, or as revised and determined by the Independent Accountant, in each case in accordance with this Schedule 9, shall (except in case of fraud or manifest error) be final and binding on the Parties for all purposes and shall constitute the Completion Accounts and the Completion Statement for the purposes of this Agreement. |
3.6 | The Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives shall promptly provide to each other, each other's accountants and professional advisers and any Independent Accountant appointed pursuant to paragraph 3.4, access to and copies of all such documents and information as are in their possession or under their control (other than the working papers of any of their professional advisers) and access upon reasonable notice and during normal working hours to all relevant personnel as may in any case reasonably be requested for the purpose of preparing or reviewing the Draft Completion Accounts, the Draft Completion Statement and any Disagreement Notice or making a determination pursuant to paragraph 3.4. Nothing shall require any party to disclose or provide access to any documents or information which are legally privileged or which that party is required by law or other legally binding obligation to keep confidential. |
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Part 2– Basis of Preparation of the Completion Accounts
The Completion Accounts shall:
(a) | present a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities (Vermögenslage), financial position (Finanzlage), and results of operations (Ertragslage) of the Company (vermitteln ein möglichst getreues Bild der Vermögens-, Finanz- und Ertragslage); |
(b) | be prepared using the accounting principles, policies, methodologies and categorisations (including in respect of the exercise of accounting discretion and judgement) adopted by the Company in preparation of the Accounts, but only to the extent that the same are consistent with Austrian GAAP in force at the Completion Date; |
(c) | be prepared in accordance with the Austrian GAAP, using appropriate accounting policies and estimation techniques as required by the Austrian GAAP and reflect all transactions involving the business |
(d) | make full provision for Tax as at Completion in accordance with Austrian GAAP (including for the avoidance of doubt in respect of any Phantom Right or any Event in respect of any Phantom Right) with the date of Completion treated as the end of the accounting period for Tax purposes; |
(e) | make full provision for all actual liabilities, record and disclose all actual liabilities, make write offs reasonably regarded as adequate for all bad and doubtful debts and |
(f) | not take into account any Reliefs or assets in respect of Tax (including any deferred tax assets). |
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Part 3 – Completion Statement
To: [ ]
For the attention of: [ ]
[Address]
Dear Sirs
We refer to the share sale, transfer and merger agreement ("Agreement") between the Sellers (as defined therein), Exscientia Limited and [Austrian Newco] (the “Buyer”) dated [●] 2021 providing for, inter alia, the sale to the Buyer of shares in Allcyte GmbH. Capitalised words and phrases used in this letter shall have the meanings given in the Agreement (unless the context requires otherwise).
We enclose a copy of the Completion Accounts drawn up, in our opinion, in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Agreement.
On the basis of the Completion Accounts:
[the Completion Working Capital is equal to the sum of €[●]].
for and on behalf of
[Austrian Newco]
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Part 4 – Completion Accounts' Pro forma Format
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Schedule 10
Appointment of Independent Accountant
1. | Any matter which is referred, in accordance with this Agreement, for determination by an Independent Accountant shall be referred by either the Sellers’ Representatives (acting jointly) or the Buyer to: |
1.1. | an independent chartered accountant whose identity is agreed between the Sellers’ Representatives and the Buyer; or |
1.2. | failing such agreement on or before the date falling 10 Business Days after the date on which an individual is first proposed by either party to the other for the purpose, such independent chartered accountant as shall be nominated on the application of either party by the President for the time being of the Austrian Chamber of Tax Advisors and Chartered Accountants (Kammer der Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer). |
2. | The Buyer and the Sellers’ Representatives shall cooperate with each other in relation to the appointment of the Independent Accountant, including in relation to signing the terms of engagement of the Independent Accountant and (where relevant) agreeing to any terms and conditions required by the Austrian Chamber of Tax Advisors and Chartered Accountants (Kammer der Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer), in order for them to act as the appointing body of the Independent Accountant. |
3. | In making his determination, the Independent Accountant shall: |
3.1. | decide on the procedure and timetable to be followed in the determination, save that such procedure shall allow the Seller and the Buyer and their respective professional advisers to make written and oral representations to the Independent Accountant, shall require the Seller and the Buyer to provide each other with copies of or access to any information or documents provided to the Independent Accountant at the same time as they are provided or made available to the Independent Accountant, and shall permit each party to be present during any oral submissions made by the other party to the Independent Accountant; |
3.2. | be required to determine only those matters that this Agreement provides are capable of being referred to him for determination, but shall be entitled to make any determination as to the interpretation of this Agreement as is necessary to enable him to make a determination of the matters referred to him; and |
3.3. | be entitled to take legal advice on any matter relevant to his determination. |
4. | The Independent Accountant shall act as an expert and not as an arbitrator. He shall not be obliged to give reasons for his determination which shall, save in the case of fraud or manifest error, be final and binding on all Parties for all purposes. Other than in the case of fraud, no right of appeal shall exist in relation to that determination. Where there is a manifest error the relevant part of the determination shall be void and shall be referred back to the Independent Accountant for correction. The Independent Accountant shall be required to deliver his determination and any calculation, statement or accounts required to be provided by him by this Agreement to the Buyer and the Seller in writing as soon as reasonably practicable after his appointment. |
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5. | The fees and expenses of the Independent Accountant together with VAT thereon ("Costs") shall, be borne as determined by the Independent Accountant in his sole discretion having regard to the relative merits of the arguments of each party. |
6. | The Sellers’ Representatives and the Buyer shall each use all reasonable endeavours to co-operate with the Independent Accountant to enable him to reach his determination within the time period set by this Agreement including by co-operating with any timetable and procedure set by the Independent Accountant and making available documents, information and personnel in accordance with paragraph 3.6 of part 1 of Schedule 9. |
7. | In the event that any Independent Accountant appointed pursuant to this Schedule 10 dies or becomes unwilling or incapable of acting, then the matters to be determined by the Independent Accountant shall be referred for determination to a replacement Independent Accountant and this Schedule 10 shall apply to the appointment of that replacement as if he were the first Independent Accountant appointed. |
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Schedule 11
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
1. | Shareholding in the Company at the date of this Agreement: |
Seller |
Outstanding Share
(nominal amount in EUR) |
Dr Giulio Superti-Furga | 4,136 |
Dr Gregory Vladimer | 10,072 |
Dr Berend Snijder | 8,750 |
Dr Nikolaus Krall | 6,125 |
Dr Gustav Ammerer | 10,356 |
Dr Werner Lanthaler | 2,333 |
W.LAN Holding GmbH | 2,119 |
PUSH Ventures GmbH & Co KG | 3,532 |
42CAP III GmbH & Co. KG | 9,182 |
Air Street Capital I LP | 4,238 |
Valentin Piëch | 2,119 |
Amino Collective I GmbH & Co. KG | 1,059 |
Krall Privatstiftung | 2,625 |
2. | Sale, transfer and assignment of the Sale Shares in exchange for a consideration consisting of a portion of the Cash Consideration and Consideration Shares as follows: |
Seller |
Sale Share
(nominal amount in EUR) |
Consideration | |
Cash Consideration |
Consideration
Shares |
||
Dr Giulio Superti-Furga | 2,659.45 | yes | n/a |
Dr Gregory Vladimer | 3,947.00 | yes | n/a |
Dr Berend Snijder | 5,626.25 | yes | n/a |
Dr Nikolaus Krall | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Dr Gustav Ammerer | 8,357.29 | yes | n/a |
Dr Werner Lanthaler | 1,299.48 | yes | n/a |
W.LAN Holding GmbH | 1,180.28 | yes | n/a |
PUSH Ventures GmbH & Co KG | 1,260.92 | yes | n/a |
42CAP III GmbH & Co. KG | 9,182 | yes | 1,546 |
Air Street Capital I LP | 4,238 | yes | 713 |
Valentin Piëch | 2,119 | yes | 245 |
Amino Collective I GmbH & Co. KG | 1,059 | yes | 178 |
Krall Privatstiftung | 2,625 | yes | n/a |
Total | 43,553.67 | n/a | 2,682 |
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3. | Shareholding in the Company immediately after Completion: |
Shareholder |
Share quota
(nominal amount in EUR) |
Dr Giulio Superti-Furga | 1,476.55 |
Dr Gregory Vladimer | 6,125.00 |
Dr Berend Snijder | 3,123.75 |
Dr Nikolaus Krall | 6,125 |
Dr Gustav Ammerer | 1,998.71 |
Dr Werner Lanthaler | 1,033.52 |
W.LAN Holding GmbH | 938.72 |
PUSH Ventures GmbH & Co KG | 2,271.08 |
The Buyer | 43,553.67 |
Total | 66,646 |
4. | Receipt of Consideration Shares by the Sellers holding Merger Shares as a result of Merger Completion as follows: |
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PARENT | ||
EXSCIENTIA LIMITED | ) |
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SELLERS | ||
W.LAN HOLDING GMBH | ) | |
PUSH VENTURES GMBH & CO KG | ) | |
42CAP III GMBH & CO. KG | ) | |
AIR STREET CAPITAL I LP | ) | |
AMINO COLLECTIVE I GMBH & CO. KG | ) | |
VALENTIN PIËCH | ) | |
DR GIULIO SUPERTI-FURGA | ) |
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DR GREGORY VLADIMER | ) | |
DR BEREND SNIJDER | ) | |
DR NIKOLAUS KRALL | ) | |
DR GUSTAV AMMERER | ) | |
DR WERNER LANTHALER | ) | |
KRALL PRIVATSTIFTUNG |
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Exhibit 10.10
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
This Subscription Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of 1 September 2021 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Exscientia LIMITED (registered number 13483814), a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales whose registered office is The Schrodinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, United Kingdom, which will be re-registered as a public limited company named Exscientia plc prior to the IPO (as defined below) (the “Company”) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a Washington charitable trust that is a tax-exempt private foundation organized and existing under the laws of Washington and having its principal place of business at 500 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States (the “Subscriber”).
BACKGROUND
(A) Whereas, the Subscriber, the Company and Exscientia AI Limited (registered number SC428761), a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Scotland (“Exscientia”) will enter into that certain Global Access Commitments Agreement dated on or around the date hereof (the “Global Access Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company and Exscientia have agreed to research, discover, and develop small molecule anti-infective therapeutics with respect to certain diseases to further significantly the accomplishment of the Subscriber’s charitable purposes, including the relief of the poor, distressed and underprivileged and reducing the burden of disease in developing countries, as set forth in the Global Access Agreement.
(B) Whereas, in furtherance of its charitable mission, the Subscriber desires to provide funding to the Company to be used by the Company and Exscientia solely for the purpose of carrying out the scope of work pursuant to the Global Access Agreement. Accordingly, the Company and the Subscriber desire to enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Subscriber agrees to subscribe for US$35,000,000 of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each ADS representing one of the ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (the “Ordinary Shares”) in a private placement that will close concurrently with the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) of ADSs as described herein.
AGREEMENT
Now, Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises, warranties, and covenants hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Subscription. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, in the event that the Company consummates an IPO pursuant to an effective registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Subscriber shall, in a concurrent private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, subscribe for that number of ADSs, rounded down to avoid fractional ADSs (the “Securities”), determined by dividing US$35,000,000 (thirty five million U.S. dollars) (the “Subscription Amount”) by the price per ADS at which the ADSs are offered for subscription to the public in the IPO, as set forth on the cover page of the final prospectus for the IPO (the “IPO Price”) and such purchase will occur concurrently with, and be conditioned upon, the closing of the IPO.
2. Agreement To Subscribe.
2.1 Subscription for the Securities. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Subscriber hereby applies for and agrees to subscribe for, and the Company accepts such application and will allot and issue to the Subscriber, in a concurrent private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, the Securities at a subscription price per ADS equal to the IPO Price.
2.2 Closing Date. The subscription for the Securities (the “Closing”) shall take place, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the Conditions (other than those Conditions that are to be satisfied on the Closing) simultaneously with the closing of the IPO at such place as may be mutually agreed between the Company and the Subscriber (the date of such Closing is hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date”).
2.3 Actions by the Subscriber and the Company at Closing. At the Closing, the Subscriber shall pay the Subscription Amount by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account specified in writing by the Company and provided to the Subscriber no later than two business days prior to the Closing Date and, subject to receipt thereof, the Company will issue the Securities by (a) causing the CREST account of the nominee of Citibank, N.A., the Company’s depositary for its ADS program (the “Depositary”), to be credited with the Securities issued and sold hereunder, and (b) instructing the Depositary to issue restricted, uncertificated ADSs evidencing the Securities in the name of the Subscriber, in an account of the Company’s restricted ADS facility, and provide evidence of the same to the Subscriber, no later than five business days after the Closing Date.
3. Warranties of the Company.
Except as may be disclosed in the Registration Statement or separately provided by the Company to the Subscriber prior to the date hereof, the Company hereby warrants to the Subscriber as follows as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (except for the warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be made as of such date):
3.1 Organization; Qualification. The Company is a company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of England and Wales and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted. The Company has at all times complied with all provisions of its articles of association (the “Articles”) and is not in default under, or in violation of, any such provision of the Articles. The Company is not, and has never been, a “shell company,” as described in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) and (ii) of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
3.2 Capitalization. The issued share capital of the Company and details of the securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable therefor as of immediately prior to the Closing, including the holders thereof, will be disclosed in the Registration Statement.
3.3 Authorization; Binding Obligations. The Company has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and any and all instruments necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate fully the terms and conditions contained herein and all related transactions and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been and the allotment, issuance, and delivery of the Securities will be duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company, and the Agreement has been duly executed by the Company and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms and conditions. The authorization, allotment, issuance, and delivery of the Securities will be duly authorized by all requisite action of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) and shareholders.
3.4 Valid Issuance of the Securities; Exemption from Registration. When issued in accordance with this Agreement, the ADSs and underlying Ordinary Shares will be (i) duly and validly issued, fully paid, free of any liens, options, encumbrances, proxies, adverse claims or restrictions imposed by the Company except as set forth in the Companies Act 2006 or the Articles and (ii) assuming the accuracy of the Subscriber’s warranties in this Agreement at the time of such issuance, exempt from registration and/or qualification under the Securities Act and all applicable U.S. state securities laws, and issued in compliance with all applicable securities laws.
3.5 Non-Contravention. No consent, approval, notice, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any U.S. or UK governmental authority (other than filings required to be made in accordance with the Companies Act 2006) on the part of the Company or the Depositary is required in connection with (i) the authorization and execution of this Agreement or (ii) the authorization, allotment and issuance of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement. The Company is not in violation or default of any instrument, judgment, order, writ, decree or contract to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or of any provision of any statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, which violation or default would materially and adversely affect the business of the Company.
3.6 Compliance with Securities Laws; No Integration. Assuming the accuracy of the Subscriber’s warranties, (i) no registration of the Securities is required under the Securities Act or any applicable US state securities laws in connection with the allotment and issue of the Securities to the Subscriber and (ii) the allotment and issuance of the Securities to the Subscriber will not be in violation of the Articles, in each case when such Securities are allotted and issued in accordance with this Agreement. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries or any affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any ADSs or Ordinary Shares under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Company on Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D of the Securities Act for the exemption from registration of Securities issued pursuant to a private placement, as contemplated by this Agreement, or would otherwise require registration of the Securities under the Securities Act as an integrated offering.
3.7 Investment Company. The Company is not and, immediately after giving effect to the allotment and issue of the Securities, will not be required to register as an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
3.8 No General Solicitation. Except with respect to the ADSs sold in the IPO, neither the Company nor its subsidiaries or any affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has offered or sold any of the Securities by any form of general solicitation or general advertising.
3.9 IPO Registration Statement. The IPO Registration Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) will conform, and the final prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”) and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, will conform, in all material respects, to the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not, as of the applicable effective date as to the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, and as of its date as to the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, 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.
3.10 “Bad Actor” Status. Neither the Company nor any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties (as defined below) is a “bad actor” within the meaning of Rule 506(d) promulgated under the Securities Act. For purposes of this Agreement, “Rule 506(d) Related Party” shall mean a person or entity covered by the “Bad Actor disqualification” provision of Rule 506(d) of the Securities Act.
4. Warranties of the Subscriber.
4.1 Investment Warranties.
(a) The Subscriber warrants to the Company that: (i) it is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D of the Securities Act; (ii) it has sufficient knowledge and experience in investing in companies similar to the Company in terms of the Company’s stage of development, so as to be able to evaluate the risks and merits of its investment in the Company and it is able financially to bear the risks thereof; (iii) it has had an opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management and financial affairs with the Company’s management; and (iv) its financial condition is such that it is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities for an indefinite period of time and can bear the loss of the entire investment in such securities.
(b) This Agreement is made in reliance upon the Subscriber’s express representations that (i) the Securities being subscribed for by the Subscriber are being acquired for the Subscriber’s own account (and not on behalf of any other person or entity) and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, the distribution thereof, nor with any present intention of distributing or selling the Securities or any portion thereof; (ii) the Subscriber was not organized for the specific purpose of acquiring the Securities; and (iii) the Securities will not be sold by the Subscriber without registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption therefrom.
(c) Subject to Section 7.3, the Subscriber understands that until such time as the Securities shall have been registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or shall have been transferred in accordance with an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Depositary that such registration is not required, stop transfer instructions shall be issued to the Company’s Depositary, and any certificate or certificates representing such Securities shall bear a restrictive legend stating that such Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws and referring to restrictions on the transferability and sale thereof. The Subscriber further understands that its warranties hereunder will not preclude disposition of the Securities without registration thereof, in compliance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (“Rule 144”).
4.2 Receipt of Information. The Subscriber believes it has received all the information the Subscriber considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to purchase the Securities. The Subscriber has been afforded an opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from representatives of the Company concerning the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the subscription for the Securities, the Company’s business, operations, market potential, capitalization, financial condition and prospects, and all other matters deemed relevant by the Subscriber. The foregoing, however, does not limit or modify the warranties of the Company in Section 3 of this Agreement.
4.3 Authorization. The Subscriber has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the Subscriber, enforceable against the Subscriber in accordance with its terms.
4.4 “Bad Actor” Status. The Subscriber hereby warrants that neither it nor any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties is a “bad actor” within the meaning of Rule 506(d) promulgated under the Securities Act.
4.5 Legends. The Subscriber understands and agrees that the certificates or confirmations evidencing or confirming the Securities, or any other securities issued in respect of the Securities upon any share split, share consolidation, recapitalization, or similar event, shall bear the restrictive legend in substantially the following form, subject to Section 7.3.
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT RELATED THERETO AND COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, A VALID EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A FORM REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.”
4.6 Restricted ADS Facility. The Subscriber agrees that it shall not, prior to the day on which the Securities have become freely transferrable under the Securities Act and under any terms of this Agreement including but not limited to Section 6.1 and Section 7, deposit the Securities into the unrestricted ADS facility of the Company with the Depositary nor request the issuance by such depositary of any unrestricted ADSs or American Depositary Receipts in respect of the Securities.
5. Conditions To Closing (the “Conditions”).
5.1 Conditions to the Subscriber’s Obligations at the Closing. The obligations of the Subscriber under this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction (or, if permitted by law, waiver in writing by the Subscriber), at or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions:
(a) No Injunction, etc. No preliminary or permanent injunction or other binding order, decree or ruling issued by a court or governmental agency shall be in effect which shall have the effect of preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No action or claim shall be pending before any court or quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any federal, state, local or foreign jurisdiction or before any arbitrator wherein an unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge would be reasonably likely to (i) prevent consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) cause any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be rescinded following consummation or (iii) have the effect of making illegal the purchase of, or payment for, any of the Securities by the Subscriber.
(b) Warranties True. The warranties in Section 3 made by the Company shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for such warranties that are qualified by materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such warranties had been made on and as of such date, except to the extent expressly made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such date.
(c) Performance. The Company shall have performed and complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing Date.
(d) Securities Law Compliance. The offer and sale of the Securities to the Subscriber pursuant to this Agreement shall be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and the registration and/or qualification requirements of all applicable state securities laws.
(e) Consents, Permits, and Waivers. All consents, permits and waivers, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body that are required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been duly obtained and shall be effective on and as of the Closing.
(f) Documents. The Company shall deliver or procure the delivery to the Subscriber of the Global Access Agreement, duly executed by the Company and Exscientia.
5.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company under this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction (or, if permitted by law, waiver in writing by the Company), on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions:
(a) Warranties True. The warranties in Section 4 made by the Subscriber shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for such warranties that are qualified by materiality which shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Closing with the same effect as though such warranties had been made on and as of the Closing.
(b) Performance. The Subscriber shall have performed and complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing Date.
(c) Securities Law Compliance. The offer and sale of the Securities to the Subscriber pursuant to this Agreement shall be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and the registration and/or qualification requirements of all applicable state securities laws.
(d) Consents, Permits, and Waivers. All consents, permits and waivers, if any, of any governmental authority or regulatory body that are required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been duly obtained and shall be effective on and as of the Closing.
(e) Documents. The Subscriber shall deliver or procure the delivery to the Company of the Global Access Agreement, duly executed by the Subscriber.
(f) Lock-Up Agreement. The Subscriber shall have executed and delivered a lock-up agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company and the underwriters of the IPO, and such agreement shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.
6. Covenants and Agreements
6.1 Standstill Provision. Subject to Section 6.2 of this Agreement, during the six month period commencing on the effective date of the IPO Registration Statement (the “Standstill Period”), without the prior written approval of the Board, neither the Subscriber, any of the Subscriber’s controlled Affiliates nor any of the Subscriber’s representatives acting on behalf of or in concert with the Subscriber will, in any manner, directly or indirectly:
(a) make, effect, initiate or participate in (i) any acquisition of beneficial ownership of any voting securities of the Company (“Voting Securities”) (including derivatives thereof) or debt securities, except as a result of a share split, share dividend or other pro rata distribution made by the Company to its shareholders and in which the Subscriber participates solely in its capacity as a shareholder of the Company or (ii) any acquisition of all or a material portion of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or (iii) any tender offer, takeover offer, exchange offer, merger, business combination, scheme of arrangement, recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution or extraordinary transaction involving the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or involving any securities or assets of the Company or any securities or assets of any subsidiary of the Company (provided that the Subscriber may tender its securities in any tender or exchange offer made by any third party provided that the Subscriber is not in breach of Section 6.1 of this Agreement), or (iv) any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as those terms are used in the proxy rules of the Commission) or consents with respect to the Voting Securities;
(b) form, join or participate in a “group” (as defined in the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) with respect to the beneficial ownership of any Voting Securities or debt securities of the Company or any subsidiary or division of the Company;
(c) act, alone or in concert with others, to seek to control or influence the management, the Board or policies of the Company;
(d) take any action that would reasonably be expected to cause the Company, the Subscriber or any other person to be required under applicable securities laws to make a public announcement regarding any of the types of matters set forth in Subsection 6.1(a);
(e) agree or offer to take, or knowingly encourage or propose (publicly or otherwise) the taking of, any action referred to in Subsections 6.1(a), 6.1(b), 6.1(c), or 6.1(d);
(f) assist, induce or encourage any other Person to take any action of the type referred to in Subsections 6.1(a), 6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.1(d) or 6.1(e) (provided that the Subscriber shall not be deemed to be in violation of this clause (f) unless the person providing such assistance, inducement or encouragement knew or reasonably should have known at the time he or she did so that doing so violated this Section 6.1, or knew or reasonably should have known after such time and did not attempt to halt such actions);
(g) enter into any discussions, negotiations, arrangement or agreement with any other Person with the intent to effect any of the foregoing (provided that the Subscriber shall not be deemed to be in violation of this clause (g) with respect to discussions or negotiations unless the person entering into such discussions or negotiations knew or reasonably should have known at the time he or she did so that doing so violated this Section 6.1 or knew or reasonably should have known after such time and did not attempt to halt such actions); or
(h) request or propose (either directly or indirectly) that the Company or any of the Company’s representatives amend, waive or consider the amendment or waiver of any provision set forth in this Section 6 (including this sub-paragraph).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) nothing in this Section 6.1 will be deemed to prohibit the Subscriber from confidentially communicating to the Board or the Company’s senior management or external financial advisors any non-public proposals regarding a possible transaction of any kind in such a manner as would not reasonably be expected to (x) require public disclosure thereof under applicable law or listing standards of any securities exchange; or (y) require either the Company or the Subscriber to take any public action under applicable law or listing standards of any securities exchange; and (ii) this Section 6.1 shall terminate upon a Fundamental Change Event. “Fundamental Change Event” means:
(a) the Company enters into, or publicly announces the intention to enter into, a definitive written agreement with any Person other than the Subscriber (or any of its Affiliates) to consummate a merger, consolidation or similar transaction pursuant to which (1) any Person other than the Subscriber (or any of its Affiliates) will acquire 50% or more of the issued voting share capital of the Company or (2) the Company and its subsidiaries will sell to any Person other than the Subscriber (or any of its Affiliates) all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries;
(b) the Board of Directors of the Company recommends to the shareholders of the Company any acquisition by any Person of all or more than 50% of the issued voting share capital of the Company or all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries;
(c) any Person or “group” (as defined in the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) that is or includes a company (other than the Subscriber or any of the Subscriber’s controlled Affiliates) that is in the business of developing, marketing, selling or manufacturing human therapeutics (such company, a “Pharmaceutical Company”) acquires, or publicly announces a proposal or intention to acquire, Voting Securities representing 25% or more of the then outstanding Voting Securities; or
(d) any Person or “group” that is or includes a Pharmaceutical Company commences a tender or exchange offer to acquire 50% or more of the issued voting share capital of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Fundamental Change Event shall not include any internal reorganization transactions involving only the Company, one or more of its subsidiaries and/or any holding company formed for the purpose of such transactions. In addition, nothing contained herein shall limit the ability of the Company to make any disclosures required by applicable law. The expiration of the Standstill Period will not terminate or otherwise affect any other of the provisions of this Agreement. For purposes of Section 6.1, (y) “Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and (z) “Voting Securities” shall mean at any time securities of any class of the share capital of the Company which are entitled to vote generally in the election of directors including but not limited to ADSs and Ordinary Shares.
6.2 Restrictions on Transfer.
(a) Until the expiration or earlier termination of the Standstill Period, the Subscriber will not Transfer any Securities; provided, however, that the Subscriber shall be permitted to Transfer any portion or all of its Securities, at any time under the following circumstances:
(i) Transfers to any of its Affiliates, but only upon notice in writing to the Company and provided the transferee agrees in writing for the benefit of the Company (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company) to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Transferee and the transferor will agree for the express benefit of the Company that the transferee shall Transfer any Securities back to the transferor at or before such time the transferee ceases to be an Affiliate of the transferor.
(ii) Transfers that have been approved in writing by the Board.
(iii) Transfers made pursuant to the Withdrawal Right (such term as is defined in the Global Access Agreement) in accordance with the Global Access Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection 6.2(a), the Subscriber may transfer up to 15% of the aggregate Securities held by the Subscriber and its Affiliates in each quarterly period.
(c) In the event of any Transfer by the Subscriber of its Securities, the Subscriber shall notify the Company in writing of such Transfer. Additionally, in the event of any Transfer by the Subscriber to an Affiliate of the Subscriber, the pledgee, transferee or donee shall furnish the Company with a written agreement to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to the provisions applicable to the Subscriber pursuant to this Section 6 (the “Transferee Agreement”). In addition to any other conditions set forth in this Agreement or as otherwise required by the Company, such Transfer to an Affiliate of the Subscriber shall not be valid unless and until the Company receives the Transferee Agreement. After the effectiveness of the Transfer, such pledgee, transferee or donee shall be treated as the “Subscriber” for purposes of this Agreement.
(d) For purposes of this Section 6.2, “Transfer” by any Person means directly or indirectly, to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or similarly dispose of, either voluntarily or involuntarily, or to enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or similar disposition of, any securities beneficially owned by such Person or of any interest (including any voting interest) in any securities beneficially owned by such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, a transfer of control of the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of securities is a Transfer of such securities for purposes of this Agreement.
6.3 Registration Rights. The Company agrees that if and to the extent that it enters into an agreement with the Investors (as defined therein) to provide for registration rights as contemplated in its shareholders’ agreement dated 27 April 2021 (the “Shareholders’ Agreement”) in connection with the IPO, it shall enter into an agreement on substantially the same terms with the Subscriber. The Subscriber acknowledges, however, that if after consultation with the underwriters that are appointed for the registration, the total number of registrable securities requested to be included in the registration exceeds the number of registrable securities that can be included in the registration, then the number of securities that may be included in the registration shall be allocated to the Investors requesting inclusion of their securities in such registration and the Subscriber on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective percentage share of the total ADSs that will be held by such Investors and the Subscriber immediately after the IPO.
7. Rule 144
7.1 Rule 144 Reporting. With a view to making available to the Subscriber the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission which may permit the sale of the Securities to the public without registration, the Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to:
(A) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144(c);
(b) file or furnish with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Exchange Act; and
(c) furnish the Subscriber forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the current public information requirement of Rule 144(c), (ii) an electronic copy of the most recent periodic report of the Company, and (iii) such other reports and documents as may be reasonably requested in availing the Subscriber of any rule or regulation of the Commission permitting the sale of any such securities without registration.
7.2 Removal of Restrictive Legend. Any ADSs representing the Securities, when issued, shall not bear the restrictive legend set forth in Section 4.6: (i) following a sale of such Securities pursuant to a registration statement covering the resale of such Securities, while such registration statement is effective under the Securities Act; (ii) following any sale of such Securities pursuant to Rule 144; (iii) if such Securities are eligible for sale under Rule 144, without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144 as to such Securities and without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions; or (iv) if such legend is not required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the staff of the Commission). The Company agrees that at such time as the restrictive legend set forth in Section 4.6 is no longer required under this section, then no later than five (5) business days following the later of (a) delivery by the Subscriber to the Company of customary representations regarding the facts to support the removal of the restrictive legends; and (b) delivery to the Depositary, as the case may be, the information reasonably required by the Depositary in connection with such request, the Company shall (x) in the event that such Securities are certificated, deliver or cause to be delivered to the Subscriber a certificate representing such Securities that is free from such restrictive legend, or (y) cause its Depositary, as the case may be, to remove any such restrictive legend in the Company’s records of its share capital.
7.3 American Depositary Shares. For purposes of Section 6 and this Section 7, the term “Voting Securities” shall, as the context requires, be deemed to refer to any ADSs or Ordinary Shares.
8. Miscellaneous.
8.1 Withdrawal Right. The Securities to be issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to the Withdrawal Right (such term as is defined in the Global Access Agreement), and nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit, diminish or contradict the rights and obligations of the parties in the Global Access Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and the Global Access Agreement, the Global Access Agreement shall control.
8.2 Costs and Expenses. Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with negotiation of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Subscriber will be responsible for any fees of the depositary that arise regarding its Securities.
8.3 Governing Law. This Agreement (and any dispute or claim relating to it or its subject matter (including non- contractual claims)) is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with English law.
8.4 Jurisdiction. The parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any claim, dispute or issue (including non-contractual claims) which may arise out of or in connection with this Agreement or its enforceability.
8.5 Survival. The warranties of the Company and the Subscriber contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall survive any investigation made by the Subscriber, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing.
8.6 Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Neither the Company nor the Subscriber shall have the right to assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.
8.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement including the exhibits and schedules attached hereto, constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof and no party shall be liable for or bound to any other in any manner by any oral or written representations, warranties, covenants and agreements except as specifically set forth herein and therein.
8.8 Severability. In the event one or more of the provisions of this Agreement should, for any reason, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
8.9 Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may be amended or modified, and the rights and the obligations of the Company and the rights and obligations of the Subscriber may be waived, only upon the written consent of the Company and the Subscriber.
8.10 Notices. All notices and other communications which are required or permitted hereunder will be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, sent by electronic mail or facsimile (and promptly confirmed by personal delivery, registered or certified mail or overnight courier), sent by nationally-recognized overnight courier or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:
or to such other address as the party to whom notice is to be given may have furnished to the other party in writing in accordance herewith. Any such notice will be deemed to have been given: (a) when delivered if personally delivered on a business day (or if delivered or sent on a non-business day, then on the next business day); (b) on the business day of receipt if sent by overnight courier or electronic mail; or (c) on the business day of receipt if sent by mail.
8.11 Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
8.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Any or all parties may execute this Agreement by facsimile signature or scanned signature in PDF format and any such facsimile signature or scanned signature, if identified, legible and complete, shall be deemed an original signature and each of the parties is hereby authorized to rely thereon.
8.13 Broker’s Fees. Each party hereto warrants that no agent, broker, investment banker, person or firm acting on behalf of or under the authority of such party hereto is or will be entitled to any broker’s or finder’s fee or any other commission directly or indirectly in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein. Each party hereto further agrees to indemnify each other party for any claims, losses or expenses incurred by such other party as a result of the warranties in this Section 8.13 being untrue.
8.14 Termination. The parties hereto may terminate this Agreement by mutual written agreement. This Agreement will terminate and cease to have any effect if Closing has not occurred by 31 December 2021 (or such later date as may be agreed in writing between the Company and the Subscriber). Any termination of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.14 shall be without prejudice to any accrued rights or obligations of any party to this Agreement.
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In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
EXECUTED by EXSCIENTIA LIMITED acting |
)
|
|
by a director | ) | |
EXECUTED by the BILL & MELINDA GATES | ) | |
FOUNDATION acting by a duly authorized | ) | |
officer | ) |
Exhibit 10.11
DATED | 27 July | 2018 |
(1) THE OXFORD SCIENCE PARK LIMITED
and
(2) EX SCIENTIA LIMITED
LEASE
relating to
Part Ground Floor, The Schrodinger Building
The Oxford Science Park
Sandford-on-Thames
Oxford
Knights plc
Festival House
Jessop Avenue
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3SH
CONTENTS
CLAUSE
1. | Definitions and Interpretation | 1 |
2. | Demise | 6 |
3. | Tenant’s Covenants | 7 |
4. | Landlord’s Covenants | 22 |
5. | Energy Performance Certificates | 24 |
6. | Miscellaneous Provisions | 24 |
7. | New Lease | 29 |
Schedule 1 | 30 | |
Part 1 - Particulars of the Demised Premises | 30 | |
Part 2 - Easements and Rights Granted | 30 | |
Part 3 - Exceptions and Reservations | 32 | |
Part 4 - Documents Affecting Title | 32 | |
Schedule 2 - Provisions for the review of the principal rent | 33 | |
Schedule 3 - Provisions relating to the Service Charge | 37 | |
Part 1 - Services relating to the Science Park | 37 | |
Part 2 - Services relating to the Building | 38 | |
Part 3 - Calculation of Tenant’s Proportion | 40 | |
Schedule 4 - Science Park Regulations and Stipulations | 42 | |
Schedule 5 | 43 | |
Part 1 - Surety Covenants | 43 | |
Part 2 - Form of Authorised Guarantee Agreement | 46 |
PRESCRIBED CLAUSES
LR1. | Date of lease |
27 July 2018
LR2. | Title number(s) |
LR2.1 | Landlord’s title number(s) |
ON324755
LR2.2 | Other title numbers |
ON323918
LR3. | Parties to this Lease |
Landlord
THE OXFORD SCIENCE PARK LIMITED company registration number 2287341 whose registered office is at Magdalen College, High Street, Oxford OX1 4AU (Landlord).
Tenant
EX SCIENTIA LIMITED company registration number SC428761 whose registered office is at Dundee Incubator, James Lindsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ (Tenant).
Guarantor
None.
LR4. | Property |
In the case of a conflict between this clause and the remainder of this Lease then, for the purposes of registration, this clause shall prevail.
The land demised by this Lease is known as Part Ground Floor, The Schrödinger Building, The Oxford Science Park, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford defined as the Demised Premises in clause 1.1.
LR5. | Prescribed statements etc. |
LR5.1 | Statements prescribed under rules 179 (dispositions in favour of a charity), 180 (dispositions by a charity) or 196 (leases under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993) of the Land Registration Rules 2003. |
None.
LR5.2 | This lease is made under, or by reference to, provisions of: |
None.
LR6. | Term for which the Property is leased |
The term as specified in this Lease at clause 2.
LR7. | Premium |
None.
LR8. | Prohibitions or restrictions on disposing of this Lease |
This lease contains a provision that prohibits or restricts dispositions.
LR9. | Rights of acquisition etc. |
LR9.1 | Tenant’s contractual rights to renew this Lease, to acquire the reversion or another lease of the Property, or to acquire an interest in other land |
None.
LR9.2 | Tenant’s covenant to (or offer to) surrender this Lease |
None.
LR9.3 | Landlord’s contractual rights to acquire this Lease |
None.
LR10. | Restrictive covenants given in this Lease by the Landlord in respect of land other than the Property |
None.
LR11. | Easements |
LR11.1 | Easements granted by this Lease for the benefit of the Property |
See Schedule 1 Part 2.
LR11.2 | Easements granted or reserved by this Lease over the Property for the benefit of other property |
See Schedule 1 Part 3.
LR12. | Estate rent charge burdening the Property N/A. |
N/A
LR13. | Application for standard form of restriction |
None.
LR14. | Declaration of trust where there is more than one person comprising the Tenant |
Not applicable.
THIS LEASE is made on 27 July 2018
BETWEEN:
(1) | THE OXFORD SCIENCE PARK LIMITED (company number 2287341) whose registered office is at Magdalen College, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AU (Landlord); and |
(2) | EX SCIENTIA LIMITED (company number 07617346) whose registered office is at Dundee Incubator, James Lindsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ (Tenant). |
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSETH as follows:
1. | Definitions and Interpretation |
1.1. | Throughout this Lease including the Schedules the following words and expressions have the following meanings: |
Adjoining Property: | any adjoining or neighbouring property belonging to the Landlord from time to time. | |
Agreement for Lease: | the Agreement for Lease relating to the Demised Premises dated 27 July 2018 and made between The Oxford Science Park Limited (1) and Ex Scientia Limited (2). | |
Base Rate: | either the base rate of National Westminster Bank Plc for the time being in force (or such other Bank being a member of the Committee of London Clearing Banks as the Landlord may from time to time nominate) or if no such base rate can be ascertained then such alternative rate at the relevant time which the Landlord may reasonably specify in writing in substitution therefor. | |
Building: | the building known as The Schrödinger Building shown edged green on plan C annexed to this Lease. | |
Building Services: | the services specified in Part II of Schedule 2. | |
Car Park: | the car parking area within the Plot. | |
Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery: | the procedure by which a landlord can recover rent arrears due under a commercial lease from a tenant pursuant to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. | |
Common Parts: | the footpaths, roads, entrance ways, lift, lift shaft, staircases, courtyard, walkways and landscaped areas and other areas which are from time to time during the Term provided by the Landlord for the common use and enjoyment of the occupants of the Building. |
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(f) | it goes into liquidation either voluntary or compulsory (other than a voluntary liquidation entered into solely for the purpose of amalgamation or reconstruction while solvent and with the prior consent of the Landlord); | |
in respect of an individual any one or more of the following: | ||
(a) | he shall appear to be unable to pay his debts or any of them or appear to have no reasonable prospect of being able to pay a debt within the meaning of Section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986; | |
(b) | an application is made for an interim order or a proposal is made for a voluntary arrangement under Part VIII of the Insolvency Act 1986; | |
(c) | a petition is presented under Part IX of the Insolvency Act 1986; | |
(d) | he enters into any deed of arrangement or composition with his creditors; | |
(e) | a receiver is appointed under the Mental Health Act 1983. | |
Existing EPC: | a copy of the EPC for the Demised Premises reference number 0970-1974-0388-5630-9024. | |
Insured Risks: | loss or damage by fire lightning explosion (including that of boilers and heating apparatus) aircraft and other aerial devices (other than hostile aircraft or aerial devices) or articles dropped therefrom earthquake riot and civil commotion malicious damage storm or tempest bursting or overflowing of water tanks apparatus or pipes flood impact by road vehicles and against third party claims and of property owners liability and against the risks of breakdown and third party claims in respect of the lifts (if any) and of the plate glass (if any) against breakage through impact or otherwise and in addition such other insurance in respect of the Demised Premises as the Landlord may from time to time reasonably require to be effected hereunder subject in all cases to any excesses exclusions or limitations as may be imposed by the insurers or underwriters and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing in the case of terrorism insofar as cover is available on reasonable terms in the London insurance market. |
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Landlord: | the party of the first part including the estate owner for the time being of the reversion immediately expectant upon the determination of the Term. | |
Landlord’s Surveyor: | any person or firm appointed by or acting for the Landlord (including an employee of the Landlord) to perform the function of a surveyor for any purpose of this Lease. | |
this Lease: | this Lease any licence or consent granted pursuant hereto and any variation hereof and any deed or instrument supplemental hereto. | |
Lettable Area: | the accommodation on the Science Park available for letting. | |
Main Access Road: | the road shown coloured brown on plan A annexed. | |
Permitted User: | within class B1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. | |
Planning Acts: | the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 the Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 and the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 and any other statues for the time being in force of a similar nature. | |
Plot: | the plot known as Plot 12, Oxford Science Park as shown edged blue on plan E annexed hereto. | |
Prescribed Rate: | the rate of interest which is from time to time four per centum per annum above the Base Rate; | |
Reinstatement Value: | the cost for the time being at the start of the year of insurance cover in question of reinstating and replacing the Building of which the Demised Premises form part plus a provision to cover the effect of inflation on building costs during the year of insurance and until the Demised Premises have been reinstated together with architects’ surveyors’ and other professional fees and incidental expenses and the costs of demolition and site clearance. | |
Rent Commencement Date: | 27 July 2019. |
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Review Date: | 27 July 2023. | |
Science Park: | the land comprised in title numbers ON323918 and ON324755 shown for identification purposes only edged red on plan B annexed or such larger area as the Landlord may designate from time to time Provided that designation of such larger area does not materially increase the amounts payable by the Tenant pursuant to clause 3.2 of this Lease. | |
Science Park Services: | the services specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3. | |
Superior Landlord: | the landlord for the time being of the Superior Lease. | |
Superior Lease: | the leases by virtue of which the Landlord holds the Science Park which are dated 31 December 2015 and 8 March 2016 respectively and made between (1) The President and Scholars of the College of Saint Mary Magdalen in the University of Oxford (2) The Oxford Science Park Limited. | |
Superior Rent: | the annual rent payable by the Landlord under clauses 7.1 and 6.1 respectively of the Superior Leases. | |
Tenant: | the party of the second part including its successors in title and in the case of an individual his personal representatives. | |
Term: | the term of years hereby created. | |
Term Commencement Date: | 27 July 2018. | |
Value Added Tax: | value added tax under the Value Added Tax Act 1994 and any similar replacement tax and any similar additional tax. | |
1927 Act: | the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927. | |
1954 Act: | the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. | |
1995 Act: | the Landlord and Tenant (Covenants) Act 1995. |
1.2. | Throughout this Lease: |
(a) | words importing the singular number only shall include the plural number and vice versa; |
(b) | where a party comprises more than one person covenants and obligations of that party are to be construed as having been made by such persons jointly and severally; |
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(c) | any reference to any statute shall include any re-enactment consolidation and/or renewal thereof for the time being in force and any references to any statute or statutes in general shall include any order instrument plan regulation permission and direction made or issued thereunder or deriving validity therefrom. |
1.3. | Any covenant on the part of the Tenant not to do any act or thing includes a covenant not to suffer or permit the doing of that act or thing. |
1.4. | Any rights excepted or reserved to the Landlord shall be construed as also being excepted or reserved to any mortgagee of the Landlord all persons authorised by the Landlord and the Superior Landlord and any covenant by the Tenant to permit entry by the Landlord for any purpose shall be construed as permitting entry by such persons. |
1.5. | Whenever the consent or approval of the Landlord is required under this Lease the giving of such consent or approval shall be conditional upon the prior consent or approval of the Superior Landlord from time to time and any mortgagee of the Landlord which consent or approval the Landlord shall use all reasonable endeavours to obtain. |
1.6. | Any consent approval authorisation or notice required or given under this Lease Shall only take effect if given in writing. |
1.7. | All Schedules to this Lease shall be deemed to form part of this Lease. |
1.8. | The headings in this Lease are inserted for convenience only ‘end shall not affect its construction or interpretation and references to a clause Schedule or paragraph are (unless otherwise stated) to a clause in and a Schedule to this Lease and to a paragraph of the relevant Schedule. |
1.9. | Any reference to the “end of the Term” shall mean the expiration or earlier determination of the Term and any reference to “the last year of the Term” shall mean the twelve months ending on the expiration or earlier determination of the Term (in each case howsoever the Term may be determined). |
2. | Demise |
In consideration of the rents and covenants on the part of the Tenant hereinafter reserved and contained the Landlord HEREBY DEMISES to the Tenant the Demised Premises TOGETHER with the rights as mentioned in Part 2 of Schedule 1 EXCEPTING AND RESERVING as mentioned in Part 3 of Schedule 1 TO HOLD the same to the Tenant SUBJECT to all rights easements quasi-easements and privileges to which the Demised Premises are or may be subject and to the rights covenants and other matters contained or referred to in the documents details of which are set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1 for a term of ten years from and including the Term Commencement Date and expiring on 26 July 2028 YIELDING AND PAYING therefor during the Term and so in proportion for any less time than a year:
2.1. | the yearly rent at the rate of a peppercorn (if demanded) for the period until the Rent Commencement Date and then from and including the Rent Commencement Date at the rate of £232,560 per annum (subject to review as provided for in Schedule 2) to be paid in advance (by Banker’s Order if the Landlord so requires) by equal quarterly payments on the usual quarter days in every year the first of such payments in respect of the period from the Rent Commencement Date to the day immediately before the next quarter day (both dates inclusive) to be made on the Rent Commencement Date; |
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2.2. | within 7 days of demand an amount equal to a fair proportion of the full cost (without deduction of any agency or other commission paid or allowed to the Landlord on such amount or otherwise which the Landlord shall be entitled to retain for its own benefit free of any obligation to bring the same into account hereunder) of every premium payable including any tax which may be payable thereon and other payment properly incurred by the Landlord from time to time during the Term in effecting and maintaining insurance in accordance with the provisions of clause 4.2(a) and further amounts equal to a fair proportion of the reasonable and proper costs incurred by the Landlord of obtaining from time to time (but not more often than every 2 years) professional valuations of the Demised Premises for insurance purposes; |
2.3. | the amounts payable to the Landlord pursuant to clause 3.2; |
2.4. | interest which may be payable pursuant to clause 3.3; |
2.5. | any Value Added Tax which may be payable pursuant to clause 3.5; and |
2.6. | all other sums payable by the Tenant under this Lease. |
3. | Tenant’s Covenants |
The Tenant HEREBY COVENANTS with the Landlord throughout the Term as follows:
3.1. | Rent |
To pay the rents hereinbefore reserved at the times and in the manner aforesaid without any deduction whatsoever (whether by way of set-off, counterclaim or otherwise).
3.2. | Service Charge |
To pay to the Landlord by way of service charge without any deduction whatsoever a fair and reasonable proportion of the costs expenses and outgoings paid or incurred by the Landlord in supplying and providing the services in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 2.
3.3. | Interest |
If the rents or any other sum of money payable to the Landlord by the Tenant under this Lease shall have become due but remain unpaid for fourteen days after the same became due or if the Landlord shall refuse to accept the tender of rents by reason of a breach of covenant on the part of the Tenant to pay on demand to the Landlord interest thereon at the Prescribed Rate from the date when the same became due and until they are paid to and accepted by the Landlord (as well after as before any judgment).
3.4. | Outgoings |
To bear pay and discharge all existing and future rates taxes duties charges assessments impositions and outgoings whatsoever (whether or not of a capital or non-recurring nature) which now are or may at any time hereafter during the Term be charged levied assessed or imposed upon the Demised Premises or upon the owner or occupier in respect thereof save any on receipts of rent (other than Value Added Tax) or on a disposal of the Landlord’s interest in the Demised Premises and save any payment or payments due from time to time in respect of community infrastructure levy except any community infrastructure levy that becomes due as a result of the Tenant (or its sub-tenants or other occupiers of the Demised Premises) carrying out any works.
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3.5. | Value Added Tax |
(a) | Supplies made by the Landlord to the Tenant pursuant to this Lease are exclusive of Value Added Tax and if any such supplies are (or become) liable to Value Added Tax (whether or not as a result of an election by the Landlord) then notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease such Value Added Tax shall be payable by the Tenant in addition to the consideration payable for such supplies under the terms of this Lease. |
(b) | Where under the terms of this Lease the Tenant is obliged to pay any sum which is not consideration for a supply to him but such sum is wholly or partly attributable (directly or indirectly) to a supply which is for the time being subject to Value Added Tax then notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease such sum payable by the Tenant shall be deemed for all purposes to be increased by the amount of such Value Added Tax save to the extent that the Landlord is able to obtain credit for such Value Added Tax as input tax. |
(c) | The Landlord (or its managing agents) shall render a receipted tax invoice in respect of taxable supplies made pursuant to this Lease promptly upon receipt of payment for the same. |
(d) | For the purposes of this clause 3.5 the expressions “supply” “taxable supply” “input tax” and “tax invoice” shall bear the same meanings as they do in the Value Added Tax Act 1994. |
3.6. | Landlord’s Costs |
To pay to the Landlord (and where appropriate, the Superior Landlord) within 7 days of demand all reasonable and proper costs and , expenses including solicitors’ surveyors’ and other professional fees) of and incidental to:
(a) | the preparation and service of any notice under Section 146 of the Law of Property Act 1925 and/or incurred in or in proper contemplation of proceedings under Section 146 and/or 147 of that Act notwithstanding in any such case that forfeiture may be avoided otherwise than by relief granted by the Court unless the Court otherwise directs; |
(b) | the preparation and service of any notice relating to a schedule of dilapidations and of any such schedule itself by the Landlord and whether or not the same is served during or within three (3) months after the end of the Term but relating in all cases only to dilapidations which accrued prior to the end of the Term; |
(c) | all applications by the Tenant for any consent or approval of the Landlord or the Landlord’s Surveyor or the Superior Landlord required by this Lease or the Superior Leases including such fees and expenses actually incurred in cases where consent is refused or the application is withdrawn except when a court determines that consent was unreasonably withheld; |
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(d) | subject to clause 3.6(e) the recovery of rent or other monies due and payable hereunder or to the remedying of any breach of covenant on the part of the Tenant herein contained; |
(e) | any action for the recovery of rent arrears under Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery; |
(f) | making good any damage to any Adjoining Property caused by the Tenant or any employee or licensee of the Tenant. |
3.7. | Repair |
To repair and keep the Demised Premises together with all Conduits toilets heating and cooling system and boilers in or exclusively serving the same in good and substantial repair and condition and shall rebuild and renew as necessary (damage by any of the Insured Risks always excepted save where the payment of any of the insurance monies shall be withheld or refused by reason of any act or default of the Tenant any undertenant or their respective servants agents or licensees).
3.8. | Decoration and Maintenance |
As often as may be necessary but in any event in the last year of the Term to paint with at least two coats of paint of a colour which in such last year of the Term shall previously be approved by the Landlord (such approval not. to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and to varnish paper plaster or otherwise treat all the external and internal parts of the Demised Premises as are usually or ought to be varnished papered plastered or treated (as appropriate) and generally to carry out all such work with good quality materials of their several kinds available and in accordance with good standards of workmanship.
3.9. | Cleaning of Demised Premises etc. |
(a) | As often as shall be necessary to clean treat and/or wash in an appropriate manner to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord’s Surveyor all glass and other surfaces and finishes of the Demised Premises which ought normally to be so cleaned treated and/or washed. |
(b) | Not to store or stack any goods crates boxes or other things outside the Building save in areas designated for such purpose. |
(c) | Not to obstruct or interfere with the free use of any roads or highways giving access to the Building whether by the parking of vehicles or the deposit of materials thereon. |
(d) | To clean regularly and insofar as practicable preserve in good condition all carpets (if any) belonging to the Landlord and replace the same as often as may be necessary and in any event in the last year of the Term replace with carpet of no less a quality and of similar appearance. |
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3.10. | Maintenance Contracts |
To enter into and continue from time to time contracts with suitably qualified and experienced persons of repute for the regular maintenance inspection care and servicing of any boilers, air-conditioning and central heating plant and apparatus hot and cold water system ventilation plant and all installations relating to each of them, fire alarm system, smoke detector system, security system and any other mechanical and electrical equipment from time to time in and exclusively serving the Demised Premises and to supply to the Landlord details of all such contracts upon written request being made by the Landlord.
3.11. | Entry to View |
To permit the Landlord during normal business hours with or without workmen and all necessary tools and appliances after giving not less than two days’ prior notice (except in emergency) to the Tenant to enter and remain (for such reasonable period of time as may be necessary) upon the Demised Premises:
(a) | to view the state of repair and condition thereof and to take a schedule of the Landlord’s fixtures and fittings and of any dilapidations; |
(b) | for the purpose of rebuilding or executing repairs and alterations to any adjoining or neighbouring premises belonging to the Landlord and to clean empty repair or replace any of the Conduits belonging to the same; |
(c) | to ascertain whether anything has been done which constitutes a breach or non-performance of any of the covenants contained in this Lease; |
(d) | to exercise the rights excepted and reserved to the Landlord by this Lease; |
(e) | to inspect and measure the Demised Premises for all purposes connected with the operation or implementation of the provisions of Schedule 2 or for any intended or pending step under the provisions of Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954; |
(f) | to comply with its obligations under the Superior Leases, |
(g) | for any other reasonable purpose properly connected with the interest of the Landlord in the Demised Premises |
subject to the person exercising such rights making good any damage caused to the Demised Premises thereby as soon as is reasonably practicable to the Tenant’s reasonable satisfaction.
3.12. | Compliance with Notice |
To comply with any notice given by the Landlord requesting the Tenant to remedy any breach of the Tenant’s covenants within two calendar months after the giving of such notice or sooner if requisite and if the Tenant fails to comply with any such notice it shall be lawful (but not obligatory) for the Landlord (without prejudice to the right of re-entry hereinafter contained) to enter and remain upon the Demised Premises with or without workmen and with all necessary tools and appliances to make good the Demised Premises at the cost of the Tenant which cost shall be repaid by the Tenant to the Landlord within 7 days of demand together with all solicitors’ surveyors’ and other professional fees and other expenses which may be incurred by the Landlord in connection therewith together with interest thereon at the Prescribed Rate from the date on which the said expenditure is incurred by the Landlord until the date of actual payment.
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3.13. | Overloading of Demised Premises |
Not to suspend any heavy load from the ceilings or main structure of the Demised Premises or the Building nor to load or to use the floors of the Demised Premises or the structure or curtilage of the Building in any manner which will in any way impose a weight or strain in excess of that which the same are constructed to bear with due margin for safety.
3.14. | User Prohibited |
(a) | Not to bring into the Demised Premises or to place or store in the Demised Premises any article or thing which is or may become dangerous offensive combustible inflammable radioactive or explosive other than such substances as may be stored, handled and used in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) in connection with the Permitted User but where any such substances are or may become dangerous offensive combustible inflammable radioactive or explosive then the Tenant will comply with all the requirements of the insurers of the Building and all statutes in relation to their supply use storage and/or disposal. |
(b) | Not to use the Demised Premises for any noisy offensive or dangerous trade manufacture business or occupation nor for any illegal or immoral purpose nor permit any person to reside or sleep upon the Demised Premises nor do on the Demised Premises any act matter or thing whatsoever which in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord may be or tend to become a nuisance damage or disturbance to the prejudice of the Landlord or to the owners or occupiers of any adjoining or neighbouring property or any of them Provided That the foregoing shall not prevent the use of the Demised Premises permitted by and in accordance with this Lease. |
(c) | Not to discharge anything into the Conduits which will or may be corrosive or harmful or which may cause any obstruction or deposit therein. |
(d) | Not to use the Demised Premises for any public meeting exhibition or entertainment or as a club. |
(e) | Not to hold any sale by auction thereon or to play or use thereon any musical instrument gramophone wireless loudspeaker or similar apparatus so as to be audible outside the Demised Premises. |
(f) | Not to use the Demised Premises for the purpose of any betting transactions within the meaning of the Gambling Act 2005 or for gaming within the meaning of the Gambling Act 2005 with or between persons resorting to the Demised Premises. |
(g) | Not to make any application for a betting office licence or a licence or registration under the Gambling Act 2005 in respect of the Demised Premises. |
(h) | Not to overload any structural part of the Building. |
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3.15. | User |
(a) | Not to leave the Demised Premises continuously unoccupied for more than twenty-one days without notifying the Landlord and providing such caretaking or security arrangements as the Landlord and/or its insurers shall require (in the case of the Landlord acting reasonably) in order to protect the Demised Premises from vandalism theft damage or unlawful occupation. |
(b) | Not to use or permit the use of any part of the Demised Premises other Ise than for the Permitted User: |
3.16. | Alterations and Additions |
(a) | Not to make any alteration or addition to any part of the structure of the Building or the external elevations thereof nor to merge the Demised Premises with any adjoining premises and not to alter or change any of the architectural features (whether external or internal) of the Demised Premises. |
(b) | Not without the consent of the Landlord nor otherwise than in accordance with plans approved by the Landlord (such consent and approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and under the supervision and to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord’s Surveyor to make any other alteration or addition in or to the Demised Premises or any part thereof including is particular any Conduits electrical equipment and installations of any description Provided That: |
(i) | the Landlord may in its absolute discretion seek such advice as the Landlord shall require from surveyors and other professional advisers in connection with any such application for consent; |
(ii) | the Landlord may as a condition of giving any such consent and approval require the Tenant to enter into such covenants with the Landlord as the Landlord may reasonably require in regard to the execution of any such works or otherwise; |
(iii) | the Tenant shall if so requested by the Landlord reinstate the Demised Premises at the end or sooner determination of the Term; |
(iv) | the Tenant shall not make any addition or alteration to the Demised Premises which might weaken the structure of the Building; |
(v) | in the case of any works of a substantial nature if the Landlord shall so require prior to the commencement of such works the Tenant shall provide adequate security on terms reasonably required by the Landlord in the form of a deposit of money or the provision of a bond to ensure that any alterations which may from time to time be permitted by the Landlord shall be fully completed; |
(vi) | the Landlord may in its absolute discretion refuse its consent to any alteration addition or amendment to the Demised Premises which may be visible from the exterior of the Building; |
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(vii) | the Landlord will not unreasonably withhold consent to non-structural internal alterations; |
(viii) | all proposals for any alterations or additions to the Demised Premises shall first be submitted by the Tenant to the Landlord accompanied by all relevant detailed plans, drawings, elevations, sections and specifications and such other information as may be reasonably required. |
(c) | All alterations or additions to the electrical equipment and installations of the Demised Premises shall be carried out in accordance with the terms conditions and recommendations from time to time laid down by the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the regulations of the electricity supply authority. |
(d) | Notwithstanding the foregoing not at any time to commence any development within the meaning of the Planning Acts in relation to the Demised Premises without the Landlord’s prior consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld Provided That it shall in any event be reasonable for the Landlord to withhold its consent unless the Landlord shall first be satisfied that the proposed development is properly authorised by law and that the Tenant will indemnify and keep the Landlord fully and effectually indemnified from and against any tax charge or levy for which the Landlord may become liable as a result of any such proposed development being carried out by the Tenant. |
(e) | Not without the consent of the Landlord to change or make any application to change the name of the Building from The Schrodinger Building. |
(f) | Not to install blinds at the Demised Premises other than blinds which are Shade Tech Beta Screen 70, colour BS702 Charcoal/grey, without the Landlord’s consent. |
3.17. | Advertisements |
Not to affix or exhibit in or upon any part of the exterior of the Demised Premises or so as to be visible from the exterior of the Demised Premises any bill placard advertisement flashlight or other sign except such as shall previously have been approved (as to design, size and positioning) by the Landlord.
3.18. | Encroachments etc. |
Not in any way to stop up or darken any window or opening in the Demised Premises nor to stop up or obstruct any access of light enjoyed by the Demised Premises nor to permit any wayleave easement privilege or encroachment to be made or acquired over against or upon the Demised Premises and forthwith upon the Tenant becoming aware of any of the same or circumstances which may give rise to the same to give notice thereof to the Landlord and to permit the Landlord to enter and remain upon the Demised Premises for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of any such wayleave easement privilege or encroachment and at the joint cost of the Landlord and the Tenant to adopt such means as the Landlord may properly require for preventing any encroachment and the acquisition or continued enjoyment of any wayleave easement or privilege.
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3.19. | Rights of Light |
Not to give to any third party any acknowledgement that the Tenant enjoys the access of light to any window or opening in the Demised Premises by the consent of such third party nor to pay to such third party any sum of money nor to enter into any agreement with such third party for the purpose of inducing or binding such third party to abstain from obstructing the access of light to any such window or opening and in the event of any third party doing or threatening to do anything which obstructs the access of light to any such window or opening to give immediate written notice thereof to the Landlord and to permit the Landlord to bring such proceedings as it may think fit in the name of the Tenant and at the joint cost of the Landlord and the Tenant against any such third party in respect thereof.
3.20. | Claims for Destruction of Light |
Not to bring any action or make any claim or demand on account of any diminution of light or air to the Demised Premises or any window or opening therein in consequence of the erection or alteration of any building on any land adjoining neighbouring or oppoe`e to the Demised Premises for which the Landlord may give its consent pursuant to any power reserved by this Lease or in respect of any easement right or privilege granted or to be granted by the Landlord for the benefit of any building erected or to be erected on any land adjoining neighbouring or opposite to the Demised Premises and (if reasonably required) to concur with the Landlord at the Landlord’s expense in any consent which the Landlord may give or any grant which the Landlord may make.
3.21. | Insurance |
(a) | Forthwith on becoming aware of the s n to give written notice to the Landlord of any damage or destruction to the Demised Premises or any matter in respect of which a claim may be made under any policy of insurance effected hereunder. |
(b) | If the Demised Premises or the Building shall be destroyed or damaged by any of the Insured Risks and the payment of any of the insurance monies under any insurance against the same shall be withheld or refused by reason solely or in part of any act or default of the Tenant or any undertenant or their respective servants agents or licensees then and in every such ease the Tenant will forthwith pay to the Landlord the whole or (as the case may require) the withheld or refused portion of such insurance monies. |
(c) | Not to do any act or thing whereby any insurance effected in respect of the Demised Premises, the Building or any adjoining or neighbouring property would or might be vitiated or prejudiced and not without the written consent of the Landlord to do or omit to do anything whereby an increased or additional premium in respect of any such insurance (which shall in any event be borne by the Tenant) may become payable. |
(d) | To insure and keep insured all plate glass windows and other plate glass (if any) against the Insured Risks at the replacement cost thereof with such insurance office as the Landlord may approve (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and shall product the insurance policy and the last premium receipt for inspection by the Landlord whenever the Landlord shall reasonably require and shall apply all monies received under such policy in the reinstatement of such plate glass windows and other plate glass and shall make good any deficiency out of the Tenant’s own money. |
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(e) | If the Tenant shall become entitled to the benefit of any insurance on the Demised Premises then the Tenant shall hold all monies received by virtue of such insurance upon trust for the Landlord for making good the loss or damage in respect of which the same shall have been received. |
3.22. | Alienation Prohibited |
(a) | Not to charge assign transfer or underlet part only of the Demised Premises. |
(b) | Not to part with possession or share the occupation of the Demised Premises or any part thereof other than by way of an assignment permitted under clause 3.23 or an underlease permitted under clause 3.24 Provided That the Tenant may share the occupation of the Demised Premises with any company which is within the same group as the Tenant within the meaning of Section 42 of the 1954 Act so long as the Tenant previously gives prior written notice to the Landlord of the company occupying the Demised Premises no tenancy is thereby created and such company vacates upon it ceasing to be a member of such group. |
(c) | Not to hold or occupy the Demised Premises or any part thereof as trustee or agent or otherwise for the benefit of any other person. |
3.23. | Assignment Permitted |
(a) | Not to assign or transfer the whole of the Demised Premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord such consent not to be unreasonably withheld subject to the terms contained in clauses 3.23(b) to 3.23(f) (inclusive), |
(b) | The Landlord may withhold its consent to a proposed assignment or transfer if any one or more of the following circumstances (which are specified for the purpose of Section 19(1A) of the 1927 Act) exist: |
(i) | any sum properly due from the Tenant under this Lease remains unpaid; |
(ii) | in the Landlord’s reasonable opinion there is at the date of the application for consent to assign any material outstanding breach of any of the Tenant’s covenants or other terms of this Lease; |
(iii) | the proposed assignee or transferee (or any guarantor required under clause 3.23(d)(ii)) has or will have immunity from suit or legal process in relation to any breach of any covenants or conditions contained in this Lease; |
(iv) | the proposed assignee or transferee (or any guarantor required under clause 3.23(d)(ii)) is a corporation registered in a jurisdiction in which there is no reciprocity of treatment for the enforcement of judgments obtained in England and Wales; |
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(v) | the proposed assignee or transferee is a company which is in the same group (within the meaning of Section 42 of the 1954 Act) as the Tenant |
(vi) | that in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord the proposed assignee is not of sufficient financial standing to enable it to comply with the tenant’s covenants under this Lease. |
(c) | Clause 3.23(b) shall operate without prejudice to the right of the Landlord to refuse such consent on any other ground or grounds where such refusal would be reasonable; |
(d) | The Landlord may impose any one or more of the following conditions (which are specified for the purpose of Section 19(1A) of the 1927 Act): |
(i) | a requirement that the assigning Tenant and in the event of a previous unauthorised assignment a former tenant (as defined in Section 16(6) of the 1995 Act) each separately execute as a deed and deliver to the Landlord prior to the assignment in question an authorised guarantee agreement in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 5 (to the extent permitted by law); |
(ii) | a requirement that (to the extent permitted by any surety for the assigning tenant is made party to any authorised guarantee agreement entered into by the assigning tenant in order to guarantee the obligations of the assigning tenant contained in the authorised guarantee agreement; |
(iii) | if the Landlord reasonably so requires a requirement that not more than two third party guarantors reasonably acceptable to the Landlord are provided who execute in favour of the Landlord and deliver to the Landlord prior to the assignment in question a deed of covenant in the terms of the covenants for a surety contained in Part 1 of Schedule 5; |
(e) | Clause 3.23(d) shall operate without prejudice to the right of the Landlord to impose further conditions upon a grant of consent where such imposition would be reasonable. |
(f) | The Tenant shall give notice to the Landlord in writing within fifteen working days of the Tenant becoming aware of the death of any individual who has covenanted with the Landlord as surety or of an Event of Insolvency arising in respect of a surety. If so required by the Landlord at the expense of the Tenant the Tenant shall within two (2) months of such event procure that some other individual or company acceptable to the Landlord acting reasonably shall covenant with the Landlord as surety in the terms of clause 3.23(d)(iii) in place of such individual or company. |
3.24. | Underletting Permitted |
(a) | Not to underlet the whole of the Demised Premises without the consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld). |
(b) | Prior to any such underletting to procure that the intended undertenant shall covenant direct with the Landlord: |
(i) | that the undertenant will observe and perform the Tenant’s covenants and conditions contained in this Lease (other than the covenant to pay the rents hereby reserved); |
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(ii) | that the undertenant will not charge assign transfer or sub-underlet the whole or any part of the premises to be underlet (other than by an assignment as is permitted under this clause 3.24(b)); |
(iii) | that the undertenant will not hold or occupy the premises to be underlet or any part thereof as trustee or agent or otherwise for the benefit of any other person. |
(iv) | that the undertenant will not assign the whole of the premises to be underlet without the prior written consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) Provided That the undertenant may share occupation of the underlet premises with a group company of the undertenant in accordance with the terms of clause 3.22(b); and |
(v) | that upon any assignment of the premises to be underlet the assignee shall enter into similar direct covenants with the Landlord as those set out in this clause 3.24(b). |
And to procure that one or more third party guarantors reasonably acceptable to the Landlord shall if the Landlord reasonably so requires act as surety for such undertenant and shall jointly and severally (if appropriate) covenant with the Tenant and the Landlord in the same form mutatis mutandis as in Part 1 of Schedule 5.
(c) | Not to underlet the whole of the Demised Premises except: |
(i) | at a rent which is not less than the rack rental value of the Demised Premises without taking a fine premium or other consideration and at no time to release the undertenant from the obligation to pay such rent nor to commute the same (or any part thereof) for a capital sum; |
(ii) | subject to Sections 24 to 28 (inclusive) of the 1954 Act (as amended) being excluded in relation thereto; |
(iii) | subject to obtaining the approval of the Landlord (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to the form of underlease. |
(d) | Not at any time to release or waive or permit to be released or waived any covenants against assignment or underletting in an underlease or permit any dealing by any such undertenant without the written consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) but to enforce or procure the enforcement of the performance of any such covenants by all means in the power of the Tenant in respect thereof. |
(e) | To take all necessary steps at its own expense to secure the effective implementation of the provisions for rent review contained in any underlease and shall: |
(i) | not agree the amount of any such rent on review without the prior consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and so that for the avoidance of doubt the Landlord shall have the right (at the Landlord’s sole discretion) to submit any representations the Landlord thinks fit to the arbitrator or expert or to incorporate such representations in those which the Tenant shall make in connection with any such review of the rent reserved by any underlease; |
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(ii) | not agree upon the appointment of a person to act as the arbitrator or expert determining the rent in default of agreement without the approval of the Landlord (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); and |
(iii) | to supply the Landlord with a copy of the determination of every rent review within 14 days of receipt thereof together with such further details as the Landlord may reasonably require. |
3.25. | Disclosure of Information |
Upon making an application for any consent or approval which is required under this Lease the Tenant shall disclose to the Landlord such information as the Landlord may reasonably require.
3.26. | Registration |
(a) | Within twenty-one days after any assignment transfer underlease mortgage charge or other devolution of this Lease or any derivative interest to give notice thereof in duplicate to the Landlord’s solicitor for registration together with a certified copy of the deed document or instrument effecting such assignment transfer underlease mortgage charge or other devolution and to pay or cause to be paid to the Landlord’s solicitors or as the Landlord may from time to time direct a fee of Fifty Pounds (£50.00) or such higher fee as the Landlord may reasonably require for the registration thereof. |
(b) | Where a deed of transfer or deed of assignment of the Demised Premises or an underlease is registerable at the Land Registry the Tenant shall procure the registration of such deed of transfer or deed of assignment or underlease as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of the same and within one month of completion of the registration give notice in writing to the Landlord. |
3.27. | Schedule of Underlettings etc. |
If and when called upon by the Landlord so to do to supply to the Landlord from time to time a schedule containing full details (including for the avoidance of doubt particulars of rent and any review dates) of all subsisting underlettings and occupiers of the Demised Premises.
3.28. | Compliance with Statutes |
(a) | To comply with the provisions of all statutes now or hereafter to be passed which affect the Demised Premises or the Tenant’s user thereof including the execution of all works required to be done or executed pursuant thereto whether by the owner and/or the landlord and/or the tenant thereof and to comply with any notices which may be served by any competent authority and not to do on the Demised Premises any act or thing whereby the Landlord may become liable to pay any penalty imposed by or to bear the whole or any part of any expenses incurred under any such statute. |
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(b) | To comply with all requirements from time to time of the appropriate authority in relation to fire precautions and means of escape from the Demised Premises in case of fire or other emergency insofar as such escape route is located within the Demised Premises and at the expense of the Tenant to keep the Demised Premises sufficiently supplied and equipped with fire-fighting and extinguishing apparatus and appliances of a type to be approved from time to time by the appropriate authority and by the Landlord’s insurers and suitable in all respects to the type of user or business or trade carried on upon the Demised Premises. |
3.29. | Planning Acts |
(a) | To obtain so often as Occasion shall require all planning permissions licences consents and approvals as may be required under the Planning Acts for the carrying out by the Tenant of any development on the Demised Premises within the meaning of the Planning Acts or for the continuance thereof by the Tenant but so that the Tenant shall not make any application for planning permission or give any notice to any authority of an intention to commence or to carry Out any development without the previous consent of the Landlord and so that the Tenant shall (if and insofar as it is lawful for the parties hereto to make such an arrangement) indemnify the Landlord against all charges payable in respect of any such application |
(b) | Forthwith after the grant of any pleating permission or refusal of any application therefor made by the Tenant to give to the Landlord full particulars in writing thereof and supply a copy thereof for the retention of the Landlord and in the case of a refusal of such an application or a grant subject to conditions which the Landlord considers unreasonable forthwith if the Landlord reasonably so requires at the Landlord’s expense to give notice of appeal thereof to the competent authority and to proceed diligently with such appeal and to keep the Landlord informed of the progress thereof |
(c) | Without prejudice to the provisions of any other covenant by the Tenant under this Lease not to implement any planning permission until a copy of the same has been submitted to the Landlord and acknowledged by it as satisfactory (such acknowledgement not to be unreasonably withheld) Provided That the Landlord may refuse so to express its satisfaction with any such planning permission on the ground that any provision or condition would in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord be or be likely to be (whether during the Term or following its determination) prejudicial to the Landlord’s interest in the Demised Premises or the Building or any adjoining or neighbouring property belonging to the Landlord |
(d) | To comply with all conditions imposed by any planning permission implemented by the Tenant during the Term and if the Landlord reasonably so requires where a planning permission is granted subject to conditions to provide adequate security for the compliance with such conditions on terms reasonably required by the Landlord in the form of a deposit of money or the provision of a bond prior to the implementation by the Tenant of such planning permission. |
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(e) | Unless the Landlord shall otherwise direct to carry out before the end or sooner determination of the Term (howsoever the same may be determined) any works stipulated to be carried out to the Demised Premises by a date subsequent to such end or sooner determination as a condition of any planning permission which may have been granted to and been implemented by the Tenant or any person deriving title under the Tenant. |
(f) | If called upon so to do to produce to the Landlord all plans documents and other evidence as the Landlord may reasonably require in order to satisfy itself that the provisions of this covenant have been complied with. |
(g) | Not without the consent of the Landlord to enter into any agreement under the Planning Acts. |
(h) | Not without the consent of the Landlord to serve any notice under Planning Acts requiring any authority to purchase the interest of the Tenant in the Demised Premises. |
3.30. | Statutory Notices |
(a) | Within seven days of the receipt of any notice order permission refusal requisition or direction or proposal for the same made given or issued to the Tenant by any competent authority under or by virtue of any statutory powers or forthwith upon the happening of any occurrence which may be capable of adversely affecting the Landlord’s interest in the Demised Premises the Tenant shall deliver full particulars thereof to the Landlord and if so required by the Landlord thereafter to produce a copy of the same to the Landlord and without delay to take all reasonable and necessary steps to comply with the same, |
(b) | To make or join with the Landlord at the joint cost of the Landlord and the Tenant in making such objections or, representations against or in respect of any such notice order permission refusal requisition or direction or proposal for the same as the Landlord shall deem expedient |
3.31. | Reletting Arrangements |
To permit the Landlord or its agents to fix and retain in a conspicuous position on the Demised Premises a notice-board during the last six months of the Term in respect of the reletting of the same and at any time during the Term in respect of the sale of the interest of the Landlord in the same (but not so as to restrict or interfere unreasonably with access to or the access of light and air to the Demised Premises) and not to take down or obscure the said notice-board and to permit all persons authorised by the Landlord or its agents to view the Demised Premises during normal business hours after the giving of not less than twenty-four hours’ prior notice.
3.32. | Defects |
To notify the Landlord promptly upon becoming aware of any defect in the Demised Premises which might give rise to a duty imposed by common law or statute on the Landlord in favour of the Tenant or any other person.
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3.33. | Indemnity |
(a) | To indemnify and keep indemnified the Landlord against all losses costs damage and expenses (including professional fees properly incurred by the Landlord) incurred or sustained by the Landlord as a consequence of any breach of the covenants by the Tenant set out herein or implied Provided That such indemnity shall extend to all costs and expenses properly incurred by the Landlord in connection with any steps which the Landlord may (at its absolute discretion but without being in any way obliged to do so) take to remedy any such breach and shall be without prejudice to any other rights or remedies of the Landlord in respect of any such breach. |
(b) | To indemnify and keep indemnified the Landlord against liability in respect of any injury to or the death of any person or damage to any property movable or immovable or the infringement disturbance or destruction of any right easement or privilege or otherwise by reason of or arising directly or indirectly out of the repair or condition of the Demised Premises or any alteration thereto by the Tenant or any person deriving title under the Tenant or the Permitted User and against all actions proceedings costs expenses claims and demands of whatsoever nature in respect of any such liability or alleged liability. |
3.34. | Yield Up |
At the end of the Term quietly to yield up to the Landlord the Demised Premises in such state and condition as shall in all respects be in accordance with the covenants on the part of the Tenant herein contained Provided That:
(a) | the state and condition of the Demised Premises shall be assessed with reference to the specifications for a Category A office premises annexed to the Agreement for Lease and for the avoidance of doubt this shall mean any Variations (as defined in the Agreement for Lease) are to be removed; |
(b) | if any of the Landlord’s fixtures and fittings shall be missing broken damaged or destroyed the Tenant shall forthwith replace them with others of a similar character and of equal value; |
(c) | unless released from compliance by the Landlord by notice the Tenant shall remove all tenant’s and trade fixtures and fittings and every moulding sign writing or painting of the name or business of the Tenant or other occupiers from the Demised Premises and to make good all damage caused to the Demised Premises by the removal of the tenant’s and trade fixtures fittings furniture and effects |
(d) | if at the end of the Term the Demised Premises shall not be in such state and condition then whether the works necessary to put the Demised Premises into such repair and condition are carried out by the Tenant or at the entire cost of the Tenant by the Landlord there shall in addition be paid to the Landlord by the Tenant a sum equivalent to the amount of rent lost by the Landlord in respect of the period from such end or sooner determination until all such necessary works have been completed to the satisfaction of the Landlord such sum to be equivalent to a maximum of four months yearly rent and to be paid within seven days of the date of the Landlord informing the Tenant that all such works have been so completed. |
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3.35. | Regulations |
To observe duly and perform the stipulations and regulations set out in Schedule 3 and such reasonable and proper regulations and instructions as the Landlord may from time to time make or give in connection with the management or administration of the Building and/or the Science Park.
3.36. | Covenants in Documents |
Not to breach the agreements covenants and stipulations contained or referred to in the documents referred to in Part 4 of Schedule 1 and to indemnify the Landlord in relation to any breach thereto attributable to the Tenant so far as they concern any act matter or thing to be done on the Demised Premises.
3.37. | Superior Leases |
Not to breach the covenants (other than the payment of rent) on the part of the tenant contained in the Superior Leases so far as they relate to the Demised Premises and not to do anything to put the Landlord in breach of the covenants on the part of the tenant contained in the Superior Leases so far as they relate to the Demised Premises.
4. | Landlord’s Covenants |
The Landlord HEREBY COVENANTS with the Tenant as follows:
4.1. | Quiet Enjoyment |
That the Tenant paying the rents hereby reserved and observing and performing the covenants conditions and stipulations herein contained and on the part of the Tenant to be observed and performed shall and may peaceably hold and enjoy the Demised Premises during the Term without any interruption by the Landlord or any person rightfully claiming under or in trust for the Landlord.
4.2. | Insurance |
(a) | To insure and keep insured at rates which are not unreasonably above the market norm for readily available insurance for similar buildings in the London insurance market in a cost-effective manner (unless such insurance shall be vitiated by any act or default of the Tenant any person deriving title under the Tenant or their respective servants agents or licensees) the Building, and access to the Building for a sum being not less than the Reinstatement Value against loss or damage by the Insured Risks with some insurance office or underwriters of repute and to insure against the loss of three years’ rent for the time being payable to the Landlord hereunder in respect of the whole of the Demised Premises together with VAT and (if applicable) with any anticipated increase in respect of a review of the rent payable under this Lease pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 5. |
(b) | As often as the Building or the Demised Premises or the access thereto shall be destroyed or damaged subject to the payment of the policy monies not being withheld or refused in whole or in part through any act or default of the Tenant any person deriving title under the Tenant or their respective servants agents or licensees and subject to obtaining all necessary planning and other consents to lay out all monies received by virtue of such insurance which are attributable to damage caused to the Building and/or the Demised Premises (making up any shortfall from its own monies) in rebuilding repairing and reinstating the Building and/or the Demised Premises to their former state or condition or as near thereto as circumstances may reasonably permit Provided That if the Landlord has not been able to obtain all such planning and other consents and has not fully reinstated the Demised Premises or the access thereto within a period of three years from the date of damage or destruction either the Landlord or the Tenant shall be entitled to terminate this Lease by giving notice to the other and on the giving of such notice the Term shall cease and determine but without prejudice to the rights of any party hereto in respect of any antecedent breach of covenant whereupon all monies payable pursuant to any policy of insurance effected hereunder shall belong to the Landlord absolutely. |
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(c) | To produce to the Tenant upon demand (but not more often than once in every year) a schedule setting out relevant details of the insurance policy or policies effected pursuant to clause 4.2(a) and confirming payment of the fast premium thereon together with written details of all relevant requirements and recommendations of such insurance policy or policies. |
4.3. | Services |
Subject as otherwise herein provided to perform the Building Services and to use reasonable endeavours to perform the Science Park Services in both cases as from time to time necessary under the principles of good estate management Provided That:
(a) | the Landlord shall not be liable to the Tenant in respect of any interruption in any of the services which the Landlord does provide or supply by reason of any necessary inspection repair or maintenance of any plant or equipment or any damage thereto or by reason of mechanical or other defect or breakdown or inclement weather conditions or shortage of fuel materials water or labour or by reason of any circumstances whatever beyond the control of the Landlord provided that the Landlord shall procure that the services will be restored as soon as reasonably practicable; |
(b) | the Tenant shall have no claim against the Landlord in respect of any defect or want of maintenance repair amendment renewal or cleansing unless the Landlord has had notice thereof and has failed to remedy the same within a reasonable period thereafter. |
4.4. | Superior Leases |
To pay the rent reserved by the Superior Leases and to observe and perform the tenant’s covenants in the Superior Leases (insofar as the Tenant is not liable for such observance and performance) under its covenants herein contained.
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5. | Energy Performance Certificates |
5.1. | Tenant covenants |
(a) | The Tenant shall permit the Landlord at reasonable times after reasonable notice (except in emergency) to enter the Demised Premises in order to take the measurements and carry out the calculations required for the production of an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises or any part of them, subject to the person exercising such rights making good any damage thereby caused to the Demised Premises. |
(b) | On demand the Tenant shall supply the Landlord with the information required for the production of an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises, including without limitation information regarding energy consumption and equipment. |
(c) | The Tenant shall not obtain an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises or any part of them without the prior written consent of the Landlord and if the Landlord grants such consent then: |
(i) | the EPC shall be obtained by the Tenant from a reputable and appropriately qualified energy assessor at the Tenant’s own cost, and |
(ii) | the Tenant shall notify the Landlord in writing when an EPC has been obtained in respect of the Demised Premises or any part of them and its notice shall include a copy of the EPC and the reference number for the EPC. |
(d) | If and to the extent the Existing EPC is no longer valid (as the result of the Tenant’s alterations or any default by the Tenant) to notify the Landlord and to obtain any EPC required to be provided from a reputable and appropriately qualified energy assessor. |
5.2. | Landlord covenants |
(a) | On demand the Landlord shall supply the Tenant with the information required for the production of an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises, including without limitation information regarding energy consumption and equipment. |
(b) | The Landlord shall notify the Tenant whenever an EPC has been obtained in respect of the Demised Premises and its notice shall include a copy of the EPC and the reference number for the EPC. |
6. | Miscellaneous Provisions |
PROVIDED ALWAYS AND IT IS HEREBY AGREED AND DECLARED as follows:
6.1. | Power of Re-entry |
(a) | If the rents hereby reserved or any part thereof shall at any time be in arrear and unpaid for fourteen days after the same shall have become due (whether legally demanded or not); or |
(b) | If there shall be any breach of any of the covenants on the part of the Tenant contained in this Lease; or |
(c) | An Event of Insolvency arises in relation to the Tenant or in relation to any surety who at any time guarantees the obligations of the Tenant under this Lease; or |
(d) | If the Tenant suffers any distress or execution or any modern equivalent of these remedies to be levied on any goods including any action taken for the recovery of rent arrears from the Tenant under Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery for the time being on the Demised Premises which is not removed within fourteen days |
then and in any such case it shall be lawful for the Landlord at any time thereafter to re-enter the Demised Premises or any part thereof in the name of the whole and thereupon the Term shall absolutely cease and determine but without prejudice to any right of action of the Landlord in respect of any antecedent breach of any of the covenants by the Tenant herein contained.
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6.2. | Cesser of Rent |
If the Building and/or the Demised Premises or any part thereof or the means of access thereto are destroyed or damaged by any of the Insured Risks so far as to render the Demised Premises or any part thereof or access to them unfit for occupation and use then and so often as it happens (if at the date thereof the payment of any of the insurance monies has not been withheld or refused by reason of any act or default of the Tenant any person deriving title under the Tenant or their respective servants agents or licensees) the rent reserved under clause 2.1 and the Service Charge or a fair and just proportion thereof according to the nature and extent of the damage shall be suspended for so long as the Demised Premises or the access to them or the destroyed or damaged part thereof remain unfit for occupation and use by reason of such destruction or damage or for three years whichever shall be the shorter and if any dispute arises between the Landlord and the Tenant in regard to the amount or the period of the suspension of the said rent or otherwise in relation thereto it shall be referred to arbitration under the provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996.
6.3. | No Implied Rights |
Nothing herein contained shall (except as otherwise expressly provided) by implication of law or otherwise operate or be deemed to confer upon the Tenant any easement right or privilege whatsoever.
6.4. | Development of Adjoining Property |
The Landlord shall have the right at any time to make any alterations to or to pull down rebuild redevelop or otherwise deal with or use any Adjoining Property as it may deem fit without obtaining any consent from or making any compensation to the Tenant and the Tenant will not object to any planning application made by or on behalf of the Landlord in respect of the development or redevelopment of any Adjoining Property.
6.5. | Restrictions affecting Adjoining Property |
Nothing herein contained or implied shall give the Tenant the benefit of or the right to enforce or to have enforced or to prevent the release or modification of any covenant agreement or condition entered into by any purchaser from or by any lessee or occupier of the Landlord in respect of property not comprised in this Lease or areas over which rights are granted by this Lease for the benefit of the Tenant.
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6.6. | No Warranty as to Use |
Notwithstanding the provisions as to the Permitted User contained in this Lease the Landlord does not hereby or in any other way give or make nor has given or made at any other time any representation or warranty that the Permitted User is or will be or will remain a permitted use within the provisions of the Planning Acts and notwithstanding that the Permitted User is not a permitted use as aforesaid the Tenant shall remain fully bound and liable to the Landlord in respect of the obligations undertaken by the Tenant by virtue of this Lease without any compensation recompense or relief of any kind whatsoever.
6.7. | Exclusion of Representations |
The Tenant acknowledges that this Lease has not been entered in reliance wholly or partly upon any statement or representation made by or on behalf of the Landlord save insofar as any such statement or representation is expressly set out in this Lease or has been made in writing by the Landlord’s solicitors to the Tenant’s solicitors before the date of entry into this Lease.
6.8. | Disputes |
Any dispute arising as between the Tenant and the tenants or occupiers of any property adjoining neighbouring or opposite to the Demised Premises belonging to the Landlord as to any easement right or privilege in connection with the user of the Demised Premises and such property adjoining neighbouring or opposite to the Demised Premises or as to the party or other walls separating the Demised Premises from the adjoining property or as to the amount of any contribution towards the expenses of works to services used in common with any other property shall be decided by the Landlord’s Surveyor whose decision shall be binding upon all parties to the dispute (save in the case of manifest error).
6.9. | Removal of Tenant’s Property |
(a) | If at such time as the Tenant has vacated the Demised Premises at the end of the Term any property of the Tenant shall remain in or on the Demised Premises and the Tenant shall fail to remove the same within fourteen days after being requested in writing by the Landlord so to do then the Landlord may as the agent of the Tenant sell such property and shall then hold the proceeds of sale after deducting the costs and expenses of removal storage and sale properly incurred by it to the order of the Tenant. |
(b) | The Tenant shall indemnify the Landlord against any liability incurred by it to any third party whose property shall have been sold by the Landlord in the mistaken belief held in good faith (which shall be presumed unless the contrary be proved) that such property belonged to the Tenant. |
6.10. | Surrender of Easements |
At any time during the Term the Tenant will at the request of the Landlord enter into a deed of variation of this Lease to give up or alter rights of access and easements granted hereunder which are not reasonably necessary for the use and/or enjoyment of the Demised Premises or which the Landlord reasonably requires to be varied as part of the redevelopment of the whole or part of the Science Park so long as the alternative rights of access or other easements are no less convenient than those hereby granted and provided that the Landlord indemnifies the Tenant in respect of any cost and expense reasonably incurred by the Tenant either relating to any such deed of variation or with regard to the cost of any works required to the Demised Premises or the Science Park which are the result of such request from the Landlord and which are approved by the Landlord (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld).
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6.11. | Notices |
The provisions of Section 196 of the Law of Property Act 1925 as amended by the Recorded Delivery Service Act 1962 shall apply to all notices required to be served hereunder.
6.12. | Jurisdiction |
Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Lease or its subject matter or formation {including non-contractual disputes or claims).
6.13. | Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
A person who is not a party to this Lease shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Lease. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from that Act.
6.14. | Break Clause |
(a) | In this clause the following definitions apply: |
Break Date: 28 September 2024.
Break Notice: written notice to terminate this Lease.
(b) | Subject to clause 6.14(c) the Tenant may terminate this Lease by serving a Break Notice on the Landlord at least nine months but not more than fifteen months before the Break Date. |
(c) | A Break Notice served by the Tenant pursuant to clause 6.14(b) shall have no effect if at the Break Date: |
(i) | the Tenant has not paid any part of the yearly rent or of the on-account service charge payable under clause 3.2 of the Lease or any VAT in respect of them, which was due to have been paid; |
(ii) | the Tenant has not given the Demised Premises back to the Landlord free of the Tenant’s occupation and the occupation of any other lawful occupier and without any continuing underleases; |
(iii) | the Tenant has not paid the Landlord the sum of ***58,140 plus (if applicable) VAT in cleared funds on or before the Break Date which sum is due, for the avoidance of doubt, in addition to any monies due under clause 6.14(c)(i). |
(d) | The Break Notice shall be in writing and, for the purposes of this clause, writing does not include facsimile transmission or email. |
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(e) | Subject to clause 6.14(c), following service of a Break Notice pursuant to clause 6.14(b) this Lease shall terminate on the Break Date. |
(f) | Time shall be of the essence in respect of all time periods and limits in this clause. |
(g) | Termination of this Lease pursuant to this clause shall be without prejudice to any right or remedy of the Landlord in respect of any antecedent breach of the covenants or conditions on the part of the Tenant in this Lease, including any covenants expressed to be complied with before the end of the Term. |
(h) | If the Lease terminates at the Break Date pursuant to clause 6.14(b) the Landlord will within 10 working days of the Break Date reimburse to the Tenant any proportion of the yearly rent and on-account service charge and any VAT on them paid in advance by the Tenant and which relates to a period after the Break Date. |
6.15. | Uninsured risks |
(a) | In this Clause 6.15 (Uninsured Risks), an “Uninsured Risk” means any risk, or some aspect of any risk, which would be covered by the risks itemised in the definition of “Insured Risks” but which: |
(i) | is excluded from being so by reason of withdrawal of cover by the insurer and which is not otherwise available to be insured in the London insurance market; or |
(ii) | is withdrawn from cover by the Landlord on the grounds that in the Landlord’s reasonable opinion cover cannot be placed in the London insurance market at reasonable commercial rates or on reasonable commercial conditions. |
(b) | An Insured Risk does not become an Uninsured Risk for the purposes of clause 6.15(a) by reason only of: |
(i) | being excluded, or partially excluded, from cover due to standard exclusion provisions on the policy; |
(ii) | rejection by the insurer of liability, or some part of it, due to vitiation by the Tenant; or |
(iii) | infringement by the Landlord of policy conditions for the maintenance of cover. |
(c) | The obligations of the Tenant to repair and to decorate, and to yield up in repair and decorated, the Demised Premises do not apply to damage or destruction caused by an Uninsured Risk. |
(d) | The provisions of this clause 6.15 (Uninsured Risks) apply if the Building (whether or not directly affecting the Demised Premises) is damaged or destroyed by an Uninsured Risk so as to make the Demised Premises unfit for occupation, use or enjoyment. |
(e) | If the damage or destruction referred to in clause 6.15(d) occurs, the Landlord may within 12 months after the date of the damage or destruction elect to rebuild or reinstate the Demised Premises by giving notice to the Tenant to that effect and if the Landlord so elects the Landlord shall as soon as may reasonably be practicable use its reasonable endeavours to rebuild or reinstate the Building providing the cost of doing so out of its own resources. |
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(f) | The Landlord may at any time before it has made an election under clause 6.15(e) decide not to rebuild or reinstate the Building and may instead terminate this Lease by giving notice to the Tenant to that effect to expire immediately. |
(g) | If the Landlord has not made an election under clause 6.15(e) within 12 months after the date of damage or destruction of the Building, the Tenant may terminate this Lease by giving to the Landlord notice to that effect at any time thereafter to expire immediately unless the Landlord has made such an election in the meantime. |
(h) | During the period before the Landlord makes an election under clause 6.15.(e) or terminates this Lease under clause 6.15(f), the rent and service charge, or a fair proportion of them according to the nature and extent of the damage or destruction sustained, are to be suspended and cease to be payable and in case of dispute the matter shall be referred to arbitration under the provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996. |
(i) | If the Landlord has not commenced rebuilding or reinstating the Building within twelve months after making the election under clause 6.15(e), the Tenant may terminate this Lease by giving to the Landlord notice to that effect at any time thereafter to expire immediately, unless the Landlord has commenced rebuilding or reinstating the Building before the expiry of the notice. |
(j) | If the Landlord has not practically completed the works of rebuilding or reinstating the Building (as evidenced by the issue of the certificate or statement of practical completion under the building contract for the works) within the period of three years after making the election under Clause 6.15(e), then either the Landlord or the Tenant may terminate this Lease by giving to the other not less than six months’ notice to that effect to expire at the end of that period, unless practical completion has taken place before the expiry of the notice. |
(k) | On the expiry of any notice of termination given under this Clause 6.15 (Uninsured Risks), this Lease will terminate unless provided otherwise, but without affecting any liability arising from a breach of covenant or condition which has occurred before then. |
6.16. | Retention of Insurance Proceeds |
On the termination of this Lease under clause 6.15 (Uninsured Risks) or if this Lease is terminated by the operation of the doctrine of frustration or otherwise, the Landlord is to be entitled to retain all of the proceeds of insurance for its exclusive benefit.
7. | New Lease |
This Lease is a new tenancy for the purposes of the 1995 Act.
IN WITNESS whereof the parties to this Lease have executed and delivered this Lease as a deed the day and year first above written.
29
EXECUTED as a DEED by THE | ) | |
OXFORD SCIENCE PARK LIMITED | ) | |
acting by one director | ) | /s/ |
[ ] | ) | Director |
in the presence of: |
Witness signature | /s/ Philip Marsh |
Witness name (BLOCK CAPITALS): PHILIP MARSH
Address: | Midland House, West_____________ Oxford |
Occupation: | Solicitor |
EXECUTED as a DEED by | ) | |
EX SCIENTIA LIMITED | ) | |
acting by one director | ) | /s/ Andrew Hopkins |
[Andrew Hopkins ] | ) | Director |
in the presence of: |
Witness signature | /s/ Miroslava Pilarova |
Witness name (BLOCK CAPITALS): MIROSLAVA PILAROVA
Address: | 18 Church Hill Rd |
OX4 3_____________ Oxford |
Occupation: | Executive Assistant |
30
Exhibit 10.12
DATED | 11th April | 2018 |
(1) THE OXFORD SCIENCE PARK LIMITED
and
(2) FUEL 3D TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
LEASE
relating to
Third Floor, The Schrodinger Building
The Oxford Science Park
Sandford-on-Thames
Oxford
Knights 1759
Festival House
Jessop Avenue
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3SH
CONTENTS
CLAUSE
1. | Definitions and Interpretation | 1 |
2. | Demise | 7 |
3. | Tenant’s Covenants | 7 |
4. | Landlord’s Covenants | 23 |
5. | Energy Performance Certificates | 24 |
6. | Miscellaneous Provisions | 25 |
7. | New Lease | 28 |
SCHEDULES
Schedule 1 | 29 |
Schedule 2 - Provisions for the review of the Principal Rent | 33 |
Schedule 3 - Provisions relating to the Service Charge | 37 |
Schedule 4 - Science Park Regulations and Stipulations | 42 |
Schedule 5 | 43 |
PRESCRIBED CLAUSES
LR1. | Date of lease |
11th April 2018
LR2. | Title number(s) |
LR2.1 | Landlord’s title number(s) |
ON324755
LR2.2 | Other title numbers |
ON323918
LR3. | Parties to this Lease |
Landlord
THE OXFORD SCIENCE PARK LIMITED company registration number 2287341 whose registered office is at Magdalen College, High Street, Oxford OX1 4AU (Landlord).
Tenant
FUEL 3D TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED company registration number 08852503 whose registered office is at Unit 2 Douglas Court, Seymour Business Park, Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39 4HA (Tenant).
Guarantor
None.
LR4. | Property |
In the case of a conflict between this clause and the remainder of this Lease then, for the purposes of registration, this clause shall prevail.
The land demised by this Lease is known as Third Floor, The Schrödinger Building, The Oxford Science Park, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford defined as the Demised Premises in clause 1.1.
LR5. | Prescribed statements etc. |
LR5.1 | Statements prescribed under rules 179 (dispositions in favour of a charity), 180 (dispositions by a charity) or 196 (leases under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993) of the Land Registration Rules 2003. |
None.
LR5.2 | This lease is made under, or by reference to, provisions of: |
None.
LR6. | Term for which the Property is leased |
The term as specified in this Lease at clause 2.
LR7. | Premium |
None.
LR8. | Prohibitions or restrictions on disposing of this Lease |
This lease contains a provision that prohibits or restricts dispositions.
LR9. | Rights of acquisition etc. |
LR9.1 | Tenant’s contractual rights to renew this Lease, to acquire the reversion or another lease of the Property, or to acquire an interest in other land |
None.
LR9.2 | Tenant’s covenant to (or offer to) surrender this Lease |
None.
LR9.3 | Landlord’s contractual rights to acquire this Lease |
None.
LR10. | Restrictive covenants given in this Lease by the Landlord in respect of land other than the Property |
None.
LR11. | Easements |
LR11.1 | Easements granted by this Lease for the benefit of the Property |
See Schedule 1 Part 2.
LR11.2 | Easements granted or reserved by this Lease over the Property for the benefit of other property |
See Schedule 1 Part 3.
LR12. | Estate rent charge burdening the Property N/A. |
N/A
LR13. | Application for standard form of restriction |
None.
LR14. | Declaration of trust where there is more than one person comprising the Tenant |
Not applicable.
THIS LEASE is made on 11th April 2018
BETWEEN:
(1) | THE OXFORD SCIENCE PARK LIMITED (company number 2287341) whose registered office is at Magdalen College, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AU (Landlord); and |
(2) | FUEL 3D TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED company registration number 08852503 whose registered office is at Unit 2 Douglas Court, Seymour Business Park, Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4HA (Tenant). |
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSETH as follows:
1. | Definitions and Interpretation |
1.1. | Throughout this Lease including the Schedules the following words and expressions have the following meanings: |
Adjoining Property: | any adjoining or neighbouring property belonging to the Landlord from time to time. |
Agreement for Lease: | the Agreement for Lease relating to the Demised Premises dated 8th March 2018 and made between The Oxford Science Park Limited (1) and Fuel 3D Technologies Limited (2). |
Base Rate: | either the base rate of National Westminster Bank Plc for the time being in force (or such other Bank being a member of the Committee of London Clearing Banks as the Landlord may from time to time nominate) or if no such base rate can be ascertained then such alternative rate at the relevant time which the Landlord may reasonably specify in writing in substitution therefor. |
Building: | the building known as The Schrödinger Building shown edged green on plan C annexed to this Lease. |
Building Services: | the services specified in Part II of Schedule 2. |
Car Park: | the car parking areas within the Plot as shown edged green on plan F annexed to this Lease. |
Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery: | the procedure by which a landlord can recover rent arrears due under a commercial lease from a tenant pursuant to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. |
Common Parts: | the footpaths, roads, entrance ways, lift, lift shaft, staircases, courtyard, walkways and landscaped areas and other areas which are from time to time during the Term provided by the Landlord for the common use and enjoyment of the occupants of the Building. |
1
Conduits: | pipes sewers drains soakaways channels culverts gullies watercourses sumps ducts shafts flues wires cables or any other conducting media whatsoever. |
Demised Premises: | the land described in Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto and each and every part thereof together with all additions alterations and improvements thereto (other than tenant’s fixtures and fittings) and all Landlord’s fixtures and fittings from time to time therein. |
Environmental Performance: | all or any of the following: |
(a) | the consumption of energy and associated generation of greenhouse gas emissions; |
(b) | the consumption of water; |
(c) | waste generation and management; and |
(d) | any other environmental impact arising from the use or operation of the Demised Premises or the Science Park. |
EPC: | an energy performance certificate and recommendation report as defined in the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 as amended or updated from time to time. |
Event of Insolvency: | in respect of a company any one or more of the following: |
(a) | it shall be unable to pay its debts within the meaning of Section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986; |
(b) | a proposal is made for a voluntary arrangement under Part I of the Insolvency Act 1986; |
(c) | a receiver or manager (including an administrative receiver) or trustee or similar officer is appointed over all or any of its assets; |
(d) | an administration order is made; |
(e) | a provisional liquidator is appointed; |
2
(f) | it goes into liquidation either voluntary or compulsory (other than a voluntary liquidation entered into solely for the purpose of amalgamation or reconstruction while solvent and with the prior consent of the Landlord); |
in respect of an individual any one or more of the following:
(a) | he shall appear to be unable to pay his debts or any of them or appear to have no reasonable prospect of being able to pay a debt within the meaning of Section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986; |
(b) | an application is made for an interim order or a proposal is made for a voluntary arrangement under Part VIII of the Insolvency Act 1986; |
(c) | a petition is presented under Part IX of the Insolvency Act 1986; |
(d) | he enters into any deed of arrangement or composition with his creditors; |
(e) | a receiver is appointed under the Mental Health Act 1983. |
Existing EPC: | a copy of the EPC for the Demised Premises reference number 0970-1974-0388-5630-9024. |
Insured Risks: | loss or damage by fire lightning explosion (including that of boilers and heating apparatus) aircraft and other aerial devices (other than hostile aircraft or aerial devices) or articles dropped therefrom earthquake riot and civil commotion malicious damage storm or tempest bursting or overflowing of water tanks apparatus or pipes flood impact by road vehicles terrorism and against third party claims and of property owners liability and against the risks of breakdown and third party claims in respect of the lifts (if any) and of the plate glass (if any) against breakage through impact or otherwise and in addition such other insurance in respect of the Demised Premises as the Landlord may from time to time reasonably require to be effected hereunder subject in all cases to any excesses exclusions or limitations as may be imposed by the insurers or underwriters and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing in the case of terrorism insofar as cover is available on reasonable terms in the London insurance market. |
3
Landlord: | the party of the first part including the estate owner for the time being of the reversion immediately expectant upon the determination of the Term. |
Landlord’s Surveyor: | any person or firm appointed by or acting for the Landlord (including an employee of the Landlord) to perform the function of a surveyor for any purpose of this Lease. |
this Lease: | this Lease any licence or consent granted pursuant hereto and any variation hereof and any deed or instrument supplemental hereto. |
Lettable Area: | the accommodation on the Science Park available for letting. |
Main Access Road: | the road shown coloured brown on plan A annexed. |
Permitted Part: | a part of the Demised Premises where: |
(a) | the extent of the part intended to be underlet shall first have been approved by the Landlord (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; and |
(b) | the Landlord is satisfied, where it is reasonable to so require, that the part intended to be underlet and the remainder of the Demised Premises will in each case be self-contained and capable of separate use and occupation. |
Permitted User: | within Class B1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. |
Planning Acts: | the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 the Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 and the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 and any other statues for the time being in force of a similar nature. |
Plot: | the plot known as Plot 12, Oxford Science Park as shown edged blue on plan E annexed hereto. |
Prescribed Rate: | the rate of interest which is from time to time three per centum per annum above the Base Rate; |
4
Reinstatement Value: | the cost for the time being at the start of the year of insurance cover in question of reinstating and replacing the Building of which the Demised Premises form part plus a provision to cover the effect of inflation on building costs during the year of insurance and until the Demised Premises have been reinstated together with architects’ surveyors’ and other professional fees and incidental expenses and the costs of demolition and site clearance. |
Rent Commencement Date: | 6th April 2019. |
Review Dates: |
6th April 2023 and
6th April 2028. |
Roof Terrace: | the area on the roof of the Building shown edged blue on plan G annexed to this Lease. |
Science Park: | the land comprised in title numbers ON323918 and ON324755 shown for identification purposes only edged red on plan B annexed or such larger area as the Landlord may designate from time to time Provided that designation of such larger area does not materially increase the amounts payable by the Tenant pursuant to clause 3.2 of this Lease. |
Science Park Services: | the services specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3. |
Spin Out Company: | a company in which the Tenant has a shareholding of at least 25%. |
Superior Landlord: | the landlord for the time being of the Superior Lease. |
Superior Leases: | the leases by virtue of which the Landlord holds the Science Park which are dated 31 December 2015 and 8 March 2016 respectively and made between (1) The President and Scholars of the College of Saint Mary Magdalen in the University of Oxford (2) The Oxford Science Park Limited. |
Superior Rent: | the annual rent payable by the Landlord under clauses 7.1 and 6.1 respectively of the Superior Leases. |
Tenant: | the party of the second part including its successors in title and in the case of an individual his personal representatives. |
Term: | the term of years hereby created. |
5
1.2. | Throughout this Lease: |
(a) | words importing the singular number only shall include the plural number and vice versa; |
(b) | where a party comprises more than one person covenants and obligations of that party are to be construed as having been made by such persons jointly and severally; |
(c) | any reference to any statute shall include any re-enactment consolidation and/or renewal thereof for the time being in force and any references to any statute or statutes in general shall include any order instrument plan regulation permission and direction made or issued thereunder or deriving validity therefrom. |
1.3. | Any covenant on the part of the Tenant not to do any act or thing includes a covenant not to suffer or permit the doing of that act or thing. |
1.4. | Any rights excepted or reserved to the Landlord shall be construed as also being excepted or reserved to any mortgagee of the Landlord all persons authorised by the Landlord and the Superior Landlord and any covenant by the Tenant to permit entry by the Landlord for any purpose shall be construed as permitting entry by such persons. |
1.5. | Whenever the consent or approval of the Landlord is required under this Lease the giving of such consent or approval shall be conditional upon the prior consent or approval of the Superior Landlord from time to time and any mortgagee of the Landlord which consent or approval the Landlord shall use all reasonable endeavours to obtain. |
1.6. | Any consent approval authorisation or notice required or given under this Lease Shall only take effect if given in writing. |
1.7. | All Schedules to this Lease shall be deemed to form part of this Lease. |
1.8. | The headings in this Lease are inserted for convenience only ‘end shall not affect its construction or interpretation and references to a clause Schedule or paragraph are (unless otherwise stated) to a clause in and a Schedule to this Lease and to a paragraph of the relevant Schedule. |
1.9. | Any reference to the “end of the Term” shall mean the expiration or earlier determination of the Term and any reference to “the last year of the Term” shall mean the twelve months ending on the expiration or earlier determination of the Term (in each case howsoever the Term may be determined). |
6
2. | Demise |
In consideration of the rents and covenants on the part of the Tenant hereinafter reserved and contained the Landlord HEREBY DEMISES to the Tenant the Demised Premises TOGETHER with the rights as mentioned in Part 2 of Schedule 1 EXCEPTING AND RESERVING as mentioned in Part 3 of Schedule 1 TO HOLD the same to the Tenant SUBJECT to all rights easements quasi-easements and privileges to which the Demised Premises are or may be subject and to the rights covenants and other matters contained or referred to in the documents details of which are set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1 for a term of fifteen years from and including the Term Commencement Date and expiring on 5th April 2033 YIELDING AND PAYING therefor during the Term and so in proportion for any less time than a year:
2.1. | the yearly rent at the rate of a peppercorn (if demanded) for the period until the Rent Commencement Date and then from and including the Rent Commencement Date at the rate of £404,992 per annum (subject to review as provided for in Schedule 2) to be paid in advance by equal quarterly payments on the usual quarter days in every year the first of such payments in respect of the period from the Rent Commencement Date to the day immediately before the next quarter day (both dates inclusive) to be made on the Rent Commencement Date; |
2.2. | within 14 days of demand an amount equal to a fair proportion of the full cost (without deduction of any agency or other commission paid or allowed to the Landlord on such amount or otherwise which the Landlord shall be entitled to retain for its own benefit free of any obligation to bring the same into account hereunder) of every premium payable including any tax which may be payable thereon and other payment properly incurred by the Landlord from time to time during the Term in effecting and maintaining insurance in accordance with the provisions of clause 4.2(a) and further amounts equal to a fair proportion of the reasonable and proper costs incurred by the Landlord of obtaining from time to time professional valuations of the Demised Premises for insurance purposes provided that such valuations will not take place more than once every three years; |
2.3. | the amounts payable to the Landlord pursuant to clause 3.2; |
2.4. | interest which may be payable pursuant to clause 3.3; and |
2.5. | any Value Added Tax which may be payable pursuant to clause 3.5. |
3. | Tenant’s Covenants |
The Tenant HEREBY COVENANTS with the Landlord throughout the Term as follows:
3.1. | Rent |
To pay the rents hereinbefore reserved at the times and in the manner aforesaid without any deduction whatsoever (whether by way of set-off, counterclaim or otherwise).
7
3.2. | Service Charge |
To pay to the Landlord by way of service charge without any deduction whatsoever a fair and reasonable proportion of the costs expenses and outgoings paid or incurred by the Landlord in supplying and providing the services in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 2.
3.3. | Interest |
If the rents or any other sum of money payable to the Landlord by the Tenant under this Lease shall have become due but remain unpaid for fourteen days after the same became due or if the Landlord shall refuse to accept the tender of rents by reason of a breach of covenant on the part of the Tenant to pay on demand to the Landlord interest thereon at the Prescribed Rate from the date when the same became due and until they are paid to and accepted by the Landlord (as well after as before any judgment).
3.4. | Outgoings |
To bear pay and discharge all existing and future rates taxes duties charges assessments impositions and outgoings whatsoever (whether or not of a capital or non-recurring nature) which now are or may at any time hereafter during the Term be charged levied assessed or imposed upon the Demised Premises or upon the owner or occupier in respect thereof save any on receipts of rent (other than Value Added Tax) or on a disposal of the Landlord’s interest in the Demised Premises
3.5. | Value Added Tax |
(a) | Supplies made by the Landlord to the Tenant pursuant to this Lease are exclusive of Value Added Tax and if any such supplies are (or become) liable to Value Added Tax (whether or not as a result of an election by the Landlord) then notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease such Value Added Tax shall be payable by the Tenant in addition to the consideration payable for such supplies under the terms of this Lease. |
(b) | Where under the terms of this Lease the Tenant is obliged to pay any sum which is not consideration for a supply to him but such sum is wholly or partly attributable (directly or indirectly) to a supply which is for the time being subject to Value Added Tax then notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease such sum payable by the Tenant shall be deemed for all purposes to be increased by the amount of such Value Added Tax save to the extent that the Landlord is able to obtain credit for such Value Added Tax as input tax. |
(c) | The Landlord (or its managing agents) shall render a receipted tax invoice in respect of taxable supplies made pursuant to this Lease promptly upon receipt of payment for the same. |
(d) | For the purposes of this clause 3.5 the expressions “supply” “taxable supply” “input tax” and “tax invoice” shall bear the same meanings as they do in the Value Added Tax Act 1994. |
8
3.6. | Landlord’s Costs |
To pay to the Landlord (and where appropriate, the Superior Landlord) on demand all reasonable and proper costs and , expenses including solicitors’ surveyors’ and other professional fees) of and incidental to:
(a) | the preparation and service of any notice under Section 146 of the Law of Property Act 1925 and/or incurred in or in proper contemplation of proceedings under Section 146 and/or 147 of that Act notwithstanding in any such case that forfeiture may be avoided otherwise than by relief granted by the Court unless the Court otherwise directs; |
(b) | the preparation and service of any notice relating to a schedule of dilapidations and of any such schedule itself by the Landlord and whether or not the same is served during or within three months after the end of the Term but relating in all cases only to dilapidations which accrued prior to the end of the Term; |
(c) | all applications by the Tenant for any consent or approval of the Landlord or the Landlord’s Surveyor or the Superior Landlord required by this Lease or the Superior Leases including such fees and expenses actually incurred in cases where consent is refused or the application is withdrawn except when a court determined that consent was unreasonably withheld; |
(d) | subject to clause 3.6(e) the recovery of rent or other monies due and payable hereunder or to the remedying of any breach of covenant on the part of the Tenant herein contained; |
(e) | any action for the recovery of rent arrears under Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery; |
(f) | making good any damage to any Adjoining Property caused by the Tenant or any employee or licensee of the Tenant; |
(g) | carrying out works to the Demised Premises to improve the Environmental Performance where the Tenant in its absolute discretion has consented to the Landlord doing so. |
3.7. | Repair |
To repair and keep the Demised Premises together with all Conduits toilets heating and cooling system and boilers in or exclusively serving the same in good and substantial repair and condition and shall rebuild repair and renew as necessary (damage by any of the Insured Risks always excepted save where the payment of any of the insurance monies shall be withheld or refused by reason of any act or default of the Tenant any undertenant or their respective servants agents or licensees).
3.8. | Decoration and Maintenance |
As often as may be reasonably necessary but in any event in the last year of the Term to paint with at least two coats of paint of a colour which in such last year of the Term shall previously be approved by the Landlord (such approval not. to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and to varnish paper plaster or otherwise treat all the parts of the Demised Premises as are usually or ought to be varnished papered plastered or treated (as appropriate) and generally to carry out all such work with good quality materials of their several kinds available and in accordance with good standards of workmanship.
9
3.9. | Cleaning of Demised Premises etc. |
(a) | As often as shall be necessary to clean treat and/or wash in an appropriate manner to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord’s Surveyor all glass and other surfaces and finishes of the Demised Premises (including the floor surface of the Roof Terrace) which ought normally to be so cleaned treated and/or washed. |
(b) | Not to store or stack any goods crates boxes or other things outside the Building save in areas designated for such purpose. |
(c) | Not to obstruct or interfere with the free use of any roads or highways giving access to the Building whether by the parking of vehicles or the deposit of materials thereon. |
(d) | To clean regularly and insofar as practicable preserve in good condition all carpets (if any) belonging to the Landlord and replace the same as often as may be necessary and in any event in the last year of the Term replace with carpet of no less a quality and of similar appearance. |
3.10. | Maintenance Contracts |
To enter into and continue from time to time contracts with suitably qualified and experienced persons of repute for the regular maintenance inspection care and servicing of any boilers, air-conditioning and central heating plant and apparatus hot and cold water system ventilation plant and all installations relating to each of them, fire alarm system, smoke detector system, security system and any other mechanical and electrical equipment from time to time in and exclusively serving the Demised Premises and to supply to the Landlord details of all such contracts upon written request being made by the Landlord.
3.11. | Entry to View |
To permit the Landlord during normal business hours with or without workmen and all necessary tools and appliances after giving not less than two days’ prior notice (except in emergency) to the Tenant to enter and remain (for such reasonable period of time as may be necessary) upon the Demised Premises:
(a) | to view the state of repair and condition thereof and to take a schedule of the Landlord’s fixtures and fittings and of any dilapidations; |
(b) | for the purpose of rebuilding or executing repairs and alterations to any adjoining or neighbouring premises belonging to the Landlord and to clean empty repair or replace any of the Conduits belonging to the same; |
(c) | to ascertain whether anything has been done which constitutes a breach or non-performance of any of the covenants contained in this Lease; |
(d) | to exercise the rights excepted and reserved to the Landlord by this Lease; |
10
(e) | to inspect and measure the Demised Premises for all purposes connected with the operation or implementation of the provisions of Schedule 2 or for any intended or pending step under the provisions of Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954; |
(f) | to comply with its obligations under the Superior Leases, |
(g) | for any other reasonable purpose properly connected with the interest of the Landlord in the Demised Premises |
subject to the person exercising such rights making good any damage caused to the Demised Premises thereby as soon as is reasonably practicable.
3.12. | Compliance with Notice |
To comply with any notice given by the Landlord requesting the Tenant to remedy any breach of the Tenant’s covenants within two calendar months after the giving of such notice or sooner if requisite and if the Tenant fails to comply with any such notice it shall be lawful (but not obligatory) for the Landlord (without prejudice to the right of re-entry hereinafter contained) to enter and remain upon the Demised Premises with or without workmen and with all necessary tools and appliances to make good the Demised Premises at the cost of the Tenant which cost shall be repaid by the Tenant to the Landlord on demand together with all solicitors’ surveyors’ and other professional fees and other expenses which may be incurred by the Landlord in connection therewith together with interest thereon at the Prescribed Rate from the date on which the said expenditure is incurred by the Landlord until the date of actual payment.
3.13. | Overloading of Demised Premises |
Not to suspend any heavy load from the ceilings or main structure of the Building nor to load or to use the floors of the Building or the structure or curtilage of the Building in any manner which will in any way impose a weight or strain in excess of that which the same are constructed to bear with due margin for safety.
3.14. | User Prohibited |
(a) | Not to bring into the Demised Premises or to place or store in the Demised Premises any article or thing which is or may become dangerous offensive combustible inflammable radioactive or explosive other than such normal substances as may be employed in non-hazardous quantities in connection with the Permitted User but where any such normal substances are or may become dangerous offensive combustible inflammable radioactive or explosive then the Tenant will comply with all the requirements of the insurers of the Building and all statutes in relation to their supply use storage and/or disposal; |
(b) | Not to use the Demised Premises for any noisy offensive or dangerous trade manufacture business or occupation nor for any illegal or immoral purpose nor permit any person to reside or sleep upon the Demised Premises nor do on the Demised Premises any act matter or thing whatsoever which in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord may be or tend to become a nuisance damage or disturbance to the prejudice of the Landlord or to the owners or occupiers of any adjoining or neighbouring property or any of them Provided That the foregoing shall not prevent the use of the Demised Premises permitted by and in accordance with this Lease; |
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(c) | Not to discharge anything into the Conduits which will or may be corrosive or harmful or which may cause any obstruction or deposit therein; |
(d) | Not to use the Demised Premises for any public meeting exhibition or entertainment or as a club; |
(e) | Not to hold any sale by auction thereon or to play or use thereon any musical instrument gramophone wireless loudspeaker or similar apparatus so as to be audible outside the Demised Premises; |
(f) | Not to use the Demised Premises for the purpose of any betting transactions within the meaning of the Gambling Act 2005 or for gaming within the meaning of the Gambling Act 2005 with or between persons resorting to the Demised Premises; |
(g) | Not to make any application for a betting office licence or a licence or registration under the Gambling Act 2005 in respect of the Demised Premises; |
(h) | Not to use any type of barbeque or other cooking equipment on the Roof Terrace without the prior consent of the Landlord, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed Provided that (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) the Landlord may withhold consent if the Landlord is not satisfied with the Tenant’s fire risk assessment or health and safety assessment and further Provided That the Tenant must comply with all requirements of the Landlord’s insurers; |
(i) | Not to overload any structural part of the Building. |
3.15. | User |
(a) | Not to leave the Demised Premises continuously unoccupied for more than twenty-one days without notifying the Landlord and providing such caretaking or security arrangements as the Landlord and/or its insurers shall require (in the case of the Landlord acting reasonably) in order to protect the Demised Premises from vandalism theft damage or unlawful occupation. |
(b) | Not to use or permit the use of any part of the Demised Premises other Ise than for the Permitted User: |
3.16. | Alterations and Additions |
(a) | Not to make any alteration or addition to any part of the structure of the Building or the external elevations thereof nor to merge the Demised Premises with any adjoining premises and not to alter or change any of the architectural features (whether external or internal) of the Demised Premises. |
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(b) | Not without the consent of the Landlord nor otherwise than in accordance with plans approved by the Landlord (such consent and approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and under the supervision and to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord’s Surveyor to make any other alteration or addition in or to the Demised Premises or any part thereof including is particular any Conduits electrical equipment and installations of any description Provided That: |
(i) | the Landlord may in its absolute discretion seek such advice as the Landlord shall require from surveyors and other professional advisers in connection with any such application for consent; |
(ii) | the Landlord may as a condition of giving any such consent and approval require the Tenant to enter into such covenants with the Landlord as the Landlord may reasonably require in regard to the execution of any such works or otherwise; |
(iii) | the Tenant shall if so requested by the Landlord reinstate the Demised Premises at the end or sooner determination of the Term; |
(iv) | the Tenant shall not make any addition or alteration to the Demised Premises which might weaken the structure of the Building; |
(v) | in the case of any works of a substantial nature if the Landlord shall so require prior to the commencement of such works the Tenant shall provide adequate security on terms reasonably required by the Landlord in the form of a deposit of money or the provision of a bond to ensure that any alterations which may from time to time be permitted by the Landlord shall be fully completed; |
(vi) | the Landlord may in its absolute discretion refuse its consent to any alteration addition or amendment to the Demised Premises which may be visible from the exterior of the Building; |
(vii) | the Landlord will not unreasonably withhold consent to non-structural internal alterations; |
(viii) | all proposals for any alterations or additions to the Demised Premises shall first be submitted by the Tenant to the Landlord accompanied by all relevant detailed plans, drawings, elevations, sections and specifications and such other information as may be reasonably required. |
(c) | All alterations or additions to the electrical equipment and installations of the Demised Premises shall be carried out in accordance with the terms conditions and recommendations from time to time laid down by the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the regulations of the electricity supply authority. |
(d) | Notwithstanding the foregoing not at any time to commence any development within the meaning of the Planning Acts in relation to the Demised Premises without the Landlord’s prior consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld Provided That it shall in any event be reasonable for the Landlord to withhold its consent unless the Landlord shall first be satisfied that the proposed development is properly authorised by law and that the Tenant will indemnify and keep the Landlord fully and effectually indemnified from and against any tax charge or levy for which the Landlord may become liable as a result of any such proposed development being carried out by the Tenant. |
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(e) | Not without the consent of the Landlord to change or make any application to change the name of the Building from The Schrodinger Building. |
3.17. | Advertisements |
Not to affix or exhibit in or upon any part of the exterior of the Demised Premises any bill placard advertisement flashlight or other sign except such as shall previously have been approved (as to design, size and positioning) by the Landlord such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
3.18. | Encroachments etc. |
Not in any way to stop up or darken any window or opening in the Demised Premises nor to stop up or obstruct any access of light enjoyed by the Demised Premises nor to permit any wayleave easement privilege or encroachment to be made or acquired over against or upon the Demised Premises and forthwith upon the Tenant becoming aware of any of the same or circumstances which may give rise to the same to give notice thereof to the Landlord and to permit the Landlord to enter and remain upon the Demised Premises for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of any such wayleave easement privilege or encroachment and at the joint cost of the Landlord and the Tenant to adopt such means as the Landlord may properly require for preventing any encroachment and the acquisition or continued enjoyment of any wayleave easement or privilege.
3.19. | Rights of Light |
Not to give to any third party any acknowledgement that the Tenant enjoys the access of light to any window or opening in the Demised Premises by the consent of such third party nor to pay to such third party any sum of money nor to enter into any agreement with such third party for the purpose of inducing or binding such third party to abstain from obstructing the access of light to any such window or opening and in the event of any third party doing or threatening to do anything which obstructs the access of light to any such window or opening to give immediate written notice thereof to the Landlord and to permit the Landlord to bring such proceedings as it may think fit in the name of the Tenant and at the joint cost of the Landlord and the Tenant against any such third party in respect thereof.
3.20. | Claims for Destruction of Light |
Not to bring any action or make any claim or demand on account of any diminution of light or air to the Demised Premises or any window or opening therein in consequence of the erection or alteration of any building on any land adjoining neighbouring or oppoe`e to the Demised Premises for which the Landlord may give its consent pursuant to any power reserved by this Lease or in respect of any easement right or privilege granted or to be granted by the Landlord for the benefit of any building erected or to be erected on any land adjoining neighbouring or opposite to the Demised Premises and (if reasonably required) to concur with the Landlord at the Landlord’s expense in any consent which the Landlord may give or any grant which the Landlord may make.
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3.21. | Insurance |
(a) | Promptly on becoming aware of the s n to give written notice to the Landlord of any damage or destruction to the Demised Premises or any matter in respect of which a claim may be made under any policy of insurance effected hereunder. |
(b) | If the Demised Premises or the Building shall be destroyed or damaged by any of the Insured Risks and the payment of any of the insurance monies under any insurance against the same shall be withheld or refused by reason solely or in part of any act or default of the Tenant or any undertenant or their respective servants agents or licensees then and in every such case the Tenant will pay to the Landlord the whole or (as the case may require) the withheld or refused portion of such insurance monies. |
(c) | Not to do any act or thing whereby any insurance effected in respect of the Demised Premises, the Building or any adjoining or neighbouring property would or might be vitiated or prejudiced and not without the written consent of the Landlord to do or omit to do anything whereby an increased or additional premium in respect of any such insurance (which shall in any event be borne by the Tenant) may become payable. |
(d) | To insure and keep insured all plate glass windows and other plate glass (if any) against the Insured Risks at the replacement cost thereof with such insurance office as the Landlord may approve (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and shall produce the insurance policy and the last premium receipt for inspection by the Landlord whenever the Landlord shall reasonably require and shall apply all monies received under such policy in the reinstatement of such plate glass windows and other plate glass and shall make good any deficiency out of the Tenant’s own money. |
(e) | If the Tenant shall become entitled to the benefit of any insurance on the Demised Premises then the Tenant shall hold all monies received by virtue of such insurance upon trust for the landlord for making good the loss or damage in respect of which the same shall have been received. |
3.22. | Alienation Prohibited |
(a) | Not to charge assign or transfer part only of the Demised Premises. |
(b) | Not to part with possession or share the occupation of the Demised Premises or any part thereof other than by way of an assignment permitted under clause 3.23 or an underlease permitted under clause 3.24 Provided That the Tenant may share the occupation of the Demised Premises with any company which is within the same group as the Tenant within the meaning of Section 42 of the 1954 Act or is a Spin Out Company so long as the Tenant gives prior written notice to the Landlord of the company occupying the Demised Premises and no tenancy is thereby created and such company vacates upon it ceasing to be a member of such group or ceasing to be a Spin Out Company. |
(c) | Not to hold or occupy the Demised Premises or any part thereof as trustee or agent or otherwise for the benefit of any other person. |
(d) | Not to underlet part only of the Demised Premises other than by way of an underlease of a Permitted Part as permitted under clause 3.24. |
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3.23. | Assignment Permitted |
(a) | Not to assign or transfer the whole of the Demised Premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed subject to the terms contained in clauses 3.23(b) to 3.23(f) (inclusive), |
(b) | The Landlord may withhold its consent to a proposed assignment or transfer if any one or more of the following circumstances (which are specified for the purpose of Section 19(1A) of the 1927 Act) exist: |
(i) | any sum properly due and (other than the yearly rent) demanded from the Tenant under this Lease remains unpaid; |
(ii) | in the Landlord’s reasonable opinion there is at the date of the application for consent to assign any material outstanding breach of the Tenant’s covenants or other terms of this Lease; |
(iii) | the proposed assignee or transferee (or any guarantor required under clause 3.23(d)(ii)) has or will have immunity from suit or legal process in relation to any breach of any covenants or conditions contained in this Lease; |
(iv) | the proposed assignee or transferee (or any guarantor required under clause 3.23(d)(ii)) is a corporation registered in a jurisdiction in which there is no reciprocity of treatment for the enforcement of judgments obtained in England and Wales; or |
(v) | that in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord the proposed assignee is not of sufficient financial standing to enable it to comply with the tenant’s covenants under this Lease. |
(c) | Clause 3.23(b) shall operate without prejudice to the right of the Landlord to refuse such consent on any other ground or grounds where such refusal would be reasonable; |
(d) | The Landlord may impose any one or more of the following conditions (which are specified for the purpose of Section 19(1A) of the 1927 Act): |
(i) | a requirement that the assigning Tenant and in the event of a previous unauthorised assignment a former tenant (as defined in Section 16(6) of the 1995 Act) each separately execute as a deed and deliver to the Landlord prior to the assignment in question an authorised guarantee agreement in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 4 (to the extent permitted by law); |
(ii) | a requirement that (to the extent permitted by any surety for the assigning tenant is made party to any authorised guarantee agreement entered into by the assigning tenant in order to guarantee the obligations of the assigning tenant contained in the authorised guarantee agreement; |
(iii) | if the Landlord reasonably so requires a requirement that not more than two third party guarantors reasonably acceptable to the Landlord are provided who execute in favour of the Landlord and deliver to the Landlord prior to the assignment in question a deed of covenant in the terms of the covenants for a surety contained in Part 1 of Schedule 4; |
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(e) | Clause 3.23(c) shall operate without prejudice to the right of the Landlord to impose further conditions upon a grant of consent where such imposition would be reasonable. |
(f) | The Tenant shall give notice to the Landlord in writing within fifteen working days of the Tenant becoming aware of the death of any individual who has covenanted with the Landlord as surety or of an Event of Insolvency arising in respect of a surety. If so required by the Landlord at the expense of the Tenant the Tenant shall within two (2) months of such event procure that some other individual or company acceptable to the Landlord acting reasonably shall covenant with the Landlord as surety in the terms of clause 3.23(d)(iii) in place of such individual or company. |
3.24. | Underletting Permitted |
(a) | Not to underlet the whole or a Permitted Part of the Demised Premises without the consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). |
(b) | Prior to any such underletting to procure that the intended undertenant shall covenant direct with the Landlord: |
(i) | that the undertenant will observe and perform the Tenant’s covenants and conditions contained in this Lease (other than the covenant to pay the rents hereby reserved); |
(ii) | that the undertenant will not charge assign transfer or sub-underlet the whole or any part of the premises to be underlet (other than by an assignment as is permitted under this clause 3.24(b)); |
(iii) | that the undertenant will not hold or occupy the premises to be underlet or any part thereof as trustee or agent or otherwise for the benefit of any other person. |
(iv) | that the undertenant will not assign the whole of the premises to be underlet without the prior written consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) Provided That the undertenant may share occupation of the underlet premises with a group company of the undertenant in accordance with the terms of clause 3.22(b); and |
(v) | that upon any assignment of the premises to be underlet the assignee shall enter into similar direct covenants with the Landlord as those set out in this clause 3.24(b). |
And to procure that one or more third party guarantors reasonably acceptable to the Landlord shall if the Landlord reasonably so requires act as surety for such undertenant and shall jointly and severally (if appropriate) covenant with the Tenant and the Landlord in the same form mutatis mutandis as in Part 1 of Schedule 45.
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(c) | Not to underlet the whole or a Permitted Part of the Demised Premises except: |
(i) | at a rent which is not less than the rack rental value of the Demised Premises or the premises to be underlet (as the case may be) without taking a fine premium or other consideration and at no time to release the undertenant from the obligation to pay such rent nor to commute the same (or any part thereof) for a capital sum; |
(ii) | subject to Sections 24 to 28 (inclusive) of the 1954 Act (as amended) being excluded in relation thereto; |
(iii) | subject to obtaining the approval of the Landlord (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). |
(d) | Not at any time to release or waive or permit to be released or waived any covenants against assignment or underletting in an underlease or permit any dealing by any such undertenant without the written consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) but to enforce or procure the enforcement of the performance of any such covenants by all means in the power both of the Tenant in respect thereof. |
(e) | To take all necessary steps at its own expense to secure the effective implementation of the provisions for rent review contained in any underlease and shall: |
(i) | not agree the amount of any such rent on review without the prior consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and so that for the avoidance of doubt the Landlord shall have the right (acting reasonably) to submit any representations the Landlord thinks fit to the arbitrator or expert or to incorporate such representations in those which the Tenant shall make in connection with any such review of the rent reserved by any underlease; |
(ii) | not agree upon the appointment of a person to act as the arbitrator or expert determining the rent in default of agreement without the approval of the Landlord (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); and |
(iii) | to supply the Landlord with a copy of the determination of every rent review within 14 days of receipt thereof together with such further details as the Landlord may reasonably require. |
(f) | The Tenant shall not underlet a Permitted Part if the total number of separate occupiers (including the occupancy of the Tenant pursuant to this Lease) in the Demised Premises would then exceed two. |
3.25. | Disclosure of Information |
Upon making an application for any consent or approval which is required under this Lease the Tenant shall disclose to the Landlord such information as the Landlord may reasonably require.
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3.26. | Registration |
(a) | Within twenty-one days after any assignment transfer underlease mortgage charge or other devolution of this Lease or any derivative interest to give notice thereof in duplicate to the Landlord’s solicitor for registration together with a certified copy of the deed document or instrument effecting such assignment transfer underlease mortgage charge or other devolution and to pay or cause to be paid to the Landlord’s Solicitors or as the Landlord may from time to time direct a fee of Fifty Pounds (£50.00) or such higher fee as the Landlord may reasonably require for the registration thereof. |
(b) | Where a deed of transfer or deed of assignment of the Demised Premises or an underlease is registerable at the Land Registry the Tenant shall procure the registration of such deed of transfer or deed of assignment or underlease as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of the same and within one month of completion of the registration give notice in writing to the Landlord. |
3.27. | Schedule of Underlettings etc. |
If and when called upon by the Landlord so to do to supply to the Landlord from time to time a schedule containing full details (including for the avoidance of doubt particulars of rent and any review dates) of all subsisting underlettings and occupiers of the Demised Premises.
3.28. | Compliance with Statutes |
(a) | To comply with the provisions of all statutes now or hereafter to be passed which affect the Demised Premises or the Tenant’s user thereof including the execution of all works required to be done or executed pursuant thereto whether by the owner and/or the landlord and/or the tenant thereof and to comply with any notices which may be served by any competent authority and not to do on the Demised Premises any act or thing whereby the Landlord may become liable to pay any penalty imposed by or to bear the whole or any part of any expenses incurred under any such statute. |
(b) | To comply with all requirements from time to time of the appropriate authority in relation to fire precautions and means of escape from the Demised Premises in case of fire or other emergency insofar as such escape route is located within the Demised Premises and at the expense of the Tenant to keep the Demised Premises sufficiently supplied and equipped with fire-fighting and extinguishing apparatus and appliances of a type to be approved from time to time by the appropriate authority and by the Landlord’s insurers and suitable in all respects to the type of user or business or trade carried on upon the Demised Premises. |
3.29. | Planning Acts |
(a) | To obtain so often as Occasion shall require all planning permissions licences consents and approvals as may be required under the Planning Acts for the carrying out by the Tenant of any development on the Demised Premises within the meaning of the Planning Acts or for the continuance thereof by the Tenant but so that the Tenant shall not make any application for planning permission or give any notice to any authority of an intention to commence or to carry Out any development without the previous consent of the Landlord (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld where the Landlord is not to unreasonably withhold its consent under this Lease to the development for which planning permission is required) and so that the Tenant shall (if and insofar as it is lawful for the parties hereto to make such an arrangement) indemnify the Landlord against all charges payable in respect of any such application |
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(b) | Promptly after the grant of any pleating permission or refusal of any application therefor made by the Tenant to give to the Landlord full particulars in writing thereof and supply a copy thereof for the retention of the Landlord and in the case of a refusal of such an application or a grant subject to conditions which the Landlord considers unreasonable if the Landlord reasonably so requires at the Landlord’s expense to give notice of appeal thereof to the competent authority and to proceed diligently with such appeal and to keep the Landlord informed of the progress thereof |
(c) | Without prejudice to the provisions of any other covenant by the Tenant under this Lease not to implement any planning permission until a copy of the same has been submitted to the Landlord and acknowledged by it as satisfactory (such acknowledgement not to be unreasonably withheld) Provided that the Landlord may refuse so to express its satisfaction with any such planning permission on the ground that any provision or condition would in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord be or be likely to be (whether during the Term or following its determination) prejudicial to the Landlord’s interest in the Demised Premises or the Building or any adjoining or neighbouring property belonging to the Landlord. |
(d) | If the Landlord reasonably so requires where a planning permission is granted subject to conditions to provide adequate security for the compliance with such conditions on terms reasonably required by the Landlord in the form of a deposit of money or the provision of a bond prior to the implementation by the Tenant of such planning permission. |
(e) | Unless the Landlord shall otherwise direct to carry out before the end or sooner determination of the Term (howsoever the same may be determined) any works stipulated to be carried out to the Demised Premises by a date subsequent to such end or sooner determination as a condition of any planning permission which may have been granted to and been implemented by the Tenant or any person deriving title under the Tenant. |
(f) | If called upon so to do to produce to the Landlord all plans documents and other evidence as the Landlord may reasonably require in order to satisfy itself that the provisions of this covenant have been complied with. |
(g) | Not without the consent of the Landlord to enter into any agreement under the Planning Acts. |
(h) | Not without the consent of the Landlord to serve any notice under Planning Acts requiring any authority to purchase the interest of the Tenant in the Demised Premises. |
3.30. | Statutory Notices |
(a) | Within seven days of the receipt of any notice order permission refusal requisition or direction or proposal for the same made given or issued to the Tenant by any competent authority under or by virtue of any statutory powers or forthwith upon the happening of any occurrence which may be capable of adversely affecting the Landlord’s interest in the Demised Premises the Tenant shall deliver full particulars thereof to the Landlord and if so required by the Landlord thereafter to produce a copy of the same to the Landlord and without delay to take all reasonable and necessary steps to comply with the same, |
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(b) | To make or join with the Landlord at the joint cost of the Landlord and the Tenant in making such objections or, representations against or in respect of any such notice order permission refusal requisition or direction or proposal for the same as the Landlord shall deem expedient |
3.31. | Reletting Arrangements |
To permit the Landlord or its agents to fix and retain in a conspicuous position on the Demised Premises a notice-board during the last six months of the Term in respect of the reletting of the same and at any time during the Term in respect of the sale of the interest of the Landlord in the same (but not so as to restrict or interfere unreasonably with access to or the access of light and air to the Demised Premises) and not to take down or obscure the said notice-board and to permit all persons authorised by the Landlord or its agents to view the Demised Premises during normal business hours after the giving of not less than twenty-four hours’ prior notice.
3.32. | Defects |
To notify the Landlord promptly upon becoming aware of any defect in the Demised Premises which might give rise to a duty imposed by common law or statute on the Landlord in favour of the Tenant or any other person.
3.33. | Indemnity |
(a) | To indemnify and keep indemnified the Landlord against all proper losses costs damage and expenses (including professional fees properly incurred by the Landlord) incurred or sustained by the Landlord as a consequence of any breach of the covenants by the Tenant set out herein or implied Provided That such indemnity shall extend to all costs and expenses properly incurred by the Landlord in connection with any steps which the Landlord may (acting reasonably) take to remedy any such breach and shall be without prejudice to any other rights or remedies of the Landlord in respect of any such breach. |
(b) | To indemnify and keep indemnified the Landlord against liability in respect of any injury to or the death of any person or damage to any property movable or immovable or the infringement disturbance or destruction of any right easement or privilege or otherwise by reason of or arising directly or indirectly out of the repair or condition of the Demised Premises or any alteration thereto by the Tenant or any person deriving title under the Tenant or the Permitted User and against all actions proceedings costs expenses claims and demands of whatsoever nature in respect of any such liability or alleged liability. |
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3.34. | Yield Up |
At the end of the Term quietly to yield up to the Landlord the Demised Premises in such state and condition as shall in all respects be in accordance with the covenants on the part of the tenant herein contained Provided That:
(a) | the state and condition of the Demised Premises shall be assessed with reference to the specifications for a Category A office premises annexed to the Agreement for Lease and for the avoidance of doubt this shall mean any Variations (as defined in the Agreement for Lease) are to be removed; |
(b) | if any of the Landlord’s fixtures and fittings shall be missing broken damaged or destroyed and beyond economic repair the Tenant shall replace them with others of a similar character; |
(c) | unless released from compliance by the Landlord by notice the Tenant shall remove all tenant’s and trade fixtures and fittings and every moulding sign writing or painting of the name or business of the Tenant or other occupiers from the Demised Premises and to make good all damage caused to the Demised Premises by the removal of the tenant’s and trade fixtures fittings furniture and effects; |
(d) | if at the end of the Term the Demised Premises shall not be in such state and condition then whether the works necessary to put the Demised Premises into such repair and condition are carried out by the Tenant or at the entire cost of the Tenant by the Landlord there shall in addition be paid to the Landlord by the Tenant a sum equivalent to the amount of rent lost by the Landlord in respect of the period from such end or sooner determination until all such necessary works have been completed promptly and without delay to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord such sum to be paid within seven days of the date of the Landlord informing the Tenant that all such works have been so completed. |
3.35. | Regulations |
To observe duly and perform the stipulations and regulations set out in Schedule 3 as the Landlord may reasonably amend from time to time.
3.36. | Covenants in Documents |
To observe and perform the agreements covenants and stipulations contained or referred to in the documents referred to in Part 4 of Schedule 1 and to indemnify the Landlord in relation to any breach thereto attributable to the Tenant so far as they concern any act matter or thing to be done on the Demised Premises.
3.37. | Superior Leases |
To perform and observe the covenants (other than the payment of rent) on the part of the tenant contained in the Superior Leases so far as they relate to the Demised Premises and not to do anything to put the Landlord in breach of the covenants on the part of the tenant contained in the Superior Leases so far as they relate to the Demised Premises.
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4. | Landlord’s Covenants |
The Landlord HEREBY COVENANTS with the Tenant as follows:
4.1. | Quiet Enjoyment |
That the Tenant paying the rents hereby reserved and observing and performing the covenants conditions and stipulations herein contained and on the part of the Tenant to be observed and performed shall and may peaceably hold and enjoy the Demised Premises during the Term without any interruption by the Landlord or any person rightfully claiming under or in trust for the Landlord.
4.2. | Insurance |
(a) | To insure and keep insured at rates which are not unreasonably above the market norm for readily available insurance for similar buildings in the London insurance market in a cost-effective manner (unless such insurance shall be vitiated by any act or default of the Tenant any person deriving title under the Tenant or their respective servants agents or licensees) the Building, and access to the Building for a sum being not less than the Reinstatement Value against loss or damage by the Insured Risks with some insurance office or underwriters of repute and to insure against the loss of three years’ rent for the time being payable to the Landlord hereunder in respect of the whole of the Demised Premises together with VAT and (if applicable) with any anticipated increase in respect of a review of the rent payable under this Lease pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 5. |
(b) | As often as the Building or the Demised Premises or the access thereto shall be destroyed or damaged subject to the payment of the policy monies not being withheld or refused in whole or in part through any act or default of the Tenant any person deriving title under the Tenant or their respective servants agents or licensees and subject to obtaining all necessary planning and other consents to lay out all monies received by virtue of such insurance which are attributable to damage caused to the Building and/or the Demised Premises (making up any shortfall from its own monies) in rebuilding repairing and reinstating the Building and/or the Demised Premises to their former state or condition or as near thereto as circumstances may reasonably permit Provided That if the Landlord has not been able to obtain all such planning and other consents and has not fully reinstated the Demised Premises or the access thereto within a period of three years from the date of damage or destruction either the Landlord or the Tenant shall be entitled to terminate this Lease by giving notice to the other and on the giving of such notice the Term shall cease and determine but without prejudice to the rights of any party hereto in respect of any antecedent breach of covenant whereupon all monies payable pursuant to any policy of insurance effected hereunder shall belong to the Landlord absolutely. |
(c) | To produce to the Tenant upon demand (but not more often than once in every year) a schedule setting out relevant details of the insurance policy or policies effected pursuant to clause 4.2(a) and confirming payment of the fast premium thereon |
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4.3. | Services |
Subject as otherwise herein provided to perform the Building Services and to use reasonable endeavours to perform the Science Park Services in both cases as from time to time necessary under the principles of good estate management Provided that:
(a) | the Landlord shall not be liable to the Tenant in respect of any interruption in any of the services which the Landlord does provide or supply by reason of any necessary inspection repair or maintenance of any plant or equipment or any damage thereto or by reason of mechanical or other defect or breakdown or inclement weather conditions or shortage of fuel materials water or labour or by reason of any circumstances whatever beyond the control of the Landlord provided that the Landlord shall procure that the services will be restored as soon as reasonably practicable; |
(b) | the Tenant shall have no claim against the Landlord in respect of any defect or want of maintenance repair amendment renewal or cleansing unless the Landlord has had notice thereof and has failed to remedy the same within a reasonable period thereafter. |
4.4. | Superior Leases |
To pay the rent reserved by the Superior Leases and to observe and perform the tenant’s covenants in the Superior Leases (insofar as the Tenant is not liable for such observance and performance) under its covenants herein contained.
5. | Energy Performance Certificates |
5.1. | Tenant covenants |
(a) | The Tenant shall permit the Landlord at reasonable times on at least 72 hours prior notice to enter the Demised Premises in order to take the measurements and carry out the calculations required for the production of an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises or any part of them, subject to the person exercising such rights making good any damage thereby caused to the Demised Premises. |
(b) | On demand the Tenant shall supply the Landlord with the information required for the production of an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises, including without limitation information regarding energy consumption and equipment. |
(c) | The Tenant shall not obtain an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises or any part of them without the prior written consent of the Landlord such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed and if the Landlord grants such consent then: |
(i) | the EPC shall be obtained by the Tenant from a reputable and appropriately qualified energy assessor at the Tenant’s own cost, and |
(ii) | the Tenant shall notify the Landlord in writing when an EPC has been obtained in respect of the Demised Premises or any part of them and its notice shall include a copy of the EPC and the reference number for the EPC. |
(d) | If and to the extent the Existing EPC is no longer valid (whether or not as the result of the Tenant’s alterations) to notify the Landlord and to obtain any EPC required to be provided from a reputable and appropriately qualified energy assessor. |
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5.2. | Landlord covenants |
(a) | On demand the Landlord shall supply the Tenant with the information required for the production of an EPC in respect of the Demised Premises, including without limitation information regarding energy consumption and equipment. |
(b) | The Landlord shall notify the Tenant whenever an EPC has been obtained in respect of the Demised Premises and its notice shall include a copy of the EPC and the reference number for the EPC. |
6. | Miscellaneous Provisions |
PROVIDED ALWAYS AND IT IS HEREBY AGREED AND DECLARED as follows:
6.1. | Power of Re-entry |
(a) | If the rents hereby reserved or any part thereof shall at any time be in arrear and unpaid for twenty-one days after the same shall have become due and (except in the case of the yearly rent) demanded; or |
(b) | If there shall be any breach of any of the covenants on the part of the Tenant contained in this Lease; or |
(c) | An Event of Insolvency arises in relation to the Tenant or in relation to any surety who at any time guarantees the obligations of the Tenant under this Lease; or |
(d) | If the Tenant suffers any distress or execution or any modern equivalent of these remedies to be levied on any goods including any action taken for the recovery of rent arrears from the Tenant under Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery for the time being on the Demised Premises which is not removed within fourteen days |
then and in any such case it shall be lawful for the Landlord at any time thereafter to re-enter the Demised Premises or any part thereof in the name of the whole and thereupon the Term shall absolutely cease and determine but without prejudice to any right of action of the Landlord in respect of any antecedent breach of any of the covenants by the Tenant herein contained.
6.2. | Cesser of Rent |
If the Building and/or the Demised Premises or any part thereof or the means of access thereto are destroyed or damaged by any of the Insured Risks so far as to render the Demised Premises or any part thereof or access to them unfit for occupation and use then and so often as it happens (if at the date thereof the payment of any of the insurance monies has not been withheld or refused by reason of any act or default of the Tenant any person deriving title under the Tenant or their respective servants agents or licensees) the rent reserved under clause 2.1 or a fair and just proportion thereof according to the nature and extent of the damage shall be suspended for so long as the Demised Premises or the access to them or the destroyed or damaged part thereof remain unfit for occupation and use by reason of such destruction or damage or for three years whichever shall be the shorter and if any dispute arises between the Landlord and the Tenant in regard to the amount or the period of the suspension of the said rent or otherwise in relation thereto it shall be referred to arbitration under the provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996.
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6.3. | No Implied Rights |
Nothing herein contained shall (except as otherwise expressly provided) by implication of law or otherwise operate or be deemed to confer upon the Tenant any easement right or privilege whatsoever.
6.4. | Development of Adjoining Property |
The Landlord shall have the right at any time to make any alterations to or to pull down rebuild redevelop or otherwise deal with or use any Adjoining Property as it may deem fit without obtaining any consent from or making any compensation to the Tenant and the Tenant will not object to any planning application made by or on behalf of the Landlord in respect of the development or redevelopment of any Adjoining Property.
6.5. | Restrictions affecting Adjoining Property |
Nothing herein contained or implied shall give the Tenant the benefit of or the right to enforce or to have enforced or to prevent the release or modification of any covenant agreement or condition entered into by any purchaser from or by any lessee or occupier of the Landlord in respect of property not comprised in this Lease or areas over which rights are granted by this Lease for the benefit of the Tenant.
6.6. | No Warranty as to Use |
Notwithstanding the provisions as to the Permitted User contained in this Lease the Landlord does not hereby or in any other way give or make nor has given or made at any other time any representation or warranty that the Permitted User is or will be or will remain a permitted use within the provisions of the Planning Acts and notwithstanding that the Permitted User is not a permitted use as aforesaid the Tenant shall remain fully bound and liable to the Landlord in respect of the obligations undertaken by the Tenant by virtue of this Lease without any compensation recompense or relief of any kind whatsoever.
6.7. | Exclusion of Representations |
The Tenant acknowledges that this Lease has not been entered in reliance wholly or partly upon any statement or representation made by or on behalf of the Landlord save insofar as any such statement or representation is expressly set out in this Lease or has been made in writing by the Landlord’s solicitors to the Tenant’s solicitors before the date of entry into this Lease.
6.8. | Disputes |
Any dispute arising as between the Tenant and the tenants or occupiers of any property adjoining neighbouring or opposite to the Demised Premises belonging to the Landlord as to any easement right or privilege in connection with the user of the Demised Premises and such property adjoining neighbouring or opposite to the Demised Premises or as to the party or other walls separating the Demised Premises from the adjoining property or as to the amount of any contribution towards the expenses of works to services used in common with any other property shall be decided by the Landlord’s Surveyor whose decision shall be binding upon all parties to the dispute (save in the case of manifest error).
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6.9. | Removal of Tenant’s Property |
(a) | If at such time as the Tenant has vacated the Demised Premises at the end of the Term any property of the Tenant shall remain in or on the Demised Premises and the Tenant shall fail to remove the same within fourteen days after being requested in writing by the Landlord so to do then the Landlord may as the agent of the Tenant sell such property and shall then hold the proceeds of sale after deducting the costs and expenses of removal storage and sale properly incurred by it to the order of the Tenant. |
(b) | The Tenant shall indemnify the Landlord against any liability incurred by it to any third party whose property shall have been sold by the Landlord in the mistaken belief held in good faith (which shall be presumed unless the contrary be proved) that such property belonged to the Tenant. |
6.10. | Surrender of Easements |
At any time during the Term the Tenant will at the request of the Landlord enter into a deed of variation of this lease to give up or alter rights of access and easements granted hereunder which the Landlord reasonably requires to be varied as part of the redevelopment of the whole or part of the Science Park so long as the alternative rights of access or other easements are no less convenient than those hereby granted and provided that the Landlord indemnifies the Tenant in respect of any cost and expense reasonably incurred by the Tenant either relating to any such deed of variation or with regard to the cost of any works required to the Demised Premises or the Science Park which are the result of such request from the Landlord and which are approved by the Landlord (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
6.11. | Notices |
The provisions of Section 196 of the Law of Property Act 1925 as amended by the Recorded Delivery Service Act 1962 shall apply to all notices required to be served hereunder.
6.12. | Jurisdiction |
Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Lease or its subject matter or formation {including non-contractual disputes or claims).
6.13. | Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
A person who is not a party to this Lease shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Lease. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from that Act.
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6.14. | Break Clause |
(a) | In this clause the following definitions apply: |
Break Date: 6th April 2028
Break Notice: written notice to terminate this Lease.
(b) | The Tenant may terminate this Lease by serving a Break Notice on the Landlord at least twelve months but not more than eighteen months before the Break Date. |
(c) | A Break Notice served by the Tenant pursuant to clause 6.14(b) shall have no effect if at the Break Date: |
(i) | the Tenant has not paid any part of the yearly rent or of the service charge payable under clause 3.2 of the Lease or any VAT in respect of them, which was due to have been paid; |
(ii) | the Tenant has not given the Demised Premises back to the Landlord free of the Tenant’s occupation and the occupation of any other lawful occupier and without any continuing underleases. |
(d) | The Break Notice shall be in writing and, for the purposes of this clause, writing does not include facsimile transmission or email. |
(e) | Subject to clause 6.14(c), following service of a Break Notice pursuant to clause 6.14(b) this Lease shall terminate on the Break Date. |
(f) | Time shall be of the essence in respect of all time periods and limits in this clause. |
(g) | Termination of this Lease pursuant to this clause shall be without prejudice to any right or remedy of the Landlord in respect of any antecedent breach of the covenants or conditions on the part of the Tenant in this Lease, including any covenants expressed to be complied with before the end of the Term. |
7. | New Lease |
This Lease is a new tenancy for the purposes of the 1995 Act.
IN WITNESS whereof the parties to this Lease have executed and delivered this Lease as a deed the day and year first above written.
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EXECUTED as a DEED by THE OXFORD | ) | |||
SCIENCE PARK LIMITED acting by | ) | /s/ | ||
two directors or by a director and its | ) | Director | ||
secretary | ) | |||
/s/ | ||||
Director/Secretary |
EXECUTED as a DEED by FUEL 3D | ) | |||
TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED acting by | ) | Director | ||
one director in the presence of: | ) | |||
) |
Signature of witness | ||
Name (in BLOCK CAPITALS) | ||
Address: |
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Exhibit 10.13
|
|
Dated 13 July 2021
(1) MEPC Milton Park No. 1 Limited and MEPC Milton Park No. 2 Limited
and
(2) exscientia limited
lease
relating to
155 Brook Drive
Milton Park
Knights plc | |
Midland House | |
West Way | |
Botley | |
Oxford | |
OX2 0PH |
|
1
LR9. | Rights of acquisition etc. |
LR9.1 Tenant's contractual rights to renew this lease, to acquire the reversion or another lease of the Property, or to acquire an interest in other land
None
LR9.2 Tenant's covenant to (or offer to) surrender this lease
None
LR9.3 Landlord's contractual rights to acquire this lease
None |
|
LR10. | Restrictive covenants given in this lease by the Landlord in respect of land other than the Property | None | |
LR11. | Easements |
LR11.1 Easements granted by this lease for the benefit of the Property
The easements specified in Part I of the First Schedule of this lease
LR11.2 Easements granted or reserved by this lease over the Property for the benefit of other property
The easements specified in Part II of the First Schedule of this lease |
|
LR12. | Estate rentcharge burdening the Property | None | |
LR13. | Application for standard form of restriction | None | |
LR14. | Declaration of trust where there is more than one person comprising the Tenant | None |
2
This lease made on the date and between the parties specified in the Prescribed Clauses Witnesses as follows:
1 | Definitions and Interpretation |
In this lease unless the context otherwise requires:
1.1 | Definitions |
Adjoining Property means any adjoining or neighbouring premises in which the Landlord or a Group Company of the Landlord holds or shall at any time during the Term hold a freehold or leasehold interest;
Base Rate means the base rate from time to time of Barclays Bank PLC or (if not available) such comparable rate of interest as the Landlord shall reasonably require;
Break Date means 13 July 2026;
Break Payment means a sum equal to six (6) months’ worth of the Principal Rent for the time being payable under this lease;
Concessionary Rent Period means the period beginning on and including the Rent Commencement Date to but excluding the second anniversary of the Rent Commencement Date;
Conduit means any existing or future media for the passage of substances or energy and any ancillary apparatus attached to them and any enclosures for them;
Contractual Term means the term specified in the Prescribed Clauses;
Encumbrances means the obligations and encumbrances (if any) specified in Part III of the First Schedule;
Estate means Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire (of which the Property forms part) and the buildings from time to time standing on it as owned by the Landlord and shown edged [] on the Plan together with any other adjoining land which is incorporated into Milton Park;
Estate Common Areas means the roads, accesses, landscaped areas, car parks, estate management offices and other areas or amenities on the Estate or outside the Estate but serving or otherwise benefiting the Estate as a whole which are from time to time provided or designated for the common amenity or benefit of the owners or occupiers of the Estate;
Estate Services means the services provided or procured by the Landlord in relation to the Estate as set out in Part II of the Fourth Schedule;
Group Company means a company which is a member of the same group of companies within the meaning of Section 42 of the 1954 Act;
Guarantor means any party to this lease so named in the Prescribed Clauses (which in the case of an individual includes his personal representatives) and any guarantor of the obligations of the Tenant from time to time;
Insurance Commencement Date means 13 July 2021;
Insured Risks means fire, lightning, earthquake, explosion, terrorism, aircraft (other than hostile aircraft) and other aerial devices or articles dropped therefrom, riot, civil commotion, malicious damage, storm or tempest, bursting or overflowing of water tanks apparatus or pipes, flood and impact by road vehicles (to the extent that insurance against such risks may ordinarily be arranged with an insurer of good repute) and such other risks or insurance as may from time to time be reasonably required by the Landlord (subject in all cases to such usual and reasonable exclusions and limitations as may be imposed by the insurers), and Insured Risk means any one of them;
Landlord means the party to this lease so named in the Prescribed Clauses and includes any other person entitled to the immediate reversion to this lease;
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Landlord’s Surveyor means a suitably qualified person or firm appointed by the Landlord (including an employee of the Landlord or a Group Company) to perform the function of a surveyor for the purposes of this lease;
Landscaping and Parking Services means the services provided or procured by the Landlord in relation to the Property Landscaped Areas and Parking Area(s) as set out in Part III of the Fourth Schedule;
Lease Particulars means the descriptions and terms in the section headed Lease Particulars which form part of this lease insofar as they are not inconsistent with the other provisions of this lease;
Parking Area(s) means the parking area(s) at the Estate within which there are a total of sixteen (16) car parking spaces in such locations as the Landlord acting reasonably from time to time allocates, the initial allocation being shown for identification only coloured yellow on the Plan;
Permitted Use means office / research and development / industrial use within Class E(g) of Schedule 2 to the Use Classes Order;
Plan means the plan or plans annexed to this lease;
Prescribed Clauses means the descriptions and terms in the section headed Prescribed Clauses which form part of this lease;
Previous Lease means the lease of the Property dated 16 August 2016 and made between (1) MEPC Milton Park No. 1 Limited and MEPC Milton Park No. 2 Limited (2) DC Payments UK Limited and (3) Direct Payments Inc which was surrendered immediately before the grant of this lease;
Principal Rent means:
From and including the Rent Commencement Date to but excluding the second anniversary of the Rent Commencement Date: ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND SIX POUNDS AND TWENTY FIVE PENCE (£179,506.25) per annum;
From and including the second anniversary of the Rent Commencement Date to but excluding the Review Date: THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINE THOUSAND AND TWELVE POUNDS AND FIFTY PENCE (£359,012.50);
subject to review in accordance with the Second Schedule;
Property means the property described in the Prescribed Clauses and includes any part of it, any alteration or addition to the Property and any Landlord’s fixtures and fittings in or on the Property;
Property Landscaped Areas means any soft landscaped areas which now or at any time during the Term form part of the Property (excluding any within the principal building in the Property);
Quarter Days means 25 March, 24 June, 29 September and 25 December in every year and Quarter Day means any of them;
Rent Commencement Date means 13 July 2021;
Review Date means 12 July 2026;
Schedule of Condition means the schedule of condition annexed to this lease;
Section 106 Agreement means the agreement made pursuant to, inter alia, section 106 and section 106A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 dated 12 December 2012 between (1) MEPC Milton Park No. 1 Limited and MEPC Milton Park No. 2 Limited (2) Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch and (3) Oxfordshire County Council as varied by a deed of variation to this agreement dated 7 September 2017 between (1) MEPC Milton Park No. 1 Limited and MEPC Milton Park No. 2 Limited (2) Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch and (3) Oxfordshire County Council;
Service Charge means the Service Charge set out in the Fourth Schedule;
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Service Charge Commencement Date means 13 July 2021;
Services means the Estate Services and the Landscaping and Parking Services;
Tenant means the party to this lease so named in the Prescribed Clauses and includes its successors in title;
Term means the Contractual Term;
This lease means this lease and any document supplemental to it or entered into pursuant to it;
Uninsured Risk means an Insured Risk against which insurance is from time to time unobtainable on normal commercial terms in the London insurance market at reasonable commercial rates for a property equivalent in size, layout, type and location, and Uninsured Risks shall be interpreted accordingly;
Use Classes Order means the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020);
VAT means Value Added Tax and any similar tax substituted for it or levied in addition to it;
Working Day means any day except Saturdays, Sundays and bank, public and statutory holidays;
1954 Act means the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954;
1995 Act means the Landlord and Tenant (Covenants) Act 1995;
2003 Order means The Regulatory Reform (Business Tenancies) (England and Wales) Order 2003.
1.2 | Interpretation |
1.2.1 | If the Tenant or the Guarantor is more than one person then their covenants are joint and several; |
1.2.2 | Any reference to a statute includes any modification extension or re-enactment of it and any orders, regulations, directions, schemes and rules made under it; |
1.2.3 | Any covenant by the Tenant not to do any act or thing includes an obligation not knowingly to permit or suffer such act or thing to be done; |
1.2.4 | If the Landlord reserves rights of access or other rights over or in relation to the Property then those rights extend to persons authorised by it; |
1.2.5 | References to the act or default of the Tenant include acts or default or negligence of any undertenant or of anyone at the Property with the Tenant’s or any undertenant’s permission or sufferance; |
1.2.6 | The index and Clause headings in this lease are for ease of reference only; |
1.2.7 | References to the last year of the Term shall mean the twelve months ending on the expiration or earlier termination of the Term; |
1.2.8 | References to Costs include all liabilities, claims, demands, proceedings, damages, losses and proper and reasonable costs and expenses; |
1.2.9 | References to Principal Rent, Current Rent, Indexed Rent and Revised Rent are references to yearly sums. |
2 | Demise |
The Landlord with Full Title Guarantee DEMISES the Property to the Tenant for the Contractual Term TOGETHER WITH the rights set out in Part I of the First Schedule, EXCEPT AND RESERVING as mentioned in Part II of the First Schedule and SUBJECT TO the Encumbrances;
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3 | Rent |
The Tenant will pay by way of rent during the Term or until released pursuant to the 1995 Act without any deduction counterclaim or set off except where required by law:
3.1 | The Principal Rent and any VAT by equal quarterly payments in advance on the Quarter Days to be paid by, Banker’s Standing Order or other reasonable means as the Landlord reasonably requires to a UK clearing bank the first payment for the period from and including the Rent Commencement Date to (but excluding) the next Quarter Day to be made on the Rent Commencement Date; |
3.2 | The Service Charge and any VAT at the times and in the manner set out in the Fourth Schedule; |
3.3 | The following amounts and any VAT thereon: |
3.3.1 | the sums specified in Clauses 4.1 and 4.2; |
3.3.2 | the sums specified in Clause 6.2.1; |
3.3.3 | all Costs reasonably incurred by the Landlord as a result of any breach of the Tenant’s covenants in this lease. |
4 | Tenant’s covenants |
The Tenant covenants with the Landlord throughout the Term, or until released pursuant to the 1995 Act, as follows:
4.1 | Interest |
If the Landlord does not receive any sum due to it within twenty-one (21) days of the due date pursuant to this lease to pay on demand interest on such sum at 2 per cent above Base Rate from the due date until payment (both before and after any judgment), provided this Clause shall not prejudice any other right or remedy for the recovery of such sum;
4.2 | Outgoings and Utilities |
4.2.1 | To pay all existing and future rates, taxes, charges, assessments and outgoings in respect of the Property (whether assessed or imposed on the owner or the occupier), except any tax (other than VAT) arising as a result of the receipt by the Landlord of the rents reserved by this lease and any tax arising on any dealing by the Landlord with its reversion to this lease; |
4.2.2 | To pay for all gas, electricity, water, telephone and other utilities used on the Property, and all charges in connection with such utilities and for meters and all standing charges, and a fair and reasonable proportion of any joint charges properly attributable to the Property or the Parking Areas as determined by the Landlord’s Surveyor (acting reasonably); |
4.3 | VAT |
4.3.1 | Any payment or other consideration to be provided to the Landlord is exclusive of VAT, and the Tenant shall in addition pay any VAT chargeable on any supply under or pursuant to this lease on the date the payment or other consideration is due and shall in the case of rents be entitled to provision of a valid VAT invoice following payment; |
4.3.2 | Any obligation to reimburse or pay the Landlord’s expenditure extends to irrecoverable VAT on that expenditure, and the Tenant shall also reimburse or pay such VAT; |
4.4 | Repair |
4.4.1 | To keep the Property (excluding the Property Landscaped Areas) in good and substantial repair and condition (damage by the Insured Risks excepted save to the extent that insurance moneys are irrecoverable as a result of the act or default of the Tenant and damage by Uninsured Risks also excepted) PROVIDED THAT nothing in this lease shall oblige the Tenant to put the Property in any better state of repair or condition than as at the date of this lease as evidenced by the Schedule of Condition; |
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4.4.2 | To make good any disrepair for which the Tenant is liable within 2 months after the date of written notice from the Landlord (or sooner if the Landlord reasonably requires); |
4.4.3 | If the Tenant fails to comply with any such notice as set out in clause 4.4.2 the Landlord may enter and carry out the work and the reasonable cost properly incurred by the Landlord shall be reimbursed by the Tenant ondemand as a debt; |
4.4.4 | To enter into maintenance contracts with contractors with the reasonable experience and expertise required for the regular servicing of all plant and equipment serving only the Property; |
4.5 | Decoration |
4.5.1 | To clean, prepare and paint (in so far as such surfaces are painted as at the date hereof) or treat and generally redecorate: |
(i) | all external parts of the Property (excluding the Property Landscaped Areas) in every third year and in the last year of the Term provided that the Tenant shall not be regarded to do this more than once in any 24 month period; |
(ii) | all internal parts of the Property in the fifth year and In the last year of the Term provided that the Tenant shall not be regarded to do this more than once in any 24 month period; |
4.5.2 | All the work described in Clause 4.5.1 is to be carried out: |
(i) | in a good and workmanlike manner to the Landlord’s reasonable satisfaction; and |
(ii) | in the last year of the term only (i.e. the period of twelve (12) months ending at the expiry or sooner determination of the Term) in colours which (if different from the existing colour) are first approved in writing by the Landlord (approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); |
4.6 | Cleaning |
4.6.1 | To keep the Property (excluding the Property Landscaped Areas) clean, tidy and free from rubbish; |
4.6.2 | To clean the inside and outside of windows and any washable surfaces at the Property as often as reasonably necessary; |
4.7 | Overloading |
Not to overload the floors, ceilings or structure of the Property or any plant machinery or electrical installation serving the Property;
4.8 | Conduits |
To keep the Conduits in or serving the Property clear and free from any noxious, harmful or deleterious substance, and to remove any obstruction and repair any damage to the Conduits as soon as reasonably practicable to the Landlord’s reasonable satisfaction;
4.9 | User |
4.9.1 | Not to use the Property otherwise than for the Permitted Use; |
4.9.2 | Not to use the Property for any purpose which is: |
(i) | noisy, offensive, dangerous, illegal, immoral or an actionable nuisance; or |
(ii) | which in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord causes damage or disturbance to the Landlord, or to owners or occupiers of any neighbouring property; or |
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(iii) | which involves any substance which may be harmful, polluting or contaminating other than in quantities which are normal for and used in connection with the Permitted Use; |
4.10 | Signs |
Not to erect any sign, notice or advertisement which is visible outside the Property without the Landlord’s prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) provided that the Tenant shall be permitted to display signage indicating the name of the Property (such name to be chosen by the Tenant and approved by the Landlord, approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) in a location and of a size and style to be approved by the Landlord (approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and further provided that the Tenant shall not be permitted to alter the postal address of the Property at the Post Office;
4.11 | Alterations |
4.11.1 | Not to make any alterations or additions which: |
(i) | affect the structural integrity of the Property (including without limitation the roofs and foundations and the principal or load-bearing walls, floors, beams and columns); |
(ii) | merge the Property with any adjoining premises; |
(iii) | affect the external appearance of the Property; |
4.11.2 | Not to make any other alterations or additions to the Property without the Landlord’s written consent (which is not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) PROVIDED THAT such consent is not required in the case of internal non-load bearing, demountable, non-structural partitioning provided plans showing the extent of such works are deposited with the Landlord promptly on completion of the works. |
4.12 | Preservation of Easements |
4.12.1 | Not to prejudice the acquisition of any right of light for the benefit of the Property and to preserve all rights and easements enjoyed by the Property; |
4.12.2 | Promptly to give the Landlord notice upon becoming aware of any easement enjoyed by the Property being obstructed, or any new easement affecting the Property being made or attempted; |
4.13 | Alienation |
4.13.1 | Not to: |
(i) | assign, charge, underlet or part with possession of the whole or part only of the Property nor to agree to do so except by an assignment or underletting or charging permitted by this Clause 4.13; |
(ii) | share the possession or occupation of the whole or any part of the Property except as permitted by this clause 4.13; |
(iii) | assign, part with or share any of the benefits or burdens of this lease, or any interest derived from it by a virtual assignment or other similar arrangement except as permitted by this clause 4.13; |
4.13.2 | Assignment |
Not to assign or agree to assign the whole of the Property without the Landlord’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), provided that:
(i) | the Landlord may withhold consent in circumstances where in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord |
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(a) | the proposed assignee together with any guarantor (excluding any guarantor pursuant to an authorised guarantee agreement) is not of sufficient financial standing to enable it to comply with the Tenant’s covenants in this lease; or |
(b) | such person(s) as the Landlord reasonably requires do not act as guarantor(s) for the assignee and do not enter into direct covenants with the Landlord including the provisions set out in the Third Schedule (but referring in paragraph 1.2 to the assignee) |
(ii) | the Landlord’s consent shall in every case be subject to conditions (unless expressly excluded) requiring that: |
(a) | the assignee covenants with the Landlord to pay the rents and observe and perform the Tenant’s covenants in this lease during the residue of the Term, or until released pursuant to the 1995 Act; |
(b) | the Tenant enters into an authorised guarantee agreement guaranteeing the performance of the Tenant’s covenants in this lease by the assignee including the provisions set out in paragraphs 1-5 (inclusive) of the Third Schedule (but omitting paragraph 1.2); |
(c) | all rent and other payments due and, other than in the case of Principal Rent, demanded under this lease are paid before completion of the assignment save where such sums are the subject of a bona fide dispute between the Landlord and the Tenant; |
4.13.3 | Underletting |
Not to underlet or agree to underlet the whole of the Property nor vary the terms of any underlease without the Landlord’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Any permitted underletting must comply with the following:
(i) | the rent payable under the underlease must be: |
(a) | not less than the rent reasonably obtainable in the open market for the Property without fine or premium; |
(b) | payable no more than one quarter in advance; |
(c) | where an underlease is for a term of more than 5 years, subject to upward only reviews at intervals no less frequent than the rent reviews under this lease; |
(ii) | the undertenant covenants with the Landlord and in the underlease: |
(a) | to observe and perform the Tenant’s covenants in this lease (except for payment of the rents) during the term of the underlease or until released pursuant to the 1995 Act; |
(b) | not to underlet, share or part with possession or occupation of the whole or any part of the underlet premises, nor to assign or charge part only of the underlet premises; |
(c) | not to assign the whole of the underlet premises without the Landlord’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); |
(iii) | all rents and other payments due and demanded (other than in the case of Principal Rent) under this lease (not the subject of a bona fide dispute) are paid before completion of the underletting; |
(iv) | Sections 24 to 28 of the 1954 Act must be excluded and before completion of the underletting a certified copy of each of the following documents must be supplied to the Landlord: |
(a) | the notice served on the proposed undertenant pursuant to section 38A(3)(a) of the 1954 Act; and |
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(b) | the declaration actually made by the proposed undertenant in compliance with the requirements of Schedule 2 of the 2003 Order; and |
(c) | the proposed form of underlease containing an agreement to exclude the provisions of sections 24 to 28 of the 1954 Act and a reference to both the notice pursuant to section 38A(3)(a) of the 1954 Act and the declaration pursuant to the requirements of Schedule 2 of the 2003 Order as referred to in this clause 4.13.3; |
and before completion of the underletting the Tenant must warrant to the Landlord that both the notice pursuant to section 38A(3)(a) of the 1954 Act has been served on the relevant persons as required by the 1954 Act and the appropriate declaration pursuant to the requirements of Schedule 2 of the 2003 Order as referred to in this clause 4.13.3 has been made prior to the date on which the Tenant and the proposed undertenant became contractually bound to enter into the tenancy to which the said notice applies;
(v) | the underlease reserves as rent the Service Charge payable under this lease; |
4.13.4 | To take all necessary (but commercially reasonable) steps and proceedings to remedy any breach of the covenants of the undertenant under the underlease and not to permit any reduction of the rent payable by any undertenant; |
4.13.5 | Group Sharing |
Notwithstanding Clause 4.13.1 the Tenant may share occupation of the whole or any part of the Property with a Group Company
PROVIDED THAT
(a) | the relationship of landlord and tenant is not created; and |
(b) | occupation by any Group Company shall cease upon it ceasing to be a Group Company; and |
(c) | the Tenant informs the Landlord in writing before each occupier commences occupation and after it ceases occupation; |
4.14 | Registration |
Within 21 days to give to the Landlord’s solicitors (or as the Landlord may direct) written notice of any assignment, charge, underlease or other devolution of the Property together with a certified copy of the relevant document and a reasonable registration fee of not less than £50;
4.15 | Statutory Requirements and Notices |
4.15.1 | To supply the Landlord with a copy of any notice, order or certificate or proposal for any notice order or certificate affecting or capable of affecting the Landlord’s interest in the Property as soon as it is received by or comes to the notice of the Tenant; |
4.15.2 | To comply promptly with all notices served by any public, local or statutory authority, and with the requirements of any present or future statute or subordinate legislation (whether imposed on the owner or occupier) which affects the Property or its use; |
4.15.3 | At the request of the Landlord, but at the joint cost of the Landlord and the Tenant, to make or join the Landlord in making such objections or representations against or in respect of any such notice, order or certificate as the Landlord may reasonably require provided that such actions are not adverse to the Tenant’s own commercial interests; |
4.15.4 | To observe and perform the obligations of any agreement entered into prior to the date of this lease under any statute or subordinate legislation so far as the same relates to the use and/or occupation of the Property. |
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4.16 | Planning |
4.16.1 | Not to apply for or implement any planning permission affecting the Property without first obtaining the Landlord’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed in cases where the subject matter of the planning permission has been approved by the Landlord pursuant to the other provisions of this lease or where the Landlord is not entitled to unnecessarily withhold as consent to such matters); |
4.16.2 | If a planning permission is implemented the Tenant shall complete all the works permitted and comply with all the conditions imposed by the permission before the determination of the Term (including any works stipulated to be carried out by a date after the determination of the Term unless the Landlord requires otherwise); |
4.17 | Contaminants and Defects |
4.17.1 | To give the Landlord prompt written notice upon becoming aware of the existence of any defect in the Property, or of the existence of any contaminant, pollutant or harmful substance on the Property but not used in the ordinary course of the Tenant’s use of the Property; |
4.17.2 | If so requested by the Landlord, to remove from the Property or remedy to the Landlord’s reasonable satisfaction any such contaminant, pollutant or harmful substance introduced on the Property by or at the request of the Tenant not used in the ordinary course of the Tenant’s use of the Property; |
4.18 | Entry by Landlord |
To permit the Landlord at all reasonable times and on reasonable written notice of at least two (2) Working Days (except in an emergency) to enter the Property in order to:
4.18.1 | inspect and record the condition of the Property or the Adjoining Property; |
4.18.2 | remedy any breach of the Tenant’s obligations under this lease which have not been remedied by the Tenant within a reasonable period (having regard to the nature of the breach) of a Landlord’s written request to remedy such breach; |
4.18.3 | repair, maintain, clean, alter, replace, install, add to or connect up to any Conduits which serve the Adjoining Property; |
4.18.4 | repair, maintain, alter or rebuild the Adjoining Property; |
4.18.5 | comply with any of its obligations under this lease; |
Provided that the Landlord shall cause as little inconvenience as reasonably practicable in the exercise of such rights and shall promptly make good all physical damage to the Property caused by such entry and further it shall;
(a) only remain on the Property for so long as reasonably necessary;
(b) only enter the Property with the Tenant’s accompanying staff;
(c) comply with any health and safety or security protocols of the Tenant and comply with the Tenant’s reasonable instructions;
(d) such access should be taken within business hours of 9am to 5pm where reasonably necessary; and
(e) have regard to the Tenant’s reasonable representations regarding such access.
4.19 | Landlord’s Costs |
To pay to the Landlord within twenty-one (21) days of written demand amounts equal to such Costs as it may properly and reasonably incur:
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4.19.1 | in connection with any application for consent made necessary by this lease (including where consent is lawfully refused or the application is withdrawn); |
4.19.2 | incidental to or in reasonable contemplation of the preparation and service of a schedule of dilapidations (whether before or within three (3) months after the end of the Term) or a notice or proceedings under Section 146 or Section 147 of the Law of Property Act 1925 (even if forfeiture is avoided other than by relief granted by the Court); |
4.19.3 | in connection with the enforcement or remedying of any breach of the covenants in this lease on the part of the Tenant and any Guarantor; |
4.19.4 | incidental to or in reasonable contemplation of the preparation and service of any notice under Section 17 of the 1995 Act; |
4.20 | Yielding up |
Immediately before the end of the Term:
(i) | to give up the Property repaired and decorated and otherwise in accordance with the Tenant’s covenants in this lease; |
(ii) | (save to the extent required otherwise in writing by the Landlord) to remove all alterations made during the Term or any preceding period of occupation by the Tenant and reinstate the Property as the Landlord shall reasonably direct and to its reasonable satisfaction; |
(iii) | to remove all signs, tenant’s fixtures and fittings and other goods from the Property, and make good any damage caused thereby to the Landlord’s reasonable satisfaction; |
(iv) | to replace any damaged or missing Landlord’s fixtures with ones of no less quality and value; |
(v) | to replace all carpets with ones of no less quality and value than those in the Property at the start of the Contractual Term; |
(vi) | to give to the Landlord all operating and maintenance manuals together with any health and safety files relating to the Property; |
(vii) | to provide evidence of satisfactory condition and maintenance of plant and machinery including (without limitation) electrical installation condition reports in respect of all of the electrical circuits and supply equipment in the Property, other condition reports as required under any relevant statute or subordinate legislation and copies of all service records; |
(viii) | to return any security cards or passes provided by the Landlord for use by the Tenant and its visitors, |
provided that in (i), (ii), (iv) and (v) of this Clause 4.20 the tenant shall not be liable to put the Property into any better state and condition than as evidenced by the Schedule of Condition.
4.21 | Encumbrances |
To perform and observe the Encumbrances so far as they relate to the Property.
4.22 | Roads Etc |
Not to obstruct the roads, pavements, footpaths and forecourt areas from time to time on the Estate in any way whatsoever and not to use any part of the forecourts and car parking spaces or other open parts of the Property for the purpose of storage or deposit of any materials, goods, container ships’ pallets, refuse, waste scrap or any other material or matter.
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4.23 | Parking Restrictions |
Except as to any right specifically granted in this lease not to permit any vehicles belonging to or calling upon the Tenant to stand on the roads, car parking spaces, forecourts, pavements or footpaths on the Estate.
4.24 | Estate Regulations |
At all times during the Term to observe and perform such regulations (if any) in respect of the Estate as the Landlord may reasonably think expedient to the proper management of the Estate and which are notified to the Tenant in writing provided that where there is a conflict between the Estate Regulations and this lease, the Tenant shall not be required to comply with any regulations which are more onerous than the terms of this lease.
4.25 | Landscaping and Parking |
Not to cause or permit damage to be caused to any of the Property Landscaped Areas or the Parking Area(s) nor obstruct access to any of the Property Landscaped Areas or the Parking Area(s) for the purpose of carrying out the Landscaping and Parking Services.
4.26 | Land Registration Provisions |
4.26.1 | Promptly following the grant of this lease the Tenant shall apply to register this lease at the Land Registry and shall ensure that any requisitions raised by the Land Registry in connection with that application which are within its reasonable control to respond to are dealt with promptly and properly and within one month after completion of the registration, the Tenant shall send the Landlord official copies of its title; |
4.26.2 | Promptly after the end of the Term (and notwithstanding that the Term has ended), the Tenant shall make an application to close the registered title of this lease and shall ensure that any requisitions raised by the Land Registry in connection with that application which are within its reasonable control to respond to are dealt with promptly and properly and the Tenant shall keep the Landlord reasonably informed of the progress and completion of its application. |
5 | Landlord’s Covenants |
5.1 | Quiet Enjoyment |
The Landlord covenants with the Tenant that the Tenant may peaceably enjoy the Property during the Term without any interruption by the Landlord or any person lawfully claiming under or in trust for it.
5.2 | Provision of Services |
The Landlord will use all reasonable endeavours to provide or procure the provision of the Services PROVIDED THAT the Landlord shall be entitled to withhold or vary the provision or procurement of such of the Services as the Landlord considers necessary or appropriate in the interests of good estate management and PROVIDED FURTHER THAT the Landlord will not be in breach of this Clause as a result of any failure or interruption of any of the Services:
5.2.1 | resulting from circumstances beyond the Landlord’s reasonable control, so long as the Landlord uses its reasonable endeavours to remedy the same as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware of such circumstances; or |
5.2.2 | to the extent that the Services (or any of them) cannot reasonably be provided as a result of works of inspection, maintenance and repair or other works being carried out at the Estate or the Property provided that such period of interruption (except in an emergency) shall be for as short a period as reasonably practicable, the Tenant shall be provided with advance notice of such interruptions and the Landlord shall make provision where possible of replacement services as reasonably necessary to enable the Tenant’s use and occupation of the Property at all times. |
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5.3 | Removal of furniture from the Property |
The Landlord shall remove or procure the removal of all items of furniture left at the Property from the preceding period of occupation by the previous tenant of the Property pursuant to the Previous Lease as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this lease (and shall use all reasonable endeavours to do so by 19 July 2021) and shall:
5.3.1 | do so at the Landlord’s own cost; and |
5.3.2 | in full compliance with the entry requirements contained at clause 4.18.5; and |
5.3.3 | shall make good any damage caused to the Property in complying with this clause 5.3 promptly, at the Landlord’s cost and to the Tenant’s reasonable satisfaction. |
6 | Insurance |
6.1 | Landlord’s insurance covenants |
The Landlord covenants with the Tenant as follows:
6.1.1 | To insure the Property (other than tenant’s and trade fixtures and fittings) unless the insurance is invalidated in whole or in part by any act or default of the Tenant: |
(i) | with an insurance office or underwriters of repute; |
(ii) | against loss or damage by the Insured Risks; |
(iii) | subject to such excesses as may be imposed by the insurers; |
(iv) | in the full cost of reinstatement of the Property (in modern form if appropriate) including shoring up, demolition and site clearance, professional fees, VAT and allowance for building cost increases; |
6.1.2 | To insure against loss of the Principal Rent and the Service Charge thereon payable or reasonably estimated by the Landlord to be payable under this lease arising from damage to the Property by the Insured Risks for three years or such longer period as the Landlord may reasonably require having regard to the likely period for reinstating the Property; |
6.1.3 | The Landlord will use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the insurer waives its rights of subrogation against the Tenant (so long as such provision is available in the London insurance market); |
6.1.4 | At the request and cost of the Tenant (but not more frequently than once in any twelve month period) to produce summary details of the terms of the insurance under this Clause 6.1 and evidence of Payment of the relevant premium; |
6.1.5 | If the Property is destroyed or damaged by an Insured Risk, then, unless payment of the insurance moneys is refused in whole or part because of the act or default of the Tenant, and subject to obtaining all necessary planning and other consents to use the insurance proceeds (except those relating to loss of rent and fees) and any uninsured excess paid by the Tenant under Clause 6.2.4(ii) in reinstating the same (other than tenant’s and trade fixtures and fittings) as quickly as reasonably practicable substantially as it was before the destruction or damage in modern form if appropriate but not necessarily identical in layout |
6.2 | Tenant’s insurance covenants |
The Tenant covenants with the Landlord from and including the Insurance Commencement Date and then throughout the Term or until released pursuant to the 1995 Act as follows:
6.2.1 | To pay to the Landlord within twenty-one (21) days of written demand sums equal to: |
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(i) | the amount which the Landlord spends on insurance pursuant to Clause 6.1; |
(ii) | the cost of property owners’ liability and third party liability insurance in connection with the Property; |
(iii) | the cost of any professional valuation of the Property properly required by the Landlord (but not more than once in any two (2) year period); |
6.2.2 | To give the Landlord immediate written notice on becoming aware of any event or circumstance which might affect or lead to an insurance claim; |
6.2.3 | Not to do anything at the Property which would prejudice or invalidate the insurance of the Property or the Adjoining Property or cause any premium for their insurance to be increased; |
6.2.4 | To pay to the Landlord within twenty-one (21) days of written demand: |
(i) | any increased premium and any Costs incurred by the Landlord as a result of a breach of Clause 6.2.3; |
(ii) | any uninsured excess to which the insurance policy may be subject; |
(iii) | the whole (if applicable) of the irrecoverable proportion of the insurance moneys if the Property or any part is destroyed or damaged by an Insured Risk but the insurance moneys are irrecoverable in whole or part due to the act or default of the Tenant; |
6.2.5 | To comply with the requirements and reasonable recommendations of the insurers; |
6.2.6 | To notify the Landlord of the full reinstatement cost of any fixtures and fittings installed at the Property at the cost of the Tenant which become Landlord’s fixtures and fittings and upon receiving notice of such fixtures and fittings the Landlord shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that these are insured under the insurance policy; |
6.2.7 | Not to effect any insurance of the Property against an Insured Risk but if the Tenant effects or has the benefit of any such insurance the Tenant shall hold any insurance moneys upon trust for the Landlord and pay the same to the Landlord as soon as practicable; |
6.3 | Suspension of Rent |
6.3.1 | If the Property and/or the means of access to it is unfit for occupation and use because of damage by an Insured Risk then (save to the extent that payment of the loss of rent insurance moneys is refused due to the act or default of the Tenant) the Principal Rent and the Service Charge (or a fair proportion according to the nature and extent of the damage) shall be suspended until the date on which the Property is again fit for occupation and use and accessible (excluding fitting out and replacement of contents); |
6.3.2 | If the Property suffers damage or destruction by an Insured Risk during the Concessionary Rent Period the Tenant is to be entitled to a credit against the Principal Rent becoming payable at or after the end of the abatement period to the extent of the period of overlap of the abatement period with the Concessionary Rent Period to the extent that it is covered by the insurance monies; |
6.4 | Determination Right |
6.4.1 | If the Property is destroyed or damaged by an Insured Risk such that the Property is unfit for occupation and use or inaccessible and shall not be rendered fit for occupation and use and accessible within two years and nine months of the date of such damage then either the Landlord or the Tenant may whilst the Property has not been rendered fit for occupation and use and accessible terminate the Contractual Term by giving to the other not less than three (3) months’ previous notice in writing PROVIDED THAT if the Property has been rendered fit for occupation and use within three years of the date of such damage then such notice shall be deemed not to have been given. |
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6.4.2 | Termination of this lease pursuant to the provisions of Clause 6.4.1 shall be without prejudice to the liability of either party for any antecedent breach of the covenants and conditions herein contained (save for Clause 6.1.5 which shall be deemed not to have applied). |
6.5 | Uninsured Risks |
6.5.1 | For the purposes of this Clause 6.5: |
(i) | These provisions shall apply from the date on which any Insured Risk becomes an Uninsured Risk but only in relation to the Uninsured Risk; |
(ii) | References to an Insured Risk becoming an Uninsured Risk shall, without limitation, include the application by insurers of an exclusion, condition or limitation to an Insured Risk to the extent to which such risk thereby is or becomes an Uninsured Risk. |
(iii) | The Landlord shall notify the Tenant in writing as soon as reasonably practicable after an Insured Risk becomes an Uninsured Risk. |
6.5.2 | If during the Term the Property and/or the means of access to it shall be damaged or destroyed by an Uninsured Risk so as to make the Property unfit for occupation and use: |
(i) | The Principal Rent and the Service Charge or a fair proportion according to the nature and extent of the damage sustained will not be payable from the date of such damage or destruction until the earlier of the date on which: |
(a) | The Property and/or the means of access to it shall again be fit for occupation and use (excluding fitting out and replacement of contents); or |
(b) | This lease shall be terminated in accordance with Clause 6.5.2(ii) or 6.5.5 |
(ii) | The Landlord may within one year of the date of such damage or destruction serve notice on the Tenant confirming that it will reinstate the Property and/or the means of access to it (a ‘Reinstatement Notice’) so that the Property shall be fit for occupation and use and accessible and if the Landlord fails to serve a Reinstatement Notice by the expiry of such prescribed period the lease will automatically end on the date one year after the date of such damage or destruction. |
6.5.3 | Clause 6.5.2(i) shall not apply if an Insured Risk shall have become an Uninsured Risk owing to the act or default of the Tenant or any person deriving title under the Tenant or their respective agents, employees, licensee, invitees or contractors. |
6.5.4 | If the Landlord shall have served a Reinstatement Notice the provisions of Clause 6.1.5 shall apply as if the damage or destruction had been caused by an Insured Risk |
6.5.5 | If the Landlord shall have served a Reinstatement Notice and such reinstatement has not been completed by the date two years and nine months of the date of such damage or destruction at any time after that date the Landlord or the Tenant may terminate this lease by serving not less than three months’ notice on the other stating that it terminates this lease. I, and if by the end of such notice period the Property has been reinstated so that the Property is fit for occupation and use the notice shall be void and this lease shall continue in full force and effect. |
6.5.6 | Service of a Reinstatement Notice shall not oblige the Landlord to replace any Tenant’s fitting out works or property belonging to the Tenant or any third party. |
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7 | Provisos |
7.1 | Forfeiture |
If any of the following events occur:
7.1.1 | the Tenant fails to pay any of the rents payable under this lease within 21 days of the due date (in the case of Principal Rent only whether or not formally demanded); or |
7.1.2 | the Tenant or Guarantor breaches any of its obligations in this lease; or |
7.1.3 | the Tenant or Guarantor being a company incorporated within the United Kingdom |
(i) | has an Administration Order made in respect of it; or |
(ii) | passes a resolution, or the Court makes an Order, for the winding up of the Tenant or the Guarantor, otherwise than a member’s voluntary winding up of a solvent company for the purpose of amalgamation or reconstruction previously consented to by the Landlord (consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); or |
(iii) | has a receiver or administrative receiver or receiver and manager appointed over the whole or any part of its assets or undertaking; or |
(iv) | is struck off the Register of Companies; or |
(v) | is deemed unable to pay its debts within the meaning of Section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986; or |
7.1.4 | proceedings or events analogous to those described in Clause 7.1.3 shall be instituted or shall occur where the Tenant or Guarantor is a company incorporated outside the United Kingdom; or |
7.1.5 | the Tenant or Guarantor being an individual: |
(i) | has a bankruptcy order made against him; or |
(ii) | appears to be unable to pay his debts within the meaning of Section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986; |
then the Landlord may re-enter the Property or any part of the Property in the name of the whole and forfeit this lease and the Term created by this lease shall immediately end, but without prejudice to the rights of either party against the other in respect of any breach of the obligations contained in this lease;
7.2 | Notices |
7.2.1 | All notices under or in connection with this lease shall be given in writing |
7.2.2 | Any such notice shall be duly and validly served if it is served (in the case of a company) to its registered office or (in the case of an individual) to his last known address and in the case of the Tenant to: Legal Department, Exscientia Ltd, the Schrödinger Building Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE or such other address notified to the Landlord in writing from time to time; |
7.2.3 | Any such notice shall be deemed to be given when it is: |
(i) | personally delivered to the locations listed in Clause 7.2.2; or |
(ii) | sent by registered post, in which case service shall be deemed to occur on the third Working Day after posting. |
7.2.4 | Copies of all notices served on the Tenant shall also be served by email on legal@exscientia.co.uk. |
7.3 | No Implied Easements |
The grant of this lease does not confer any rights over the Adjoining Property or any other property except those mentioned in Part I of the First Schedule, and Section 62 of the Law of Property Act 1925 is excluded from this lease;
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8 | Break Clause |
8.1 | The Tenant may terminate the Contractual Term on the Break Date by giving to the Landlord not less than twelve (12) months’ previous notice in writing; |
8.2 | Any notice given by the Tenant shall operate to terminate the Contractual Term only if: |
8.2.1 | all rents reserved by this lease have been paid by the time of such termination (in the case of Service Charge and any sums specified in Clause 6.2.1 [Insurance] only where demanded in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the Break Date and not including any sums which are the subject of a bona fide dispute between the Landlord and the Tenant; |
8.2.2 | the Break Payment together with a sum equal to VAT thereon at the standard rate for the time being payable has been paid to the Landlord or its solicitors in cleared funds by the Break Date; and |
8.2.3 | the Tenant yields up the Property free from any subleases and other third party occupational interests on termination; |
8.3 | Upon termination the Contractual Term shall cease but without prejudice to any claim in respect of any prior breach of the obligations contained in this lease; |
8.4 | If the Tenant terminates this Lease in accordance with this clause 8 the Landlord shall promptly reimburse the Tenant in respect of any sums received which relate to a period following termination of this Lease; |
8.5 | Time shall be of the essence for the purposes of this Clause. |
9 | Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
A person who is not a party to this lease has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any terms of this lease.
10 | Exclusion of Security of Tenure |
10.1 | The Landlord and the Tenant agree that Sections 24 to 28 of the 1954 Act shall be excluded from the tenancy created by this lease; |
10.2 | The Landlord has served on the Tenant a notice as referred to in section 38A(3)(a) of the 1954 Act and the Tenant has made a declaration pursuant to the requirements of Schedule 2 of the 2003 Order the original or a true copy of which declaration is annexed to this lease. |
11 | Agreement on Environmental Liabilities |
11.1 | For the purposes of this clause the expression “Environment” includes air, man-made structures and surface or substrata any surface water or ground water, any life form (including human) or eco system and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Lease to the extent that the Property or Estate are affected by contamination or pollution, the Environment or the presence of any substance harmful to the Environment present or occurring prior to the date of this Lease otherwise than through the act or default of the Tenant or any party under their control (an “Environmental Condition”) the Tenant shall not: |
11.1.1 | be responsible for (or contribute to whether by Service Charge or otherwise) any management compliance with statutory requirements, clean up, remediation or containment of any such Environmental Condition; nor |
11.1.2 | be responsible to repair any damage disrepair or injury caused by or arising from any Environmental Condition; nor |
11.1.3 | be responsible to contribute to any cost, fine, remediation costs or liability of any kind arising out of or in any way connected with any Environmental Condition. |
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Executed by the parties as a Deed on the date specified in the Prescribed Clauses.
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EXECUTED as a DEED by _______________as attorney for MEPC MILTON PARK NO. 1 LIMITED in the presence of: |
|
||
as attorney for MEPC MILTON PARK NO. 1 LIMITED |
Signature of witness | |
Witness name: | |
Address: |
EXECUTED as a DEED by _______________as attorney for MEPC MILTON PARK NO. 2 LIMITED in the presence of: |
|
||
as attorney for MEPC MILTON PARK NO. 2 LIMITED |
Signature of witness | |
Witness name: | |
Address: |
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EXECUTED AS A DEED by EXSCIENTIA LIMITED acting by a director and the company secretary or by two directors |
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||
Director | |||
Director/Company Secretary |
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Exhibit 10.14
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna |
Medical
Department
|
SUBLEASE AGREEMENT
The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, represented by the President of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinary Place 1, 1210 Vienna, as Sublessor, concludes the following sublease agreement with Allcyte GmbH, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Commercial Register Number: 465200v, as Sublessee:
1. Sublease Object
The business premises located in Building 1030 Vienna, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 5 / Helmut-Qualtinger-Gasse 6, EZ 4354, Property No. 2847/5 on Level 3 are subleased in accordance with the attached site plan (Annex 1), in which the sublease area is included and marked, which forms an integral part of this Lease Agreement. The leased area consists of the following administrative areas:
Room number | Designated use | Area [m2] | |||||
3622.1 | Schreibraum | 12,26 | |||||
3616.1 | Schreibraum | 12,26 | |||||
3610.1 | Schreibraum | 12,26 | |||||
3116.1 | Besprechungsraum | 34,20 | |||||
3116 | Büro | 37,58 | |||||
3116.4 | Garderobe Damen 2 | 7,13 | |||||
3605 | Lager | 6,86 |
as well as the following laboratory areas:
Room number | Designated use | Area [m2] | |||||
3622 | Labor | 57,04 | |||||
3620 | Zellkulturlabor Nebenraum | 13,97 | |||||
3618 | Zellkulturlabor Nebenraum | 13,97 | |||||
3616 | Labor | 55,48 | |||||
3610 | Labor | 55,48 | |||||
3608 | Zellkulturlabor Nebenraum | 13,97 | |||||
3602 | Isotopenlabor | 23,93 | |||||
3615.1 | Kühlraum | 12,88 | |||||
3609 | Geräteraum | 20,13 | |||||
3607 | Dunkelraum | 21,44 |
and has a total usable area of 410.84 m2. Only this area listed here is the subject of the sublease.
Page 1/11
Some rooms of the subleased area are used jointly with other tenants. The rent for these rooms is shared among the users.
Room
number |
Designated use | Area [m2] | Share of rent |
Rent share / m2
[EUR gross] |
Rent Subtenant [EUR
gross] |
||||||||||||||
3116.5 | Sozialraum | 31,88 | 1/3 | 6,50 | 207,22 | ||||||||||||||
3117 | Waschraum H | 7,37 | 1/3 | 6,50 | 47,91 | ||||||||||||||
3115 | Waschraum D | 9,21 | 1/3 | 6,50 | 59,87 | ||||||||||||||
3113 | Waschraum barrierefrei | 4,62 | 1/3 | 6,50 | 30,03 | ||||||||||||||
3118 | Gang | 64,62 | 1/3 | 6,50 | 420,03 | ||||||||||||||
3425 | Gang | 23,81 | 1/2 | 9,50 | 226,20 | ||||||||||||||
3623 | Gang | 87,83 | 1/2 | 9,50 | 834,39 | ||||||||||||||
3615 | Geräteraum | 23,55 | 2/3 | 19,00 | 447,45 | ||||||||||||||
3116.3 | Vorraum | 5,35 | 1/2 | 9,50 | 50,83 |
The IT technology room 3520.1 is not part of the rental area. There is an IT switchbox in it, to which the subtenant receives access to the operation of the IT infrastructure, if necessary.
1.1 Furnishings
The furnishings available in the leased rooms must be treated with care. This may only be dismantled after consultation with the Sub-Lessor. The original condition must be restored before the end of the lease. The Sub-Lessee must carry out repairs and subsequent procurement at its own expense. In order to ensure the operational readiness and functionality of furnishings of a technical nature, the ongoing maintenance of these must be arranged and paid for by the Sub-Lessee, unless these are services that are covered by the costs specified in point 5. The Sub-Lessee must keep comprehensible records of the maintenance performed for the Sub-Lessor. The Sub-Lessor expressly reserves the right to check the functionality and the appropriate use of the technical equipment at any time. The Sub-Lessee is liable for damage to the furnishings caused by improper maintenance.
Page 2/11
2. Intended use
The Sublease Object is subleased for the following purposes:
Use as an office and laboratory
Any use other than the one agreed upon is not permitted.
The Sub-Lessor is not liable for the fact that the Sub-Lessee is fit and suitable for a business use intended by the Sub-Lessee. Instead, the Sub-Lessee itself must obtain the necessary designated use and any official permits at its own expense. The Sub-Lessee must also pay all associated levies without claim for reimbursement. The Sub-Lessee is liable for all damages to the subject of the contract caused by the Sub-Lessee, its employees or visitors.
A change in the intended use requires the written consent of the Sub-Lessor. If the Sublease Object is also used only partially in breach of contract, the Sublease shall increase by 25% for this period, irrespective of the claim for injunctive relief of the Sublessor.
If the Sub-Lessee intends to carry out conversion measures in the existing property, the Sub-Lessor will conclude a conversion agreement with TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. If a dismantling obligation is provided for in the conversion agreement, the Sub-Lessee undertakes to carry out the dismantling of the conversions at the end of its lease relationship at its own expense, provided that TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. does not waive this.
The Sub-Lessor undertakes to conclude the conversion agreement with TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. only with the consent of and with the consent of the Sub-Lessee.
Allcyte GmbH shall be liable to the Veterinary Medical University Vienna for all claims against the Veterinary Medical University Vienna that TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. or third parties arising from the conversion measures requested by Allcyte GmbH.
3. Rental period
The sublease relationship begins on 01.03.2018 and is concluded for a period of 2 years 10 months. It thus ends by the expiration of time on 31.01.2021 without termination.
Page 3/11
The keys will be handed over to the Sub-Lessee for the lease term.
The Veterinary Medical University Vienna is entitled to terminate the contract immediately at any time for the following reasons:
a) | if there is a reason pursuant to § 1118 ABGB; |
b) | if settlement or bankruptcy proceedings are opened on the assets of the Sub-Lessee or an application for bankruptcy proceedings is rejected due to lack of cost coverage; |
c) | if the Sub-Lessee uses the contractual object in whole or in part for purposes other than the contractual object without the written consent of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna or in the case of use of the premises beyond the exercise of the relevant business; |
d) | in the event of complete or partial transfer of the Sublease Object to third parties without the consent of the Sublessor; |
e) | in the event of termination of the Lease Agreement between the Veterinary Medical University Vienna and TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. - The Sub-Lessor is obligated to inform the Sub-Lessor immediately of the termination of the Main Lease Agreement, but no later than 6 months before the end of the Main Lease Agreement. |
4. Sublease payment
The sublease payment is EUR 2,328.45 (EUR 19.00/m2) per month for the administrative areas, EUR 8,216.27 (EUR 28.50/m2) per month for the laboratory areas and EUR 2,323.93 per month for the jointly used areas. The monthly sublease rent for the areas is thus a total of EUR 12,868.65. There are also additional monthly costs. This amount does not include VAT.
5. Additional costs
The Sub-Lessee shall bear a proportionate share of the aliquot extent of the subleased area in relation to the total area leased by the Sub-Lessor, which the Sub-Lessor has leased from the Lessor TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H., the operating and ancillary costs prescribed by TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H of the Sub-Lessor and the pro rata costs for services commissioned by the Sub-Lessor (in particular maintenance and inspection), which concern the subleased rooms.
The additional costs include in particular:
1. operating and ancillary costs accruing to the leased premises and the entire property (e.g. general areas, stairwells, outdoor facilities), through use, the operation and management as well as from the presence of communal facilities, public levies and expenses of any kind and from any title, including the costs associated with the maintenance, upkeep and management of the leased property and other expenses associated with the entire property, which are required for proper operation, such as administrative costs, facility management, security costs as well as a share of ancillary costs of the ongoing in-house operation, which are defined as such costs by the respectively valid laws or regulations, e.g. new statutory charges for waste disposal, etc.;
Page 4/11
2. the chargeable costs include in particular the operating costs and ongoing public charges pursuant to § 21 para. 1 no. 1-8 and para. 2 MRG; and the special expenses pursuant to § 24 MRG and HeizKG;
3. The shares according to points 1 and 2 are determined according to the ratio of the total usable area of the Sublease Object to the total usable area of the lease object of the Veterinary Medical University Vienna according to point 5 first paragraph.
4. All costs that are paid by the Sub-Lessee directly to service and supply companies, such as in particular the costs for electricity, if necessary gas or district heating (heating), water, telecommunications, etc. shall be borne by the Sub-Lessee and settled directly.
5. The Sub-Lessee must ensure the storage and disposal of waste exceeding normal household waste in terms of type and quantity at its own expense and without any disruption to the Sub-Lessor or the other tenants (trash, odour and noise nuisance, etc.).
6. The chargeable costs include in particular the pro rata costs for service and supply companies commissioned by the Sub-Lessor (in particular electricity, water, gas or district heating (heating), telecommunications, maintenance and inspection) that concern the subleased premises and are not paid directly by the Sub-Lessee to service and supply companies.
7. In order to cover the management costs listed in the above points, the Sub-Lessee shall pay the Sub-Lessor together with the Sub-Lessee advance payments against subsequent settlement. In the event of an increase in these costs, the Sub-Lessor reserves the right to a corresponding increase in the on-account amounts.
The settlement of the advance payment amounts received during a calendar year with the actual costs incurred shall take place by 30 June of the following year; credit notes or subsequent charges from this settlement shall be corrected by the next sublease payment date at the latest. If the sublease relationship ends during the billing period, the expenses to be offset also include those that are incurred only after the end of the lease period, but were caused during the lease period and are actually attributable to the Sub-Lessee. In this case, the Sub-Lessee will be charged the share attributable to the duration of the existing sublease.
Page 5/11
A contractual penalty in the amount of six monthly gross sublease payments is agreed upon in the event that the Sublease Object is not handed over on the contractually or judicially determined evacuation date without execution of eviction.
The value retention of the sublease is expressly agreed. The consumer price index 2010 published monthly by the Austrian Statistical Central Office (VPI 2010) or an index replacing it serves as a measure for the calculation of the value stability. In the absence of such an index, an index based on consumer prices must be used. The final index number announced for the first month of the term of the contract serves as the reference value for this contract. Fluctuations of the index number upwards or downwards up to exclusively 2% are not taken into account. However, if the fluctuations exceed 2%, the entire change is taken into account. The leeway is to be recalculated up or down each time it is exceeded, whereupon the first index number outside the respective applicable leeway must always form the new reference value both for the re-determination of the receivable amount and for the calculation of the leeway. A waiver of the application of the indexation must be made in writing. From the circumstance that the Sub-Lessor has not made an index change that has occurred in the past as a reason for a sublease increase, no waiver of the application of the indexation can be derived for the future.
The sublease is due monthly in advance on the first day of each calendar month and must be paid by the sub-lessee free of expenses and deductions to the account of the Veterinary Medical University Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, at UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Bank routing number 12000, account number 51430900401. The date of receipt is decisive for the timeliness of the payment. The Sub-Lessee shall be liable to the Sub-Lessor for all costs and expenses caused by the late sublease payment; in particular, it shall reimburse the Sub-Lessor for those costs (including litigation costs) incurred by the Sub-Lessor as a result of the Sub-Lessor not receiving timely knowledge of the late payment - whether by post or by a financial institution. In addition, the Sub-Lessee must pay interest on sublease arrears at the capital market interest rate.
The Sub-Lessee is not entitled to offset any counterclaims (including operating costs, charges, etc.) that it should have to the Sub-Lessor and that are not legally related to the Sublease Agreement with the Sublease Rent. Addenda or declarations of the Sub-Lessee on payment slips do not become known to the Sub-Lessor due to machine processing. The form of the remanded letter is recommended for all notifications of the Sub-Lessee to the Sub-Lessor.
Page 6/11
6. Subletting or other transfer
The complete or partial sublease or other paid or free transfer of the Sublease Object or the inclusion of co-users in the Sublease Object is prohibited without the prior written consent of the Sub-Lessor. It is expressly stated that the Sub-Lessor and TC-Quinta Immobiliengesellschaft m.b.H. give consent that the Sub-Lessee transfers parts of the subleased area to CeMM – Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH.
The Sub-Lessee undertakes to notify the Sub-Lessor immediately in writing of the sale, leasing, and any change in the legal and economic potentials in the company.
7. Maintenance and use
The Sub-Lessee confirms that it has taken over the Sublease Object in a usable condition. The Sub-Lessee undertakes to maintain the Sublease Object at its own expense, to properly maintain co-accepted facilities, to replace them if necessary, and to have any damage repaired immediately by the Sub-Lessor at the expense of the Sub-Lessee. The Sub-Lessee undertakes in particular to obtain the gas line, water line, drainage line, electrical line, heating and sanitary systems and devices at its own expense and to have any damage rectified immediately by the Sub-Lessor at the expense of the Sub-Lessee. In any case, the Sub-Lessee waives the right to demand maintenance in the interior of the Sublease Object from the Sub-Lessor in accordance with § 1096 ABGB. If the Sub-Lessee fails to comply with its maintenance obligation, the Sub-Lessor may carry out the required work at any time in the Sublease Object at the expense of the Sub-Lessee after a fruitless request and deadline has been set.
The Sub-Lessee must notify the Sub-Lessee in writing of planned structural changes to the Sublease Object, in particular the preparation of gas, water, drainage, electrical and heating installations inside or outside the Sublease Object, stating the exact nature and scope of the work. All structural changes require the prior written consent of the Sub-Lessor and TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H., which must be obtained by the Sub-Lessee. In the course of this coordination, the most appropriate form of processing must also be agreed. In all cases, the Sub-Lessee shall be responsible for obtaining the required official permits and other documents in a timely manner. The Sub-Lessee must immediately reimburse all costs incurred by the Sub-Lessor due to the structural changes or other work (also as a result of official requirements). The Sub-Lessor shall support the Sub-Lessee in the best possible way and to the extent useful or necessary in the procurement of any consent of TC- Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. as well as in the procurement of the required official permits and other documents.
Page 7/11
The attachment of signs, company boards and antennas outside the Sublease Object requires the written consent of the Sub-Lessor and TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. The Sub-Lessee undertakes to dismantle any signs, company boards and antennas it affixes at its own expense in the event of necessary work and to ensure the subsequent reassembly itself.
If the repair of serious damage to the building is required, the Sub-Lessee is obligated to notify the Sub-Lessor without delay in the event of other damages. The Sub-Lessee must allow the Sub-Lessor to enter the Sublease Object by the Sub-Lessor or the persons commissioned by the Sub-Lessor for good cause and to make the leased premises accessible to the Sub-Lessee at reasonable times after prior notification. In the event of imminent danger, the Sub-Lessor may enter the Sublease Object at any time, even in the absence of the Sub-Lessee. If necessary, the Sub-Lessor will inform the Sub-Lessee in writing. The replacement of the door lock is not permitted.
The Sub-Lessee must permit the temporary use and modification of its Sublease Object for the execution of maintenance, improvement, modification or construction work if this is necessary for the execution of maintenance, improvement, modification or construction work on general parts of the building or in other business premises, as necessary, appropriate and reasonable for the Sub-Lessee. Components, installations or devices that must be accessible for the purpose of inspection, cleaning, maintenance or repair, such as fireplace doors, water shut-off valves, gas or electricity meters, heat meters, heaters, supply and disposal lines, etc., must be kept accessible by the Sub-Lessee or made accessible at its own expense if necessary.
In the event that the Sublease Object cannot be used for a limited period of time due to necessary repairs, the Sub-Lessee undertakes to vacate and waives the reimbursement of the costs of the replacement quarter, but this only insofar and to the extent that the necessary repair is not due to the wilful or grossly negligent culpability of the Sub-Lessor. In particular, it waives any legal consequences due to temporary malfunctions or blockages of the water supply, breakage or blockage of the passenger elevator, the central heating, the gas, electrical and drainage lines, provided that the Sub-Lessor has not caused this malfunction either intentionally or through gross negligence.
Page 8/11
In the event of temporary unusability of the Sublease Object due to necessary orders (e.g. in the event of epidemic), the Sub-Lessee shall refrain from deriving any legal consequences from this.
The Sub-Lessor shall only be liable under exclusion of any warranty claims for damage that the Sub-Lessor incurs if the Sub-Lessor has caused the damage intentionally or through gross negligence. The Sub-Lessor is not liable to the Sub-Lessee for lost profits or other financial losses. Insofar as the Sub-Lessor is obligated to pay compensation, the liability is limited to the compensation of the typical damage. Liability for consequential damages is excluded.
Upon dissolution of the sublease, the Sub-Lessee must return the Sublease Object, including the equipment taken over by it, in the condition in which it took over it. With the approval of the Veterinary Medical University Vienna and TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H., structural changes without claim to reimbursement of expenses are to be left, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Sub-Lessee is entitled to remove the equipment financed by it, provided that this is possible without damage to the substance of the subject matter of the contract.
8. House rules
The Sub-Lessee declares that it will comply with the house rules and other usage rules that apply to the Campus Vienna Biocenter 5/ Helmut Qualtinger Straße 6 and to the Veterinary Medical University Vienna.
9. Additional obligations of the Sub-Lessor
In the event of a temporary, partial sublease of the leased property, the Veterinary Medical University Vienna must ensure to TC-Quinta Immobiliengesellschaft m.b.H. that all permits for the operation of the subtenant have been obtained. The Sub-Lessee must therefore prove to the Sub-Lessor before starting any activity that all necessary permits for this activity have been obtained.
Page 9/11
Pursuant to the Lease Agreement with TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H., the Veterinary Medical University Vienna must impose all obligations on the Sub-Lessee under this Lease Agreement in such a way that the Sub-Lessee is jointly and severally liable with the Lessee for all claims of the Lessor TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H.
For the purpose of the subject matter of the sublease, the Sub-Lessee therefore assumes all obligations on the part of the Lessee arising from this Lease Agreement and this liability for all obligations of the Lessee arising from the Lease Agreement towards TC- Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. in accordance with the Lease Agreement (Annex 2) between TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. and Veterinary Medical University Vienna.
In the case of the transfer of premises to CeMM – Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH, CeMM – Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH of the Veterinary Medical University Vienna must also submit the declaration of liability, that CeMM – Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH assumes all obligations from this Lease Agreement on the part of the Lessee for the premises used by it and this liability for all obligations of the University on the part of the Lessee arising from the Lease Agreement towards TC-Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. pursuant to the Lease Agreement forming an integral part of this Sublease Agreement (Annex 2) between TC-Qärbta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. and Veterinary Medical University Vienna. The Sub-Lessee is obligated to hand over this declaration to the Veterinary Medical University Vienna before handing over the premises to CeMM - Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH.
The Sub-Lessee further undertakes to comply with the agreed purpose of use.
10. Confidentiality
The Contractual Partners undertake to maintain secrecy of all information obtained on the basis of this Agreement about internal circumstances and processes at the Contractual Partners and to maintain secrecy of other technical and economic information about the other Contractual Partner.
11. Form requirements
Any written or verbal agreements made before the conclusion of this contract shall become invalid upon conclusion of the contract. Any amendment of this contract can only be made in writing. Deliveries of any kind shall be made to the address of the Sublease Object with the effect that they are deemed to have been received by the Sub-Lessee.
12. Fees
The Sub-Lessee must pay the fees associated with the contract to the Tax Office for Fees, Traffic Taxes and Gambling and submit an application concerning the legal transaction. The Sub-Lessee shall bear all public charges associated with the execution of this Agreement and/or reimburse the Sub-Lessor if such charges have been paid by the Sub-Lessor.
Page 10/11
13. Legal provisions
The law of the Republic of Austria shall apply to this contract.
14. Copy of contract
This Agreement shall be drawn up in two equal steps, whereby the Sub-Lessor and the Sub-Lessee shall each receive a copy.
This contract, including the plan appendix forming an integral part of the contract, was read and discussed before signing; agreement was reached regarding all contractual conditions.
Vienna, on | 06 FEB 2018 | Vienna, on | 06 FEB 2018 | ||||
For the Sub-Lessor: | For the Sub-Lessee: | ||||||
Veterinary medicine University of Vienna
Resource Facilitator
Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna |
Vienna Medical School |
|
|||||
T+43 1 250 77-1320 F+43 1 250 77-1090
|
|||||||
Annex 1: Site plan
Annex 2: Lease Agreement TC Quinta Immobilienerrichtungsgesellschaft. m.b.H.
Page 11/11 |
ADDENDUM TO THE SUBLEASE AGREEMENT
concluded between
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Represented by the rector of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Veterinärplatz 1
1210 Vienna, Austria
(the “Lessor”)
and
Allcyte GmbH
FN 465200v
Campus Visa Biocenter 5
1030 Vienna, Austria
(the “Subtenant”)
As of the reference date 01.12.2019, the currently existing sublease agreement between Lessor and Subtenant dated 06.02.2018 will be amended in the points listed here. In all other points, the sublease agreement remains unaffected in its validity.
Supplement to
1. Sublease Object:
The following space is rented from the business premises in the building 1030 Vienna, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 5 / Helmut-Qualtinger-Gasse 6, EZ 4354, plot no. 2847/5 on level 3, in addition to the areas already mentioned in the existing sublease agreement:
Room number | Designated use | Area [m2] |
3015 | Biiro | 15,34 |
The additional rental object is included and marked in the attached site plan, which forms an integral part of the addendum.
This increases the total use area of the sub-lessee to 426.18 m2. Only this listed area is the subject of the sublease.
4. Sublease rent:
The sublease rent is thus newly for the administrative areas EUR 2,619.91 (EUR 19.00/m2) per month, for the laboratory areas EUR 8,216.27 (EUR 28.50/m2) per month and for the jointly used areas EUR 2,323.93 per month. The monthly sublease payment for the areas is thus EUR 13,160.11. In addition, there are also monthly aliquot additional costs as defined under point 5 of the sublease agreement dated 06.12.2018. This amount does not include VAT. The price information per square metre refers to the status of the conclusion of the existing sublease agreement dated 06.02.2018. Any index adjustments made to date are not taken into account.
Supplement to
7. Maintenance and use:
In order to guarantee the Sub-Lessee access to the additional room 3015, an exchange of the necessary door cylinders is permitted, provided that other parties remain unaffected by this. The Sub-Lessee shall assume the costs for this.
Vienna, on | 19/11/2019 | Vienna, on | 15 Nov 2019 |
For the Sub-Lessor: | For the Subtenant: |
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vice rectorate for resources Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna |
|||||||||
Medical
Centre of Vienna |
|||||||||
+43 1 25077-1320 rektorat@vetmeduni.ac.at |
|||||||||
ADDENDUM 2 TO THE SUBLEASE AGREEMENT
concluded between
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Represented by the President of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Veterinärplatz I 1210 Vienna
(the “Lessor”)
and
Allcyte GmbH
FN 465200v
Campus Visa Biocenter 5
1030 Vienna, Austria
(the “Sub-Lessee”)
As of the reference date 01.11.2020, the currently existing sublease agreement between Lessor and Sub-Lessee dated 06.02.2018, last adapted by Addendum 1 dated 19.11.2019, will be amended in the points listed here. In all other points, the sublease agreement remains unaffected in its validity.
Supplement to
3. Rental period:
The first section of point 3 (lease period) of the original lease agreement is supplemented or amended as follows:
“The sublease relationship begins on 01.03.2018. The sublease relationship ends automatically on 15.12.2022 by the end of time. By mutual agreement, this tenancy can extend to 31.12.2022.
The Sub-Lessee must ensure that the premises are handed over to the Lessor swept clean at the latest on the day of the time. Otherwise, EUR 500.00 net will be charged to penalty for each day exceeded at the agreed rent valid until then (aliquot; monthly rent of 30 days).
The Sub-Lessee shall bear all costs that the Lessor incurs if the Lessor has to vacate the premises at its own expense (e.g. costs for vacating and storing the objects available in the leased property by professionals). Penal payments already made can be offset. In this case, the payment obligation shall end only after collection of all items. If this should not occur within a reasonable period of time, but at the earliest after one month, the Lessor is free to use the items within the meaning of § 1101 ABGB to cover its expenses.
In the event that the Sub-Lessee concludes a lease agreement with the owner of the property with regard to the leased premises, the leased property does not have to be vacated. This circumstance must be reflected in the new lease agreement. In such a case, the Sub-Lessee must notify the Lessor of this circumstance no later than one month before the end of the sublease relationship and must submit the future lease agreement, legally signed by both parties. The Lessor may not incur any costs or damages of any kind in this arrangement; otherwise, the Sub-Lessee must pay for these.
For clarification, it is stated that the further paragraphs of point 3 do not change.
Exhibit 10.15
LEASE AGREEMENT
9. Use: | exclusively for use for office purposes (and storage purposes in the basement) in compliance with all statutory and official regulations that do not lead to the pre-tax exclusion |
10 .Security deposit: | 3 Gross monthly rent (consisting of flat-rate rent as well as operating and ancillary cost discounts plus VAT) in the form of an abstract bank guarantee, that is EUR 203,895.90 |
11. Fee assessment basis: | EUR 5.709,085.20 |
12. List of Appendices: | Layout plan Appendix 1.2 |
Rental space office floor basic fit-out 3rd floor Appendix 1.2.1. | |
Furniture concept 3rd floor Appendix 1.2.1.1. | |
Floor plan of basement Appendix 1.2.3. | |
Company names Appendix 1.5 | |
Construction and equipment description Appendix [1.7.1] | |
Warranty provisions GU-TGA (General Contractor-Technical Building Installations) Appendix 1.7.1.a. | |
Warranty provisions GU-TGA (General Contractor-Building) Appendix 1.7.1.b. | |
Sample Bank Guarantee Appendix4.6.1 |
- 2 - |
1. |
Rental property |
1.1. | The Lessor is the sole owner of the property EZ6702, land register01613, Floridsdorf District Court, with the properties no. 1572/3 and 1572/5 and address 1210 Vienna, Siemensstrasse 89 (“Property”), as well as the building to be newly built on it with a legally valid building permit notice dated 27/04/2020, in which the leased property is/will be located. |
It is noted that a department of the newly created plot 1572/7 (construction site B) and the creation of a new deposit number based on the survey certificate of DI Meixner, GZ 19475c dated 29/03/2021, will take place for the garage even before the completion of the rental property.
1.2. | The Lessor leases and the Lessee leases in this building to be newly constructed, the areas described in more detail in Appendix 1.2. on the third floor as well as a warehouse in the basement floor (“rental property”). The rental property is shown in red in the site plan Appendix [1.2.1]. |
1.3. | The leased property is located in a building that is newly constructed on the basis of a building permit issued after 30 June 1953 without the aid of public funds (§ 1 para. 4 no. 1 MRG (Tenancy Law)). The leased property itself was constructed after 31 December 1967 without the aid of public funds. The present tenancy is therefore only subject to the termination restrictions of the MRG. |
1.4. | Only the interior space, but not outdoor areas, is leased for exclusive use by the Lessee. |
1.5. | The Lessee is entitled to affix company designations according to Appendix [1.5] to the areas to be designated by the Lessor. The business signs of the Lessee must be uniformly designed in accordance with the guidelines separately announced by the Lessor. The costs and risk for any official permits to be obtained shall be borne by the Lessee. |
In the event of structural changes or maintenance and repair work, the Lessee undertakes, if reasonable, to remove and store its business signs at its own expense and to reattach them after completion of the work. In any case, the Lessee must also remove these business signs at the end of the Agreement at its own expense, while at the same time remedying any damages incurred as a result.
1.6. | Usable area of the leased property: the usable area of the leased property relevant to rent and operating and ancillary costs (leased area) is based on provisional figures at the time of conclusion of the Agreement on the basis of ÖNorm (Austrian set of standards) 1801 and is based on the site plan Appendix [1.2.1] and the usable area list according to Appendix [1.6a]. After completion of the building, the Lessor shall provide an expert report on the usable area at its own expense by a state-authorised civil engineer for surveying, which is to be prepared on the basis of ÖNorm 1801. On the basis of this report, the Lessor shall determine the usable areas of the building. In the event of deviations of the actual dimension from the aforementioned planned dimension to the extent of more than +/- 5% and thus the usable area, the rent and the operating and ancillary costs change accordingly; changes of up to +/- 5% are not to be taken into account. |
1.7. | Condition and equipment of the rental property |
1.7.1. | The equipment of the leased property can be found in the building and equipment description Appendix [1.7.1]. The condition corresponds to the conditions required by the building authorities for issuing the building permit. The Lessee must obtain any additional permits (in particular also those from the trade authorities) that result from the respective specific use by the Lessee in a timely manner and provide proof to the Lessor at its own expense. Any resulting costs and measures shall be borne by the Lessee at its own expense. |
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The Lessor was granted warranties by the companies used for the construction of the building, which result from the extracts from the GU-TGA part and the GU-Bau part (Appendix 1.7.1.a and 1.7.1.b.). The Lessor grants the Lessee warranty claims to the same extent as described in Appendices 1.7.1.a and 1.7.1.b. Within this framework, the Lessor guarantees that the leased property has been constructed in accordance with the building and equipment description (Appendix 1.7.1.). In addition, however, the Lessor does not provide any guarantee for a specific condition, a specific condition or property (in particular sound insulation) or a specific possible use of the leased property.
1.7.2. | If the authorities should impose new requirements that arise from the business activity of the Lessee after the handover of the leased property, the Lessee must fulfil these at its own expense. All other requirements of the authorities, insofar as they relate to other rental properties or the general parts of the property and are not exclusively caused by the business activity of the Lessee, must be fulfilled by the Lessor at its expense. |
1.7.3. | The building and equipment description in accordance with Appendix [1.7.1] was discussed in detail with the Lessee before the conclusion of this Lease Agreement and coordinated in detail. The Lessee confirms that these two descriptions are suitable for its purposes and needs. |
In the course of further planning and the execution of the office and business building, changes may arise to the plans and/or the building and equipment description, which are continuously brought to the Lessee's attention. The Lessee is entitled to reject planned changes in a justified manner, provided they are not due to legal or official requirements or if they are not insignificant changes or deviations. In this case, agreement must be reached between the contractual parties. The amended plans and/or construction and equipment description shall form an integral part of this Agreement. In any case, however, the Lessee must accept surface area deviations of up to (including) plus/minus five percent.
2. | Duration of Agreement |
2.1. | The lease shall begin at the time specified in point [4.] of the cover sheet. The contractual payment obligations of the Lessee also begin at this time. The tenancy is concluded for a certain period and ends without requiring a termination at the end date stated in the cover sheet. |
2.2. | Extraordinary early termination of the Agreement |
2.2.1. | Each contractual party is entitled to premature termination of the Agreement if the other contractual party grossly or persistently violates the Agreement (despite registered reminder and setting of a grace period) or for other reasons provided for in this Agreement. |
The Lessor is entitled to declare the early cancellation of the lease agreement for the reasons of § 1118 ABGB (Civil Code of Austria). In the event that the leased property is completely or partially destroyed by a circumstance covered by an existing insurance policy and the Lessor declares within one month, to rebuild the leased property, the parties shall, to clarify the question, whether the reconstruction can take place within one year from the (partial) destruction of the leased property, by mutual agreement appoint an independent civil engineer responsible for building construction or a generally sworn court expert for the construction industry. In the event that the civil technician/expert comes to the conclusion that the reconstruction cannot be completed within one year, the Lessee may immediately terminate the Lease Agreement prematurely. In the event that the reconstruction can take place within one year, the Lessee may terminate the lease agreement prematurely only if the reconstruction has not actually been completed within one year of (partial) destruction. Irrespective of any possible early dissolution, the Lessee is entitled to a rent reduction claim without restriction in accordance with § 1096 ABGB.
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2.2.2. | If the lease relationship is prematurely terminated by the Lessor for a reason for which the Lessee is responsible and the leased property is empty until the originally agreed end of the lease agreement or it can only be rented at a lower rent, then the Lessee must transfer the leased property as described under [6.4] “Provision” and to pay to the Lessor the existing difference to the Lessor up to the end of the term, if applicable, in accordance with point 4. monthly net rents to be paid and pro rata operating costs. The Lessor is obliged to reduce the damage. |
2.2.3. | The Lessee is entitled to terminate the lease relationship if the leased property becomes unsuitable for use for longer than two months due to the fault of the Lessor despite a written request to the Lessor to restore the contractually compliant condition within a reasonable period of time. |
2.2.4. | The declaration of termination submitted by registered letter from one of the contractual parties to the address of the other contractual party last communicated to it shall terminate the contractual relationship with immediate effect. |
3. | Handover of the rental property |
3.1. | Handover |
3.1.1. | The handover and acceptance of the rental property shall take place at the latest at the time specified in the cover sheet in the condition according to Appendix [1.7.1] The exact handover date shall be communicated by the Lessor in writing no later than six weeks before the planned handover. |
3.1.2. | The handover is only deemed to be on time if the rental property is handed over in its entirety. In the event of a delay in the handover date, the latest handover date shall be deemed to be 31/12/2022, whereby a penalty in the amount of one net monthly rent per commenced month is to be paid to the Lessee from the delay (01/10/2022). In the event of a delay beyond 01/01/2023, the Lessee shall be entitled to a right of withdrawal with a final grace period of four weeks. An early handover before the planned date is permitted if the Lessee is informed in writing three months before the handover. |
3.1.3. | The Lessee is obligated to take over the leased property at the date announced by the Lessor, unless the use of the leased property is objectively impossible due to significant defects that prevent the intended use. |
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3.2. | Handover report/ready for handover/arbitrator |
3.2.1. | A written handover protocol must be prepared for the handover of the rental property on the day of handover and signed by the contractual parties. In this protocol, any defects of the executions or equipment to be provided by the Lessor must be recorded and the Lessor is then obligated to remedy any defects within a reasonable period at its own expense. If the remedy is not done in a timely and proper manner by the Lessor, the Lessee has the right to commission the replacement at the expense of the Lessor. In this case, the prohibition of offsetting pursuant to point [4.8.] of this Agreement does not apply. If minor deviations from the building and equipment description or minor defects that do not significantly impair use are found, the Lessee may not refuse to accept them, irrespective of its other rights. |
By signing the handover report, the Lessee shall finally acknowledge the appropriateness of the agreed rent.
3.2.2. | If the contractual parties are unable to agree on their existence or non-existence within four weeks after the Lessor has announced the transfer readiness, this must be determined by DI Heinz Kropiunik (aetas Ziviltechniker GmbH) as arbitrator for both contractual parties. If the arbitrator cited above is – for whatever reason – not available, the arbitrator must be selected and appointed by the respective President of the Vienna Bar Association from the list of the experts for the construction industry registered with the Vienna Higher Regional Court. The arbitrator is entitled to consult sub-experts. |
It is agreed that the arbitrator must have a liability insurance with a coverage sum of at least EUR 5,000,000.00. The costs of the arbitrator, including the costs for the coverage of a corresponding liability insurance, shall be borne by the party whose argumentation is rejected by the arbitrator, unless this party determines a different division for reasons of equity. The contractual parties are obligated to make advance payments at the request of the arbitrator.
This agreement is deemed to be an arbitrator Agreement.
If the arbitrator determines the existence of the transfer maturity, the Lessee is obligated to take over the rental property. If the arbitrator decides that the rental property is ready for handover within the meaning of this Agreement, the handover and takeover shall be deemed to have been completed on the day on which the Lessor requested the Lessee to take over (ex tunc).
3.2.3. | The Lessee shall be entitled to claims for damages against the Lessor to the same extent as these were granted to the Lessor by the companies it used for the construction of the building. With regard to a delayed handover [Point 3.1.2], the Lessee is also entitled to claims for damages to the same extent, insofar as the delayed handover is the responsibility of the Lessor. Any further claims against the Lessor, in particular for lost profit, cannot be made. In the event of termination of the Agreement for the reasons specified under point 3.1.2, all services rendered mutually with regard to the validity of this Agreement must be reversed. |
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3.3. | Keys/code cards |
3.3.1. | The handover of keys and code cards as well as their number (at least 50 pieces) is noted in the handover protocol. Additional keys/code cards may be made by the Lessor at the request of the Lessee against reimbursement of the costs plus a reasonable processing fee. The transfer of keys/code cards of the Lessor may only be made to employees of the Lessee. |
3.3.2. | Keys/code cards handed over by the Lessor or that are also reproduced by the Lessee with the consent of the Lessor must be returned in full after the end of the Agreement without the Lessor being obligated to pay compensation. If a change to the locking system is necessary due to the loss or theft of a key/code card, the Lessee must bear all associated costs or reimburse the Lessor. The same applies at the end of the lease relationship if the Lessee cannot hand over all keys/code cards in full. |
4. | Rent, operating and ancillary costs |
4.1. | Rent |
The rent specified in point [6.] of the cover sheet is agreed by the contractual parties and is described by both parties as appropriate.
4.2. | Indexation |
4.2.1. | The indexation (value protection) of the sublease is expressly agreed as follows: |
The consumer price index published by STATISTIK AUSTRIA 2020 = 100 or an index replacing it serves as the primary calculation measure. The reference figure is the index number announced for the month specified in point [8.] of the cover sheet.
The index adjustment is done once a year by comparing the index number of the consumer price index 2020 announced for September of the respective calendar year. The rent shall then be adjusted from the 1st January of each year. It is expressly agreed that a decrease in the rent is also taken into account in the adjustment, whereby a decrease under the rent agreed in accordance with point 4 (minor interest at the time of the signing of the Agreement) is excluded. The index number relevant for the index adjustment then forms the starting basis for the next index adjustment. The change is credited at 100%.
If the index of the consumer prices is no longer published, the (successor) index announced by an official body shall be deemed to be the basis for the indexation that most closely corresponds to this index.
If no equivalent successor index is announced or a binding to an index is no longer possible or permissible for legal or factual reasons, the change in purchasing power must be determined by an expert to be appointed by mutual agreement between the contractual parties according to the principles that were last applied by STATISTIK AUSTRIA, so that the purchasing power of the originally agreed amount is maintained. If the contractual parties do not agree on the person of such an expert within four weeks, the respective president of the Vienna Bar Association appoints him at the request of each contractual party.
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The costs of the arbitrator shall be borne by the part whose argumentation is rejected by the arbitrator, unless the arbitrator determines a different division for reasons of equity.
This agreement is deemed to be an arbitrator agreement.
4.2.2. | The Lessor's right to request an increase in the rent for the past due to the change in the index figures or the purchasing power shall only expire if this right is not asserted within three years from the relevant index change or the Lessor waives it in writing. However, a failure to assert the indexation does not mean a waiver of future indexation. |
4.3. | Operating and ancillary costs |
4.3.1. | The Lessee is obligated to pay the rent as well as the proportionate operating and ancillary costs of the property and the associated systems, facilities and areas, including VAT, from the time specified in point [4.] of the cover sheet. |
4.3.2. | Operating costs (in the sense of building operating/management and consumption operating costs of the property, the building and the associated systems, facilities and areas) include: |
a. | public levies, taxes and fees in the respective prescribed amount relating to the property and the building; |
b. | the costs of supply and disposal with water, gas, (remote) heat and cooling as well as electricity from the public networks (including fees and costs incurred by the inspections of the lines required according to the delivery conditions) as well as the costs of gauging, maintenance and reading of measuring devices; |
c. | the costs of the regular smoke trap sweeping due to the sweeping order, the costs of sewer removal, waste removal or waste disposal and pest control; with regard to waste disposal, each tenant must dispose of commercial or hazardous waste that is not normal general household or office waste separately and at his/her own expense; the same applies if a tenant causes continuously above-average waste quantities due to his/her business operations; |
d. | the costs of supplying the general parts with electricity, heat and cooling, air, water and gas; |
e. | the costs of the reasonable insurance of the building (based on the replacement value), against power damage, storm damage, glass breakage, burglary, business interruption, fire damage (fire insurance), the legal liability of the home owner (liability insurance), damage to tap water, including corrosion damage, against damage to parts of the equipment, such as certain machines and systems; the Lessee undertakes to join a global insurance agreement against comprehensive damages at the request of the Lessor; |
f. | the – like the main rent, value-secured – costs of administration and facility management as well as the proportionate costs of the superordinate district management, including the associated costs for district app, central booking and information systems, etc.; |
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g. | the reasonable expenses for house care, including (land and maintenance) cleaning, maintenance of the general parts, the exterior of the façade, the support of the pavements and traffic routes that fall under the care of the property owner, including winter service, as well as the supervision of the house and the property; |
h. | the costs of operating the communal systems (including the energy costs of the associated systems and consumption of them in general parts and rental properties, meter proving and energy management), i.e. in detail: passenger lift, the joint heating and cooling supply system, trash press heating systems, bell and intercom system, cooling unit, fire alarm and lightning protection/fire protection equipment, costs of the fire protection officer, of the smoke and heat extraction system, the safety lighting system, the fire extinguishing systems and fire extinguishers, of the water treatment systems, of the regulatory system, the safety technology and lighting system, of the smoke and heat extraction system, of the video surveillance system, of the time recording system, of the access control system, the (TUS) alarm systems, the property radio system, of the sprinkler system, the conveyor and lifting systems, of the escalators, of the RWA system (smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system), of the solar, Geothermal power plants and wind turbines, the communication systems, the emergency power system, the lighting, of the compensation system, of the doors, gates and fire doors, or the building control system; |
i. | the costs for the ongoing care and care of green and garden facilities, watering and drainage or replacement planting. |
4.3.3. | The proportionate ancillary costs include all expenses incurred by the Lessor for the maintenance, maintenance, repair, servicing and operation of the property, the office and business building and the associated areas and facilities (if these are not serious damages to the building to be borne by the Lessor). These include in particular: |
a. | the costs of the implementation of government orders issued in connection with the proper operation/proper use of the leased property and the building (this is exclusively insofar as the requirements arise from the business activity of the Lessee); |
b. | the costs of cleaning and maintaining all open spaces, access and entry routes, passageways, parking spaces, loading bays, fences, illuminated signs, collective signage systems or information and business signs inside and outside the building, including personnel costs in this regard; |
c. | the costs of maintenance, repair, repair and repair as well as replacement of the gas, water, electricity as well as district heating and cooling lines (insofar as they are not laid in the building substance and it is not serious damage to be borne by the Lessor); |
d. | the costs of maintenance, repair, repair and repair as well as renovation of the communal systems (including the energy costs of the associated systems and consumption of them in general parts and rental properties, meter proving and energy management), i.e. in detail: passenger lift, the joint heating and cooling supply system, trash press heating systems, bell and intercom system, cooling unit, fire alarm and lightning protection/fire protection equipment, costs of the fire protection officer, of the smoke and heat extraction system, the safety lighting system, the fire extinguishing systems and fire extinguishers, of the water treatment systems, of the regulatory system, the safety technology and lighting system, of the smoke and heat extraction system, of the video surveillance system, of the time recording system, of the access control system, the (TUS) alarm systems, the property radio system, of the sprinkler system, the conveyor and lifting systems, of the escalators, of the RWA system (smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system), of the solar, Geothermal power plants and wind turbines, the communication systems, the emergency power system, the lighting, of the compensation system, of the doors, gates and fire doors, or the building control system; |
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e. | the costs of operation and maintenance, repair and servicing as well as renovation (including the energy costs of the associated systems and consumption of these in general parts and rental properties, meter calibration and energy management) of the safety and monitoring systems, Access and access control systems, opening and closing systems, of the ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, toilet and wet groups, switchboard, speakers, music systems, Information statuses, other outdoor facilities, illuminated lettering systems, fences, collective signage systems, Information and business signs inside and outside the building, also in the public traffic area, flagpoles or flags and the like, which do not relate to individual tenants, but refer to the entire one; |
In this context, the Lessor and the Lessee shall record that in the sense of this point [4th 3] of this Agreement under “Renewal Costs”, which the Lessee must bear, the costs are not to be understood, which, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, are replaced by a necessary complete replacement a) of the gas, water, current, district heating and refrigeration systems within the meaning of point [4.3 c] or b) of the communal facilities within the meaning of point [4.3 d] of this Agreement or c) of systems and facilities within the meaning of point [4.3 e] of this Agreement; the costs of such a possible exchange shall thus be borne by the Lessor.
4.3.4. | The operating and ancillary costs specified in point [4.3.] of this Agreement shall be borne as follows: |
4.3.4.1. | The operating and ancillary costs that can be clearly and exclusively assigned to a specific rental property are to be borne solely by the Lessee. |
4.3.4.2. | If there are deviations in a comparison between the main meter of the building and existing sub-meters, the calculations are made according to the consumption of the main meter in the ratio of all intermediate meter with respect to the total consumption of the building. |
4.3.4.3. | All other operating and ancillary costs are to be allocated to the usable areas of the building, insofar as this is objectively, organisationally and technically justified, and divided among the tenants of the area formed by this allocation in the ratio of the leased other usable areas used by the Lessor or not leased despite their rentability. |
4.3.4.4. | All operating and ancillary costs not attributable in accordance with point [4.3.4.1.] or point [4.3.4.2.] are to be borne by the Lessee in proportion to the usable area of the respective rental property to the total usable area of all rentable properties. |
4.3.4.5. | If the Lessee does not make use of the use of common systems, facilities and areas, this does not release it from the obligation to bear the proportionate operating and ancillary costs, unless the Lessor has expressly agreed in writing in advance. |
4.4. | Operating and ancillary cost account and settlement |
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4.4.1. | Together with the payment of the monthly rent, the Lessee shall also make appropriate monthly advance payments on the expected operating and ancillary costs, divided into the operating and ancillary costs of general parts and the consumption-dependent Lessee-specific energy operating and ancillary costs, plus the respective statutory VAT. |
4.4.2. | The current operating and ancillary cost discounts for the building are as follows: |
EUR 9,127.00 net p.m. plus statutory VAT.
4.4.2.1. | Operating and ancillary costs for general parts: in accordance with point [7.] of the cover sheet |
4.4.2.2. | Lessee-specific energy, operating and ancillary costs: according to point [7.] of the cover sheet |
The tenant-specific energy, operating and ancillary costs include heating, cooling, ventilation and water of the rental property, the energy costs (electricity, heat/cold, water) of the associated building technology systems as well as the maintenance, repair, repair and maintenance as well as renovation of associated systems (insofar as these do not fall under the Lessor's maintenance obligation), insofar as direct purchase Agreements are not concluded by the Lessee for their purchase.
4.4.3. | The actual operating and ancillary costs shall be billed annually by the Lessor or the company commissioned with the management of the building no later than 30/06 of the following year. |
4.4.4. | Even if the lease relationship is terminated, the invoicing is done until the end of the lease agreement exclusively at the time of the annual operating and ancillary costs statement. |
4.4.5. | If there is a surplus in favour of the Lessee from the annual statement, this surplus amount is to be offset by the Lessor against the next provision(s) or offset against any existing payment arrears of the Lessee; any additional payments are to be made by the Lessee within two weeks after the provision at the latest. |
All invoices and account charges by the Lessor/in the name of the Lessor are deemed to be recognised by the Lessee if objections justified in writing have not been raised by the Lessee within three months after receipt. The Lessee is entitled to inspect the accounting documents within this period at the registered office of the company commissioned with the administration and to make copies at its own expense. Claims that are not asserted within a period of three months after receipt of the invoice expire with the expiry of the period.
4.5. | Costs to be paid directly by the Lessee |
All costs incurred in the rental property itself (such as in particular for cleaning, electricity, telephone, internet, radio) are to be paid by the Lessee directly to the respective supplier or service provider. The Lessee is required to conclude direct contracts with the individual suppliers or providers for such costs, if possible. If such costs are nevertheless prescribed to the Lessor, the Lessee undertakes to pay within 14 (fourteen) days after the specification including submission of copies of invoices.
It is noted that the connection with fibre optic lines up to the provider room in the basement of the rental property and further up to the LAN rooms in each rental unit is made and operated by Magenta. It is the Lessee's responsibility to make a direct agreement with Magenta for the internal design of LAN/WLAN and internet within the rental unit. In the event that the Lessee wishes to commission another provider to supply the rental unit, this provider must directly conclude an agreement with Magenta on the use of the lines from Magenta to the respective LAN room. In this case, Magenta is obligated to provide the transmission lines with a market-compliant fee.
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4.6. | Security deposit |
4.6.1. | The Lessee shall provide a security deposit at the latest three months prior to the planned transfer date in the amount specified under point [10.] of the cover sheet in the form of an abstract, unconditional and irrevocable bank guarantee that is to be paid out on first call-off, subject to Austrian law (sample Appendix .[ 4.6.1]) of a bank acceptable to the Lessor to secure all claims of the Lessor arising from this tenancy. |
4.6.2. | The bank guarantee must have a term of at least seven years plus six months and must be adjusted accordingly within 14 (fourteen) days at the request of the Lessor in accordance with any increase in the main rent due to the indexation or the operating and ancillary cost account. |
4.6.3. | In the event of a shorter term of the guarantee, the Lessee must hand over an extension of this bank guarantee to the Lessor no later than six months before its expiry for a further three years or provide another equivalent bank guarantee, otherwise the Lessor is entitled to draw the bank guarantee and convert it into a cash deposit. If the Lessor makes use of the security deposit, the Lessee is obligated to replenish it at the request of the Lessor within a maximum of 14 (fourteen) days. The Lessor is entitled to clarify even before the end of the lease relationship, to cover due claims of any kind against the Lessee from or in connection with the lease relationship from the security deposit. |
4.6.4. | In the event of termination of the tenancy, with the contractual provision of the leased property, an amount of ten percent (“ensuring”) for gross, operating and ancillary costs not yet finally invoiced will be retained by partial drawing (cash deposit) or deposited by the Lessee in the form of a new, reduced bank guarantee and will be retained by the Lessee as security until the first of the termination of the tenancy. After submission of the annual operating costs statement and repayment of any additional claims within two weeks, any remaining amount from the guarantee must be paid out to the Lessee without interest. Any (partial) use of the security amount must be invoiced by the Lessor. |
4.6.5. | In the event of a change of ownership of the property, the Lessee shall ensure at the request of the Lessor that the bank guarantee is issued in a timely manner to the new owner, otherwise the Lessor is entitled to draw the bank guarantee and convert it into a cash deposit. |
4.7. | Value added tax |
The Lessee acknowledges that, as a result of the new version of § 6 para. 2 UStG (VAT Act) by the 1st StabG (Economic Stability and Growth Law) 2012, the Lessee can only claim an input tax deduction for those investments and costs that it spends on the leased property, as long as the Lessee uses the leased property almost exclusively (more than 95 percent) to achieve revenue that does not exclude the input tax deduction. According to the aforementioned statutory provision, the Lessor must also prove these prerequisites. For this reason, the business activity to be carried out in the rental property was specifically defined under point [9.] of the cover sheet, which entitles the Lessee to deduct input tax. If the Lessee wishes to change the business activity carried out to achieve sales in the leased property in such a way that it wishes to achieve more than five percent of the total sales in the leased property with activities that exclude a deduction of input tax, it undertakes to bring this intention to the Lessor's attention in writing, but at least three months before the commencement of such activity.
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In the event of such a change in the previously agreed type of use of the rental property and the overall entrepreneurial activity carried out by the Lessee in the rental property, the last net amount of rent and operating and ancillary costs paid by the Lessee shall be increased by the previously shown amount of the previously indicated amount of the type of use, pro rata VAT in the respective statutory amount attributable to rent and operating and ancillary costs, so that a monthly, VAT-exempt total payment (gross = net), which corresponds to a monthly total payment including VAT.
The Lessee shall therefore pay an amount corresponding to the VAT with regard to the loss of the input tax deduction. The Lessee shall also compensate the Lessor for any pre-tax payments that may be made on its usable area on a pro rata basis from the reinvoices for acquisition or production costs, capitalised expenses or major repairs regulated in § 12 par. 10 UStG within the legally prescribed pre-tax adjustment period, each year at the due date.
It is mutually agreed that this notification obligation of the Lessee constitutes a very fundamental contractual obligation, since its omission or the change of the business activity carried out in the leased property in the above-mentioned sense would have very serious economic effects on the Lessor: In this case, the input tax deduction previously made in good faith on a pro rata basis from the Lessee could be withdrawn retroactively made in good faith until then, and it would only have to - without the appropriate calculation of the economic consideration of the Lessee - be based on a unilateral, change to its entrepreneurial type of use of the rental property made without approval, (activity excluding input tax deduction in the amount of more than five percent of the total activity), repay the input tax amounts deducted on the basis of the original agreement to the tax authority. Any violation of this notification obligation therefore entitles the Lessor to terminate the existing lease agreement with immediate effect. It is noted that the Lessor has calculated and agreed in the present form the rent settlement agreed in the present lease agreement on the basis of the exercise of an activity of the Lessee in the leased property, which almost exclusively entitles to deduct input tax.
4.8. | Offsetting |
Any offsetting of any claims of the Lessee against the Lessor's claims arising from or in connection with the lease relationship and its termination is expressly excluded - unless mandatory statutory provisions oppose this or the claims are acknowledged in writing by the Lessor or established by the courts.
4.9. | Legal lien of the Lessor |
The statutory right of lien of the Lessor pursuant to § 1101 ABGB to all items brought in is contractually extended to all claims of the Lessor arising from or in connection with this tenancy and its termination.
4.10. | Due date |
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4.10.1. | The agreed rent and the operating and ancillary cost discounts prescribed by the Lessor are due in advance on the fifth day of each calendar month and must be paid to the account to be disclosed by the Lessor. The Lessee shall be liable to the Lessor for reasonable costs and expenses caused by the delayed payment of rent for the claim operated, in particular for the necessary costs of appropriate out-of-court debt collection or contribution measures pursuant to § 1333 para. 2 ABGB. In this context, the Lessee undertakes to pay an appropriate reminder fee. The date of receipt is decisive for the timeliness of the payment. In addition, the Lessee must pay default interest in the statutory amount in the event of default of payment. |
4.10.2. | Irrespective of other claims, the Lessor is entitled to suspend or interrupt the supplies and services to be paid within the scope of the operating and ancillary costs until payment after a written reminder and setting of a grace period is made, provided the Lessee is not merely slightly in default with the payment of the remuneration components in this regard. |
5. | Rental purpose |
5.1. | Use |
5.1.1. | The lease shall be made exclusively for the purposes specified in point [9.] of the cover sheet. |
Any other use or change of the purpose or the type of use is prohibited and requires the express prior written consent of the Lessor, which may only be refused for good cause, for example, if the Lessor would violate competition clauses agreed with other tenants (which must be proven at the request of the Lessee), or if the Lessor has justified concerns about the changed business purpose, due to the character of the building as an office and business building or the tenant structure.
5.1.2. | The Lessee undertakes to refrain for itself and all its co-users of the rental property in question, activities, omissions or tolerances that are associated with unreasonable harassment, impairment or endangerment of any kind whatsoever for the other tenants and users of the property. |
It is noted that the loading of the freight elevator as well as the delivery and removal of goods must be done exclusively via the supplier access. Dangerous goods must be transported to and from outside normal office hours, if possible. The main entrance must not be used for this purpose. Supplier access and the load lift must be used with the greatest possible care and taking into account the interests of the other tenants.
5.2. | Official approvals |
The Lessor is only liable for the fact that the rental property can be used for the purposes indicated in the approved plans when handed over in accordance with the building permit. The Lessee shall be responsible for obtaining and fulfilling a corresponding commercial permit and any other official permits required in addition to the existing permits - without any claim for compensation against the Lessor - at its own risk and at its own expense and shall be liable to anybody for violations. The Lessee shall also be liable at all times for the fulfilment of all current and future statutory or official provisions or requirements that are related to the use of the leased property by the Lessee, even if they are not yet known at the time of the conclusion of the Agreement.
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5.3. | Payload capacity of the storey ceilings |
The Lessee guarantees that it does not exceed the maximum payload of the storey ceilings of the leased property of 5 kN/m², in the area of raised floors of 3 kN point load per m² at any time.
5.4. | Liability |
5.4.1. | Insofar as there is no liability arising from intentional or grossly negligent action, any liability of the Lessor towards the Lessee and – insofar as such liability exists – towards persons who use the leased property is excluded. In this case, the Lessor is liable exclusively for the direct damage, but not for consequential damages and/or profit reductions. Insofar as the Lessor is also entitled to further liabilities towards the companies it uses for the construction of the building, the Lessee is entitled to these to the same extent vis-à-vis the Lessor. |
5.4.2. | The Lessee shall be liable for all damages culpably caused by the Lessee, its employees, customers, service providers, consultants or professionals, suppliers and other persons operating in its rental property. |
5.5. | Competition protection |
A competition protection for the Lessee is excluded and the Lessee hereby acknowledges with approval that the other areas/leased properties on the property are leased or otherwise used by the Lessor, whereby the Lessor is completely free in this lease or other use of the other areas of the building.
5.6. | Sublease/transfer, transfer of use, sale of company |
5.6.1. | The Lessee is permitted to sublet the leased property in its entirety. Each sublease must be approved by the Lessor in writing before the conclusion of the respective sublease agreement, whereby the Lessor may only grant its consent for good cause (in particular for reasons, which are in the person of the subtenant – for example, the representative of the subtenant, compliance concerns regarding the subtenant, VAT damage, increased risk of terrorism by the Sub-Lessee – or the business purpose planned or exercised by the Sub-Lessee – such as increased risks, noise or environmental pollution for neighbours). In the case of a sublease of up to 50% of the areas leased to the Lessee (point 1.2), the Lessee is not subject to any restrictions with the exception of the aforementioned permit. For the sublease of the areas exceeding this percentage (thus 50.1%-100% of the leased areas), the Lessee undertakes to pass on 50% of the net monthly rent (Section 4.1) to the Lessor. |
Irrespective of the aforementioned provision, the Lessee is entitled to sublet the leased property in whole or in part to companies in which it itself has a direct or indirect majority interest and the intended use is not changed as a result. However, the Lessee is obligated to inform the Lessor immediately in writing of a transfer of possession in each individual case, submitting all documents required to prove the participation relationships.
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If the participation relationship between the Lessee and the respective company should be terminated at a later date, the right to use the leased property by this company also expires.
At the request of the Lessor, the Lessee is obligated to prove the continuation of the shareholding relationship in a suitable manner.
5.6.2. | If the Lessee sells the company operated in the leased property, it is obligated to notify the Lessor of this sale immediately. The Lessee shall be liable for any loss of rent due to the failure to make this announcement. The Lessee knows that the purchaser of his company will have to pay the agreed rent including operating and ancillary costs and VAT. |
5.6.3. | Changes to the legal form of the Lessee and/or shareholdings in the Lessee must be notified to the Lessor immediately in writing; such changes require the written consent of the Lessor if a significant reduction in the Lessee's creditworthiness occurs as a result. |
In the event of changes to the ownership structure on the part of the Lessee, in the event of transfer of rights and obligations from this Agreement – by way of universal succession or in the event of a sale of a company – the Lessor has the right to adjust the main rent to the level that is then in line with the market.
5.6.4. | A change of tenant that is not permitted without the consent of the Lessor shall also be deemed to be the change or departure of a personally liable shareholder of the Lessee or another shareholder relevant for the creditworthiness of the Lessee. This means that the departing shareholder shall be liable until the consent of the Lessor - without prejudice to the liability according to the provisions of commercial law - to the same extent for the fulfilment of all current and future tenant obligations, which would exist in the Company if it remained unchanged. The Lessor is obliged to consent if the Lessee proves to it that the change/withdrawal of the shareholder does not lead to any deterioration of the Lessee's creditworthiness and there are no important reasons against the person of the entering shareholder. The statutory liability of the departing shareholder is not restricted by the consent of the Lessor. Irrespective of its legal form, the Lessee must inform the Lessor about any change in the company or company as well as about all changes in liability-relevant circumstances regarding its person, e.g. capital reduction, change of a relevant shareholder. |
5.7. | Work by the Lessor |
5.7.1. | The Lessor may perform work, for maintenance, repair, servicing changes, improvement or to avert imminent dangers or to remedy damages either to the property, of the office and commercial building and the associated areas and facilities or a rental property as a whole or in parts thereof, together with its respective equipment, attachments, facilities and installations or to maintain operations, make sense or are otherwise required by the authorities or by law, the following, however, against timely prior information of the Lessee while protecting the tenancy law and taking into account its business operations. |
5.7.2. | The Lessee must tolerate the temporary use and modification of its leased property if this is necessary for the execution of the work and may not hinder or delay the work, provided that it is not significantly hindered or endangered in the exercise of its lease right. Insofar as such measures are only expedient, the Lessee must tolerate them – irrespective of the inapplicability of this provision – within the framework of § 8 MRG. At the request of the Lessor, the Lessee is obliged to remove its equipment in the leased property that proves to be obstructive in the work for the duration of the work. The Lessee is not entitled to any claim for compensation against the Lessor due to such work. |
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5.7.3. | COVID-19 pandemic |
The Lessee expressly waives the assertion of claims for rent exemption and rent reduction in accordance with §§ 1104, 1105 ABGB due to (i) unusability or limited usability of the leased property and/or (ii) statutory or official restrictions in connection with the current COVID-19 pandemic, such as in particular operating blocks, entry prohibitions or distance regulation.
6. | Maintenance and provision of the leased property |
6.1. | Lessee’s maintenance obligations |
6.1.1. | The Lessee has taken over the leased property in proper condition. The Lessor's maintenance obligation pursuant to § 1096 para. 1 sentence 1 ABGB is excluded by mutual agreement. The Lessee undertakes to use or allow to be used the leased property in accordance with the Agreement and in a gentle manner and to use it together with the equipment intended and/or leased for the leased property, facilities, systems and installations (such as electricity, water, heating/cooling, ventilation, etc. if they serve to supply the leased property exclusively for the purpose of supplying the leased property) for the duration of the Agreement - with amicable amendment of § 1096 ABGB - at its own expense, and insofar as this does not involve serious damage to the building or the elimination of a significant health hazard, and to renew if necessary. The maintenance obligations of the Lessee are, as all payment obligations, the main services arbitrated by the parties according to this Agreement. |
6.1.2. | The Lessee shall be liable for damage to the leased property resulting from improper or otherwise contractual use of the leased property or from lack of maintenance, repair or installation. If the Lessee does not remedy such damages despite a written request within a set, reasonable period of time, the Lessor is entitled to have the absolutely necessary work carried out at the expense of the Lessee by way of a substitute performance. The Lessee undertakes to indemnify and hold the Lessor harmless with regard to the absolutely necessary costs incurred thereby. |
The existing supply and disposal lines (such as electricity, gas, water, wastewater, etc.) may only be used to such an extent that no overload occurs, whereby the Lessor is responsible for ensuring that these lines are dimensioned according to the normally required requirements of a modern business operation. In the event of additional need, the Lessee may extend the supply line at its own expense after prior written consent of the Lessor, but the Lessor is only obliged to grant consent if no serious disruption of the other tenants is to be feared from this work.
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In the event of disruptions or damage, the Lessee must ensure the immediate shutdown and notification of the Lessor or its representatives.
6.1.3. | Any serious damages to the building, whose repair is the responsibility of the Lessor, must be reported by the Lessee immediately from the time they become known. |
6.1.4. | The maintenance and repair obligations of the Lessee also include the items brought into the leased property and installed by it. |
6.1.5. | For the sake of clarity, it is stated that the Lessee is responsible for |
‒ | the inside of the façade/glass front shell; |
‒ | the complete window area (including parabet, window sill, lateral glass and frame surfaces as well as window cladding towards the glass facade as well as various ventilation slits and blinds in the facade); |
‒ | fire doors and fire extinguishers in the leased property; |
‒ | pipe blockages up to the main pipe; |
‒ | the systems assigned to the rental property (such as fan coils or emergency power system) |
‒ | Thorough cleaning of the floors. |
6.2. | The Lessee must have the maintenance, servicing and installation obligations incumbent on it carried out without exception by authorised traders and must prove this at the request of the Lessor and, if necessary, submit the proper maintenance and service documentation. Changes by the Lessee |
6.2.1. | The Lessee is only entitled with the consent of the Lessor to carry out structural (alterations) changes, unless the change is reasonable for the Lessor in consideration of the mutual interests, in particular because it is necessary or slightly or easily rectified for the contractual use of the leased property. However, any structural change, redesign, etc. of the leased property must be reported to the Lessor in writing before execution by submitting the plans. The Lessor will not unreasonably refuse its consent to the indicated construction measures. |
6.2.2. | Any permits/permits required beyond the building permits existing at the time of handover must be obtained by the Lessee at its own expense. |
6.2.3. | The Lessee undertakes to indemnify and hold harmless the Lessor against any claims of any kind raised by third parties in connection with the implementation of such (changes) and to remedy any damages caused by these without delay at its own expense. |
6.2.4. | The Lessee shall refrain from any disruption and impairment of other lessees or users of the property or the Lessor during the construction of the (changes). If these are unavoidable, they must be kept as low as possible, whereby other tenants or the Lessor must be compensated appropriately. The work may only be carried out at the times agreed with the Lessor. Contamination and damage to general parts must always be removed or repaired by the Lessee without delay at its own expense. |
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6.2.5. | The Lessee's maintenance, upkeep and repair obligation pursuant to point [6.1.] of this Agreement also includes the changes made by the Lessee to the leased property. |
6.3. | Accessibility of components, equipment, systems, equipment or installations in the rental property |
Components, equipment, systems, facilities or installations in the rental property that must necessarily be accessible for the purpose of inspection, reading, cleaning, maintenance, maintenance or setting or similar (such as in particular access to shafts, water shut-off valves, electricity meters, consumption reading devices or supply and disposal lines) must be kept accessible by the Lessee or, if necessary, made accessible immediately at its own expense.
6.4. | Provision of the leased property |
6.4.1. | At the end of the tenancy, the leased property must be returned to the Lessor in proper condition, cleared of all roads and swept clean, taking into account normal wear and tear through intended use, including all keys and code cards handed over or reproduced by the Lessee itself. |
6.4.2. | At the end of the tenancy, all changes to the leased property (e.g. installations, additions and conversions) made by the Lessee shall become the property of the Lessor without compensation, unless otherwise agreed in this regard in individual cases. The specific design will be determined by mutual agreement and separately for each conversion project within the framework of the approval discussions to be carried out in accordance with point 6.2.1. For the expansion of the areas as a laboratory, it applies in any case that they do not have to be dismantled. The Lessee may leave the laboratory furniture at its own discretion either in the respective leased property or remove it from the leased property upon return. |
6.4.3. | In the event of termination of the tenancy, the Lessee waives, for whatever reason, an investment replacement for any investments made, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Lessee and Lessor in individual cases. |
6.4.4. | At the end of the tenancy, the Lessee undertakes to hand over the complete maintenance and service documentation regarding the rental property, including its equipment, systems, facilities and installations. In the event of non-fulfilment, the Lessor is entitled to carry out a general overhaul of the relevant equipment, systems, equipment and installations at the expense of the Lessee. |
6.4.5. | If the Lessee does not comply with the obligations or does not do so in a timely manner, the Lessor is entitled to clean the rooms at the expense of the Lessee and, if necessary, remove and dispose of installations, lines and cables. |
6.5. | Delayed provision of the rental property |
Irrespective of any further claims of the Lessor, the parties to the Agreement agree to a contractual penalty in the amount of three current gross monthly rent if the leased property is not handed over by the Lessee at the agreed or legally determined (evacuation) date in the agreed condition. This does not affect the Lessor's claim to charge the Lessee a usage fee for a delayed provision. This usage fee for each month of exceedance or use without a title is a current gross monthly rent, for parts of one month in only aliquot amount.
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6.6. | Lessor’s right of access |
The Lessee undertakes the Lessor or its vicarious agents for the preparation and execution of necessary work (in particular within the meaning of point [5.7.]), which the Lessee must tolerate, to inspect the condition of the leased property, to show the prospective lessee the rental property during the last six months prior to the end of the lease relationship or to allow access to the rental property for other important reasons at normal times, namely after prior notice, in the event of imminent danger, even without notice and at any time, also outside normal business hours.
6.7. | Technical systems of the Lessor |
The Lessee acknowledges and agrees that technical systems, in particular from the area of telecommunications and energy generation, can be erected by the Lessor itself at its own discretion or by other lessees with the consent of the Lessor in and/or on parts of the building and/or on (partial) areas outside of the building. The Lessee may only derive legal consequences from this if significant impairments of the use occur due to such systems, which the Lessee must prove.
7. | Insurance policies |
7.1. | The Lessee is obligated, from the time of handover of the leased property, to cover its operational risks by concluding suitable and appropriate insurance Agreements, to maintain these uninterruptedly for the duration of the lease and to prove their content and existence including proof of premium payment at the request of the Lessor at any time. In particular, the Lessee must take out a business bundle insurance for the furniture and accessories (including at least fire, mains water damage, burglary, theft and glass breakage insurance) as well as a corresponding business liability insurance for all business-related risks. |
7.2. | The Lessee may not do, refrain from or permit anything with regard to the leased property to give rise to the increase of the insurance premiums for the building and/or the property. The resulting premium increases of the insurance policies concluded by the Lessor for the building or the property, including its systems, equipment and installations, shall be made exclusively by the Lessee. |
7.3. | The Lessor is entitled to take out insurance against terrorism and sabotage in the event of a justified need and to offset the costs via the operating and ancillary costs. |
8. | Sale of the property |
In the event of the sale of the property, it is agreed that the property purchaser will enter into the present lease agreement by taking over the entire lease agreement, i.e., also with regard to duration and notice period, (complete entry of the property purchaser).
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9. | General Terms and Conditions of Agreement |
9.1. | Severability clause |
Should one or more provision(s) of this Agreement be or become invalid or void, this shall not affect the validity and validity of the remaining contractual provisions. The contractual parties undertake to agree on a valid and effective provision as soon as possible, which most closely corresponds to the economic meaning and purpose of the invalid or invalid provision. The contractual parties undertake to provide services in good faith.
9.2. | Agreement amendment/previous agreements |
Any amendment or supplement to this Lease Agreement (including an amendment to the present form requirement itself) requires the written form to be legally valid; this also applies to a waiver of this form requirement. The present lease agreement reflects all agreements made. No oral ancillary agreements were made. This Agreement replaces all previous written and oral agreements in relation to the leased property.
9.3. | Legal succession |
All rights and obligations arising from this Lease Agreement are transferred to any legal successors by both parties. Both contractual parties irrevocably waive the right to assert (extraordinary) termination and/or termination rights based on this transfer in the event of the transfer of ownership to the leased property.
9.4. | Communication, declaration of intent |
Communications or declarations of intent based on this Agreement must be made in writing (also by fax), whereby the respective date of receipt is decisive.
The Lessee undertakes to notify the Lessor immediately of a change of address, otherwise deliveries to the last known address, in case of doubt to the address of the rental property, with the effect that they are deemed to have been received by the Lessee.
9.5. | Energy certificate |
The presentation or handover of the energy certificate for the building in which the leased property is located does not constitute an explicit or tacit declaration regarding the condition of the leased property. Therefore, no claims or renovation/renovation obligations can be derived from it.
9.6. | Headings and references |
Headings in this Agreement serve exclusively for a better overview and therefore have no normative meaning, do not restrict the respective contractual provisions and do not serve the interpretation. References to statutory provisions refer to the version applicable at the time of conclusion of the Agreement.
9.7. | Fees, costs |
The necessary costs for the charges of this Agreement shall be borne by the Lessee. The expected legal transaction fee must be paid by the Lessee to NHK lawyers before the conclusion of the lease agreement. It is agreed that the Lessor will have the amount of the legal transaction fee determined by the competent tax office by means of a decision by its legal representative. A self-assessment of the legal transaction fee will not take place.
The costs of consultants (such as lawyers, tax consultants, interior architects, etc.) in connection with the present Agreement creation shall be borne by each contractual party itself.
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9.8. | Appendices |
All appendices to this Agreement form an integral part of the Agreement.
9.9. | Place of jurisdiction |
For all disputes arising from or in connection with this Lease Agreement, including disputes concerning the valid conclusion of this Lease Agreement, the District Court of Innere Stadt Wien is agreed as the exclusive place of jurisdiction. This Lease Agreement is subject to substantive Austrian law to the exclusion of conflict of laws rules.
9.10. | Declaration of the contractual parties |
The contractual parties hereby expressly declare that that the entire Agreement, including all annexes, was discussed and understood, that agreement has been achieved with regard to each individual provision contained herein, that the reciprocal rights and obligations of the contractual parties under this Agreement are considered appropriate in consideration of all circumstances and do not lead to any undue disadvantage of a contractual party or any inappropriateness or improper disadvantage is expressly accepted by the contractual party concerned, and that the contractual parties have sufficiently informed themselves about the legal and economic consequences of each individual provision of this Agreement and have understood them. The contractual parties therefore waive the cancellation or adjustment of this Agreement due to error, change or elimination of the business basis as well as on another legal basis.
9.11. | Copy |
This Agreement is drawn up in three copies, of which each contractual party receives one and a copy is provided for the tax office.
Vienna, on [____]
__________________________________
[Lessor]
|
_________________________________
[Lessee]
|
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Exhibit 10.16
LEASE AGREEMENT
1. Lessor: |
HG
3 Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH & CoKG
FN 501241 w |
Rotenturmstrasse 13/4th floor, 1010 Vienna
2. Lessee: | Alphaexscientia Beteiligungs GmbH |
FN 561674 t
Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna
3. Rental property: | 2027.77 m² Usable space office and laboratory space on the 4th floor |
4. Start of the lease: | the first day of the month following the takeover of the rental properties, at the earliest 01/10/2022, at the latest 01/01/2023. The regulations agreed under 3.1.2 apply in the event of delays beyond 01/10/2022. |
5. Term of lease: | for a limited period of time at the end of the seventh year following the start of the lease, the tenancy ends without the need for termination, upon takeover on 01/10/2022 at the end of 30/09/2029. |
6. Rent: | The rent is composed of the flat-rate rent in the amount of EUR 39,541.52 net per month plus operating and ancillary costs in accordance with point 7 and VAT in the (respective) statutory amount |
7. Current operating and ancillary cost discounts:
current account operating and ancillary costs general parts: EUR 6,083.31/month net plus VAT in the statutory amount.
8. Indexation: | Main rent index CPI 2020 = 100 |
Reference month: the month of the conclusion of the contract
9. Use: | exclusively for use as a laboratory and for office purposes in compliance with all statutory and official regulations that do not lead to the pre-tax exclusion |
10. Security deposit: | 3 Gross monthly rent (consisting of flat-rate rent as well as operating and ancillary cost discounts plus VAT) in the form of an abstract bank guarantee, i.e. EUR 164,249.40 |
11. Fee assessment basis: | EUR 4.598,982.86 |
12. List of Appendices: | Layout plan Appendix 1.2 |
Rental space laboratory floor Appendix 1.2.2
Company names Appendix 1.5
List of usable areas Appendix 0a
Construction and equipment description Appendix 1.6.1
Warranty provisions GU-TGA (General Contractor-Technical Building Installations) Appendix 1.7.1.a.
Warranty provisions GU-TGA (General Contractor-Building) Appendix 1.7.1.b.
Framework parameters for laboratory use dated 16/06/2021, Appendix 1.7.1.1.
Sample Bank Guarantee Appendix 4.6.1
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1. | Rental property |
1.1. | The Lessor is the sole owner of the property EZ6702, land register01613, Floridsdorf District Court, with the properties no. 1572/3 and 1572/5 and address 1210 Vienna, Siemensstrasse 89 (“Property”), as well as the building to be newly built on it with a legally valid building permit notice dated 27/04/2020, in which the leased property is/will be located. |
It is noted that a department of the newly created plot 1572/7 (construction site B) and the creation of a new deposit number based on the survey certificate of DI Meixner, GZ 19475c dated 29/03/2021, will take place for the garage even before the completion of the rental property.
1.2. | The Lessor leases and the Lessee leases in this building to be newly constructed, the areas described in more detail in Appendix 1.2. on the third floor as well as a warehouse in the basement floor (“rental property”). The rental property is shown in red in the site plan Appendix [1.2.2]. |
1.3. | The leased property is located in a building that is newly constructed on the basis of a building permit issued after 30 June 1953 without the aid of public funds (§ 1 para. 4 no. 1 MRG (Tenancy Law)). The leased property itself was constructed after 31 December 1967 without the aid of public funds. The present tenancy is therefore only subject to the termination restrictions of the MRG. |
1.4. | Only the interior space, but not outdoor areas, is leased for exclusive use by the Lessee. |
1.5. | The Lessee is entitled to affix company designations according to Appendix [1.5] to the areas to be designated by the Lessor. The business signs of the Lessee must be uniformly designed in accordance with the guidelines separately announced by the Lessor. The costs and risk for any official permits to be obtained shall be borne by the Lessee. |
In the event of structural changes or maintenance and repair work, the Lessee undertakes to remove and store its business signs at its own expense and to reattach them after completion of the work, if reasonable. In any case, the Lessee must also remove these business signs at the end of the contract at its own expense, while at the same time remedying any damages incurred thereby.
Usable area of the leased property: the usable area of the leased property relevant to rent and operating and ancillary costs (leased area) is based on provisional figures at the time of conclusion of the contract on the basis of ÖNorm (Austrian set of standards) 1801 and is based on the site plan Appendix [0a] and the usable area list according to Appendix [0.2]. After completion of the building, the Lessor shall provide an expert report on the usable area at its own expense by a state-authorised civil engineer for surveying, which is to be prepared on the basis of ÖNorm 1801. On the basis of this report, the Lessor shall determine the usable areas of the building. In case of deviations of the actual measure from the aforementioned planned measure in the amount of more than +/- 5% (taking into account the agreed general area surcharge of 10% in the 4th floor) and thus the usable area, the rent as well as the operating and ancillary costs change accordingly; changes of up to +/- 5% are not to be taken into account.
1.6. | Condition and equipment of the leased property |
1.6.1. | The equipment of the rental property is shown in the construction and equipment description Appendix [1.6.1] and the framework parameters for the laboratory use of 16/06/2021, Appendix 1.7.1.1. The condition corresponds to the conditions required by the building authorities for issuing the building permit. The Lessee must obtain any additional permits (in particular also those from the trade authorities) that result from the respective specific use by the Lessee in a timely manner and provide proof to the Lessor at its own expense. Any resulting costs and measures shall be borne by the Lessee at its own expense. |
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The Lessor was granted warranties by the companies used for the construction of the building, which result from the extracts from the GU-TGA part and the GU-Bau part (Appendix 1.7.1.a and 1.7.1.b.). The Lessor grants the Lessee warranty claims to the same extent as described in Appendices 1.7.1.a and 1.7.1.b. Within this framework, the Lessor guarantees that the leased property has been constructed in accordance with the building and equipment description (Appendix 1.7.1.). In addition, however, the Lessor does not provide any guarantee for a specific condition, a specific condition or property (in particular sound insulation) or a specific possible use of the leased property.
1.6.2. | If the authorities should impose new requirements that arise from the business activity of the Lessee after the handover of the leased property, the Lessee must fulfil these at its own expense. All other requirements of the authorities, insofar as they relate to other rental properties or the general parts of the property and are not exclusively caused by the business activity of the Lessee, must be fulfilled by the Lessor at its expense. |
1.6.3. | The building and equipment description according to Appendix [1.7.1] as well as the framework parameters for laboratory use of 16/06/2021, Appendix 1.7.1.1. were discussed in detail with the Lessee before the conclusion of this lease agreement and agreed in detail. The Lessee confirms that these two descriptions are suitable for its purposes and needs. |
In the course of further planning and the execution of the office and business building, changes may arise to the plans and/or the building and equipment description, which are continuously brought to the Lessee's attention. The Lessee is entitled to reject planned changes in a justified manner, provided they are not due to legal or official requirements or if they are not insignificant changes or deviations. In this case, agreement must be reached between the contractual parties. The amended plans and/or construction and equipment description shall form an integral part of this Agreement. In any case, however, the Lessee must accept surface area deviations of up to (including) plus/minus five percent.
2. | Duration of Agreement |
2.1. | The lease shall begin at the time specified in point [4.] of the cover sheet. The contractual payment obligations of the Lessee also begin at this time. The tenancy is concluded for a certain period and ends without requiring a termination at the end date stated in the cover sheet. |
2.2. | Extraordinary early termination of the contract |
2.2.1. | Each contractual party is entitled to premature termination of the Agreement if the other contractual party grossly or persistently violates the Agreement (despite registered reminder and setting of a grace period) or for other reasons provided for in this Agreement. |
The Lessor is entitled to declare the early cancellation of the lease agreement for the reasons of § 1118 ABGB (Civil Code of Austria). In the case that the leased property is completely or partially destroyed by a circumstance covered by an existing insurance policy and the Lessor declares within one month, to rebuild the leased property, the Parties shall, to clarify the question, whether the reconstruction can take place within one year from (partial) destruction of the leased property, by mutual agreement appoint an independent civil engineer responsible for building construction or a generally sworn court expert for the construction industry. In the event that the civil technician/expert comes to the conclusion that the reconstruction cannot be completed within one year, the Lessee may immediately terminate the Lease Agreement prematurely. In the event that the reconstruction can take place within one year, the Lessee can terminate the lease agreement prematurely only if the reconstruction is not actually completed within one year from (partial) destruction. Irrespective of any possible early dissolution, the Lessee is entitled to a rent reduction claim without restriction in accordance with § 1096 ABGB.
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2.2.2. | If the lease relationship is prematurely terminated by the Lessor for a reason for which the Lessee is responsible and the leased property is empty until the originally agreed end of the lease agreement or it can only be rented at a lower rent, then the Lessee must transfer the leased property as described under [6.4] “Provision” and to pay to the Lessor the existing difference to the Lessor up to the end of the term, if applicable, in accordance with point 4. monthly net rents to be paid and pro rata operating costs. The Lessor is obliged to reduce the damage. |
2.2.3. | The Lessee is entitled to terminate the lease relationship if the leased property becomes unsuitable for use for longer than two months due to the fault of the Lessor despite a written request to the Lessor to restore the contractually compliant condition within a reasonable period of time. |
2.2.4. | The declaration of termination submitted by registered letter from one of the contractual parties to the address of the other contractual party last communicated to it shall terminate the contractual relationship with immediate effect. |
3. | Handover of the rental property |
3.1. | Handover |
3.1.1. | The handover and acceptance of the rental property shall take place at the latest at the time specified in the cover sheet in the condition according to Appendix [1.6.11.6.1] The exact handover date shall be communicated by the Lessor in writing no later than six weeks before the planned handover. |
3.1.2. | The handover is only deemed to be on time if the rental property is handed over in its entirety. In the event of a delay in the handover date, the latest handover date shall be deemed to be 31/12/2022, whereby a penalty in the amount of one net monthly rent per commenced month is to be paid to the Lessee from the delay (01/10/2022). In the event of a delay beyond 01/01/2023, the Lessee shall be entitled to a right of withdrawal with a final grace period of four weeks. A premature handover before the planned date is permitted if the Lessee is informed in writing three months before the handover. |
3.1.3. | The Lessee is obligated to take over the leased property at the date announced by the Lessor, unless the use of the leased property is objectively impossible due to significant defects that prevent the intended use. |
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3.2. | Handover report/Transfer readiness/Arbitration expert |
3.2.1. | A written handover protocol must be prepared for the handover of the rental property on the day of handover and signed by the contractual parties. In this protocol, any defects of the designs or equipment to be provided by the Lessor must be recorded and the Lessor is then obligated to remedy any defects within a reasonable period at its own expense. If the remedy is not done in a timely and proper manner by the Lessor, the Lessee has the right to commission the replacement at the expense of the Lessor. In this case, the prohibition of offsetting pursuant to point [4.8.] of this Agreement does not apply. If minor deviations from the building and equipment description or minor defects that do not significantly impair use are found, the Lessee may not refuse to accept them, irrespective of its other rights. |
By signing the handover report, the Lessee conclusively acknowledges the appropriateness of the agreed rent.
3.2.2. | If the contractual parties are unable to agree on their existence or non-existence within four weeks after the Lessor has announced the transfer readiness, this must be determined by DI Heinz Kropiunik (aetas Ziviltechniker GmbH) as arbitrator for both contractual parties. If the arbitrator cited above is – for whatever reason – not available, the arbitrator must be selected and appointed by the respective President of the Vienna Bar Association from the list of the experts for the construction industry registered with the Vienna Higher Regional Court. The arbitrator is entitled to consult sub-experts. |
It is agreed that the arbitrator must have a liability insurance with a coverage amount of at least EUR 5,000,000.00. The costs of the arbitrator, including the costs for covering a corresponding liability insurance, shall be borne by the party whose argumentation is rejected by the arbitrator, unless this party determines a different division for reasons of equity. The contractual parties are obligated to make advance payments at the request of the arbitrator.
This agreement is deemed to be an arbitrator Agreement.
If the arbitrator determines the existence of the transfer maturity, the Lessee is obligated to take over the rental property. If the arbitrator decides that the rental property is ready for handover within the meaning of this Agreement, the handover and takeover shall be deemed to have been completed on the day on which the Lessor requested the Lessee to take over (ex tunc).
3.2.3. | The Lessee shall be entitled to claims for damages against the Lessor to the same extent as these were granted to the Lessor by the companies it used for the construction of the building. With regard to a delayed handover [Point 3.1.2], the Lessee is also entitled to claims for damages to the same extent, insofar as the delayed handover is the responsibility of the Lessor. Any further claims against the Lessor, in particular for lost profit, cannot be made. In the event of termination of the Agreement for the reasons specified under point 3.1.2, all services rendered mutually with regard to the validity of this Agreement must be reversed. |
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3.3. | Keys/code cards |
3.3.1. | The handover of keys and code cards as well as their number (at least 50 pieces) is noted in the handover protocol. Additional keys/code cards may be made by the Lessor at the request of the Lessee against reimbursement of the costs plus an appropriate processing fee. The transfer of keys/code cards of the Lessor may only be made to employees of the Lessee. |
3.3.2. | Keys/code cards handed over by the Lessor or that are also reproduced by the Lessee with the consent of the Lessor must be returned in full after the end of the Agreement without the Lessor being obligated to pay compensation. If a change to the locking system is necessary due to the loss or theft of a key/code card, the Lessee must bear all associated costs or reimburse the Lessor. The same applies at the end of the lease relationship if the Lessee cannot hand over all keys/code cards in full. |
4. | Rent, operating and ancillary costs |
4.1. | Rent |
The rent specified in point [6.] of the cover sheet is agreed by the contractual parties and is described by both parties as appropriate.
4.2. | Indexation |
4.2.1. | The indexation (value protection) of the sublease is expressly agreed as follows: |
The consumer price index published by STATISTIK AUSTRIA 2020 = 100 or an index replacing it serves as the primary calculation measure. The reference figure is the index number announced for the month specified in point [8.] of the cover sheet.
The index adjustment is done once a year by comparing the index number of the consumer price index 2020 announced for September of the respective calendar year. The rent shall then be adjusted from the 1st January of each year. It is expressly agreed that a decrease in the rent is also taken into account in the adjustment, whereby a decrease under the rent agreed in accordance with point 4 (minor interest at the time of the signing of the Agreement) is excluded. The index number relevant for the index adjustment then forms the starting basis for the next index adjustment. The change is credited at 100%.
If the index of the consumer prices is no longer published, the (successor) index published by an official body shall be deemed to be the basis for the indexation that most closely corresponds to this index.
If no equivalent successor index is announced or a binding to an index is no longer possible or permissible for legal or factual reasons, the change in purchasing power must be determined by an expert to be appointed by mutual agreement between the contractual parties according to the principles that were last applied by STATISTIK AUSTRIA, so that the purchasing power of the originally agreed amount is maintained. If the contractual parties do not agree on the person of such an expert within four weeks, the respective president of the Vienna Bar Association appoints him at the request of each contractual party.
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The costs of the arbitrator shall be borne by the party whose argumentation is rejected by the arbitrator, unless this party sets a different division for reasons of equity.
This agreement is deemed to be an arbitrator agreement.
4.2.2. | The right of the Lessor to request an increase in the rent for the past due to the change in the index numbers or the purchasing power shall only expire if this right is not asserted within three years from the relevant index change or the Lessor waives it in writing. However, a failure to assert the indexation does not mean a waiver of future indexation. |
4.3. | Operating and ancillary costs |
4.3.1. | The Lessee is obligated to pay the rent as well as the proportionate operating and ancillary costs of the property and the associated systems, facilities and areas, including VAT, from the time specified in point [4.] of the cover sheet. |
4.3.2. | Operating costs (in the sense of building operating/management and consumption operating costs of the property, the building and the associated systems, facilities and areas) include: |
a. | public levies, taxes and fees in the respective prescribed amount relating to the property and the building; |
b. | the costs of supply and disposal with water, gas, (remote) heat and cooling as well as electricity from public networks (including fees and costs incurred by the inspections of the lines required according to the delivery conditions) as well as the costs of calibration, maintenance and reading of measuring equipment; |
c. | the costs of the regular smoke trap sweeping due to the sweeping order, the costs of sewer removal, waste removal or waste disposal and pest control; with regard to waste disposal, each tenant must dispose of commercial or hazardous waste that is not normal general household or office waste separately and at his own expense; the same applies if a tenant causes continuously above-average waste quantities due to his business operations; |
d. | the costs of supplying the general parts with electricity, heat and cooling, air, water and gas; |
e. | the costs of the reasonable insurance of the building (based on the replacement value), against power damage, storm damage, glass breakage, burglary, business interruption, fire damage (fire insurance), the legal liability of the home owner (liability insurance), damage to tap water, including corrosion damage, against damage to parts of the equipment, such as certain machines and systems; the Lessee undertakes to join a global insurance agreement against comprehensive damages at the request of the Lessor; |
f. | the – like the main rent, value-secured – costs of administration and facility management as well as the proportionate costs of the superordinate district management, including the associated costs for district app, central booking and information systems, etc.; |
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g. | the reasonable expenses for building care, including (land and maintenance) cleaning, maintenance of the general parts, the exterior of the façade, the support of the pavements and traffic routes that fall under the care obligation of the property owner, including the winter service, as well as the supervision of the building and the property; |
h. | the costs of operating the communal systems (including the energy costs of the associated systems and consumption of them in general parts and rental properties, meter proving and energy management), i.e. in detail: passenger lift, the joint heating and cooling supply system, trash press heating systems, bell and intercom system, cooling unit, fire alarm and lightning protection/fire protection equipment, costs of the fire protection officer, of the smoke and heat extraction system, the safety lighting system, the fire extinguishing systems and fire extinguishers, of the water treatment systems, of the regulatory system, the safety technology and lighting system, of the smoke and heat extraction system, of the video surveillance system, of the time recording system, of the access control system, the (TUS) alarm systems, the property radio system, of the sprinkler system, the conveyor and lifting systems, of the escalators, of the RWA system (smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system), of the solar, Geothermal power plants and wind turbines, the communication systems, the emergency power system, the lighting, of the compensation system, of the doors, gates and fire doors, or the building control system; |
i. | the costs for the ongoing care and care of green and garden facilities, watering and drainage or replacement planting. |
4.3.3. | The proportionate ancillary costs include all expenses incurred by the Lessor for the maintenance, maintenance, repair, servicing and operation of the property, the office and business building and the associated areas and facilities (unless these are serious damages to the building to be borne by the Lessor). These include in particular: |
a. | the costs of the implementation of government orders issued in connection with the proper operation/proper use of the leased property and the building (this is exclusively insofar as the requirements arise from the business activity of the Lessee); |
b. | the costs of cleaning and maintaining all open spaces, access and entry routes, passageways, parking spaces, loading bays, fences, illuminated signs, collective signage systems or information and business signs inside and outside the building, including personnel costs in this regard; |
c. | the costs of maintenance, repair, and servicing as well as replacement of the gas, water, electricity as well as district heating and cooling lines (if they are not laid in the building substance and it is not serious damage to be borne by the Lessor); |
d. | the costs of maintenance, repair, repair and repair as well as renovation of the communal systems (including the energy costs of the associated systems and consumption of them in general parts and rental properties, meter proving and energy management), i.e. in detail: passenger lift, the joint heating and cooling supply system, trash press heating systems, bell and intercom system, cooling unit, fire alarm and lightning protection/fire protection equipment, costs of the fire protection officer, of the smoke and heat extraction system, the safety lighting system, the fire extinguishing systems and fire extinguishers, of the water treatment systems, of the regulatory system, the safety technology and lighting system, of the smoke and heat extraction system, of the video surveillance system, of the time recording system, of the access control system, the (TUS) alarm systems, the property radio system, of the sprinkler system, the conveyor and lifting systems, of the escalators, of the RWA system (smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system), of the solar, Geothermal power plants and wind turbines, the communication systems, the emergency power system, the lighting, of the compensation system, of the doors, gates and fire doors, or the building control system; |
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e. | the costs of operation and maintenance, repair and servicing as well as renovation (including the energy costs of the associated systems and consumption of these in general parts and rental properties, meter calibration and energy management) of the safety and monitoring systems, Access and access control systems, opening and closing systems, of the ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, toilet and wet groups, switchboard, speakers, music systems, Information statuses, other outdoor facilities, illuminated lettering systems, fences, collective signage systems, Information and business signs inside and outside the building, also in the public traffic area, flagpoles or flags and the like, which do not relate to individual tenants, but refer to the entire one; |
In this context, the Lessor and the Lessee shall record that in the sense of this point [4.3] of this Agreement under “Renewal Costs”, which the Lessee must bear, the costs are not to be understood, which, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, are replaced by a necessary complete replacement a) of the gas, water, current, district heating and refrigeration systems within the meaning of point [4.3 c] or b) of the communal facilities within the meaning of point [4.3 d] of this Agreement or c) of systems and facilities within the meaning of point [4.3 e] of this Agreement; the costs of such a possible exchange shall thus be borne by the Lessor.
4.3.4. | The operating and ancillary costs specified in point [4.3.] of this Agreement shall be borne as follows: |
4.3.4.1. | The operating and ancillary costs clearly and exclusively attributable to a specific rental property must be borne by the Lessee alone. |
4.3.4.2. | If there are deviations in a comparison between the main meter of the building and existing sub-meters, the calculations are made according to the consumption of the main meter in the ratio of all intermediate meter with respect to the total consumption of the building. |
4.3.4.3. | All other operating and ancillary costs are to be allocated to the usable areas of the building, insofar as this is objectively, organisationally and technically justified, and divided among the tenants of the area formed by this allocation in the ratio of the leased other usable areas used by the Lessor or not leased despite their rentability. |
4.3.4.4. | All operating and ancillary costs not attributable in accordance with point [4.3.4.1.] or point [4.3.4.2.] are to be borne by the Lessee in proportion to the usable area of the respective rental property to the total usable area of all rentable properties. |
4.3.4.5. | If the Lessee does not make use of the use of common systems, facilities and areas, this does not exempt him from the obligation to bear the proportionate operating and ancillary costs, unless the Lessor has expressly agreed in writing in advance. |
4.4. | Operating and ancillary cost account and settlement |
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4.4.1. | Together with the payment of the monthly rent, the Lessee shall also make appropriate monthly advance payments on the expected operating and ancillary costs, divided into the operating and ancillary costs of general parts and the consumption-dependent Lessee-specific energy operating and ancillary costs, plus the respective statutory VAT. |
4.4.2. | The current operating and ancillary cost discounts for the building are as follows: |
EUR 6,083.31 net p.m. plus statutory VAT.
4.4.2.1. | General parts operating and ancillary costs: in accordance with point [7.] of the cover sheet |
4.4.2.2. | Lessee-specific energy, operating and ancillary costs: according to point [7.] of the cover sheet |
The tenant-specific energy, operating and ancillary costs include heating, cooling, ventilation and water of the rental property, the energy costs (electricity, heat/cold, water) of the associated building technology systems as well as the maintenance, repair, repair and maintenance as well as renovation of associated systems (insofar as these do not fall under the Lessor's maintenance obligation), insofar as direct purchase Agreements are not concluded by the Lessee for their purchase.
4.4.3. | The actual operating and ancillary costs shall be billed annually by the Lessor or the company commissioned with the management of the building no later than 30/06 of the following year. |
4.4.4. | Even in the event of dissolution/termination of the tenancy, the invoicing shall take place until the end of the tenancy agreement exclusively at the time of the annual operating and ancillary costs statement. |
4.4.5. | If there is a surplus in favour of the Lessee from the annual statement, this surplus amount is to be offset by the Lessor against the next provision(s) or offset against any existing payment arrears against the Lessee; any additional payments are to be made by the Lessee within two weeks after the provision at the latest. |
All invoices and account charges by the Lessor/in the name of the Lessor are deemed to be recognised by the Lessee if objections justified in writing have not been raised by the Lessee within three months after receipt. The Lessee is entitled to inspect the accounting documents within this period at the registered office of the company commissioned with the administration and to make copies at its own expense. Claims that are not asserted within a period of three months after receipt of the invoice expire with the expiry of the period.
4.5. | Costs to be paid directly by the Lessee |
All costs incurred in the rental property itself (such as in particular for cleaning, electricity, telephone, internet, radio) are to be paid by the Lessee directly to the respective supplier or service provider. The Lessee is required to conclude direct contracts with the individual suppliers or providers for such costs, if possible. If such costs are nevertheless prescribed to the Lessor, the Lessee undertakes to pay within 14 (fourteen) days after the specification including submission of copies of invoices.
It is noted that the connection with fibre optic lines up to the provider room in the basement of the rental property and further up to the LAN rooms in each rental unit is established and operated by Magenta. It is the Lessee's responsibility to make a direct agreement with Magenta for the internal design of LAN/WLAN and internet within the rental unit. In the event that the Lessee wishes to commission another provider to supply the rental unit, this provider must directly conclude an agreement with Magenta on the use of the lines from Magenta to the respective LAN room. In this case, Magenta is obligated to provide the transmission lines with a market-compliant fee.
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4.6. | Security deposit |
4.6.1. | The Lessee shall provide a security deposit at the latest three months prior to the planned transfer date in the amount specified under point [10.] of the cover sheet in the form of an abstract, unconditional and irrevocable bank guarantee that is to be paid out on first call-off, subject to Austrian law (sample Appendix .[ 4.6.1]) of a bank acceptable to the Lessor to secure all claims of the Lessor arising from this tenancy. |
4.6.2. | The bank guarantee must have a term of at least seven years plus six months and must be adjusted accordingly within 14 (fourteen) days at the request of the Lessor in accordance with any increase in the main rent due to the indexation or the operating and ancillary cost account. |
4.6.3. | In the event of a shorter term of the guarantee, the Lessee must hand over an extension of this bank guarantee to the Lessor no later than six months before its expiry for a further three years or provide an equivalent other bank guarantee, otherwise the Lessor is entitled to draw the bank guarantee and convert it into a cash deposit. If the Lessor makes use of the security deposit, the Lessee is obligated to replenish it at the request of the Lessor within a maximum of 14 (fourteen) days. The Lessor is entitled to clarify even before the end of the lease relationship, to cover due claims of any kind against the Lessee from or in connection with the lease relationship from the security deposit. |
4.6.4. | In the event of termination of the tenancy, with the contractual provision of the leased property, an amount of ten percent (“ensuring”) for gross, operating and ancillary costs not yet finally invoiced will be retained by partial drawing (cash deposit) or deposited by the Lessee in the form of a new, reduced bank guarantee and will be retained by the Lessee as security until the first of the termination of the tenancy. After submission of the annual operating costs statement and repayment of any additional claims within two weeks, any remaining amount from the guarantee must be paid out to the Lessee without interest. Any (partial) use of the security amount must be invoiced by the Lessor. |
4.6.5. | In the event of a change of ownership of the property, the Lessee shall ensure at the request of the Lessor that the bank guarantee is issued in a timely manner to the new owner, otherwise the Lessor is entitled to draw the bank guarantee and convert it into a cash deposit. |
4.7. | Value added tax |
The Lessee acknowledges that, as a result of the new version of § 6 para. 2 UStG (VAT Act) by the 1st StabG (Economic Stability and Growth Law) 2012, the Lessee can only claim an input tax deduction for those investments and costs that it spends on the leased property, as long as the Lessee uses the leased property almost exclusively (more than 95 percent) to achieve revenue that does not exclude the input tax deduction. According to the aforementioned statutory provision, the Lessor must also prove these prerequisites. For this reason, the business activity to be carried out in the leased property was specifically defined under point [9.] of the cover sheet, which entitles the Lessee to deduct input tax. If the Lessee wishes to change the business activity carried out to achieve sales in the leased property to the effect that it wishes to achieve more than five percent of the total sales in the leased property with activities that exclude an input tax deduction, it undertakes to bring this intention to the Lessor's attention in writing, but at least three months before the commencement of such activity.
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In the event of such a change in the previously agreed type of use of the leased property and the overall entrepreneurial activity carried out by the Lessee in the leased property, the last net amount of rent and operating and ancillary costs paid by the Lessee shall be increased by the previously indicated amount of the previously reported amount of the type of use, pro rata VAT incurred on rent and operating and ancillary costs in the respective statutory amount, so that a monthly, VAT-exempt total payment (gross = net), which corresponds to a monthly total payment including VAT.
The Lessee shall thus pay an amount corresponding to the VAT with regard to the loss of the input tax deduction. The Lessee shall also compensate the Lessor for any pre-tax payments that may be made on its usable area on a pro rata basis from the reinvoices for acquisition or production costs, capitalised expenses or major repairs regulated in § 12 par. 10 UStG within the legally prescribed pre-tax adjustment period, each year at the due date.
It is mutually agreed that this notification obligation of the Lessee constitutes a very fundamental contractual obligation, since its omission or the change of the business activity carried out in the leased property in the above-mentioned sense would have very serious economic effects on the Lessor: In this case, the input tax deduction previously made in good faith on a pro rata basis from the Lessee could be withdrawn retroactively made in good faith until then, and it would only have to - without the appropriate calculation of the economic consideration of the Lessee - be based on a unilateral, change to its entrepreneurial type of use of the rental property made without approval, (activity excluding input tax deduction in the amount of more than five percent of the total activity), repay the input tax amounts deducted on the basis of the original agreement to the tax authority. Any violation of this notification obligation therefore entitles the Lessor to terminate the lease agreement in question with immediate effect. It is noted that the Lessor has calculated and agreed in the present form the rent settlement agreed in the present lease agreement on the basis of the exercise of an activity of the Lessee in the leased property, which almost exclusively entitles to deduct input tax.
4.8. | Offsetting |
Any offsetting of any claims of the Lessee against the Lessor's claims arising from or in connection with the lease relationship and its termination is expressly excluded - unless mandatory statutory provisions oppose this or the claims are acknowledged in writing by the Lessor or established by the courts.
4.9. | Legal lien of the Lessor |
The statutory right of lien of the Lessor pursuant to § 1101 ABGB to all items brought in is contractually extended to all claims of the Lessor arising from or in connection with this tenancy and its termination.
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4.10. | Due date |
4.10.1. | The agreed rent and the operating and ancillary cost discounts prescribed by the Lessor are due in advance on the fifth day of each calendar month and must be paid to the account to be disclosed by the Lessor. The Lessee shall be liable to the Lessor for reasonable costs and expenses caused by the delayed payment of rent for the claim operated, in particular for the necessary costs of appropriate out-of-court debt collection or contribution measures in accordance with § 1333 para. 2 ABGB. In this context, the Lessee undertakes to pay an appropriate reminder fee. The date of receipt is decisive for the timeliness of the payment. In addition, the Lessee must pay default interest in the statutory amount in the event of default of payment. |
4.10.2. | Irrespective of other claims, the Lessor is entitled to suspend or interrupt the supplies and services to be paid within the scope of the operating and ancillary costs until payment after a written reminder and setting of a grace period is made, provided that the Lessee is not merely slightly in default with the payment of the remuneration components in this regard. |
5. | Rental purpose |
5.1. | Use |
5.1.1. | The lease shall be made exclusively for the purposes specified in point [9.] of the cover sheet. |
Any other use or change of the purpose or the type of use is prohibited and requires the express prior written consent of the Lessor, which may only be refused for good cause, for example, if the Lessor would violate competition clauses agreed with other tenants (which must be proven at the request of the Lessee), or if the Lessor has justified concerns about the changed business purpose, due to the character of the building as an office and business building or the tenant structure.
5.1.2. | The Lessee undertakes to refrain for itself and all its co-users of the rental property in question, activities, omissions or tolerances that are associated with unreasonable harassment, impairment or endangerment of any kind whatsoever for the other tenants and users of the property. |
It is noted that the loading of the freight elevator as well as the delivery and removal of goods must be done exclusively via the supplier access. Dangerous goods must be transported to and from outside normal office hours, if possible. The main entrance must not be used for this purpose. Supplier access and the load lift must be used with the greatest possible care and taking into account the interests of the other tenants.
5.2. | Official approvals |
The Lessor is only liable for the fact that the rental property can be used for the purposes indicated in the approved plans when handed over in accordance with the building permit. The Lessee shall be responsible for obtaining and fulfilling a corresponding commercial permit and any other official permits required in addition to the existing permits - without any claim for compensation against the Lessor - at its own risk and at its own expense and shall be liable to anybody for violations. The Lessee shall also be liable at all times for the fulfilment of all current and future statutory or official provisions or requirements that are related to the use of the leased property by the Lessee, even if they are not yet known at the time of the conclusion of the Agreement.
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5.3. | Payload capacity of the storey ceilings |
The Lessee guarantees that it does not exceed the maximum payload of the storey ceilings of the leased property of 5 kN/m², in the area of raised floors of 3 kN point load per m² at any time.
5.4. | Liability |
5.4.1. | Insofar as there is no liability arising from intentional or grossly negligent action, any liability of the Lessor towards the Lessee and – insofar as such liability exists – towards persons who use the leased property is excluded. In this case, the Lessor is liable exclusively for the direct damage, but not for consequential damages and/or profit reductions. Insofar as the Lessor is also entitled to further liabilities towards the companies it uses for the construction of the building, the Lessee is entitled to these to the same extent vis-à-vis the Lessor. |
5.4.2. | The Lessee shall be liable for all damages culpably caused by the Lessee, its employees, customers, service providers, consultants or professionals, suppliers and other persons acting in its rental property. |
5.5. | Competition protection |
A competition protection for the Lessee is excluded and the Lessee hereby acknowledges with approval that the other areas/leased properties on the property are leased or otherwise used by the Lessor, whereby the Lessor is completely free in this lease or other use of the other areas of the building.
5.6. | Sublease/transfer, transfer of use, sale of company |
5.6.1. | The Lessee is permitted to sublet the leased property in its entirety. Each sublease must be approved by the Lessor in writing before the conclusion of the respective sublease agreement, whereby the Lessor may only grant its consent for good cause (in particular for reasons, which are in the person of the subtenant – for example, the representative of the subtenant, compliance concerns regarding the subtenant, VAT damage, increased risk of terrorism by the Sub-Lessee – or the business purpose planned or exercised by the Sub-Lessee – such as increased risks, noise or environmental pollution for neighbours). In the case of a sublease of up to 50% of the areas leased to the Lessee (point 1.2), the Lessee is not subject to any restrictions with the exception of the aforementioned permit. For the sublease of the areas exceeding this percentage (thus 50.1%-100% of the leased areas), the Lessee undertakes to pass on 50% of the net monthly sublease exceeding the agreed monthly rent (Section 4.1) to the Lessor. |
Irrespective of the aforementioned provision, the Lessee is entitled to sublease the leased property in whole or in part to companies in which it itself has a direct or indirect majority shareholding and the intended use is not changed as a result. However, the Lessee is obligated to inform the Lessor immediately in writing of a transfer of possession in each individual case, submitting all documents required to prove the participation relationships.
If the participation relationship between the Lessee and the respective company should be terminated at a later date, the right to use the leased property by this company also expires.
At the request of the Lessor, the Lessee is obligated to prove the continuation of the shareholding relationship in a suitable manner.
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5.6.2. | If the Lessee sells the company operated in the leased property, it is obligated to notify the Lessor of this sale immediately. The Lessee shall be liable for any loss of rent due to the failure to make this announcement. The Lessee knows that the purchaser of his company will have to pay the agreed rent including operating and ancillary costs and VAT. |
5.6.3. | Changes to the legal form of the Lessee and/or shareholdings in the Lessee must be notified to the Lessor immediately in writing; such changes require the written consent of the Lessor if a significant reduction in the Lessee's creditworthiness occurs as a result. |
In the event of changes to the ownership structure on the part of the Lessee, in the event of transfer of rights and obligations from this Agreement – by way of universal succession or in the event of a sale of a company – the Lessor has the right to adjust the main rent to the level that is then in line with the market.
5.6.4. | A change of tenant that is not permitted without the consent of the Lessor shall also be deemed to be the change or departure of a personally liable shareholder of the Lessee or another shareholder relevant for the creditworthiness of the Lessee. This means that the departing shareholder shall be liable until the consent of the Lessor - without prejudice to the liability according to the provisions of commercial law - to the same extent for the fulfilment of all current and future tenant obligations, which would exist in the Company if it remained unchanged. The Lessor is obliged to consent if the Lessee proves to it that the change/exit of the shareholder does not lead to any deterioration of the Lessee's creditworthiness and there are no important reasons against the person of the entering shareholder. The statutory liability of the departing shareholder is not restricted by the consent of the Lessor. Irrespective of its legal form, the Lessee must inform the Lessor about any change in the company or company as well as about all changes in liability-relevant circumstances regarding its person, e.g. capital reduction, change of a relevant shareholder. |
5.7. | Work by the Lessor |
5.7.1. | The Lessor may perform work, for maintenance, repair, servicing changes, improvement or to avert imminent dangers or to remedy damages either to the property, of the office and commercial building and the associated areas and facilities or a rental property as a whole or in parts thereof, together with its respective equipment, attachments, facilities and installations or to maintain operations, make sense or are otherwise required by the authorities or by law, the following, however, against timely prior information of the Lessee while protecting the tenancy law and taking into account its business operations. |
5.7.2. | The Lessee must tolerate the temporary use and modification of its leased property if this is necessary for the execution of the work and may not obstruct or delay the work, provided that it does not significantly impede or endanger the exercise of its lease right. If such measures are only appropriate, the Lessee must tolerate them – irrespective of the inapplicability of this provision – within the framework of § 8 MRG. At the request of the Lessor, the Lessee is obliged to remove its equipment in the leased property that proves to be obstructive in the work for the duration of the work. The Lessee is not entitled to any claim for compensation against the Lessor due to such work. |
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5.7.3. | Pandemic COVID-19 |
The Lessee expressly waives the assertion of claims for rent exemption and rent reduction in accordance with §§ 1104, 1105 ABGB due to (i) uselessness or restricted usability of the leased property and/or (ii) statutory or official restrictions in connection with the current COVID-19 pandemic, such as in particular operating blocks, access prohibitions or distance regulation.
6. | Maintenance and provision of the leased property |
6.1. | Lessee’s maintenance obligations |
6.1.1. | The Lessee has taken over the leased property in proper condition. The Lessor's maintenance obligation pursuant to § 1096 para. 1 sentence 1 ABGB is excluded by mutual agreement. The Lessee undertakes to use or allow to be used the leased property in accordance with the Agreement and in a gentle manner and to use it together with the equipment intended and/or leased for the leased property, facilities, systems and installations (such as electricity, water, heating/cooling, ventilation, etc. if they serve to supply the leased property exclusively for the purpose of supplying the leased property) for the duration of the Agreement - with amicable amendment of § 1096 ABGB - at its own expense, and insofar as this does not involve serious damage to the building or the elimination of a significant health hazard, and to renew if necessary. The maintenance obligations of the Lessee are, as all payment obligations, the main services arbitrated by the parties according to this Agreement. |
6.1.2. | The Lessee shall be liable for damage to the leased property resulting from improper or otherwise contractual use of the leased property or from lack of maintenance, repair or installation. If the Lessee does not remedy such damages despite a written request within a set, reasonable period of time, the Lessor is entitled to have the absolutely necessary work carried out at the expense of the Lessee by way of a replacement. The Lessee undertakes to indemnify and hold the Lessor harmless with regard to the absolutely necessary costs incurred thereby. |
The existing supply and disposal lines (such as electricity, gas, water, wastewater, etc.) may only be used to such an extent that no overload occurs, whereby the Lessor is responsible for ensuring that these lines are dimensioned according to the normally required requirements of a modern business operation. In the event of additional need, the Lessee may extend the supply line at its own expense after prior written consent of the Lessor, but the Lessor is only obliged to grant consent if no serious disruption of the other tenants is to be feared from this work.
In the event of disruptions or damage, the Lessee must ensure the immediate shutdown and notification of the Lessor or its representatives.
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6.1.3. | Any serious damages to the building whose repair is the responsibility of the Lessor must be reported by the Lessee immediately from the time of becoming aware of them. |
6.1.4. | The maintenance and repair obligations of the Lessee also include the items brought into the leased property and installed by it. |
6.1.5. | For the sake of clarity, it is stated that the Lessee is responsible for |
‒ | the inside of the façade/glass cover; |
‒ | the complete window area (including parabet, window sill, lateral glass and frame surfaces as well as window cladding towards the glass facade as well as various ventilation slits and blinds in the facade); |
‒ | fire doors and fire extinguishers in the leased property; |
‒ | pipe blockages up to the main pipe; |
‒ | the systems assigned to the rental property (such as fan coils or emergency power system) |
‒ | Thorough cleaning of the floors. |
6.2. | The Lessee must have the maintenance, servicing and installation obligations incumbent on it carried out without exception by authorised traders and must prove this at the request of the Lessor and, if necessary, submit the proper maintenance and service documentation. Changes by the Lessee |
6.2.1. | The Lessee is only entitled with the consent of the Lessor to carry out structural (alterations) changes, unless the change is reasonable for the Lessor in consideration of the mutual interests, in particular because it is necessary or slightly or easily rectified for the contractual use of the leased property. However, any structural change, redesign, etc. of the leased property must be reported to the Lessor in writing before execution by submitting the plans. The Lessor will not unreasonably refuse its consent to the indicated construction measures. |
6.2.2. | Any permits/permits required beyond the building permits existing at the time of handover must be obtained by the Lessee at its own expense. |
6.2.3. | The Lessee undertakes to indemnify and hold the Lessor harmless against any claims of any kind raised by third parties in connection with the implementation of such (changes) and to remedy any damages caused by these without delay at its own expense. |
6.2.4. | The Lessee shall refrain from any disruption and impairment of other lessees or users of the property or the Lessor during the production of the (changes). If these are unavoidable, they must be kept as low as possible, whereby other tenants or the Lessor must be compensated appropriately. The work may only be carried out at the times agreed with the Lessor. Contamination and damage to general parts must always be removed or repaired by the Lessee without delay at its own expense. |
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6.2.5. | The Lessee's maintenance, upkeep and repair obligation pursuant to point [6.1.] of this Agreement also includes the changes made by the Lessee to the leased property. |
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6.3. | Accessibility of components, equipment, systems, equipment or installations in the rental property |
Components, equipment, systems, facilities or installations in the rental property that must necessarily be accessible for the purpose of inspection, reading, cleaning, maintenance, maintenance or setting or similar (such as in particular access to shafts, water shut-off valves, electricity meters, consumption reading devices or supply and disposal lines) must be kept accessible by the Lessee or, if necessary, made accessible immediately at its own expense.
6.4. | Provision of the leased property |
6.4.1. | At the end of the tenancy, the leased property must be returned to the Lessor in proper condition, cleared of all roads and swept clean, taking into account normal wear and tear through intended use, including all keys and code cards handed over or reproduced by the Lessee itself. |
6.4.2. | At the end of the tenancy, all changes to the leased property (e.g. installations, additions and conversions) made by the Lessee shall become the property of the Lessor without compensation, unless otherwise agreed in this regard in individual cases. The specific design will be determined by mutual agreement and separately for each conversion project within the framework of the approval discussions to be carried out in accordance with point 6.2.1. For the expansion of the areas as a laboratory, it applies in any case that they do not have to be dismantled. The Lessee may leave the laboratory furniture in the respective leased property at its own discretion or remove it from the leased property when the leased property is returned. |
6.4.3. | In the event of termination of the tenancy, the Lessee waives, for whatever reason, an investment replacement for any investments made, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Lessee and Lessor in individual cases. |
6.4.4. | At the end of the tenancy, the Lessee undertakes to hand over the complete maintenance and service documentation regarding the rental property, including its equipment, systems, facilities and installations. In the event of non-fulfilment, the Lessor is entitled to carry out a general overhaul of the relevant equipment, systems, equipment and installations at the expense of the Lessee. |
6.4.5. | If the Lessee does not comply with the obligations or does not do so in a timely manner, the Lessor is entitled to clean the rooms at the expense of the Lessee and, if necessary, remove and dispose of installations, lines and cables. |
6.5. | Delayed provision of the rental property |
Irrespective of any further claims of the Lessor, the parties to the Agreement agree to a contractual penalty in the amount of three current gross monthly rent if the leased property is not handed over by the Lessee at the agreed or legally determined (evacuation) date in the agreed condition. This does not affect the Lessor's claim to charge the Lessee a usage fee for a delayed provision. This usage fee for each month of exceedance or use without title is a current gross monthly rent, for parts of one month in only aliquot amount.
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6.6. | Lessor’s right of access |
The Lessee undertakes the Lessor or its vicarious agents for the preparation and execution of necessary work (in particular within the meaning of point [5.7.]), which the Lessee must tolerate, to inspect the condition of the leased property, to show the prospective lessee the rental property during the last six months prior to the end of the lease relationship or to allow access to the rental property for other important reasons at normal times, namely after prior notice, in the event of imminent danger, even without notice and at any time, also outside normal business hours.
6.7. | Technical systems of the Lessor |
The Lessee acknowledges and agrees that technical systems, in particular from the area of telecommunications and energy generation, can be erected by the Lessor itself at its own discretion or by other lessees with the consent of the Lessor in and/or on parts of the building and/or on (partial) areas outside of the building. The Lessee may only derive legal consequences from this if significant impairments of the use that the Lessee must prove occur due to such systems.
7. | Insurance policies |
7.1. | The Lessee is obligated, from the time of handover of the leased property, to cover its operational risks by concluding suitable and appropriate insurance Agreements, to maintain these uninterruptedly for the duration of the lease and to prove their content and existence including proof of premium payment at the request of the Lessor at any time. In particular, the Lessee must take out a business bundle insurance for the furniture and accessories (including at least fire, mains water damage, burglary, theft and glass breakage insurance) as well as a corresponding business liability insurance for all business-related risks. |
7.2. | The Lessee may not do, refrain from or allow anything to be done with regard to the leased property, or allow the reason to increase the insurance premiums for the building and/or the property. The resulting premium increases of the insurance policies concluded by the Lessor for the building or the property, including its systems, equipment and installations, shall be made exclusively by the Lessee. |
7.3. | The Lessor is entitled to take out insurance against terrorism and sabotage in the event of a justified need and to offset the costs via the operating and ancillary costs. |
8. | Sale of the property |
In the event of the sale of the property, it is agreed that the property purchaser will enter into the present lease agreement by taking over the entire lease agreement, i.e., also with regard to duration and notice period, (complete entry of the property purchaser).
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9. | General Terms and Conditions of Agreement |
9.1. | Severability clause |
Should one or more provision(s) of this Agreement be or become invalid or void, this shall not affect the validity and validity of the remaining contractual provisions. The contractual parties undertake to agree on a valid and effective provision as soon as possible, which most closely corresponds to the economic meaning and purpose of the invalid or invalid provision. The contractual parties undertake to provide services in good faith.
9.2. | Agreement amendment/previous agreements |
Any amendment or supplement to this Lease Agreement (including an amendment to the present form provision itself) must be made in writing in order to be legally valid; this also applies to a waiver of this form requirement. The present Lease Agreement reflects all agreements made. No oral ancillary agreements were made. This Agreement replaces all previous written and oral agreements in relation to the leased property.
9.3. | Legal succession |
All rights and obligations arising from this Lease Agreement are transferred to any legal successors by both parties. Both contractual parties irrevocably waive the right to assert (extraordinary) termination and/or termination rights based on this transfer in the event of the transfer of ownership to the leased property.
9.4. | Communication, declaration of intent |
Communications or declarations of intent based on this Agreement must be made in writing (also by fax), whereby the respective date of receipt is decisive.
The Lessee undertakes to notify the Lessor immediately of a change of address, otherwise deliveries to the last known address, in case of doubt to the address of the rental property, with the effect that they are deemed to have been received by the Lessee.
9.5. | Energy certificate |
The presentation or handover of the energy certificate for the building in which the leased property is located does not constitute an explicit or tacit declaration regarding the condition of the leased property. Therefore, no claims or renovation/renovation obligations can be derived from it.
9.6. | Headings and references |
Headings in this Agreement serve exclusively for a better overview and therefore have no normative meaning, do not restrict the respective contractual provisions and do not serve the interpretation. References to statutory provisions refer to the version applicable at the time of conclusion of the Agreement.
9.7. | Fees, costs |
The necessary costs for the charges of this Agreement shall be borne by the Lessee. The expected legal transaction fee must be paid by the Lessee to NHK lawyers before the conclusion of the lease agreement. It is agreed that the Lessor will have the amount of the legal transaction fee determined by the competent tax office by means of a decision by its legal representative. A self-assessment of the legal transaction fee will not take place.
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The costs of consultants (such as lawyers, tax consultants, interior architects, etc.) in connection with the present Agreement creation shall be borne by each contractual party itself.
9.8. | Appendices |
All appendices to this Agreement form an integral part of the Agreement.
9.9. | Place of jurisdiction |
For all disputes arising from or in connection with this Lease Agreement, including disputes concerning the valid conclusion of this Lease Agreement, the District Court of Innere Stadt Wien is agreed as the exclusive place of jurisdiction. This Lease Agreement is subject to substantive Austrian law to the exclusion of conflict of laws rules.
9.10. | Declaration of the contractual parties |
The contractual parties hereby expressly declare that that the entire Agreement, including all annexes, was discussed and understood, that agreement has been achieved with regard to each individual provision contained herein, that the reciprocal rights and obligations of the contractual parties under this Agreement are considered appropriate in consideration of all circumstances and do not lead to any undue disadvantage of a contractual party or any inappropriateness or improper disadvantage is expressly accepted by the contractual party concerned, and that the contractual parties have sufficiently informed themselves about the legal and economic consequences of each individual provision of this Agreement and have understood them. The contractual parties therefore waive the cancellation or adjustment of this Agreement due to error, change or elimination of the business basis as well as on another legal basis.
9.11. | Copy |
This Agreement is drawn up in three copies, of which each contractual party receives one and a copy is provided for the tax office.
Vienna, on [____]
[Lessor] | [Lessee] |
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Exhibit 10.19
Exscientia Plc
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
With
Non-Employee Sub-Plan
and
CSOP Sub-Plan
Adopted by the Board of Directors: 11 August 2021
Amended and Restated by the Board of Directors: 23 August 2021
Share
Reserve Approved by the Pricing Committee of the Board of Directors: [date]
2021
IPO Date: [Date] 2021
Approved by the Shareholders: [date] 2021
Table of Contents
Page
1. | PURPOSE | 1 | |
2. | ELIGIBILITY | 1 | |
3. | ADMINISTRATION AND DELEGATION | 1 | |
4. | SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS | 1 | |
5. | OPTIONS AND SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS | 3 | |
6. | RESTRICTED SHARES; RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS | 5 | |
7. | OTHER SHARE BASED AWARDS | 6 | |
8. | ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN SHARES AND CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS | 7 | |
9. | GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS | 8 | |
10. | MISCELLANEOUS | 10 | |
11. | Covenants of the Company | 15 | |
12. | DEFINITIONS | 15 |
1. PURPOSE
The Plan’s purpose is to enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who make (or are expected to make) important contributions to the Company by providing these individuals with equity ownership opportunities. Capitalized terms used in the Plan are defined in Section 12.
2. ELIGIBILITY
Service Providers are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan, subject to the limitations described herein.
3. ADMINISTRATION AND DELEGATION.
(a) Administration. The Plan is administered by the Administrator. The Administrator has authority to (i) determine which Service Providers receive Awards, (ii) grant Awards, (iii) set Award terms and conditions, and (iv) designate whether such Awards will cover Ordinary Shares or ADSs, in each case subject to the conditions and limitations in the Plan. The Administrator also has the authority to take all actions and make all determinations under the Plan, to approve the forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan, to interpret the Plan and the terms of Awards and to adopt, amend and repeal Plan administrative rules, guidelines and practices as it deems advisable. The Administrator may correct defects and ambiguities, supply omissions and reconcile inconsistencies in the Plan or any Award as it deems necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and any Awards. The Administrator’s determinations under the Plan are in its sole discretion and will be final and binding on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or any Award.
(b) Appointment of Committees. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, the Board may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more Committees or officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Board may abolish any Committee or re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority at any time.
4. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS.
(a) Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment under Section 8 and the terms of this Section 4, Awards may be made under the Plan (taking account of Awards granted under the Non-Employee Sub-Plan and the CSOP Sub-Plan) in an aggregate amount up to [·1] Ordinary Shares plus any Ordinary Shares that become available under the Plan pursuant to Section 4(c)(ii) below (in each case including as part of the process for the issue of new ADSs) (the “Share Reserve”). In addition, the Share Reserve will automatically increase on January 1st of each year commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to 5% of the total number of Ordinary Shares outstanding on December 31st of the preceding calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase in the Share Reserve for such year or that the increase in the Share Reserve for such year will be a lesser (but not a greater) number of Ordinary Shares than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence.
(b) Limit Applies to Shares Issued Pursuant to Awards. For clarity, the Share Reserve is a limit on the number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards that were granted under this Plan and does not limit the granting of Awards, except that the Company will keep available at all times the number of Shares reasonably required to satisfy its obligations to issue shares pursuant to such Awards. Shares may be issued in connection with a merger or acquisition as permitted by, as applicable, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c), NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08, NYSE American Company Guide Section 711 or other applicable rule, and such issuance will not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan, as further described under Section 4(e).
1 | [28,482 + 5,761] |
1
(c) Share Recycling.
(i) If all or any part of an Award or Awards granted under the Plan (including the Non-Employee Sub-Plan and the CSOP Sub-Plan) expires, lapses or is terminated, exchanged for cash, surrendered, repurchased or cancelled without having been fully exercised, or is withheld to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award or to satisfy a purchase or exercise price of an Award, the unused Shares covered by the Award or Awards granted under the Plan (including the Non-Employee Sub-Plan and the CSOP Sub-Plan) will, as applicable, become or again be available for Awards granted under the Plan (including the Non-Employee Sub-Plan and the CSOP Sub-Plan).
(ii) If all or any part of an option or options to acquire unissued Shares that was granted under the Prior Plans and which is subsisting as of the Effective Date expires, lapses or is terminated, exchanged for cash, surrendered, repurchased or cancelled without having been fully exercised, or is withheld to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an option or to satisfy a purchase or exercise price of an option, in each case on or after the Effective Date, the unused Shares covered by such option or options under the Prior Plans shall increase the Share Reserve and shall become available for Awards granted under the Plan (including the Non-Employee Sub-Plan and the CSOP Sub-Plan) subject to a maximum of [31,278] Ordinary Shares (including as part of the process for the issue of new ADSs).
(d) ISO Limitations. Subject to adjustment under Section 8 and to the overall Share Reserve, no more than [·2] Ordinary Shares (including as part of the process for the issue of new ADSs) may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs.
(e) Substitute Awards. In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or the Company’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Administrator may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other equity or equity-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Administrator deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in the Plan. Subject to Applicable Laws, Substitute Awards will not count against the Share Reserve (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute ISOs will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs under the Plan. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, then, subject to Applicable Laws, shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of ordinary shares or common stock (as applicable) of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Employees or Directors prior to such acquisition or combination.
(f) Date of Grant. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the date of grant of an Award shall be the date of the Administrator’s approval of that Award.
2 | [28,482 + 5,761 + 31,278] |
2
(g) Deed Poll. The Administrator may grant Awards by entering into a deed poll and, as soon as practicable after the Company has executed the deed poll, the Administrator shall enter into an Award Agreement.
(h) Type of Shares. The Shares issuable under the Plan will be new shares, treasury shares or market purchase shares.
(i) Prior Plans. Upon the Effective Date, no further new awards may be granted over Shares under the Prior Plans.
5. OPTIONS AND SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS.
(a) General. The Administrator may grant Options or Share Appreciation Rights to Service Providers subject to the limitations in the Plan, including any limitations in the Plan that apply to ISOs. The Administrator will determine the number of Shares covered by each Option and Share Appreciation Right, the exercise price of each Option and Share Appreciation Right and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option and Share Appreciation Right. Each Option will be designated in writing as an ISO or Non-Qualified Option at the time of grant; provided, however, that if an Option is not so designated, then such Option will be a Non-Qualified Option, and the Shares purchased upon exercise of each type of Option will be separately accounted for. A Share Appreciation Right will entitle the Participant (or other person entitled to exercise the Share Appreciation Right) to receive from the Company upon exercise of the exercisable portion of the Share Appreciation Right an amount determined by multiplying the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price per Share of the Share Appreciation Right by the number of Shares with respect to which the Share Appreciation Right is exercised, subject to any limitations of the Plan or that the Administrator may impose and payable in cash, Shares valued at Fair Market Value or a combination of the two as the Administrator may determine or provide in the Award Agreement. A Participant will have no rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares subject to any Option or Share Appreciation Right unless and until any Shares are delivered in settlement of the Option or Share Appreciation Right.
(b) Exercise Price. The Administrator will establish each Option’s and Share Appreciation Right’s exercise price and specify the exercise price in the Award Agreement. Subject to Section 10(g), the exercise price will not be less than the nominal value of a Share and for Participants who are subject to tax in the United States not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the grant date of the Option or Share Appreciation Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or Share Appreciation Right may be granted with an exercise price lower than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award if such Award is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option or share appreciation right pursuant to Section 4(e) and, in respect of Participants who are subject to tax in the United States, in a manner consistent with the provisions of Sections 409A and, if applicable, 424(a) of the Code.
3
(c) Duration. Each Option or Share Appreciation Right will vest and be exercisable at such times and as specified in the Award Agreement, provided that the term of an Option or Share Appreciation Right will not exceed ten years, subject to Section 10(g). Notwithstanding the foregoing and unless determined otherwise by the Company, in the event that on the last business day of the term of an Option or Share Appreciation Right (other than an ISO) (i) the exercise of the Option or Share Appreciation Right is prohibited by Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company, or (ii) Shares may not be purchased or sold by the applicable Participant due to any Company insider trading, window period and/or dealing policy (including blackout periods), the term of the Option or Share Appreciation Right shall be extended until the date that is thirty (30) days after the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period, as determined by the Company; provided, however, in no event shall the extension last beyond the original term of the applicable Option or Share Appreciation Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the end of the term of an Option or Share Appreciation Right, violates the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other similar restrictive covenant provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Share Appreciation Right issued to the Participant shall terminate immediately upon such violation, unless the Company otherwise determines. In addition, if, prior to the end of the term of an Option or Share Appreciation Right, the Participant is given notice by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause, and the effective date of such Termination of Service is subsequent to the date of the delivery of such notice, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Share Appreciation Right issued to the Participant shall be suspended from the time of the delivery of such notice until the earlier of (i) such time as it is determined or otherwise agreed that the Participant’s service as a Service Provider will not be terminated for Cause as provided in such notice or (ii) the effective date of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause (in which case the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to exercise any Option or Share Appreciation Right issued to the Participant will terminate immediately upon the effective date of such Termination of Service, provided, however, in no event shall the suspension cause the original term of the applicable Option or Share Appreciation Right to be extended).
(d) Exercise. Options and Share Appreciation Rights may be exercised by delivering to the Company a written notice of exercise, in a form the Administrator approves (which may be electronic), signed by the person authorized to exercise the Option or Share Appreciation Right, together with, as applicable, payment in full (i) as specified in Section 5(e) for the number of Shares for which the Award is exercised and (ii) as specified in Section 9(e) for any applicable taxes. Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, an Option or Share Appreciation Right may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
(e) Payment Upon Exercise. Subject to any Company insider trading, window period and/or dealing policy (including blackout periods) and Applicable Laws, the exercise price of an Option must be paid by:
(i) cash, wire transfer of immediately available funds or by check payable to the order of the Company, provided that the Company may limit the use of one of the foregoing payment forms if one or more of the payment forms below is permitted;
(ii) if there is a public market for Shares at the time of exercise, unless the Administrator otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Company) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price, or (B) the Participant’s delivery to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price; provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator;
(iii) to the extent permitted by the Administrator at the time of exercise, delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of Shares owned by the Participant free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, which, when valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date, have a value sufficient to pay the exercise price, provided that (1) at the time of exercise the Shares are publicly traded, (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such delivery is paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment, (3) such delivery would not violate any Applicable Laws or agreement restricting the redemption of the Shares, (4) if required by the Administrator, any certificated Shares are endorsed or accompanied by an executed assignment separate from certificate, and (5) such Shares have been held by the Participant for any minimum period necessary to avoid adverse accounting treatment as a result of such delivery;
4
(iv) to the extent permitted by the Administrator at the time of exercise, except with respect to ISOs, surrendering the largest whole number of Shares then issuable upon the Option’s exercise which, when valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date, have a value sufficient to pay the exercise price, provided that (1) such Shares used to pay the exercise price will not be exercisable thereafter and (2) any remaining balance of the exercise price not satisfied by such net exercise is paid by the Participant in cash or other permitted form of payment;
(v) to the extent permitted by the Administrator at the time of exercise and permitted by Applicable Law, delivery of any other property that the Administrator determines is good and valuable consideration; or
(vi) to the extent permitted by the Company, any combination of the above payment forms approved by the Administrator.
(f) Non-Exempt U.S. Employees. No Option or Share Appreciation Right, whether or not vested, granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, will be first exercisable for any Shares until at least six months following the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. Worker Economic Opportunity Act, any vested portion of such Award may be exercised earlier than six months following the date of grant of such Award in the event of (i) such Participant’s death or Disability, (ii) a Corporate Event in which such Award is not assumed, continued or substituted, (iii) a Change in Control, or (iv) such Participant’s retirement (as such term may be defined in the Award Agreement or another applicable agreement or, in the absence of any such definition, in accordance with the Company’s then current employment policies and guidelines). This Section 5(f) is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option or Share Appreciation Right will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.
6. RESTRICTED SHARES; RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
(a) General. The Administrator may grant Restricted Shares, or the right to purchase Restricted Shares, to any Service Provider, subject to the Company’s right to repurchase all or part of such shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price from the Participant (or to require forfeiture or compulsory transfer of such shares in such manner as the Administrator may determine) if conditions the Administrator specifies in the Award Agreement are not satisfied before the end of the applicable restriction period or periods that the Administrator establishes for such Award. In addition, the Administrator may grant to Service Providers Restricted Share Units, which may be subject to vesting, issuance and forfeiture conditions during the applicable restriction period or periods, as set forth in an Award Agreement. The Administrator will determine and set forth in the Award Agreement the terms and conditions for each Restricted Share and Restricted Share Unit Award, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in the Plan.
(b) Duration. Each Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit will vest at such times and as specified in the Award Agreement, provided that the vesting schedule of a Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit will not exceed ten years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the vesting date of a Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit, violates the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other similar restrictive covenant provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to receive Shares on the vesting of the Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit issued to the Participant shall terminate immediately upon such violation, unless the Company otherwise determines. In addition, if, prior to the vesting date of a Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit, the Participant is given notice by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause, and the effective date of such Termination of Service is subsequent to the date of the delivery of such notice, the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to receive Shares as a result of the vesting of the Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit issued to the Participant shall be suspended from the time of the delivery of such notice until the earlier of (i) such time as it is determined or otherwise agreed that the Participant’s service as a Service Provider will not be terminated for Cause as provided in such notice or (ii) the effective date of the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Cause (in which case the right of the Participant and the Participant’s transferees to receive Shares on the vesting of the Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit issued to the Participant will terminate immediately upon the effective date of such Termination of Service).
5
(c) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid or credited, as applicable, with respect to any Restricted Shares or Shares subject to Restricted Share Units, as determined (and on such terms as may be determined) by the Administrator and specified in the Award Agreement.
(d) Restricted Shares.
(i) Form of Award. The Company may require that the Participant deposit in escrow with the Company (or its designee) any certificates issued in respect of Restricted Shares, together with a stock transfer form endorsed in blank. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, a Participant will have voting and other rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to any Restricted Shares.
(ii) Consideration. Restricted Shares may be granted in consideration for (A) cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) past services to the Company or a Subsidiary, or (C) any other form of consideration (including future services) as the Administrator may determine to be acceptable and which is permissible under Applicable Laws.
(e) Restricted Share Units.
(i) Settlement. The Administrator may provide that settlement of Restricted Share Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Restricted Share Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participant’s election.
(ii) Shareholder Rights. A Participant will have no rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares subject to any Restricted Share Unit unless and until the Shares are delivered in settlement of the Restricted Share Unit.
(iii) Consideration. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator at the time of grant, Restricted Share Units will be granted in consideration for the Participant’s services to the Company or a Subsidiary, such that the Participant will not be required to make any payment to the Company (other than such services) with respect to the grant or vesting of the Award, or the issuance of any Shares pursuant to the Award. If, at the time of grant, the Administrator determines that any consideration must be paid by the Participant (in a form other than the Participant’s services to the Company or a Subsidiary) upon the issuance of any Shares in settlement of the Award, such consideration may be paid in any form of consideration as the Administrator may determine to be acceptable and which is permissible under Applicable Laws.
7. OTHER SHARE BASED AWARDS
Other Share Based Awards may be granted to Participants, including Awards entitling Participants to receive Shares to be delivered in the future (whether based on specified performance criteria, performance goals or otherwise), in each case subject to any conditions and limitations in the Plan. Such Other Share Based Awards will also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other Awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Share Based Awards may be paid in Shares or other property, as the Administrator determines. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of each Other Share Based Award, including any purchase price, performance condition, performance goal, transfer restrictions, and vesting conditions, which will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
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8. ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN SHARES AND CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS
(a) Equity Restructuring. In connection with any Equity Restructuring, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, the Administrator will equitably adjust (i) class(es) and maximum number of Shares subject to the Plan, (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs under Section 4(d) above and (iii) each outstanding Award as it deems appropriate to reflect the Equity Restructuring, which may include adjusting the number and type of securities subject to each outstanding Award and/or the Award’s exercise price or grant price (if applicable), granting new Awards to Participants, and making a cash payment to Participants. The adjustments provided under this Section 8(a) will be nondiscretionary and final and binding on the affected Participant and the Company; provided that the Administrator will determine whether an adjustment is equitable.
(b) Corporate Events. In the event of any reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, amalgamation, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company or a Change in Control (any “Corporate Event”), the Administrator, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate:
(i) To provide for the cancellation of any such Award in exchange for either an amount of cash or other property with a value equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award, as applicable; provided that, if the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, in any case, is equal to or less than zero (as determined by the Administrator in its discretion), then the Award may be terminated without payment. In addition, such payments under this provision may, in the Administrator’s discretion, be delayed to the same extent that payment of consideration to the holders of Shares in connection with the Corporate Event is delayed as a result of escrows, earn outs, holdbacks or any other contingencies;
(ii) To provide that such Award shall vest and, to the extent applicable, be exercisable as to all Shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the provisions of such Award as of a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Event as the Administrator determines (or, if the Administrator does not determine such a date, as of the date that is five (5) days prior to the effective date of the Corporate Event), with such Award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Event; provided, however, that the Administrator may require Participants to complete and deliver to the Company a notice of exercise before the effective date of a Corporate Event, which exercise is contingent upon the effectiveness of such Corporate Event.
(iii) To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor entity, or a parent or Subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by awards covering the equity securities of the successor or survivor entity, or a parent or Subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and/or applicable exercise or purchase price, in all cases, as determined by the Administrator;
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(iv) To arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Shares issued pursuant to the Award to the surviving entity or acquiring entity (or the surviving or acquiring entity’s parent company);
(v) To arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to the Award;
(vi) To replace such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator; and/or
(vii) To provide that the Award will terminate and cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after the applicable transaction or event.
The Administrator need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants. The Administrator may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of an Award.
(c) Administrative Stand Still. In the event of any pending Corporate Event or other similar transaction, for administrative convenience, the Administrator may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award for up to thirty days before or after such Corporate Event or other similar transaction.
(d) General. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or the Administrator’s action under the Plan, no Participant will have any rights due to any subdivision or consolidation of Shares of any class, dividend payment, increase or decrease in the number of Shares of any class, issue, rights issue, offer or dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or other corporation. Except as expressly provided with respect to an Equity Restructuring under Section 8(a) above or the Administrator’s action under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of Shares of any class, or securities convertible into Shares of any class, will affect, and no adjustment will be made regarding, the number of Shares subject to an Award or the Award’s grant or exercise price. The existence of the Plan, any Award Agreements and the Awards granted hereunder will not affect or restrict in any way the Company’s right or power to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (ii) any Corporate Event or (iii) sale or issuance of securities, including securities with rights superior to those of the Shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares. The Administrator may treat Participants and Awards (or portions thereof) differently under this Section 8.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS
(a) Transferability. Except as the Administrator may determine or provide in an Award Agreement or otherwise for Awards, Awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the life of the Participant, will be exercisable only by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, permit transfer of an Award pursuant to a domestic relations order or in such other manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws upon the Participant’s request and provided that the Participant and the transferee enter into a transfer agreement and other agreements as required by the Company. If an Option is an ISO, such Option may be deemed to be a Non-Qualified Option as a result of a transfer pursuant to this Section. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in this context, will include references to a Participant’s authorized transferee that the Administrator specifically approves.
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(b) Documentation. Each Award will be evidenced in an Award Agreement, which may be written or electronic, as the Administrator determines. By accepting any Award the Participant consents to receive documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through any on-line electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party selected by the Company. Each Award may contain terms and conditions in addition to (or a variation of or effecting a disapplication of) those set forth in the Plan. Any reference herein or in an Award Agreement to a “written” agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically, filed publicly at www.sec.gov (or any successor website thereto) or posted on the Company’s intranet (or other shared electronic medium controlled by the Company to which the Participant has access). As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, the Participant agrees to execute any additional documents or instruments necessary or desirable, as determined in the Administrator’s sole discretion, to carry out the purposes or intent of the Award, or facilitate compliance with securities and/or other regulatory requirements, in each case at the Administrator’s request.
(c) Discretion. Except as the Plan otherwise provides, each Award may be made alone or in addition or in relation to any other Award. The terms of each Award to a Participant need not be identical, and the Administrator need not treat Participants or Awards (or portions thereof) uniformly.
(d) Termination of Status. The Administrator will determine how the disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s Service Provider status (including a change which would result in a Termination of Service under the Plan but not under the Non-Employee Sub-Plan or vice versa) affects an Award and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable.
(e) Withholding. Each Participant must pay the Company, or make provision satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any taxes (which includes any social security contributions or the like including but not limited to, if applicable, all liability to primary (employee) and, if provided in the applicable Award Agreement, secondary (employer) national insurance contributions) required by law to be withheld or paid by the Company or by any Subsidiary that is the employing entity of the Participant or which Participant has agreed to pay in connection with such Participant’s Awards by the date of the event creating the tax liability. A Participant may not be able to exercise an Award even though the Award is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue Shares subject to an Award, unless and until such obligations are satisfied. The Company may deduct an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations based on the maximum statutory withholding rates (or such other rate as may be determined by the Company after considering any accounting consequences or costs and Applicable Law) from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant. To the extent permitted by the terms of an Award Agreement and subject to any Company insider trading, window period and/or dealing policy (including blackout periods), Participants may satisfy such tax obligations (i) in cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, by check made payable to the order of the Company, provided that the Company may limit the use of the foregoing payment forms if one or more of the payment forms below is permitted, (ii) to the extent permitted by the Administrator, in whole or in part by delivery of Shares, including Shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their Fair Market Value, (iii) if there is a public market for Shares at the time the tax obligations are satisfied, unless the Administrator otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Company) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to satisfy the tax obligations, or (B) delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to satisfy the tax and/or social security withholding, provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator, (iv) withholding cash from an Award settled in cash, (v) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant or (vi) to the extent permitted by the Company, any combination of the foregoing payment forms approved by the Administrator.
(f) Withholding Indemnification. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, in the event that the amount of the Company’s and/or any Subsidiary’s withholding obligation in connection with such Award was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and/or its Subsidiaries harmless from any failure by the Company and/or its Subsidiaries to withhold the proper amount.
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(g) Amendment of Award; Repricing. The Administrator may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including by cancelling and substituting another Award of the same or a different type, reducing the exercise price, changing the exercise or settlement date, converting an ISO to a Non-Qualified Option, taking any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles or by amending, waiving or relaxing any applicable performance criteria or goal(s). The Participant’s consent to such action will be required unless (i) the action, taking into account any related action, does not Materially Impair the Participant’s rights under the Award, or (ii) the change is permitted under Section 8 or pursuant to Section 10(f).
(h) Conditions on Delivery of Shares. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Shares under the Plan or remove restrictions from Shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all Award conditions have been met or removed to the Company’s satisfaction, (ii) as determined by the Company, all other legal matters regarding the issuance and delivery of such Shares (including payment of nominal value) have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to satisfy any Applicable Laws. The Company’s inability to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which the Administrator determines is necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any securities, will relieve the Company of any liability for failing to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority has not been obtained.
(i) Acceleration. The Administrator may at any time provide that any Award will become immediately vested and fully or partially exercisable, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise fully or partially realizable.
10. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) No Right to Employment or Other Status. No person will have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award will not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with the Company. The Company expressly reserves the right at any time to dismiss or otherwise terminate its relationship with a Participant free from any liability or claim under the Plan or any Award, except as expressly provided in an Award Agreement. Further, nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award will constitute any promise or commitment by the Company or a Subsidiary regarding the fact or nature of future positions, future work assignments, future compensation or any other term or condition of employment or service or confer any right or benefit under the Award or the Plan unless such right or benefit has specifically accrued under the terms of the Award Agreement and/or Plan.
(b) No Rights as Shareholder; Certificates. Subject to the Award Agreement, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary will have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares to be distributed under an Award until becoming the record holder of such Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless the Administrator otherwise determines or Applicable Laws require, the Company will not be required to deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award and instead such Shares may be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator). The Company may place legends on certificates issued under the Plan that the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws.
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(c) Effective Date and Term of Plan. The Plan first became effective on 11 August 2021. The Plan in its amended and restated form shall become effective immediately prior to the IPO Date, provided this Plan is approved by the Company’s shareholders prior to the IPO Date. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the Plan will remain in effect until the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the Plan. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the Company’s shareholders. If the Plan is not approved by the Company’s shareholders within 12 months of the date of Board approval of the Plan, all ISOs will be treated as Non-Qualified Options.
(d) Amendment and Termination of Plan. The Administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time; provided that no amendment, suspension or termination may Materially Impair any Award outstanding at the time of such amendment without the affected Participant’s written consent. No Awards may be granted under the Plan during any suspension period or after Plan termination. Awards outstanding at the time of any Plan suspension or termination will continue to be governed by the Plan and the Award Agreement, as in effect before such suspension or termination. The Board will obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Laws.
(e) Provisions for Foreign Participants. The Administrator may modify Awards granted to Participants who are nationals of, or employed in, a jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom and the United States or establish subplans or procedures under the Plan to address differences in laws, rules, regulations or customs of such international jurisdictions with respect to tax, securities, currency, employee benefit or other matters, including as may be necessary or appropriate in the Administrator’s discretion to grant Awards under any tax-favourable regime that may be available in any jurisdiction (provided that Administrator approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to the Plan or any Award Agreement to ensure or facilitate compliance with the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction).
(f) Section 409A. The following provisions only apply to Participants subject to tax in the United States:
(i) General. The Company intends that all Awards be structured to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A, such that no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties under Section 409A apply. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Administrator may, without a Participant’s consent, amend this Plan or Awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and retroactive actions) as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of Awards, including any such actions intended to (A) exempt this Plan or any Award from Section 409A, or (B) comply with Section 409A, including regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority that may be issued after an Award’s grant date. The Company makes no representations or warranties as to an Award’s tax treatment under Section 409A or otherwise. The Company will have no obligation under this Section 10(f) or otherwise to avoid the taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A with respect to any Award and will have no liability to any Participant or any other person if any Award, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute noncompliant “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A.
(ii) Separation from Service. If an Award constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, any payment or settlement of such Award upon a termination of a Participant’s Service Provider relationship will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A, be made only upon the Participant’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A), whether such “separation from service” occurs upon or after the termination of the Participant’s Service Provider relationship. For purposes of this Plan or any Award Agreement relating to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of service”, “termination of employment” or like terms means a “separation from service.”
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(iii) Payments to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan or any Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” required to be made under an Award to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A and as the Administrator determines) due to his or her “separation from service” will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, be delayed for the six-month period immediately following such “separation from service” (or, if earlier, until the specified employee’s death) and will instead be paid (as set forth in the Award Agreement) on the day immediately following such six-month period or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter (without interest). Any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under such Award payable more than six months following the Participant’s “separation from service” will be paid at the time or times the payments are otherwise scheduled to be made.
(g) 10% Shareholders. The Administrator may grant ISOs only to employees of the Company, any of its present or future parent or subsidiary corporations, as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code, respectively, and any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive ISOs under the Code. If an ISO is granted to a Greater Than 10% Shareholder, the exercise price will not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the Option’s grant date, and the term of the Option will not exceed five years. All ISOs will be subject to and construed consistently with Section 422 of the Code. By accepting an ISO, the Participant agrees to give prompt notice to the Company of dispositions or other transfers (other than in connection with a Change in Control) of Shares acquired under the Option made within (i) two years from the grant date of the Option or (ii) one year after the transfer of such Shares to the Participant, specifying the date of the disposition or other transfer and the amount the Participant realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, in such disposition or other transfer. Neither the Company nor the Administrator will be liable to a Participant, or any other party, if an ISO fails or ceases to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. Any ISO or portion thereof that fails to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code for any reason, including becoming exercisable with respect to Shares having a fair market value exceeding the $100,000 limitation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-4, will be a Non-Qualified Option.
(h) Limitations on Liability. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary will be liable to any Participant, former Participant, spouse, beneficiary, or any other person for any claim, loss, liability, or expense incurred in connection with the Plan or any Award, and such individual will not be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument executed in his or her capacity as an Administrator, director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, each Participant (i) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, the Group or any of its officers, Directors, Employees or Subsidiaries related to tax or social security liabilities arising from such Award or other Company or Group compensation and (ii) acknowledges that such Participant was advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax and social security consequences of the Award and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, other employee and agent of the Company or any Subsidiary that has been or will be granted or delegated any duty or power relating to the Plan’s administration or interpretation, against any cost or expense (including attorneys’ fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the Administrator’s approval) arising from any act or omission concerning this Plan unless arising from such person’s own fraud or bad faith.
(i) No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes. Except as required by Applicable Laws the Company has no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such Participant as to the time or manner of exercising such Award. Furthermore, the Company has no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such Participant of a pending termination or expiration of an Award or a possible period in which the Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax or social security consequences of an Award to the holder of such Award and will not be liable to any holder of an Award for any adverse tax or social security consequences to such holder in connection with an Award.
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(j) Data Privacy.
(i) As a condition for receiving any Award, each Participant acknowledges that the Company and any Subsidiary may collect, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, personal data as described in this section by and among the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates exclusively for implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Company (as above) may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including the Participant’s name, address and telephone number; birthdate; social security, insurance number or other identification number; salary; nationality; job title(s); any Shares held in the Company (as above); and Award details, to implement, manage and administer the Plan and Awards (the “Data”). The Company (as above) may transfer the Data amongst themselves as necessary to implement, administer and manage a Participant’s participation in the Plan, and the Company (as above) may transfer the Data to third parties assisting the Company with Plan implementation, administration and management. These recipients may be located in the Participant’s country, or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections than the recipients’ country. By accepting an Award, each Participant acknowledges that such recipients may receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, to implement, administer and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan, including any required Data transfer to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any Shares. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as necessary to implement, administer, and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data that the Company holds regarding such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data regarding such Participant and recommend any necessary corrections to the Data regarding the Participant in writing, without cost, by contacting the local human resources representative.
(ii) For the purpose of operating the Plan in the European Union, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the Company will collect and process information relating to Participants in accordance with the privacy notice which is provided to each Participant.
(k) Severability. If any portion of the Plan or any Award Agreement or any action taken thereunder is held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity will not affect the remaining parts of the Plan or such Award Agreement, and the Plan and such Award Agreement will be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provisions had been excluded, and the illegal or invalid action will be null and void.
(l) Governing Documents. If any contradiction occurs between the Plan and any Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company (or any Subsidiary) that the Administrator has approved, the Plan will govern, unless it is expressly specified in such Award Agreement or other written document that a specific provision of the Plan will not apply.
All Awards will be subject to Applicable Laws on insider trading and dealing and any specific insider trading, window period and/or dealing policy adopted by the Company.
(m) Governing Law and Jurisdiction. The Plan and all Awards, including any non-contractual obligations arising in connection therewith, will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, disregarding any jurisdiction’s choice-of-law principles requiring the application of a jurisdiction’s laws other than that of England and Wales and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute.
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(n) Claw-back Provisions. All Awards (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit the Participant actually or constructively receives upon receipt or exercise of any Award or the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) will be subject to any Company claw-back policy that may be adopted from time to time to the extent such policy applies to the relevant Participant, including any claw-back policy adopted to comply with Applicable Laws (including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder) as set forth in such claw-back policy or the Award Agreement , to the extent applicable and permissible under Applicable Laws. No recovery of compensation under such a claw-back policy will be an event giving rise to a Participant’s right to voluntary terminate employment upon a “resignation for good reason,” or for a “constructive termination” or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.
(o) Other Group Company policies. All Awards (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit the Participant actually or constructively receives upon receipt or exercise of any Award or the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) will be subject to any relevant Company or Group Company policy to the extent such policy applies to the relevant Participant, including but not limited to any remuneration policy and/or share retention, ownership, or holding policy that may be adopted from time to time.
(p) Titles and Headings. The titles and headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, if any conflict, the Plan’s text, rather than such titles or headings, will control.
(q) Conformity to Applicable Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessary with Applicable Laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan and all Awards will be administered only in conformance with Applicable Laws. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, the Plan and all Award Agreements will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws and may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights thereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.
(r) Relationship to Other Benefits. No payment under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary except as expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.
(s) Broker-Assisted Sales. In the event of a broker-assisted sale of Shares in connection with the payment of amounts owed by a Participant under or with respect to the Plan or Awards: (a) any Shares to be sold through the broker-assisted sale will be sold (subject in all cases to the Administrator having regard to the orderly marketing and disposal of such Shares, and having the discretion to delay broker-assisted sales for such reasons) on the day the payment first becomes due, or as soon thereafter as practicable; (b) such Shares may be sold as part of a block trade with other Participants in the Plan in which all Participants receive an average price; (c) the applicable Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and by accepting an Award, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale; (d) to the extent the Company or its designee receives proceeds of such sale that exceed the amount owed, the Company will pay such excess in cash to the applicable Participant as soon as reasonably practicable; (e) the Company and its designees are under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price; and (f) in the event the proceeds of such sale are insufficient to satisfy the Participant’s applicable obligation, the Participant may be required to pay immediately upon demand to the Company or its designee, or the Company or any Subsidiary may withhold from any payment to be made to the Participant (including but not limited to that Participant’s salary), an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy any remaining portion of the Participant’s obligation.
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(t) Change in Time Commitment. In the event a Participant’s regular level of time commitment in the performance of his or her services for the Company and any Subsidiary is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Participant is an Employee of the Company and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time Employee to a part-time Employee or takes an extended leave of absence) after the date of grant of any Award to the Participant, the Administrator may determine, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, to (i) make a corresponding reduction in the number of shares or cash amount subject to any portion of such Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date of such change in time commitment, and (ii) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction, subject to compliance with Applicable Laws, including, without limitation, Section 409A, extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Award. In the event of any such reduction, the Participant will have no right with respect to any portion of the Award that is so reduced or extended.
(u) Deferrals. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Shares or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Award may be deferred and may also establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants.
11. VALID ISSUANCE.
If the Company is unable to obtain the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of Shares under the Plan, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Shares upon exercise or vesting of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant is not eligible for the grant of an Award or the subsequent issuance of Shares pursuant to the Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any Applicable Laws.
12. DEFINITIONS.
As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases will have the following meanings:
(a) “ADSs” means American Depositary Shares, representing Ordinary Shares on deposit with a U.S. banking institution selected by the Company and which are registered pursuant to a Form F-6.
(b) “Administrator” means the Board or a Committee to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee.
(c) “Applicable Laws” means any applicable laws, statutes, constitutions, principles of common law, resolutions, ordinances, codes, edicts, decrees, rules, listing rules, regulations, judicial decisions, rulings or requirements issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (including under the authority of any applicable self-regulating organization such as the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), including without limitation: (a) the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under English, U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Shares are listed or quoted and the applicable laws and rules of any other country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted; and (b) corporate, securities, tax or other laws, statutes, rules, requirements or regulations, whether U.S. federal, state, local or foreign, applicable in the United Kingdom, United States or any other relevant jurisdiction.
(d) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Share Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, or Other Share Based Awards.
(e) “Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing an Award, which may be electronic. The Award Agreement generally consists of the grant notice and the agreement that contains such terms and conditions as the Administrator determines, consistent with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(f) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company (or its designee).
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(g) “Cause” means (i) if a Participant is a party to a written employment or consulting agreement with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or an Award Agreement in which the term “cause” is defined (a “Relevant Agreement”), “Cause” as defined in the Relevant Agreement, and (ii) if no Relevant Agreement exists, (A) the Administrator’s determination that the Participant failed to substantially perform the Participant’s duties (other than a failure resulting from the Participant’s Disability); (B) the Administrator’s determination that the Participant failed to carry out, or comply with any lawful directive of the Board or the Participant’s immediate supervisor; (C) the occurrence of any act or omission by the Participant that could reasonably be expected to result in (or has resulted in) the Participant’s conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any felony or indictable offence or crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude (or equivalent in any jurisdiction); (D) the Participant’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs on the premises of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or while performing the Participant’s duties and responsibilities for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (E) the Participant’s commission of (or attempted commission of) an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (F) the Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the confidential information or trade secrets of the Company or any Subsidiary; or (G) the Participant’s material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company (or Subsidiary) or of any statutory duty owed to the Company (or Subsidiary) or such Participant’s material failure to comply with the written policies or rules of the Company (or Subsidiary).
(h) “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:
(i) a Sale; or
(ii) a Takeover.
The Administrator shall have full and final authority, which shall be exercised in its sole discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control has occurred pursuant to the above definition, the date of the occurrence of such Change in Control and any incidental matters relating thereto; provided that any exercise of authority in conjunction with a determination of whether a Change in Control is a “change in control event” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) shall be consistent with such regulation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, the term Change in Control shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company.
(i) “Code” means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations issued thereunder.
(j) “Committee” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board, which may include one or more Company directors or executive officers, to the extent Applicable Laws permit. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3, it is intended that each member of the Committee will be, at the time the Committee takes any action with respect to an Award that is subject to Rule 16b-3, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3; however, a Committee member’s failure to qualify as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 will not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.
(k) “Company” means Exscientia Plc, registered in England and Wales with company number 13483814, or any successor.
(l) “Control” has the meaning given in section 995(2) of the UK Income Tax Act 2007, unless otherwise specified.
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(m) “Corporate Event” has the meaning given to it in Section 8(b).
(n) “CSOP Sub-Plan” means the CSOP Sub-Plan to the Plan adopted by the Board.
(o) “Designated Beneficiary” means: (i) a Participant’s personal representative appointed on Participant’s death; or (ii) if the Administrator permits from time to time in its discretion, the beneficiary or beneficiaries a Participant designates, in a manner the Administrator determines, to receive amounts due or exercise the Participant’s rights if the Participant dies or becomes incapacitated.
(p) “Director” means a Board member.
(q) “Disability” means a permanent and total disability under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as amended, and will be determined by the Administrator on the basis of such medical evidence as the Administrator deems warranted under the circumstances.
(r) “Effective Date” means the date of adoption of the Plan by the Board.
(s) “Employee” means any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
(t) “Equity Restructuring” means any return of capital (including a share dividend), bonus issue of shares or other Company securities by way of capitalization of profits, share split, reverse share split, spin-off, rights offering, re-designation, redenomination, consolidation recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, or any similar equity restructuring transaction, that affects the number or class of Shares (or other Company securities) or the nominal value of Shares (or other Company securities) and causes a change in the per share value of the Shares underlying outstanding Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as an Equity Restructuring.
(u) “Exchange Act” means the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(v) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the value of the Shares (as determined on a per share or aggregate basis, as applicable) determined as follows:
(i) If the Shares are listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such Shares as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Shares) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Administrator deems reliable.
(ii) If there is no closing sales price for the Shares on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
(iii) In the absence of such markets for the Shares, or if otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Administrator in good faith.
(w) “Governmental Body” means any: (a) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) United Kingdom, U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government; (c) governmental or regulatory body, or quasi-governmental body of any nature (including any governmental division, department, administrative agency or bureau, commission, authority, instrumentality, official, ministry, fund, foundation, center, organization, unit, body or entity and any court or other tribunal, and for the avoidance of doubt, any tax authority) or other body exercising similar powers or authority; or (d) self-regulatory organization (including the Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).
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(x) “Greater Than 10% Shareholder” means an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of equity securities of the Company or its parent or subsidiary corporation, as defined in Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively.
(y) “Group” means the Company and its Subsidiaries (references to “Group Company” shall be construed accordingly).
(z) “IPO Date” means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriter(s) managing the initial public offering of the Company’s ADSs, pursuant to which the ADSs are priced for the initial public offering.
(aa) “ISO” means an Option intended to be, and that qualifies as, an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
(bb) “Materially Impair” means any amendment to the terms of the Award that materially adversely affects the Participant’s rights under the Award. A Participant's rights under an Award will not be deemed to have been Materially Impaired by any such amendment if the Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, taken as a whole, does not materially impair the Participant's rights. For example, the following types of amendments to the terms of an Award do not Materially Impair the Participant’s rights under the Award: (i) imposition of reasonable restrictions on the minimum number of shares subject to an Option that may be exercised; (ii) to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an ISO under Section 422 of the Code; (iii) to change the terms of an ISO in a manner that disqualifies, impairs or otherwise affects the qualified status of the Award as an ISO under Section 422 of the Code; (iv) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Award into compliance with or qualify it for an exemption from, Section 409A; or (v) to comply with other Applicable Laws.
(cc) “Non-Employee Sub-Plan” means the Non-Employee Sub-Plan to the Plan adopted by the Board.
(dd) “Non-Qualified Option” means an Option not intended or not qualifying as an ISO.
(ee) “Option” means an option to purchase Shares.
(ff) “Ordinary Share” means an ordinary share of GBP[Ÿ] each in the capital of the Company.
(gg) “Other Share Based Awards” means awards of Shares, and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or are otherwise based on, Shares or other property, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or share rights with an exercise price or strike price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value at the time of grant), that may be granted either alone or in addition to Awards provided for under Section 5 and Section 6.
(hh) “Participant” means a Service Provider who has been granted an Award.
(ii) “Plan” means this 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(jj) “Prior Plans” means (i) the Exscientia Company Share Option Plan originally adopted by the Scottish Company on 27 November 2019; (ii) the Exscientia Unapproved Share Option Plan originally adopted by the Scottish Company on 13 February 2018 and the RSU Sub-Plan thereto; (iii) The Exscientia Enterprise Management Incentive Plan originally adopted by the Scottish Company on 29 February 2016 (each as subsequently amended from time to time and as assumed or adopted by the Company prior to the Effective Date).
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(kk) “Quarter Date” means each of [1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October], or such other date as may be specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
(ll) “Restricted Shares” means Shares awarded to a Participant under Section 6 subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
(mm) “Restricted Share Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share (or, if specified in the Award Agreement, other consideration determined by the Administrator to be of equal value as of such settlement date), subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions provided that nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, will create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between a Participant and the Company or a Subsidiary or any other person.
(nn) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.
(oo) “Sale” means the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (in one transaction or a series of transactions).
(pp) “Scottish Company” means Exscientia Limited registered in Scotland with company number SC428761.
(qq) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority thereunder.
(rr) “Securities Act” means the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(ss) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant, provided that Consultants and Directors who are not Employees are only considered “Service Providers” eligible to be granted Awards under the Non-Employee Sub-Plan.
(tt) “Share” means an Ordinary Share, or the equivalent number of ADSs equal to an Ordinary Share.
(uu) “Share Appreciation Right” means a Share Appreciation right granted under Section 5.
(vv) “Share Reserve” has the meaning given to it in Section 4(a).
(ww) “Subsidiary” has the meaning as set out in section 1159 of the UK Companies Act 2006.
(xx) “Substitute Awards” means Awards granted or Shares issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future awards, in each case by a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines.
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(yy) “Takeover” means if any person (or a group of persons acting in concert) (the “Acquiring Person”):
(i) obtains Control of the Company as the result of making a general offer to:
(1) acquire all of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company, which is made on a condition that, if it is satisfied, the Acquiring Person will have Control of the Company; or
(2) acquire all of the shares in the Company which are of the same class as the Shares; or
(ii) obtains Control of the Company as a result of a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by a court under Section 899 of the UK Companies Act 2006, or sanctioned under any other similar law of another jurisdiction; or
(iii) becomes bound or entitled under Sections 979 to 985 of the UK Companies Act 2006 (or similar law of another jurisdiction) to acquire shares of the same class as the Shares; or
(iv) obtains Control of the Company in any other way.
(zz) “Termination of Service” means the date the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as defined in the Plan.
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APPENDIX
1
NON-EMPLOYEE SUB-PLAN
TO THE EXSCIENTIA Plc 2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
This sub-plan (the “Non-Employee Sub-Plan”) to the Exscientia Plc 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) governs the grant of Awards to Consultants (defined below) and Directors who are not Employees. The Non-Employee Sub-Plan incorporates all the provisions of the Plan except as modified in accordance with the provisions of this Non-Employee Sub-Plan.
Awards granted pursuant to the Non-Employee Sub-Plan are not granted pursuant to an “employees’ share scheme” for the purposes of UK legislation.
For the purposes of the Non-Employee Sub-Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall operate subject to the following modifications:
1. Interpretation
In the Non-Employee Sub-Plan, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the following meanings:
“Consultant” means any person, including any adviser, engaged by the Company or any Group Company to render services to such entity if the consultant or adviser: (i) renders bona fide services to the Company or any Group Company; (ii) renders services not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and does not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities; and (iii) is a natural person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available to register either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such person.
“Service Provider” means a Consultant or Director who is not an Employee.
“Termination of Service” means, subject to Section 3 below, the date the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as defined in this Non-Employee Sub-Plan.
2. Eligibility
Service Providers are eligible to be granted Awards under the Non-Employee Sub-Plan.
3. Service Provider status and Termination of Service
If the Administrator so determines, a Participant who ceases to be a Service Provider for the purposes of this Non-Employee Sub-Plan and who becomes a Service Provider as defined in the Plan immediately thereafter (provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or a Subsidiary) may be considered to remain continuously a Service Provider for the purposes of the Non-Employee Sub-Plan.
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APPENDIX
2
CSOP SUB-PLAN
TO THE EXSCIENTIA Plc 2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
This sub-plan (the “CSOP Sub-Plan”) to the Exscientia Plc 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to take effect as a Schedule 4 Company Share Option Plan. The CSOP Sub-Plan incorporates all the provisions of the Plan except as modified in accordance with the provisions of this CSOP Sub-Plan.
For the purposes of the CSOP Sub-Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall operate subject to the following modifications:
1. | Interpretation |
In the CSOP Sub-Plan, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions have the following meanings:
(a) | “Acquiring Company” is a company which obtains Control of the Company in the circumstances referred to in rule 20 hereof; |
(b) | “Adoption Date” is the date on which the CSOP Sub-Plan is adopted by the Board (being the Effective Date); |
(c) | “Associate” has the meaning given to that expression by paragraph 12 of Schedule 4; |
(d) | “Constituent Company” means any of the following: |
(i). | the Company; |
(ii). | the Scottish Company; and |
(iii). | any Eligible Company nominated by the Administrator to be a Constituent Company at the relevant time. |
(e) | “Control” the meaning given to that word by Section 719 of ITEPA 2003 and “Controlled” shall be construed accordingly; |
(f) | “Date of Grant” is the date on which an Option is granted under the CSOP Sub-Plan; |
(g) | “Eligible Company” means any company of which the Company has Control, including any jointly owned company (as defined in paragraph 34 of Schedule 4): |
(i). | which is treated as being under the Company’s Control under paragraph 34 of Schedule 4; and |
(ii). | which is not excluded from being a Constituent Company under paragraph 34(4) of Schedule 4; |
(h) | “Eligible Employee” means any Employee who: |
(i). | does not have a Material Interest (either on his own or together with one or more of his Associates), and has not had such an interest in the last 12 months; and |
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(ii). | has no Associate or Associates which has or (taken together) have a Material Interest, or had such an interest in the last 12 months; and |
(iii). | is either: |
(A) | not a director of any Constituent Company; or |
(B) | a director of a Constituent Company who is required to devote at least 25 hours per week (excluding meal breaks) to his duties; |
(i) | “Employee” means an employee of a Constituent Company; |
(j) | “Exercise Price” means the price at which each Share subject to an Option may be acquired on the exercise of that Option, which (subject to rule 23 hereof): |
(i). | if the Shares are to be newly issued to satisfy the exercise of the Option, may not be less than the nominal value of a Share; and |
(ii). | may not be less than the Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant. |
(k) | “Existing EMI Options” means all qualifying options (as defined in section 527 of ITEPA 2003) that have been granted as a result of employment with the Company (or any other member of a group of companies to which the Company belongs) that can still be exercised; |
(l) | “Group Company” means any of the following: |
(i). | the Company; |
(ii). | a company of which the Company has Control; and |
(iii). | a jointly owned company (as defined in paragraph 34 of Schedule 4) that is: |
(A) | treated as being under the Company's Control under paragraph 34 of Schedule 4; and |
(B) | that is not excluded from being a Constituent Company under paragraph 34(4) of Schedule 4. |
(m) | “HMRC” means HM Revenue and Customs; |
(n) | “ITEPA 2003” means the UK Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003; |
(o) | “Key Feature” means any provision of the CSOP Sub-Plan which is necessary to meet the requirements of Schedule 4; |
(p) | “Market Value” means the market value of a Share as determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of Part VIII of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, and any relevant published HMRC guidance, on the relevant date. If Shares are subject to a Relevant Restriction, Market Value shall be determined as if they were not subject to a Relevant Restriction; |
(q) | “Material Interest” has the meaning given to that expression by paragraph 9 of Schedule 4; |
(r) | “Option” means a right to acquire Shares granted under the CSOP Sub-Plan; |
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(s) | “Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and Participant evidencing the terms of an individual Option grant, subject to the terms and conditions of the CSOP Sub-Plan; |
(t) | “Participant” means an individual who holds an Option or, where the context permits, his personal representatives; |
(u) | “Redundancy” has the meaning given by the UK Employment Rights Act 1996; |
(v) | “Relevant CSOP Options” means all Options granted under the Plan (and any other Schedule 4 CSOP) as a result of employment with the Company (or any other member of a group of companies to which the Company belongs) that can still be exercised; |
(w) | “Relevant Restriction” means any provision included in any contract, agreement, arrangement or condition to which sections 423(2), 423(3) and 423(4) of ITEPA 2003 would apply if references in those sections to employment-related securities were references to Shares; |
(x) | “Restrictions” has the meaning given to it in paragraph 36(3) of Schedule 4 to ITEPA; |
(y) | “rule” means a rule of this CSOP Sub-Plan; |
(z) | “Schedule 4” means Schedule 4 to ITEPA 2003; |
(aa) | “Schedule 4 CSOP” means a share plan that meets the requirements of Schedule 4 to ITEPA 2003; |
(bb) | “Sufficient Shares” means the smallest number of Shares that, when sold, will produce an amount at least equal to the relevant Tax Liability (after deduction of brokerage and any other charges or taxes on the sale); |
(cc) | “Tax Liability” means the pounds sterling total of any PAYE income tax and primary class 1 (employee) and, to the extent specified in the applicable Option Agreement, secondary class 1 (employer) national insurance contributions that the Company or any employer (or former employer) of a Participant is liable to account for as a result of the exercise of an Option. |
2. | Companies participating in CSOP Sub-Plan |
The companies participating in the CSOP Sub-Plan shall be each a Constituent Company.
3. | Shares used in CSOP Sub-Plan |
Options shall be granted over Shares which form part of the ordinary share capital of the Company which satisfy the conditions specified in paragraphs 16-18 (inclusive) and 20 of Schedule 4.
4. | Grant of Options |
An Option granted under the CSOP Sub-Plan shall be granted under and subject to the rules of the Plan as modified by this CSOP Sub-Plan.
5. | Identification of Options |
An Option Agreement issued in respect of an Option shall expressly state that it is issued in respect of an Option. An option which is not so identified shall not constitute an Option.
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6. | Contents of Option Agreement |
An Option Agreement issued in respect of an Option shall specify:
(a) | the Date of Grant of the Option; |
(b) | the number of Shares subject to the Option; |
(c) | the Restrictions to which the Shares under Option are subject (if any); |
(d) | the Exercise Price; |
(e) | the vesting schedule or performance criteria imposed on the exercise of the Option (if any); |
(f) | the date(s) on which the Option will ordinarily become exercisable; |
(g) | the date(s) on which the Option will lapse; and |
(h) | a statement that: |
(i) | the Option is subject to these rules, Schedule 4 and any other legislation applying to Schedule 4 CSOPs; and |
(ii) | the provisions listed in rule 6(h)(i) shall prevail over any conflicting statement relating to the Option’s terms. |
7. | Earliest date for grant of Options |
An Option may not be granted earlier than the Adoption Date.
8. | Persons to whom Options may be granted |
An Option may not be granted to an individual who is not an Eligible Employee at the Date of Grant.
If an Eligible Employee’s status changes to that of a Director or other Service Provider who is not an Employee, this shall be regarded as a termination of employment for the purposes of the CSOP Sub-Plan.
Sections 1, 2 and 5(a) of the Plan shall be construed accordingly.
9. | Options non transferable |
An Option shall be personal to the Eligible Employee to whom it is granted and, subject to rule 19 hereof, shall not be capable of being transferred, charged or otherwise alienated and shall lapse immediately if the Participant purports to transfer, charge or otherwise alienate the Option.
The Plan shall be construed accordingly.
10. | Limit on number of Shares placed under Option under CSOP Sub-Plan |
For the avoidance of doubt, Shares placed under Option under the CSOP Sub-Plan shall be taken into account for the purposes of Section 4 of the Plan.
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11. | HMRC limit (£30,000) |
11.1. | An Option may not be granted to an Eligible Employee if the result of granting the Option would be that the aggregate Market Value of the Shares subject to all outstanding options granted to him under the CSOP Sub-Plan or any other Schedule 4 CSOP would exceed sterling £30,000 or such other limit as may from time to time be specified in paragraph 6 of Schedule 4. For this purpose, the United Kingdom sterling equivalent of the Market Value of a share on any day shall be determined by taking the sterling/dollar exchange rate for that day as shown in the Wall Street Journal. |
11.2. | If the grant of an Option would otherwise cause the limit in rule 11.1 above to be exceeded, it shall take effect as the grant of an Option under the CSOP Sub-Plan over the highest number of Shares which does not cause the limit to be exceeded. |
11.3. | If the grant of any share option intended to be an Option (referred to in this rule 11.3 as the “Excess Option”) would cause the total Market Value of Shares subject to: |
(a) | the Excess Option; and |
(b) | all Relevant CSOP Options held by the relevant Eligible Employee; and |
(c) | all Existing EMI Options held by the relevant Eligible Employee, |
to exceed £250,000 (or any other amount specified in section 536(1)(e) of ITEPA 2003 at the relevant time), the whole of that Excess Option shall take effect as a share option granted outside the CSOP Sub-Plan (but under the Plan and subject to the same terms and conditions as if it were an Option) and without the tax advantages available for Options.
12. | Exercise of Options. |
12.1. | Notwithstanding Section 5(b) of the Plan, the amount payable per Share on the exercise of an Option shall not be less than the Market Value (as defined in the CSOP Sub-Plan) of a Share on the Date of Grant and shall be stated on the Date of Grant. |
12.2. | Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued only in the name of the Participant or, following his death, his personal representative. |
12.3. | A Participant may not exercise an Option at any time when the Participant: |
(a) | has a Material Interest (any interests of the Participant’s Associates being treated as belonging to the Participant for this purpose); or |
(b) | had a Material Interest in the 12 months before that time (any interests of the Participant’s Associates being treated as having belonged to the Participant for this purpose). |
13. | Performance criteria imposed on exercise of Option |
13.1. | Any performance criteria imposed on the exercise of an Option shall be: |
(a) | objective; |
(b) | such that, once satisfied, the exercise of the Option is not subject to the discretion of any person; and |
(c) | stated on the Date of Grant. |
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13.2. | If an event occurs as a result of which the Administrator considers that any performance criteria imposed on the exercise of an Option is no longer appropriate and amends or modifies the performance criteria, such amendment or modification shall: |
(a) | be fair and reasonable in the circumstances; and |
(b) | produce a measure of performance that is no more difficult to satisfy than the original. |
14. | Exercise of Options by Leavers |
14.1. | The period during which an Option shall remain exercisable following termination of employment, shall be stated at grant in the Option Agreement, which period may not thereafter be altered. |
14.2. | A Participant who ceases to be an Employee due to: |
(a) | injury; |
(b) | ill health; |
(c) | disability; |
(d) | retirement; |
(e) | Redundancy; |
(f) | the Participant’s employer ceasing to be a Group Company; or |
(g) | a relevant transfer within the meaning of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, |
will be a “Good Leaver” and may exercise their Option as provided in the Option Agreement during the period of six months following the date the Participant ceases to be an Employee and the Option shall lapse at the end of such exercise period to the extent it is not exercised.
15. | Latest date for exercise of Options |
The period during which an Option shall remain exercisable shall be stated in the Option Agreement and any Option not exercised by that time shall lapse immediately.
16. | Tax Liabilities |
16.1. | Each Option shall include a requirement that the Participant irrevocably agrees to: |
(a) | pay to the Company, his employer or former employer (as appropriate) the amount of Tax Liability; or |
(b) | enter into arrangements to the satisfaction of the Company, his employer or former employer (as appropriate) for payment of any Tax Liability. |
16.2. | If a Participant does not fulfil his obligations under rule 16.1 in respect of any Tax Liability arising from the exercise of an Option within seven days after the date of exercise and Shares are readily saleable at that time, the Company shall withhold Sufficient Shares from the Shares which would otherwise be delivered to the Participant. From the net proceeds of sale of those withheld Shares, the Company shall pay to the employer or former employer an amount equal to the Tax Liability and shall pay any balance to the Participant. |
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16.3. | Section 9(e) of the Plan shall be construed accordingly. |
16.4. | Participants shall have no rights to compensation or damages on account of any loss in respect of Options or the CSOP Sub-Plan where such loss arises (or is claimed to arise), in whole or in part, from the CSOP Sub-Plan ceasing to be, or not qualifying as, a Schedule 4 CSOP. |
17. | Manner of payment for Shares on exercise of Options |
The amount due on the exercise of an Option shall be paid:
(a) | in cash or by cheque or banker’s draft and may be paid out of funds provided to the Participant on loan by a bank, broker or other person; or |
(b) | if there is a public market for Shares at the time of exercise, unless the Company otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Company) of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price, or (B) the Participant’s delivery to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price; provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Administrator. |
For the avoidance of doubt, the amount may not be paid by the transfer to the Company of Shares or by a “net exercise”.
Section 5(e) of the Plan shall be construed accordingly.
18. | Issue or transfer of Shares on exercise of Options |
Subject only to compliance by the Participant with the rules of the CSOP Sub-Plan and to any delay necessary to complete or obtain:
(a) | the listing of the Shares on any stock exchange on which Shares are then listed; |
(b) | such registration or other qualification of the Shares under any applicable law, rule or regulation as the Company determines is necessary or desirable; |
the Company shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of exercise of an Option, issue or transfer to the Participant, or procure the issue or transfer to the Participant of, the number of Shares specified in the notice of exercise and shall deliver to the Participant, or procure the delivery to the Participant of, a share certificate in respect of such Shares (unless the Shares are held in uncertificated book entry form) together with, in the case of the partial exercise of an Option, an Option Agreement in respect of, or the original Option Agreement endorsed to show, the unexercised part of the Option.
19. | Death of Participant |
If a Participant dies, his personal representatives shall be entitled to exercise his Options for the twelve-month period following his death. If not so exercised, the Options shall lapse immediately.
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20. | Change in Control |
20.1. | Exchange of Options |
If a person (the “Acquiring Company”)
(a) | a person (the “Controller”) obtains Control of the Company as a result of: |
(i) | making a general offer to acquire the whole of the issued share capital of the Company (except for any capital already held by the Controller or any person connected with the Controller) that is made on a condition such that, if it is satisfied, the person making the offer will have Control of the Company; or |
(ii) | making a general offer to acquire all the shares in the Company (except for any shares already held by the Controller or any person connected with the Controller) that are of the same class as the Shares; or |
(b) | a court sanctions a compromise or arrangement under section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 that is applicable to or affects: |
(i) | all the ordinary share capital of the Company or all the Shares of the same class as the Shares to which the Option relates; or |
(ii) | all the Shares, or all the Shares of that same class, which are held by a class of shareholders identified otherwise than by reference to their employment or directorships or their participation in a Schedule 4 CSOP; or |
(c) | shareholders become bound by a non-UK reorganisation (as defined by paragraph 35ZA of Schedule 4) that is applicable to or affects: |
(i) | all the ordinary share capital of the Company or all the Shares of the same class as the Shares to which the Option relates; or |
(ii) | all the Shares, or all the Shares of that same class, which are held by a class of shareholders identified otherwise than by reference to their employment or directorships or their participation in a Schedule 4 CSOP; or |
(d) | a person becomes bound or entitled to acquire Shares under sections 979 to 985 of the Companies Act 2006, |
a Participant may, at any time during the period set out in rule 20.2 hereof by agreement with the Acquiring Company, release his Option in whole or in part in consideration of the grant to him of a new option (“New Option”) which is equivalent to the Option but which relates to shares in the Acquiring Company (or some other company falling within paragraph 27(2)(b) of Schedule 4) (“New Shares”).
20.2. | Period allowed for exchange of Options |
The period referred to in rule 20.1 is the applicable period defined in paragraph 26(3) of Schedule 4.
9
20.3. | Meaning of “equivalent” |
The New Option shall not be regarded for the purpose of this rule 20 as equivalent to the Option unless:
(a) | the New Shares satisfy the conditions specified in paragraphs 16 to 18 and 20 inclusive of Schedule 4; and |
(b) | save for any performance criteria imposed on the exercise of the Option, the New Option will be exercisable in the same manner as the Option and subject to the provisions of the CSOP Sub-Plan as it had effect immediately before the release of the Option; and |
(c) | the total Market Value, immediately before the release of the Option, of the Shares which were subject to the Option is equal to the total Market Value, immediately after the grant of the New Option, of the New Shares determined using a methodology agreed by HMRC; and |
(d) | the total amount payable by the Participant for the acquisition of the New Shares under the New Option is equal to the total amount that would have been payable by the Participant for the acquisition of the Shares under the Option. |
20.4. | Date of grant of New Option |
The date of grant of the New Option shall be deemed to be the same as the Date of Grant of the Option.
20.5. | Application of CSOP Sub-Plan to New Option |
In the application of the CSOP Sub-Plan to the New Option, where appropriate, references to “Company” and “Shares” shall be read as if they were references to the company to whose shares the New Option relates and the New Shares, respectively.
20.6. | Interaction with Section 8(b) of the Plan |
(a) | Reference in Section 8(b) of the Plan to cancellation, assumption or substitution, adjustment to the kind of shares, replacement or termination of Options, shall be disapplied for the purposes of the CSOP Sub-Plan. |
(b) | In the event that a “Corporate Event” does not fall within rule 20.1 above, or where it does, but an Acquiring Company does not agree to grant a New Option, or if a New Option would not be regarded as ‘equivalent’ in accordance with rule 20.3 above, the Administrator shall give written notice to the Participants and all Options shall be exercisable to the extent vested (or in full if the Administrator so determines) up to 20 days before a Corporate Event save that any Option exercised in anticipation of a transaction that does not take place will be treated as not having been exercised. |
21. | Rights attaching to Shares issued on exercise of Options |
All Shares issued on the exercise of an Option shall, as to any voting, dividend, transfer and other rights, including those arising on a liquidation of the Company, rank equally in all respects and as one class with the Shares in issue at the date of such exercise save as regards any rights attaching to such Shares by reference to a record date prior to the date of such exercise.
22. | Amendment of CSOP Sub-Plan |
Notwithstanding Sections 2(a) and 10(d) of the Plan, no amendment to a Key Feature of the CSOP Sub-Plan shall take effect if, as a result of the amendment, the CSOP Sub-Plan would no longer be a Schedule 4 CSOP.
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23. | Adjustment of Options |
23.1. | Notwithstanding Sections 2(a), 8(a) and 8(b) of the Plan, no adjustment may be made to an Option (i) other than in accordance with paragraph 22 of Schedule 4 and (ii) in the event of a demerger or payment of a capital dividend or similar event. |
23.2. | Where an adjustment to an Option is made, the total Market Value of the Shares subject to the Option and the total amount payable on the exercise of the Option before and after the adjustment must be the same. |
24. | Exercise of discretion by the Administrator |
In exercising any discretion which it may have under the CSOP Sub-Plan, the Administrator shall act fairly and reasonably and in good faith.
25. | No Employment or Other Service Rights. |
The following additional wording shall be included at the end of Section 10(a) of the Plan:
“A Participant waives all and any rights to compensation or damages under the Plan in consequence of the termination of his office or employment with the Company or an Affiliate for any reason (including, without limitation, any breach of contract by his employer).”
26. | Disapplication of certain provisions of Plan |
The provisions of the Plan dealing with:
(a) | Share Appreciation Rights (contained in Section 4(h)); |
(b) | Non-Exempt U.S. Employee (contained in Section 5(f)); |
(c) | Restricted Shares; Restricted Share Units (contained in Section 6) |
(d) | Other Share Based Awards (contained in Section 7); |
(e) | ISOs; |
(f) | The ability to adjust the kind of securities under Award and make cash payments (set out in Sections 8(a) and 8(b)); |
(g) | Termination of Status (Section 9(e)); |
(h) | The powers to amend and reprice (Section 9(g)); |
(i) | Section 409A (Section 10(f)); |
(j) | Change in Time Commitment (Section 10(t)); and |
(k) | The Non-Employee Sub-Plan, |
shall not form part of, and shall be disregarded for the purposes of the CSOP Sub-Plan.
11
APPENDIX
3
CSOP OPTION GRANT NOTICE
EXSCIENTIA
PLC
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN: CSOP SUB-PLAN
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan: CSOP Sub-Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of Exscientia Plc (the “Company”).
The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the option described in this Grant Notice (the “Option”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.
Participant: | |
Grant Date: | |
Exercise Price per Share: | |
Shares Subject to the Option: | |
Restrictions to which the Shares are subject (if any): | See appendix |
Final Expiration Date: | The day before the 10th anniversary of the Grant Date |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Vesting Schedule: |
Please note that the tax treatment of a CSOP Option may change if the CSOP Option is exercised prior to the third anniversary of the Grant Date. |
Type of Option | CSOP Option subject to the provisions of the CSOP Sub-Plan, to Schedule 4 to the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003, and any other legislation applying to Schedule 4 CSOPs. This statement shall take precedent over any conflicting statement about the terms of the Option. |
By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the Option from time to time (the “Policies”) [including but not limited to the [Company’s claw-back policy / share retention policy / remuneration policy]]3. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.
3 Delete as applicable
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This document has been executed as a Deed and is delivered on
Executed as a DEED by EXSCIENTIA PLC (acting by [two directors]) | ||
Name: | ||
Name: | ||
Executed as a Deed by PARTICIPANT in the presence of : | ||
Name: |
Witness Signature |
||
Witness Name |
||
Witness Address |
||
Witness Occupation |
13
Exhibit A
CSOP OPTION AGREEMENT
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.
2. | GENERAL |
2.1. | Grant of Option |
The Company has granted to Participant the Option effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”).
2.2. | Incorporation of Terms of Plan |
The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.
3. | PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY |
3.1. | Commencement of Exercisability |
The Option will vest and become exercisable according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice (the “Vesting Schedule”) except that any fraction of a Share as to which the Option would be vested or exercisable will be accumulated and will vest and become exercisable only when a whole Share has accumulated. Notwithstanding anything in the Grant Notice, the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, unless the Administrator determines that an unvested Option shall be treated as vested in whole or in part, then the Option will immediately expire and be forfeited as to any portion that is not vested and exercisable as of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason.
3.2. | Duration of Exercisability |
The Vesting Schedule is cumulative. Any portion of the Option which vests and becomes exercisable will remain vested and exercisable until the Option expires. The Option will be forfeited immediately upon its expiration.
3.3. | Expiration of Option |
The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after, and will expire on, the first of the following to occur:
(a) | The final expiration date in the Grant Notice; |
(b) | Subject to (d) below, and except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of three (3) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service, unless Participant’s Termination of Service is for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or as a Good Leaver; |
(c) | Subject to (d) below, the expiration of six (6) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service as a Good Leaver; |
(d) | The expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of Participant’s death, and for the avoidance of doubt, this provision shall override any prior expiry under (b) or (c) above if Participant’s death occurs before the expiry of the Option under (b) or (c) above as applicable; and |
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(e) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause, |
4. | EXERCISE OF OPTION |
4.1. | Person Eligible to Exercise |
During Participant’s lifetime, only Participant may exercise the Option. After Participant’s death, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time the Option expires, be exercised by Participant’s personal representative.
4.2. | Partial Exercise Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised, in whole or in part, according to the procedures in the Plan at any time prior to the time the Option or portion thereof expires, except that the Option may only be exercised for whole Shares. |
4.3. | Tax Withholding |
(a) | If Participant does not fulfil his obligations under the Plan in respect of any Tax Liability arising from the exercise of an Option within seven days after the date of exercise and Shares are readily saleable at that time, the Company shall withhold Sufficient Shares from the Shares which would otherwise be delivered to Participant. From the net proceeds of sale of those withheld Shares, the Company shall pay to Participant’s employer or former employer an amount equal to the Tax Liability and shall pay any balance to the Participant. |
(a) | Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the Option, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability. |
(b) | Depending on the circumstances, on exercise of the Option Participant may have an income tax liability under PAYE and may be required to pay National Insurance Contributions (“NICs”). If so, then: |
(i) | the Company or the company which employs Participant may require Participant to pay amounts in respect of PAYE and primary (employee) [and secondary (employer)] NICs liability in cash arising from exercise of the Option; and |
(ii) | in some circumstances the Company may withhold the number of Shares required to meet the liabilities in respect of PAYE and primary (employee) [and secondary (employer)] class 1 NICs. |
(c) | Participant’s Option may only be exercised if Participant confirms (in writing) Participant’s agreement to the requirements of the CSOP Sub-Plan relating to PAYE and NICs (rule 16). This may be done at the time of exercise. |
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4.4. | Lock-up (Restriction) |
By accepting the Option, Participant agrees that Participant will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any Shares or other securities of the Company held by Participant, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. Participant further agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to Participant’s Shares (or other securities of the Company) until the end of such period. Participant also agrees that any transferee of any Shares (or other securities of the Company) held by Participant will be bound by this Section. The underwriters of the Company’s Shares are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
5. | OTHER PROVISIONS |
5.1. | Option Not a Service Contract. |
By accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) | the Option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Option will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Option will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company; |
(b) | the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan; |
(c) | the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past; |
(d) | Participant’s options and any Shares acquired under the Plan on exercise of Participant’s options, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; |
16
(e) | the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty; |
(f) | neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other currency in which the Exercise Price may be denominated) that may affect the value of Participant’s options or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares received; |
(g) | for the purposes of the Option, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, (i) Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, and (ii) the period (if any) during which Participant may exercise the Option after such termination as a Service Provider will terminate as of such date and in each instance will not be extended by any notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any; and the Board shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Option (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence); and |
(h) | no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of this Option resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of his or herz employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of this Option to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company or any Group Company, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and release the Company and any Group Company from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim. |
5.2. | No Advice Regarding Grant; No Liability for Taxes |
The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
17
5.3. | Adjustments |
Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan (with the specific provisions set out in the CSOP Sub-Plan).
5.4. | Notices |
Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant (or, if Participant is then deceased, to the person entitled to exercise the Option) at Participant’s last known mailing address, email address or facsimile number in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given when actually received, when sent by email, when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the Royal Mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.
5.5. | Titles |
Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
5.6. | Conformity to Applicable Laws |
Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws.
5.7. | Successors and Assigns |
The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
5.8. | Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Option will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
5.9. | Entire Agreement The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to Participant and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and Participant in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Option. |
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5.10. | Agreement Severable |
In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.
5.11. | Limitation on Participant’s Rights |
Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the Option, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.
5.12. | Counterparts |
The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.
5.13. | CSOP OptionsThis CSOP Option is subject to the provisions of the CSOP Sub-Plan and to Schedule 4 to the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003. This statement shall take precedent over any conflicting statement about the terms of the Option. |
5.14. | Choice of Law |
The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales disregarding any jurisdiction’s choice-of-law principles requiring the application of a jurisdiction’s laws other than that of England and Wales and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute.
5.15. | Other Documents |
Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the prospectus document containing the Plan information specified in Section 10(a) of the Securities Act. In addition, Participant acknowledges receipt of the Company’s Insider Trading and Window Period Policy.
5.16. | Corporate Events. |
The Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Event involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a shareholder representative that is authorized to act on Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
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Appendix
CSOP Options
Summary of Restrictions
The Shares are subject to the following restrictions:
1 |
APPENDIX
4
OPTION GRANT NOTICE (US / UK)
EXSCIENTIA
PLC
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN [:NON-EMPLOYEE SUB-PLAN]5
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan [:Non-Employee Sub-Plan]6 (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of Exscientia Plc (the “Company”).
The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the option described in this Grant Notice (the “Option”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.
Participant: | |
Grant Date: | |
Exercise Price per Share: | |
Shares Subject to the Option: | |
Final Expiration Date: | The day before the [10th] anniversary of the Grant Date |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Vesting Schedule7: | [1/4 of the total number of Shares under Option shall vest and become exercisable on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/12th of the remaining number of Shares under Option shall vest and become exercisable on each Quarter Date thereafter, subject to Participant remaining continuously a Service Provider as of each such date]. |
Type of Option8 | [ISO]9[Non-Qualified Option10] |
By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the Option from time to time (the “Policies”) [including but not limited to the [Company’s claw-back policy / share retention policy / remuneration policy]]11. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.
5 Note to draft: For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
6 Note to draft: For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
7 Note to draft: Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.
8 If this is an ISO, it (plus other outstanding ISOs) cannot be first exercisable for more than $100,000 in value (measured by exercise price) in any calendar year. Any excess over $100,000 is a Non-Qualified Option.
9 Note to draft: Available only for US taxpayer employees.
10 Note to draft: For all other Service Providers.
11 Note to draft: Delete as applicable
1 |
By accepting this Option, Participant consents to receive this Grant Notice, the Agreement, the Plan, the Policies and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the US federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other Applicable Law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
EXSCIENTIA PLC | PARTICIPANT | ||
By: | |||
Name | [Participant Name] | ||
Title: |
2 |
Exhibit A
OPTION AGREEMENT
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.
1. | GENERAL |
1.1. | Grant of Option |
The Company has granted to Participant the Option effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”).
1.2. | Incorporation of Terms of Plan |
The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.
2. | PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY |
2.1. | Commencement of Exercisability |
The Option will vest and become exercisable according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice (the “Vesting Schedule”) except that any fraction of a Share as to which the Option would be vested or exercisable will be accumulated and will vest and become exercisable only when a whole Share has accumulated. Notwithstanding anything in the Grant Notice, the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company, the Option will immediately expire and be forfeited as to any portion that is not vested and exercisable as of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason.
2.2. | Duration of Exercisability |
The Vesting Schedule is cumulative. Any portion of the Option which vests and becomes exercisable will remain vested and exercisable until the Option expires. The Option will be forfeited immediately upon its expiration.
2.3. | Expiration of Option |
The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after, and will expire on, the first of the following to occur:
(a) | The final expiration date in the Grant Notice; |
(b) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of three (3) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service, unless Participant’s Termination of Service is for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or Disability; |
(c) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of one (1) year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s Disability; |
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(d) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of eighteen (18) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death; |
(e) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause; |
(f) | Immediately upon a Corporate Event if the Administrator has determined that the Option will terminate in connection with a Corporate Event; |
(g) | The day before the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Participant dies during the period provided in Section 2.3(b) or 2.3(c) above, the term of the Option shall not expire until the earlier of (i) eighteen (18) months after Participant’s death, (ii) upon any termination of the Option in connection with a Corporate Event, (iii) the Final Expiration Date indicated in the Grant Notice, or (iv) the day before the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. Additionally, the post-termination exercise period of the Option may be extended as provided in the Plan.
3. | EXERCISE OF OPTION |
3.1. | Person Eligible to Exercise |
During Participant’s lifetime, only Participant may exercise the Option. After Participant’s death, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time the Option expires, be exercised by Participant’s Designated Beneficiary as provided in the Plan.
3.2. | Partial Exercise |
Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised, in whole or in part, according to the procedures in the Plan at any time prior to the time the Option or portion thereof expires, except that the Option may only be exercised for whole Shares.
3.3. | Tax Withholding. |
(a) | The Company has the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat Participant’s failure to provide timely payment in accordance with the Plan of any tax and/or social security withholding obligations arising in connection with the Option as Participant’s election to satisfy all or any portion of the withholding tax by requesting the Company retain Shares otherwise issuable under the Option. |
(b) | Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the Option, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability. |
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3.4. | Lock-up. |
By accepting the Option, Participant agrees that Participant will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any Shares or other securities of the Company held by Participant, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. Participant further agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to Participant’s Shares (or other securities of the Company) until the end of such period. Participant also agrees that any transferee of any Shares (or other securities of the Company) held by Participant will be bound by this Section. The underwriters of the Company’s Shares are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
4. | OTHER PROVISIONS |
4.1. | Option Not a Service Contract. |
By accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) | the Option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Option will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Option will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company; |
(b) | the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan; |
(c) | the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past; |
(d) | Participant’s options and any Shares acquired under the Plan on exercise of Participant’s options, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; |
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(e) | the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty; |
(f) | neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other currency in which the Exercise Price may be denominated) that may affect the value of Participant’s options or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares received; |
(g) | for the purposes of the Option, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, (i) Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, and (ii) the period (if any) during which Participant may exercise the Option after such termination as a Service Provider will terminate as of such date and in each instance will not be extended by any notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any; and the Board shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Option (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence); and |
(h) | no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of this Option resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of his or her employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of this Option to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company or any Group Company, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and release the Company and any Group Company from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim. |
4.2. | No Advice Regarding Grant; No Liability for Taxes |
The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
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As a condition to accepting the Option, Participant hereby (a) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, Group, or any of its officers, Directors, Employees related to tax or social security liabilities arising from the Option or other Company or Group compensation and (b) acknowledges that Participant was advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding the tax and social security consequences of the Option and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, if Participant is subject to tax in the United States, Participant acknowledges that the Option is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise price per share is at least equal to the “fair market value” of a Share on the date of grant as determined by the US Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Option. Additionally, as a condition to accepting the Option, Participant agrees not make any claim against the Company, Group, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees in the event that the US Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise price per share is less than the “fair market value” of a Share on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the US Internal Revenue Service.
4.3. | Adjustments |
Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.
4.4. | Notices |
Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant (or, if Participant is then deceased, to the person entitled to exercise the Option) at Participant’s last known mailing address or email address in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given: (i) if sent by email, when actually received; and (ii) if sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in the applicable national mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.
4.5. | Titles |
Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
4.6. | Conformity to Applicable Laws |
Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws, and this Option may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights hereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.
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4.7. | Successors and Assigns |
The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. |
4.8. | Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Option will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule. |
4.9. | Entire Agreement |
The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to Participant and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and Participant in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Option. |
4.10. | Agreement Severable |
In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement. |
4.11. | Limitation on Participant’s Rights |
Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the Option, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof. |
4.12. | Counterparts |
The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument. |
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4.13. | ISO |
If the Option is designated as an ISO: |
(a) | Participant acknowledges that to the extent the aggregate fair market value of shares (determined as of the time the option with respect to the shares is granted) with respect to which options intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, including the Option, are exercisable for the first time by Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000 or if for any other reason such options do not qualify or cease to qualify for treatment as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code, such options (including the Option) will be treated as non-qualified options. Participant further acknowledges that the rule set forth in the preceding sentence will be applied by taking the Option and other options into account in the order in which they were granted, as determined under Section 422(d) of the Code. |
(b) | Participant also acknowledges that if the Option is exercised more than three (3) months after Participant’s Termination of Service, other than by reason of death or Disability, the Option will be taxed as a Non-Qualified Option. If the Company provides for the extended exercisability of the Option under certain circumstances for Participant’s benefit, the Option will not necessarily be treated as an ISO if Participant exercise the Option more than three (3) months after the date of Participant’s Termination of Service. |
(c) | Participant will notify the Company in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition or other transfer of any Shares acquired under this Agreement if such disposition or other transfer is made (a) within two (2) years from the Grant Date or (b) within one (1) year after the transfer of such Shares to Participant. Such notice will specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by Participant in such disposition or other transfer. |
4.14. | Choice of Law |
The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales disregarding any jurisdiction’s choice-of-law principles requiring the application of a jurisdiction’s laws other than that of England and Wales and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute. |
4.15. | Other Documents |
Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the prospectus document containing the Plan information specified in Section 10(a) of the Securities Act. In addition, Participant acknowledges receipt of the Company’s Insider Trading and Window Period Policy. |
4.16. | Corporate Events. |
The Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Event involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a shareholder representative that is authorized to act on Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration. |
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4.17 | Non-Exempt U.S. Employees. |
The Option, whether or not vested, if granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, will not be first exercisable for any Shares until at least six months following the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. Worker Economic Opportunity Act, any vested portion of the Option may be exercised earlier than six months following the Grant Date in the event of (i) the Participant’s death or Disability, (ii) a Corporate Event in which the Option is not assumed, continued or substituted, (iii) a Change in Control, or (iv) the Participant’s retirement (as such term may be defined in the Agreement or another applicable agreement or, in the absence of any such definition, in accordance with the Company’s then current employment policies and guidelines). This Section 4.17 is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of the Option will be exempt from Participant’s regular rate of pay. |
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APPENDIX
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OPTION GRANT NOTICE (INTERNATIONAL)
EXSCIENTIA
PLC
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN [:NON-EMPLOYEE SUB-PLAN]12
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan [:Non-Employee Sub-Plan]13 (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of Exscientia Plc (the “Company”).
The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the option described in this Grant Notice (the “Option”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement attached as Exhibit A (including any special terms and conditions for the Participant’s country set forth in the attached appendix (the “Appendix” and together, the “Agreement”)), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.
Participant: | |
Grant Date: | |
Exercise Price per Share: | |
Shares Subject to the Option: | |
Final Expiration Date: | The day before the [10th] anniversary of the Grant Date |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Vesting Schedule14: | [1/4 of the total number of Shares under Option shall vest and become exercisable on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/12th of the remaining number of Shares under Option shall vest and become exercisable on each Quarter Date thereafter, subject to Participant remaining continuously a Service Provider as of each such date]. |
Type of Option | Non-Qualified Option |
By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the Option from time to time (the “Policies”) [including but not limited to the [Company’s claw-back policy / share retention policy / remuneration policy]]15. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.
12 Note to draft: For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
13 Note to draft: For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
14 Note to draft: Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.
15 Note to draft: Delete as applicable
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By accepting this Option, Participant consents to receive this Grant Notice, the Agreement, the Plan, the Policies and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the US federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other Applicable Law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
EXSCIENTIA PLC | PARTICIPANT | ||
By: | |||
Name | [Participant Name] | ||
Title: |
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Exhibit A
OPTION AGREEMENT
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement (the definition of which includes any special terms and conditions for the Participant’s country set forth in the Appendix) have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.
1. | GENERAL |
1.1. | Grant of Option |
The Company has granted to Participant the Option effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”).
1.2. | Incorporation of Terms of Plan |
The Option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.
2. | PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY |
2.1. | Commencement of Exercisability |
The Option will vest and become exercisable according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice (the “Vesting Schedule”) except that any fraction of a Share as to which the Option would be vested or exercisable will be accumulated and will vest and become exercisable only when a whole Share has accumulated. Notwithstanding anything in the Grant Notice, the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company, the Option will immediately expire and be forfeited as to any portion that is not vested and exercisable as of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason.
2.2. | Duration of Exercisability |
The Vesting Schedule is cumulative. Any portion of the Option which vests and becomes exercisable will remain vested and exercisable until the Option expires. The Option will be forfeited immediately upon its expiration.
2.3. | Expiration of Option |
The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after, and will expire on, the first of the following to occur:
(a) | The final expiration date in the Grant Notice; |
(b) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of three (3) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service, unless Participant’s Termination of Service is for Cause or by reason of Participant’s death or Disability; |
(c) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of one (1) year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s Disability; |
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(d) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, the expiration of eighteen (18) months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death; |
(e) | Except as the Administrator may otherwise approve, Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause; |
(f) | Immediately upon a Corporate Event if the Administrator has determined that the Option will terminate in connection with a Corporate Event; |
(g) | The day before the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Participant dies during the period provided in Section 2.3(b) or 2.3(c) above, the term of the Option shall not expire until the earlier of (i) eighteen (18) months after Participant’s death, (ii) upon any termination of the Option in connection with a Corporate Event, (iii) the Final Expiration Date indicated in the Grant Notice, or (iv) the day before the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. Additionally, the post-termination exercise period of the Option may be extended as provided in the Plan.
3. | EXERCISE OF OPTION |
3.1. | Person Eligible to Exercise |
During Participant’s lifetime, only Participant may exercise the Option. After Participant’s death, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time the Option expires, be exercised by Participant’s Designated Beneficiary as provided in the Plan.
3.2. | Partial Exercise |
Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised, in whole or in part, according to the procedures in the Plan at any time prior to the time the Option or portion thereof expires, except that the Option may only be exercised for whole Shares.
3.3. | Tax Withholding. |
(a) | The Company has the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat Participant’s failure to provide timely payment in accordance with the Plan of any tax and/or social security withholding obligations arising in connection with the Option as Participant’s election to satisfy all or any portion of the withholding tax by requesting the Company retain Shares otherwise issuable under the Option. |
(b) | Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the Option, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the Option. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability. |
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3.4. | Lock-up. |
By accepting the Option, Participant agrees that Participant will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any Shares or other securities of the Company held by Participant, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. Participant further agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to Participant’s Shares (or other securities of the Company) until the end of such period. Participant also agrees that any transferee of any Shares (or other securities of the Company) held by Participant will be bound by this Section. The underwriters of the Company’s Shares are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
4. | OTHER PROVISIONS |
4.1. | Option Not a Service Contract. |
By accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) | the Option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Option will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Option will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company; |
(b) | the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan; |
(c) | the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past; |
(d) | Participant’s options and any Shares acquired under the Plan on exercise of Participant’s options, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; |
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(e) | the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty; |
(f) | neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other currency in which the Exercise Price may be denominated) that may affect the value of Participant’s options or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares received; |
(g) | for the purposes of the Option, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, (i) Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, and (ii) the period (if any) during which Participant may exercise the Option after such termination as a Service Provider will terminate as of such date and in each instance will not be extended by any notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any; and the Board shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Option (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence); and |
(h) | no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of this Option resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of his or her employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of this Option to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company or any Group Company, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and release the Company and any Group Company from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim. |
4.2. | No Advice Regarding Grant; No Liability for Taxes |
The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
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As a condition to accepting the Option, Participant hereby (a) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, Group, or any of its officers, Directors, Employees related to tax or social security liabilities arising from the Option or other Company or Group compensation and (b) acknowledges that Participant was advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding the tax and social security consequences of the Option and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, if Participant is subject to tax in the United States, Participant acknowledges that the Option is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise price per share is at least equal to the “fair market value” of a Share on the date of grant as determined by the US Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Option. Additionally, as a condition to accepting the Option, Participant agrees not make any claim against the Company, Group, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees in the event that the US Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise price per share is less than the “fair market value” of a Share on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the US Internal Revenue Service.
4.3. | Adjustments |
Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.
4.4. | Language |
Participant acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in the English language, or has consulted with an advisor who is sufficiently proficient in English, so as to allow him or her to understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If Participant has received this Agreement, or any other document related to the Option and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
4.5. | Foreign Assets/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting |
Participant may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash (including dividends and the proceeds arising from the sale of Shares) derived from Participant’s participation in the Plan in, to and/or from a brokerage/bank account or legal entity located outside Participant’s country. The applicable laws in Participant’s country may require that he or she report such accounts, assets and balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in such country. Participant may also be required to repatriate sale proceeds or other funds received as a result of his or her participation in the Plan to his or her country through a designated bank or broker within a certain time after receipt. Participant acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to be compliant with such regulations and he or she is encouraged to consult with his or her personal legal advisor for any details.
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4.6. | Appendix |
Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the Option shall be subject to the special terms and conditions for Participant’s country set forth in the Appendix attached to this Agreement. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included therein, the terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Agreement.
4.7. | Notices |
Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant (or, if Participant is then deceased, to the person entitled to exercise the Option) at Participant’s last known mailing address or email address in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given: (i) if sent by email, when actually received; and (ii) if sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in the applicable national mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.
4.8. | Titles |
Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
4.9. | Conformity to Applicable Laws |
Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws, and this Option may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights hereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.
4.10. | Successors and Assigns |
The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
4.11. | Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Option will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
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4.12. | Entire Agreement |
The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to Participant and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and Participant in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Option.
4.13. | Agreement Severable |
In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.
4.14. | Limitation on Participant’s Rights |
Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the Option, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.
4.15. | Counterparts |
The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.
4.16. | Choice of Law |
The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales disregarding any jurisdiction’s choice-of-law principles requiring the application of a jurisdiction’s laws other than that of England and Wales and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute.
4.17. | Other Documents |
Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the prospectus document containing the Plan information specified in Section 10(a) of the Securities Act. In addition, Participant acknowledges receipt of the Company’s Insider Trading and Window Period Policy.
4.18. | Corporate Events. |
The Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Event involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a shareholder representative that is authorized to act on Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
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APPENDIX TO OPTION AGREEMENT
This Appendix includes special terms and conditions that govern the Option granted to Participant under the Plan if Participant resides and/or works in one of the countries listed below.
The information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to his or her situation. If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which he or she is currently working and/or residing, transfers employment and/or residency to another country after the Grant Date, is a Consultant, changes employment status to a consultant position, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the Company shall, in its discretion, determine the extent to which the special terms and conditions contained herein shall be applicable to Participant. References to an employer (if any) shall include any entity that engages Participant’s services.
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APPENDIX 6
RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT GRANT NOTICE (US / UK)
EXSCIENTIA
PLC
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN [:NON-EMPLOYEE SUB-PLAN]17
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Restricted Share Unit Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan [: Non-Employee Sub-Plan]18 (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of Exscientia Plc (the “Company”).
The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the Restricted Share Units (the “RSUs”) described in this Grant Notice (the “Award”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Restricted Share Unit Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.
Participant: | |
Grant Date: | |
Number of RSUs: | |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Vesting Schedule19: | 1/4 of the RSUs shall vest on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/12th of the remaining RSUs shall vest on each Quarter Date thereafter, subject to Participant remaining continuously a Service Provider as of each such date.] |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Vesting Schedule20: | [TBD] . |
By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the Option from time to time (the “Policies”) [including but not limited to the [Company’s claw-back policy / share retention policy / remuneration policy]]21. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.
17 Note to draft: For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
18 For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
19 Note to draft: Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.
20 Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.
21 Note to draft: Delete as applicable
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By accepting this Award, Participant consents to receive this Grant Notice, the Agreement, the Plan, the Policies and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the US federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other Applicable Law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
EXSCIENTIA PLC | PARTICIPANT | ||
By: | |||
Name: | [Participant Name] | ||
Title: |
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Exhibit A
RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.
1. | GENERAL |
1.1 | Award of RSUs. |
The Company has granted the RSUs to Participant effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one Share [or, at the option of the Company, an amount of cash, in either case,] as set forth in this Agreement. Participant will have no right to the distribution of any Shares or payment of any cash until the time (if ever) the RSUs have vested.
1.2 | Incorporation of Terms of Plan. |
The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.
1.3 | Unsecured Promise. |
The RSUs will at all times prior to settlement represent an unsecured Company obligation payable only from the Company’s general assets.
2. | VESTING; FORFEITURE AND SETTLEMENT |
2.1 | Vesting; Forfeiture. |
The RSUs will vest according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice except that any fraction of an RSU that would otherwise be vested will be accumulated and will vest only when a whole RSU has accumulated. In the event of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, all unvested RSUs will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company.
2.2 | Settlement. |
(a) | RSUs will be paid in Shares or cash at the Company’s option as soon as administratively practicable after the vesting of the applicable RSU, but in no event more than sixty (60) days after the RSU’s vesting date (except as otherwise provided in Section 2.2(d) below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws, the Company may delay any payment under this Agreement that the Company reasonably determines would violate Applicable Laws until the earliest date the Company reasonably determines the making of the payment will not cause such a violation. |
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(b) | If an RSU is paid in cash, the amount of cash paid with respect to the RSU will equal the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day on which the applicable RSU vests. |
(c) | If an RSU is paid in Shares, Participant may be required to pay the nominal value thereof in the same manner as provided for Withholding Taxes below. |
(d) | If the date Shares would otherwise be distributed pursuant to Section 2.2(a) (the “Original Issuance Date”) falls on a date that is not a business day, delivery of Shares will instead occur on the next following business day. In addition, if: |
(i) | the Original Issuance Date does not occur (1) during an “open window period” applicable to Participant, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Company’s then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when Participant is otherwise permitted to sell Shares on an established stock exchange or stock market (including but not limited to under a previously established written trading plan that meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act and was entered into in compliance with the Company’s policies (a “10b5-1 Arrangement”)), and |
(ii) | either (1) Withholding Taxes do not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy Withholding Taxes by withholding Shares from the Shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to Participant under the Award, and (B) not to permit Participant to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit Participant to pay the Withholding Taxes in cash, |
then the Shares that would otherwise be issued to Participant on the Original Issuance Date will not be delivered on such Original Issuance Date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when Participant is not prohibited from selling Shares of the in the open public market, but, if the Company determines that Participant may be subject to taxation in the United States, in no event later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of Participant’s taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or, if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following the year in which the Shares under the Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).
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3. | TAXATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING |
3.1 | Representation. |
Participant represents to the Company that Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the tax and/or social security consequences of this Award and the transactions contemplated by the Grant Notice and this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.
3.2 | Tax Withholding. |
(a) | On each vesting date, and on or before the time Participant receives a distribution of the shares underlying the RSUs, and at any other time as reasonably requested by the Company in accordance with applicable tax laws, Participant hereby authorizes any required withholding from the shares issuable to Participant and/or otherwise agree to make adequate provision in cash for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax and/or social security withholding obligations of the Company or any parent or Subsidiary that arise in connection with Participant’s RSUs (the “Withholding Taxes”). Participant hereby authorizes the Company and/or the relevant parent or Subsidiary, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Withholding Taxes by one or a combination of the following: (i) withholding from any compensation otherwise payable to Participant by the Company or any parent or Subsidiary; (ii) causing Participant to tender a cash payment (which may be in the form of a check, electronic wire transfer or other method permitted by the Company); (iii) withholding shares from the shares issued or otherwise issuable to Participant in connection with Participant’s RSUs with a fair market value (measured as of the date shares are issued to Participant) equal to the amount of such Withholding Taxes; provided, however, that the number of such shares so withheld will not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy the required tax and/or social security withholding obligations using the maximum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and, if applicable, foreign tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to supplemental taxable income; and, provided, further, that to the extent necessary to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, if applicable, such share withholding procedure will be subject to the prior approval of the Company’s Remuneration Committee; or (iv) by requiring Participant to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer in a manner satisfactory to the Company (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement). |
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(b) | Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the RSUs, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the RSUs. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the RSUs or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability. |
4. | OTHER PROVISIONS |
4.1 | No Advice Regarding Grant; No Liability for Taxes |
The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
As a condition to accepting the Award, Participant hereby (a) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, Group, or any of its officers, Directors, Employees related to tax or social security liabilities arising from the Award or other Company or Group compensation and (b) acknowledges that Participant was advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding the tax and social security consequences of the Award and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.
4.2 | Adjustments. |
Participant acknowledges that the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.
4.3 | Notices. |
Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant at Participant’s last known mailing address or email address. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given: (i) if sent by email, when actually received; and (ii) if sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in the applicable national mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.
4.4 | Titles. |
Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
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4.5 | Conformity to Securities Laws. |
Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws, and the RSUs may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights hereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.
4.6 | Successors and Assigns. |
The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
4.7 | Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement, and the RSUs will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
4.8 | Entire Agreement. |
The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to the Participant and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and the Participant in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Award.
4.9 | Agreement Severable. |
In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.
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4.10 | Limitation on Participant’s Rights. |
Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the RSUs, and rights no greater than the right to receive cash or the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the RSUs, as and when settled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
4.11 | Not a Contract of Employment. |
By accepting the Award, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) | the Award is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Award will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Award will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company; |
(b) | the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan; |
(c) | the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past; |
(d) | Participant’s Award and any Shares acquired under the Plan in respect of Participant’s Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; |
(e) | the future value of the Shares underlying the Award is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty; |
(f) | neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other currency in which the nominal value of a Share may be denominated) that may affect the value of Participant’s Award or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares received; |
(g) | for the purposes of the Award, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, Participant’s right to vest in the Award under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and in each instance will not be extended by any notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any; and the Board shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence); and |
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(h) | no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of this Award resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of his or her employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of this Award to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company or any Group Company, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and release the Company and any Group Company from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim. |
4.12 | Lock-up. |
By accepting the Award, Participant agrees that Participant will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any Shares or other securities of the Company held by Participant, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. Participant further agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to Participant’s Shares (or other securities of the Company) until the end of such period. Participant also agrees that any transferee of any Shares (or other securities of the Company) held by Participant will be bound by this Section. The underwriters of the Company’s Shares are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
4.13 | Counterparts. |
The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.
4.14 | Choice of Law |
The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales disregarding any jurisdiction’s choice-of-law principles requiring the application of a jurisdiction’s laws other than that of England and Wales and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute.
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4.15 | Other Documents |
Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the prospectus document containing the Plan information specified in Section 10(a) of the Securities Act. In addition, Participant acknowledges receipt of the Company’s Insider Trading and Window Period Policy.
4.16 | Corporate Events. |
The Award is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Event involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a shareholder representative that is authorized to act on Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
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APPENDIX 7
RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT GRANT NOTICE (INTERNATIONAL)
EXSCIENTIA
PLC
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN [:NON-EMPLOYEE SUB-PLAN]24
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Restricted Share Unit Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) have the meanings given to them in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan [: Non-Employee Sub-Plan]25 (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of Exscientia Plc (the “Company”).
The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“Participant”) the Restricted Share Units (the “RSUs”) described in this Grant Notice (the “Award”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Restricted Share Unit Agreement attached as Exhibit A including any special terms and conditions for the Participant’s country set forth in the attached appendix (the “Appendix” and together, the “Agreement”)), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.
Participant: | |
Grant Date: | |
Number of RSUs: | |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Vesting Schedule26: | 1/4 of the RSUs shall vest on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/12th of the remaining RSUs shall vest on each Quarter Date thereafter, subject to Participant remaining continuously a Service Provider as of each such date.] |
Vesting Commencement Date: | |
Vesting Schedule27: | [TBD] . |
By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan, the Agreement and any Group Company policy that may be applicable to the Participant and the Option from time to time (the “Policies”) [including but not limited to the [Company’s claw-back policy / share retention policy / remuneration policy]]28. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Policies. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.
24 Note to draft: For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
25 For Consultants and Directors who are not Employees
26 Note to draft: Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.
27 Selection of applicable vesting schedule, or determination that a different vesting schedule shall apply, subject to discretion of Administrator.
28 Note to draft: Delete as applicable
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By accepting this Award, Participant consents to receive this Grant Notice, the Agreement, the Plan, the Policies and any other Plan-related documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the US federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other Applicable Law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
EXSCIENTIA PLC | PARTICIPANT | ||
By: | |||
Name: | [Participant Name] | ||
Title: |
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Exhibit A
RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT
Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement (the definition of which includes any special terms and conditions for the Participant’s country set forth in the Appendix) have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.
1. | GENERAL |
1.1 | Award of RSUs. |
The Company has granted the RSUs to Participant effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one Share or, at the option of the Company (subject to the provisions of the Appendix), an amount of cash, in either case, as set forth in this Agreement. Participant will have no right to the distribution of any Shares or payment of any cash until the time (if ever) the RSUs have vested.
1.2 | Incorporation of Terms of Plan. |
The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.
1.3 | Unsecured Promise. |
The RSUs will at all times prior to settlement represent an unsecured Company obligation payable only from the Company’s general assets.
2. | VESTING; FORFEITURE AND SETTLEMENT |
2.1 | Vesting; Forfeiture. |
The RSUs will vest according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice except that any fraction of an RSU that would otherwise be vested will be accumulated and will vest only when a whole RSU has accumulated. In the event of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, all unvested RSUs will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company.
2.2 | Settlement. |
(a) | RSUs will be paid in Shares or cash at the Company’s option as soon as administratively practicable after the vesting of the applicable RSU, but in no event more than sixty (60) days after the RSU’s vesting date (except as otherwise provided in Section 2.2(d) below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws, the Company may delay any payment under this Agreement that the Company reasonably determines would violate Applicable Laws until the earliest date the Company reasonably determines the making of the payment will not cause such a violation. |
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(b) | If an RSU is paid in cash, the amount of cash paid with respect to the RSU will equal the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day on which the applicable RSU vests. |
(c) | If an RSU is paid in Shares, Participant may be required to pay the nominal value thereof in the same manner as provided for Withholding Taxes below. |
(d) | If the date Shares would otherwise be distributed pursuant to Section 2.2(a) (the “Original Issuance Date”) falls on a date that is not a business day, delivery of Shares will instead occur on the next following business day. In addition, if: |
(i) | the Original Issuance Date does not occur (1) during an “open window period” applicable to Participant, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Company’s then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when Participant is otherwise permitted to sell Shares on an established stock exchange or stock market (including but not limited to under a previously established written trading plan that meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act and was entered into in compliance with the Company’s policies (a “10b5-1 Arrangement”)), and |
(ii) | either (1) Withholding Taxes do not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy Withholding Taxes by withholding Shares from the Shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to Participant under the Award, and (B) not to permit Participant to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit Participant to pay the Withholding Taxes in cash, |
then the Shares that would otherwise be issued to Participant on the Original Issuance Date will not be delivered on such Original Issuance Date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when Participant is not prohibited from selling Shares of the in the open public market, but, if the Company determines that Participant may be subject to taxation in the United States, in no event later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of Participant’s taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or, if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following the year in which the Shares under the Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).
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3. | TAXATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING |
3.1 | Representation. |
Participant represents to the Company that Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the tax and/or social security consequences of this Award and the transactions contemplated by the Grant Notice and this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.
3.2 | Tax Withholding. |
(a) | On each vesting date, and on or before the time Participant receives a distribution of the shares underlying the RSUs, and at any other time as reasonably requested by the Company in accordance with applicable tax laws, Participant hereby authorizes any required withholding from the shares issuable to Participant and/or otherwise agree to make adequate provision in cash for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax and/or social security withholding obligations of the Company or any parent or Subsidiary that arise in connection with Participant’s RSUs (the “Withholding Taxes”). Participant hereby authorizes the Company and/or the relevant parent or Subsidiary, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Withholding Taxes by one or a combination of the following: (i) withholding from any compensation otherwise payable to Participant by the Company or any parent or Subsidiary; (ii) causing Participant to tender a cash payment (which may be in the form of a check, electronic wire transfer or other method permitted by the Company); (iii) withholding shares from the shares issued or otherwise issuable to Participant in connection with Participant’s RSUs with a fair market value (measured as of the date shares are issued to Participant) equal to the amount of such Withholding Taxes; provided, however, that the number of such shares so withheld will not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy the required tax and/or social security withholding obligations using the maximum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and, if applicable, foreign tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to supplemental taxable income; and, provided, further, that to the extent necessary to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, if applicable, such share withholding procedure will be subject to the prior approval of the Company’s Remuneration Committee; or (iv) by requiring Participant to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer in a manner satisfactory to the Company (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement). |
(b) | Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the RSUs, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax and/or social security withholding obligations that arise in connection with the RSUs. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax and/or social security withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the RSUs or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax and/or social security liability. |
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4. | OTHER PROVISIONS |
4.1 | No Advice Regarding Grant; No Liability for Taxes |
The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or his or her acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
As a condition to accepting the Award, Participant hereby (a) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, Group, or any of its officers, Directors, Employees related to tax or social security liabilities arising from the Award or other Company or Group compensation and (b) acknowledges that Participant was advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding the tax and social security consequences of the Award and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.
4.2 | Adjustments. |
Participant acknowledges that the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.
4.3 | Language |
The Participant acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in the English language, or has consulted with an advisor who is sufficiently proficient in English, so as to allow him or her to understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If the Participant has received this Agreement, or any other document related to the Award and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
4.4 | Foreign Assets/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting |
The Participant may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash (including dividends and the proceeds arising from the sale of Shares) derived from the Participant’s participation in the Plan in, to and/or from a brokerage/bank account or legal entity located outside the Participant’s country. The applicable laws in the Participant’s country may require that he or she report such accounts, assets and balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in such country. the Participant may also be required to repatriate sale proceeds or other funds received as a result of his or her participation in the Plan to his or her country through a designated bank or broker within a certain time after receipt. Participant acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to be compliant with such regulations and he or she is encouraged to consult with his or her personal legal advisor for any details.
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4.5 | Appendix |
Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the Award shall be subject to the special terms and conditions for the Participant’s country set forth in the Appendix attached to this Agreement. Moreover, if the Participant relocates to one of the countries included therein, the terms and conditions for such country will apply to the Participant to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Agreement.
4.6 | Notices. |
Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant at Participant’s last known mailing address or email address. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given: (i) if sent by email, when actually received; and (ii) if sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in the applicable national mail, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company.
4.7 | Titles. |
Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
4.8 | Conformity to Securities Laws. |
Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws, and the RSUs may be unilaterally cancelled by the Company (with the effect that all Participant’s rights hereunder lapse with immediate effect) if the Administrator determines in its reasonable discretion that such conformity is not possible or practicable.
4.9 | Successors and Assigns. |
The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
4.10 | Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement, and the RSUs will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
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4.11 | Entire Agreement. |
The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to the Participant and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and the Participant in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Award.
4.12 | Agreement Severable. |
In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.
4.13 | Limitation on Participant’s Rights. |
Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the RSUs, and rights no greater than the right to receive cash or the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the RSUs, as and when settled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
4.14 | Not a Contract of Employment. |
By accepting the Award, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) | the Award is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Award will be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on Participant’s part to continue in the employ of the Company or any Group Company, or of the Company or any Group Company to continue Participant’s employment. In addition, nothing in Participant’s Award will obligate the Company or any Group Company, their respective shareholders, boards of directors, officers or employees to continue any relationship that Participant might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or any Group Company; |
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(b) | the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted under the Plan; |
(c) | the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options (whether on the same or different terms), or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past; |
(d) | Participant’s Award and any Shares acquired under the Plan in respect of Participant’s Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; |
(e) | the future value of the Shares underlying the Award is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty; |
(f) | neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar (or such other currency in which the nominal value of a Share may be denominated) that may affect the value of Participant’s Award or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares received; |
(g) | for the purposes of the Award, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or one of its Group Companies (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, Participant’s right to vest in the Award under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and in each instance will not be extended by any notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any; and the Board shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence); and |
(h) | no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of this Award resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of his or her employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of this Award to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company or any Group Company, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and release the Company and any Group Company from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim. |
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4.15 | Lock-up. |
By accepting the Award, Participant agrees that Participant will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale with respect to any Shares or other securities of the Company held by Participant, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as the underwriters or the Company will request to facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor or similar rules or regulation (the “Lock-Up Period”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this section will prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. Participant further agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriters that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to Participant’s Shares (or other securities of the Company) until the end of such period. Participant also agrees that any transferee of any Shares (or other securities of the Company) held by Participant will be bound by this Section. The underwriters of the Company’s Shares are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section and will have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.
4.16 | Counterparts. |
The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Laws, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.
4.17 | Choice of Law |
The Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales disregarding any jurisdiction’s choice-of-law principles requiring the application of a jurisdiction’s laws other than that of England and Wales and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute.
4.18 | Other Documents |
Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the prospectus document containing the Plan information specified in Section 10(a) of the Securities Act. In addition, Participant acknowledges receipt of the Company’s Insider Trading and Window Period Policy.
4.19 | Corporate Events. |
The Award is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Event involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a shareholder representative that is authorized to act on Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.
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APPENDIX TO RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT
This Appendix includes special terms and conditions that govern the Award granted to the Participant under the Plan if the Participant resides and/or works in one of the countries listed below.
The information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to the Participant’s particular situation, and the Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in the Participant’s country may apply to his or her situation. If the Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which he or she is currently working and/or residing, transfers employment and/or residency to another country after the Grant Date, is a Consultant, changes employment status to a consultant position, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the Company shall, in its discretion, determine the extent to which the special terms and conditions contained herein shall be applicable to the Participant. References to an employer (if any) shall include any entity that engages the Participant’s services. References to “you” are to the Participant.
Austria30
Exchange Control Information. If you hold Shares acquired under the Plan outside of Austria, you must submit a report to the Austrian National Bank as follows: (i) on a quarterly basis if the value of the shares of Common Stock as of any given quarter meets or exceeds €30,000,000; the deadline for filing the quarterly report is the 15th day of the month following the end of the respective quarter and (ii) on an annual basis if the value of the Shares as of December 31 meets or exceeds €5,000,000; the deadline for filing the quarterly report is the 15th day of the month following quarter-end and for filing the annual report is January 31 of the following year.
When you sell Shares acquired under the Plan (or receive a cash dividend) you may be required to comply with certain exchange control obligations if the cash proceeds from the sale are held outside of Austria. If the transaction volume of all cash accounts abroad exceeds €10,000,000, the movements and balances of all accounts must be reported monthly, as of the last day of the month, on or before the fifteenth day of the following month.
Belgium
[Holding Period. For a period of two years after the time that Shares have been delivered to you, you may not transfer, pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of such Shares.]31
Foreign Asset / Account Reporting. Belgian residents are required to report any security (e.g., shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan) or bank account established outside of Belgium on their annual tax return. In a separate report, Belgian residents are also required to provide the National Bank of Belgium with certain details regarding such foreign accounts (including the account number, bank name and country in which any such account was opened). The forms to complete this report are available on the website of the National Bank of Belgium. Belgian residents should consult with their personal tax advisors to determine their personal reporting obligations.
Stock Exchange Tax. A stock exchange tax applies to transactions executed by a Belgian resident through a non-Belgian financial intermediary, such as a U.S. broker. The stock exchange tax likely will apply when the Shares are sold. You should consult with your personal tax advisor for additional details on your obligations with respect to the stock exchange tax.
30 Not to be granted without seeking further local counsel advice.
31 Note to draft: Optional clause to be deleted or retained for an award depending on desired tax treatment (a holding period requirement results in more favourable tax treatment at the time of vesting / delivery of the shares).
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Securities Account Tax. A securities account tax applies if the average annual value of securities (including Shares acquired under the Plan) held by you in a securities account exceeds certain thresholds, subject to certain conditions.
Japan
Foreign Asset / Account Reporting. If you hold assets outside of Japan (e.g., Shares acquired under the Plan) with a value exceeding JPY ¥50,000,000 (as of December 31 each year), you are required to comply with annual tax reporting obligations with respect to such assets. Such a report will be due by March 15 each year. You should consult with your personal tax advisor to ensure that you are properly complying with applicable reporting requirements in Japan.
Exchange Control Information. If you acquire Shares valued at more than JPY ¥100,000,000 in a single transaction, you must file a Report Concerning Acquisition or Transfer of Securities with the Ministry of Finance through the Bank of Japan within 20 days of the acquisition of the Shares.
Switzerland
Sole Contact and Contractual Partner Information. You acknowledge that the Award, this Agreement, the Appendices and your participation in the Plan do not create any claims against your employer, either directly or indirectly. Your sole contract and sole contractual partner regarding the Plan and the Award is the Company and the Award does not form part of your contractual compensation.
Continuous Service. Notwithstanding anything else in the Plan or the Agreement, a Termination of Service will be deemed to occur on the date when a termination notice is issued, regardless of whether the cessation of the employment was lawful, and shall not include any period notice of termination of employment or any period of salary continuance or deemed employment. As a result, if you receive notice of Termination of Service, you will cease to be a Service Provider on the date you receive such notice.
Securities Law Information. The Award is not intended to be publicly offered in or from Switzerland. Because it is considered a private offering, it is not subject to securities registration in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other materials relating to the RSUs and/or the underlying Shares: (i) constitutes a prospectus according to articles 35 et seq. of the Swiss Federal Act on Financial Services (“FinSA”); (ii) may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland to any person other than a Participant; or (iii) has been or will be filed with, approved or supervised by any Swiss reviewing body according to article 51 FinSA or any Swiss regulatory authority, including the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”).
Grant of the Award. The Award is a voluntary gratuity (Gratifikation; gratification) within the meaning of Article 322d Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) as determined at the Company's sole discretion which you have no entitlement to and which does not constitute an entitlement for a grant of further Awards or other equities in the future.
Vesting. You acknowledge and confirm that the Award is fully discretionary and that before the RSUs have vested you shall not have any right in regard to such RSUs.
Disability. For the avoidance of any doubt, “Disability” shall include, but not be limited to, any permanent disability as per the social security laws of Switzerland.
Social Security and Tax: You herewith directly authorize your employer to make all (if any) applicable social security, insurance and tax deductions resulting from the grant and/or vesting of the RSU or the sale of Shares from any compensation owed to you by your employer, subject to any statutory limitations. If your compensation shall not be sufficient to cover such social security, insurance and tax liabilities, you will indemnify the employer upon first demand.
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Cause. “Cause” shall include, but not be limited to, all reasons entitling to a summary dismissal pursuant to article 337 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) and all justified reasons pursuant to article 340c para. 2 CO, without limiting the definition of Cause as outlined in the Plan. You expressly acknowledge that the definition of Cause as per the Plan shall include any crime or felony under Swiss laws and any breaches against your duties and in respect of your employer, and not only in respect of the Company.
Language Acknowledgement. You confirm that you have read and understood the documents relating to the Plan, including the Agreement, with all terms and conditions included therein, which were provided in the English language only. You confirm that you have sufficient language capabilities to understand these terms and conditions in full.
Sie bestätigen, dass Sie den Plan sowie die dazugehörigen Dokumente, inklusive der Vereinbarung, mit all den darin enthaltenen Bedingungen und Voraussetzungen, welche in englischer Sprache verfasst sind, gelesen und verstanden haben. Sie bestätigen, dass Ihre Sprachkenntnisse genügend sind, um die Bedingungen und Voraussetzungen zu verstehen.
Vous confirmez que vous avez lu et compris les documents relatifs au plan, y compris la convention d'attribution, avec toutes les conditions qui y sont incluses, qui ont été fournies en langue anglaise uniquement. Vous confirmez que vous avez des capacités linguistiques suffisantes pour comprendre ces termes et conditions dans leur intégralité.
No Right against Employer. You expressly acknowledge that you shall not have any right or claim under the RSUs, the Plan or the Agreement against your employer. You expressly acknowledge and agree that you only have any right and claim against the Company as set out under the Plan and the Agreement.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction. You expressly acknowledge and agree to the Governing Law and Jurisdiction clause in the Plan and the Choice of Law clause in the Agreement and accept that Swiss law does not apply and that Swiss courts do not have any jurisdiction in regard to any claims under the Plan or the Agreement.
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Exhibit 10.20
The Exscientia
Unapproved Share Option Plan
Plan Rules
Adopted by the Board on 13th
February 2018 and amended on 25th September 2019
and 1st April 2021
Plan Rules
Definitions
1.1 | In these Rules (and, where applicable, any Option Agreement) the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings: |
“Acting in Concert” | the meaning given in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers as in force at the date of an Option Agreement |
“Articles” | the Articles of Association of the Company as amended from time to time |
“Auditors” | the auditors of the Company from time to time or such other competent professional agreed by the parties or in the absence of an agreement, as appointed by the Board |
“Bad Leaver” | a Participant who, on the occasion of a Cessation of Employment, is not a Good Leaver |
“Board” | the Board of directors of the Company or a duly authorised committee of the Board |
“Business Sale” | the sale of the Majority Value of the assets of the business to a company which is not a Group Company, or to a person or persons Acting in Concert, where Majority Value is defined as the greater part of the gross assets of the business (including intellectual property and goodwill) as certified by the Auditors acting as experts and not as arbitrators |
“Cessation of Employment” | the occasion on which a Participant ceases to hold any office or employment in any Group Company and does not continue as, or become, an officer or employee of any other Group Company, and the time and date of cessation shall be the date on which the Participant shall have ceased to be an officer or employee of any Group Company, or the date of death or, if the Participant is absent from work by reason of maternity, paternity or adoption leave, the time and date when the Participant ceases to be entitled to exercise their right under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to return to work in any Group Company |
“Company” | Exscientia Limited, CRN SC 428761, with registered office at Dundee Incubator, James Lindsay Place, Dundee, United Kingdom, DD1 5JJ |
“Company Reorganisation” | the meaning given to that expression in Rule 5.1 |
“Control” | the meaning given by section 719 of ITEPA |
“Date of Grant” | the date on which an Option is, was, or is to be granted under the terms of an Option Agreement |
“Exercise Price” | the price at which each Share subject to an Option may be acquired on the exercise of that Option as set out in an Option Agreement |
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“Exit Event” |
any of the following events:
(i) the date of a Company Reorganisation as mentioned in Rule 5.1;
(ii) a Majority Share Sale;
(iii) a Business Sale;
(iv) a Flotation;
(v) on the commencement of a period mentioned in Rule 5.3 or 5.4; or
(vi) the Company passing a resolution for voluntary winding up
|
“Flotation” | the date on which any of the Company’s shares become quoted on a public stock exchange |
“Good Leaver” |
a Participant who, on Cessation of Employment, ceases to be employed as a result of:
(i) injury, disability or illness (in each case evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board); or
(ii) ceasing to be employed with the intention of retiring; or
(iii) redundancy within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996; or
(iv) death; or
(v) a transfer to which The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 apply; or
(vi) the Participant’s employing company ceasing to be a Group Company; or
(vii) the Participant being declared a Good Leaver by the Board in its absolute discretion
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“Grantor” | whoever grants the Option, which may be a Group Company, the Trustees or any other person |
“Group Company” | the Company or any company over which the Company has Control or any company which has Control of the Company |
“ITEPA” | the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 from time to time amended |
“Majority Share Sale” | a sale on a single date, or by a series of transactions over less than a calendar month, of shares of any class in the Company together entitled to more than 50 per cent of the votes in general meeting to a person or persons Acting in Concert previously unconnected with (i) the Company, or (ii) any shareholder of record, provided that the Company may by Ordinary Resolution waive the condition that the person or persons Acting in Concert must be unconnected |
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“New Holding Company” | a company which has obtained Control of the Company (including where a person and others Acting in Concert with him together obtain Control of the Company) where the consideration received by holders of ordinary shares in the Company consists wholly of shares in the company obtaining Control of the Company and where the identity and proportion of the shareholders of the company obtaining Control of the Company are substantially similar to those prior to the change of Control |
“Option” | a right to acquire Shares granted in accordance with an Option Agreement |
“Option Agreement” | an agreement entered into between the Grantor and a Participant in accordance with these Rules under which the Grantor offers and the Participant accepts an Option |
“Participant” | an individual to whom an Option is granted including his personal representatives where the context so admits |
“Plan” | The Exscientia Unapproved Share Option Plan |
“Rules” | these present rules of the Plan |
“Share” or “Shares” | either Ordinary or B Ordinary Shares of 0.001 each in the capital of the Company which rank pari passu with all other shares of the same class but subject to the rights and restrictions set down in any Shareholders’ Agreement and the Articles, or an equivalent number of the Company’s American Depositary Shares representing such shares |
“Shareholders’ Agreement” | any shareholders’ agreement made between the shareholders of the Company as may be in force and as amended from time to time |
“Trustees” | the trustees of an employee benefit trust within the meaning of section 1166 Companies Act 2006 |
“Vest”, “Vests” or “Vested” | the circumstances in which all, or part of, an Option will become capable of exercise |
“Vesting Conditions” | conditions attached to an Option which determine the circumstances in which all or part of an Option will Vest |
“Vesting Schedule” | a schedule attached to an Option Agreement containing the Vesting Conditions |
1.2 | Where the context so admits the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and the masculine shall include the feminine. |
1.3 | Any reference to any enactment includes a reference to that enactment as from time to time modified, extended or re-enacted. |
1.4 | If any question, dispute or disagreement arises as to the interpretation of these Rules or any Option Agreement the decision of the Grantor shall (except as regard any matter regarded to be determined by the Auditors hereunder) be final and binding upon all persons. |
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2. | Grant of the Option |
2.1 | An Option shall be granted by the Grantor and a Participant executing by deed an Option Agreement. |
2.2 | Following the grant of an Option the Grantor shall as soon as reasonably practicable issue to the Participant a certificate in respect of the Option making reference to the terms of the Option Agreement and these Rules and stating the date on which the Option was granted. |
2.3 | Notwithstanding any other provision of the Rules: |
(i) | the grant of an Option pursuant to these Rules shall not form part of any contract of employment between any Group Company and a Participant; |
(ii) | unless expressly so provided in his contract of employment, a Participant has no right to be granted an Option; |
(iii) | the benefit to a Participant of any Options held by him shall not form any part of his remuneration or count as his remuneration for any purpose and shall not be pensionable; |
(iv) | the rights granted to a Participant under any Option shall not give the Participant any right or entitlement to claim any compensation or damages in consequence of the loss or termination of his office or employment with any Group Company for any reason and whether or not such loss or termination of office or employment is found to be wrongful or inn breach of any contract (whether of the Plan, the Option Agreement or any other agreement); and |
(v) | a Participant shall not be entitled to claim any compensation or damages (or any other remedy) for any loss by reason that the Participant is unable to exercise any Option in consequence of the loss or termination of his office or employment with any Group Company for any reason and whether or not such loss or termination of office or employment is found to be wrongful or in breach of any contract (whether of the Plan, the Option Agreement or any other agreement) including as a result of the exercise by any Group Company (or the Grantor) of any discretion (or failure to exercise any discretion) that is found to be an unreasonable exercise of such discretion); and |
(vi) | by accepting the grant of an Option and not renouncing it, a Participant is deemed to have agreed to the provisions of this Rule 2.3. |
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3. | Exercise of Option |
3.1 | Subject to this Rule 3, an Option shall be exercisable only in accordance with the conditions contained in the relevant Option Agreement. |
3.2 | An Option may be exercised in whole or in part provided that, on any day, an Option may be exercised over no fewer than the less of: |
(i) | 25 per cent. of the Shares over which an Option has Vested; |
(ii) | the total number of Shares over which an Option remains exercisable at that time; and |
(iii) | such other number as the Board may determine. |
3.3 | When an Option is exercised in part, the balance (to the extent that it has not lapsed) shall remain exercisable on the same terms as originally applied to the whole Option and a new Option certificate shall be issued accordingly by the Grantor as soon as possible after the partial exercise. |
3.4 | Save where the context otherwise permits, or if otherwise determined by the Board, a Vested Option shall be capable of exercise on any business day, subject to the notice period required under Rule 7. |
3.5 | The acquisition price on exercise of an Option shall be the Exercise Price, provided that the total exercise consideration shall be rounded up to the nearest penny. If the price is less than the nominal value of a Share then, on the exercise of the Option, the Board shall capitalise the Company’s distributable reserves and apply the same in paying up the difference between the Exercise Price and the nominal value of the Shares. In the event that the Company has no such reserves, the Participant shall pay up the difference. |
3.6 | The Participant may not exercise any part of an Option or sell Shares upon such exercise if such exercise or sale would not be permissible under any applicable law, rule or regulation including any regulation relating to insider trading. |
4. | Lapse of Option |
4.1 | An Option shall lapse as provided in the relevant Option Agreement, or if earlier, on the earliest of the following events: |
(i) | the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant; |
(ii) | the date of Cessation of Employment if the Participant is a Bad Leaver; |
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(iii) | the date of Cessation of Employment for any part of a Good Leaver’s Option that the Board, in its discretion, has determined that the Participant may not exercise by virtue of being a Good Leaver, with any balance of the Option that the Board, in its discretion has determined may be exercised by virtue of being a Good Leaver to lapse on a date determined by the Board in its discretion, and not exceeding 90 days; |
(iv) | where the Participant is a Good Leaver by reason of his death, 12 months after the death of the Participant; |
(v) | 60 days after either a Majority Share Sale, a Company Re-organisation or a Business Sale; |
(vi) | as provided by Rule 5.2, Rule 5.3 or Rule 5.4; |
(vii) | six months after the Company passes a resolution for voluntary winding up; or |
(viii) | the Participant being adjudicated bankrupt. |
4.2 | Any purported transfer of assignment by the Participant shall cause the Option to lapse forthwith, and the Option certificate shall carry a statement to this effect, provided that, on a Participant’s death, his personal representatives may exercise the Option, subject to the Rules and the Option Agreement. |
4.3 | Neither the Company or, if different, the Grantor shall be obliged to notify the Participant if the Option is due to lapse. |
5. | Takeovers and Liquidations |
5.1 | For the purposes of this Rule 5, a Company Reorganisation means where a company (“Acquiring Company”): |
(i) | obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to acquire the whole of the issued share capital of the Company which is made on a condition such that if it is satisfied the person making the offer will have Control of the Company; or |
(ii) | obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to acquire all the shares in the Company which are of the same class as the Shares; or |
(iii) | obtains Control of the Company as a result of a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by the court under section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 (court sanction for compromise or arrangement); or |
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(iv) | becomes bound or entitled under sections 979 to 982 of the Companies Act 2006 (takeover offers; right of offeror to buy out minority shareholder) to acquire shares in the Company which are of the same class as the Shares, |
provided always that in circumstances where Rule 5.1(A) applies, the creation of a New Holding Company shall not constitute a Company Reorganisation.
5.1(A) | Where a New Holding Company is established, and the Board determines (with the agreement of the New Holding Company) that this Rule shall apply, Options shall be substituted for options to acquire shares (or securities representing such shares) in the New Holding Company (the “Replacement Options”) which are equivalent (as determined by the Board) to the Options provided that: |
(i) | the Rules shall apply to the Replacement Options save that, where appropriate, references to “Company” and “Shares” shall be read as if they were references to the New Holding Company and the shares (or other securities representing them) in respect of which the Replacement Options are granted, respectively; and |
(ii) | Participant consent shall not be required for a substitution of Options pursuant to this Rule to be effected. |
5.2 | If a person makes an offer for the Company which, if successful, would result in a Company Reorganisation, a Majority Share Sale or a Business Sale, the Grantor may by written notice to the Participant (an “Impending Sale Notice”) declare that all outstanding Options (which have Vested, or will Vest on the occurrence of a Company Reorganisation, a Majority Share Sale or a Business Sale in accordance with an Option Agreement) may be conditionally exercised during a period not exceeding 3 months to be specified by the Grantor in the notice and shall lapse at the end of that period. If an Option is conditionally exercised by a Participant pursuant to this Rule 5.2, the exercise shall become unconditional immediately before it becomes certain that the Company Reorganisation, Majority Share Sale or Business Sale will take place. All conditional notices of exercise shall lapse if, and when, it becomes certain that the Company Reorganisation, Majority Share Sale or Business Sale will not take place. Any Option which was subject to a lapsed exercise notice shall be unaffected and the Option shall continue as before. The Grantor may at its discretion include in the Impending Sale Notice a requirement that the Participant must give a valid and irrevocable power of attorney (“POA”) in favour of a director of the Company nominated by the Grantor conferring on such person the authority to do all things (including executing all documents) necessary to exercise the Participant’s Option to the fullest extent possible permitted by the relevant Option Agreement and, at the discretion of the Grantor, to sell the Shares acquired through exercise of the Option, provided that such authority to sell Shares shall be exercised only pursuant to a Company Reorganisation or a Majority Share Sale and the terms of any such sale and the value of the consideration to be received on a sale taking into account the terms of sale shall in the reasonable opinion of the Board not be inferior to the best terms on which any other share is sold pursuant to the Company Reorganisation or the Majority Share Sale. If a Participant is required by an Impending Sale Notice to give a POA and does not do so within any reasonable time limit set by the Grantor of receiving such notice the relevant Option shall immediately lapse. |
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5.3 | If a person proposes to obtain Control of the Company in pursuance of a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by the court, as referred to in Rule 5.1(iii), all outstanding Options (which have Vested, or will Vest on the occurrence of a Company Reorganisation or a Majority Share Sale in accordance with an Option Agreement) may be exercised, conditionally, at any time during the period beginning with the date of the meeting of the members of the Company ordered by the court and ending on the earlier of 6 months thereafter and 7 clear days before the court sanctions the compromise or arrangement. If an Option is conditionally exercised by a Participant pursuant to this Rule 5.3, the exercise shall become unconditional immediately before it becomes certain that the proposed compromise or arrangement will be sanctioned by the court. All conditional notices of exercise shall lapse if, and when, it becomes certain that the proposed compromise or arrangement will not be sanctioned by the court. Any Option which was subject to a lapsed exercise notice shall be unaffected and the Option shall continue as before. |
5.4 | In the case of an event falling within Rule 5.1(iv), all outstanding Options (which have Vested or will Vest on the occurrence of a Company Reorganisation in accordance with an Option Agreement) may be exercised at any time during the period beginning with the date the person serves a notice under section 979 of the Companies Act 2006 and ending 7 clear days before the date on which the person ceases to be entitled to serve such a notice. For the purposes of this Rule 5.4, the term “person” shall include two or more persons Acting in Concert. |
6. | Variation of share capital |
6.1 | In the event of any variation of the share capital of the Company by way of capitalisation (other than a scrip dividend), rights issue, consolidation, subdivision or reduction of capital or otherwise, the number of Shares subject to the Option and the Exercise Price for each of those Shares shall be adjusted in such a manner as the Auditors confirm in writing to be fair and reasonable provided that the Exercise Price for a Share is not reduced below its nominal value. For the avoidance of doubt no adjustment shall be made under this Rule in respect of any new consideration received by the Company as a result of an issue of shares. |
7. | Manner of Exercise of Options |
7.1 | An Option shall be exercised by the Participant giving notice to the Grantor in writing of the number of Shares in respect of which he wishes to exercise the Option accompanied by such arrangements for payment as are acceptable to the Grantor in its reasonable discretion and the relevant Option certificate and shall be effective on the expiry of 28 clear days, or such shorter period as the Board in its discretion shall determine, after its receipt by the Grantor. |
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7.2 | A definitive Share certificate shall be issued to the Participant within 30 days of the date of the exercise of the Option subject to the Participant entering into a deed of adherence pursuant to any Shareholders’ Agreement. |
7.3 | The Participant irrevocably agrees to enter into a joint election, under section 431(1) or section 431(2) of ITEPA in respect of the Shares to be acquired on exercise of the relevant Option, if required to do so by any Group Company, on, before or within 14 days of any date of exercise of the Option. |
7.4 | If in connection with the grant, holding and/or exercise of the Option: |
(i) | a Participant becomes liable to tax, duties (including stamp duty), national insurance contributions or any other tax, impost or amount and any Group Company is liable to make a payment to any revenue or other authority on account of the liability (including employees’ social security contributions); or |
(ii) | any Group Company becomes liable to make a payment of employer’s national insurance contributions (unless this paragraph (ii) is disapplied in the relevant Option Agreement); |
the Participant shall as a condition of exercising the Option and before exercising the Option enter into such arrangements as the Grantor shall determine in its discretion for the purpose of ensuring that the Participant discharges all such liabilities as are mentioned in this Rule 7.4 and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Company may sell a sufficient number of Shares on exercise of the Option or require the Participant to remit to any Group Company an amount sufficient to satisfy the aforementioned liabilities.
7.5 | All Shares allotted or transferred to a Participant following the date of exercise shall rank equally in all respects with the Shares for the time being in issue save as regards any rights attaching to such Shares by reference to a record date prior to the date of such allotment or transfer. |
8. | Miscellaneous |
8.1 | Neither the Grantor or any Group Company shall have any responsibility for the consequences (whether in relation to taxation or any other matter) of any action of a Participant in relation to his acceptance or exercise of an Option and the Participant shall be responsible for obtaining any financial or legal advice that it or he may require at his own cost. |
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8.2 | Any notice or other communication under or in connection with an Option may be given by a Participant or any Group Company or the Grantor either personally or by post; items sent by post shall be prepaid and shall be deemed to have been served 72 hours after posting. |
8.3 | The Grantor, if the Company, shall ensure that at all times it has sufficient authority to issue new Shares to satisfy the exercise to the full extent still possible of an Option or any part of it which has neither lapsed nor been fully exercised, taking account of any other obligations of the Company. The Grantor, if not the Company, shall procure that at all times it holds sufficient unencumbered Shares or irrevocable rights over such Shares to satisfy the exercise to the full extent still possible of an Option or any part of it which has neither lapsed nor been fully exercised. |
8.4 | If on the date of exercise of an Option or on any prior date any shares of the same class as the Shares are listed or quoted on a public investment exchange, the Company shall within one month of the Option exercise apply to the relevant investment exchange for permission for the Shares which have been the subject of the Option exercise to be similarly listed or quoted. |
8.5 | In order to operate the Plan, the Grantor or a Group Company needs to hold certain personal information about the Participants. If a third party is involved in operating or administering the Plan, they may also need to hold the same personal information. For Options granted on or after 25 May 2018, each Option Agreement shall contain an appropriate privacy notice. |
8.6 | Each Party shall bear its own costs in connection with these Rules and any Option Agreement subject to these Rules. |
8.7 | The Board may at its discretion make minor alterations or additions to the Rules in order to benefit the administration of the Plan, to take account of changes in legislation or to obtain or maintain favourable taxation or regulatory treatment for the Participant or the Grantor. |
8.8 | Save as otherwise provided in these Rules, a person who is not a party to an Option Agreement shall have no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to rely upon or enforce any term of these Rules or any Bonus Agreement. This Rule shall not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act. |
8.9 | These Rules shall be interpreted in accordance with, and governed by, English law. |
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EXSCIENTIA LIMITEDTHE EXSCIENTIA UNAPPROVED SHARE OPTION PLAN
RSU Sub Plan
Board adoption: 1st April 2021
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Exscientia Limited
Exscientia Unapproved Share Option Plan (the “Plan”)
RSU Sub Plan to the Plan
This RSU Sub Plan was adopted by the Board to permit the grant of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to such persons as the Board shall in their absolute determine (each, a “Participant”) pursuant to rule 8.7 of the Plan.
In the event of any inconsistency between the rules of the Plan and the rules of the RSU Sub Plan, the rules of the RSU Sub Plan shall take precedence.
1. | DEFINITIONS |
1.1 | Unless the context otherwise requires, the words and expressions used in the Plan shall bear the same meanings in this RSU Sub Plan save to the extent the rules in this RSU Sub Plan provide to the contrary. |
1.2 | In addition: |
“Code” means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the value of the Shares (as determined on a per share or aggregate basis, as applicable) determined as follows:
(a) | if the Shares are listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Shares) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable. |
(b) | if there is no closing sales price for the Shares on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists. |
(c) | in the absence of such markets for the Shares, or if otherwise determined by the Board, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith and in a manner that complies with Sections 409A and 422 of the Code. |
“Restricted Stock Units” or “RSUs” means a right to receive Shares which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the RSU Sub Plan.
“RSU Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of RSUs evidencing the terms and conditions of a grant of RSUs comprising a grant notice and an agreement. Each RSU Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of this RSU Sub Plan.
“Securities Act” means the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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2. | APPLICATION OF PLAN |
2.1 | Save as modified in this RSU Sub Plan, all the provisions of the Plan shall be incorporated into this RSU Sub Plan as if fully set out herein so as to be part of this RSU Sub Plan SAVE THAT: |
(a) | rule 2.1 of the Plan shall not apply for the purposes of the RSU Sub Plan and RSUs shall be granted by resolution of the Board pursuant to which the Board approves (among other things) the identity of the Participant, the number of Shares under the RSU and the terms on which such Shares shall be delivered, and “Date of Grant” shall mean the date of such resolution; |
(b) | where applicable, references in the Plan to: |
(i) | an Option shall include an RSU; |
(ii) | an Option Agreement shall include an RSU Agreement; |
(iii) | to the exercise of an Option shall include the vesting and/or settlement of an RSU; |
(c) | Save for Rule 5.1(A), Rule 5 of the Plan shall not apply for the purposes of the RSU Sub Plan. |
3. | EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF RSU SUB-PLAN |
This RSU Sub Plan shall become effective on the date on which it is adopted by the Board. No RSUs shall be granted under this RSU Sub Plan after the earlier of (i) the completion of 10 years from the date on which this RSU Sub Plan was adopted by the Board and (ii) the occurrence of a Flotation.
4. | AMENDMENTS |
The Board may amend, suspend or terminate this RSU Sub Plan or any portion thereof at any time. No amendment, suspension or termination of this RSU Sub Plan may materially adversely affect any RSUs granted previously to any Participant without the consent of the Participant.
5. | COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 409A |
Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable RSU Agreement, the terms applicable to RSUs granted under this RSU Sub Plan will be interpreted to the greatest extent possible in a manner that makes the RSUs exempt from Section 409A of the Code, and, to the extent not so exempt, that brings the RSUs into compliance with Section 409A of the Code. The
Company shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an RSU that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Board.
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6. | NO RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER STATUS |
No person shall have any claim or right to be granted RSUs under this RSU Sub Plan and the grant of RSUs shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with any Group Company.
7. | AMENDMENT OF RSUs |
The Board may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding RSU provided that the Participant’s consent to such action shall be required unless the Board determine that the action, taking into account any related action, would not materially and adversely affect the Participant.
8. | CONDITIONS ON DELIVERY OF SHARES |
The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Shares pursuant to this RSU Sub Plan or to remove restrictions from Shares previously delivered under this RSU Sub Plan until:
(a) | all conditions of the RSU have been met or removed to the satisfaction of the Company; |
(b) | in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, all other legal matters in connection with the issue, allotment and delivery of such shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and any applicable stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations; and |
(c) | the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Company may consider appropriate to satisfy the requirements of any applicable laws, rules or regulations or as may be otherwise required to be executed by the holders of Shares at the time such Shares are delivered. |
9. | BOARD POWERS |
The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan and more particularly this RSU Sub Plan to:
(a) | determine (i) who will be granted RSUs; (ii) the number of Shares subject to RSUs; (iii) when and how each RSU will be granted, vest and settled; |
(b) | construe and interpret this RSU Sub Plan and RSUs granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for administration of the RSU Sub Plan and RSUs. The Board, in the exercise of these powers, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in this RSU Sub Plan and in any RSU Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it will deem necessary or expedient to make this RSU Sub Plan or RSUs fully effective; |
(c) | accelerate, in whole or in part, the time at which RSUs may vest (or the time at which Shares may be issued in settlement thereof); |
(d) | approve forms of RSU Agreements and amend the terms of any one or more RSU Agreement without the affected Participant’s consent to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the RSUs into compliance with, Section 409A of the Code, or to comply with other applicable laws; and |
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(e) | generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deem necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of this RSU Sub Plan or any RSU awards. |
10. | RSU AGREEMENT |
Each RSU Agreement will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deem appropriate including the substance of each of the following provisions:
(a) | Consideration. At the time of grant of RSUs, the Board will determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each Share subject to the RSUs. The consideration to be paid (if any) by the Participant for each share of Shares subject to an RSU may be paid in any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable law. The Board may adjust the consideration to be paid in respect of any RSU in such manner as it considers to be fair and reasonable in the event of a variation of the share capital of the Company (provided that the amount of Consideration is not reduced below the nominal value of a Share). as described in Rule 6 of the Plan. |
(b) | Vesting. At the time of the grant of RSUs, the Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of the RSUs as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. |
(c) | Payment. RSUs may be settled by the delivery of Shares, their cash equivalent, any combination thereof or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the RSU Agreement. |
(d) | Additional Restrictions. At the time of the grant of RSUs, the Board, as they deem appropriate, may impose such restrictions or conditions that delay the delivery of the Shares (or their cash equivalent) subject to RSUs to a time after the vesting of such RSUs. |
11. | COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY |
11.1 | No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes. The Company will have no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise any Participant of a pending termination or expiration of RSUs or any duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of RSUs. |
11.2 | Securities Law Compliance. The Company will seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over this RSU Sub Plan such authority as may be required to grant RSUs and to issue and sell Shares pursuant to RSUs; provided, however, that this undertaking will not require the Company to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this RSU Sub Plan, any RSUs or any Shares issued or issuable pursuant to any such RSUs. If, after reasonable efforts and at a reasonable cost, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Shares pursuant to any RSUs, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Shares upon settlement of any RSUs, unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant will not be eligible for the grant of RSUs or the subsequent issuance of cash or Shares pursuant to the RSUs if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any applicable securities law. |
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12. | MISCELLANEOUS |
12.1 | Shareholder Rights. No Participant will be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any Shares subject to RSUs unless and until (a) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for the issuance of Shares under the RSU pursuant to its terms, and (b) the issuance of the Shares subject to the RSUs have been entered into the books and records of the Company. |
12.2 | Withholding Obligations. Unless prohibited by the terms of an RSU Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any UK, US federal, US state or other local tax withholding obligation relating to RSUs by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (a) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (b) withholding Shares from the Shares issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the RSUs; provided, however, that no Shares are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lesser amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of the RSUs as a liability for financial accounting purposes); (c) withholding cash from RSUs settled in cash; (d) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; or (e) by such other method as may be set forth in the RSU Agreement. |
12.3 | Exit Events. The following provisions will apply to RSUs in the event of an Exit Event unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the RSU or any other written agreement between the Company or any Group Company and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of an RSU. In the event of an Exit Event, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this RSU Sub Plan, the Board may take one or more of the following actions with respect to RSUs, contingent upon the closing or completion of the Exit Event: |
(a) | arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the RSUs or to substitute similar RSUs for the RSUs (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the shareholders of the Company in respect of the Shares pursuant to the Exit Event); |
(b) | accelerate the vesting, in whole or in part, of the RSUs to a date on or prior to the effective time of such Exit Event as the Board determine (or, if the Board do not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective date of the Exit Event), |
(c) | settle all RSUs that become vested as a result of the Exit Event, or which have vested previously but for which no Shares have yet been issued as of the Exit Event, through the delivery of the Shares subject to such RSUs, at or prior to the effective time of the Exit Event (provided that, in lieu of issuing Shares, the Company may settle vested RSUs through a cash payment in respect of the Shares subject to the RSUs equal to the consideration paid to the shareholders in respect of their Shares); |
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(d) | cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the RSUs, to the extent not vested prior to the effective time of the Exit Event, in exchange for such cash consideration (including no consideration) as the Board, in their sole discretion, may consider appropriate; and |
(e) | cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the RSUs for no payment or consideration to the Participant in the case of an Exit Event that does not also qualify as a change in control event for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. |
12.4 | The Board need not take the same action or actions with respect to all RSUs or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants. The Board may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of an RSU. In the case of any RSUs being settled through a cash payment upon an Exit Event, the amount paid to the holders of RSUs may be subject to the same escrows, holdbacks, earn outs and other post-closing contingencies as the proceeds payable to the Company’s shareholders in respect of their Shares. Further, the Board, in its sole discretion, may condition a Participant’s right to receive such cash payment in connection with an Exit Event upon the Participant’s delivery of an agreement (x) acknowledging such escrows, earn outs, holdbacks or other contingencies, (y) appointing a representative to act on the Participant’s behalf following the Exit Event with respect to matters relating to the Exit Event, and/or (z) agreeing to or acknowledging any indemnification or other agreements or obligations required of recipients of proceeds pursuant to the Exit Event. |
12.5 | Adjustments. In connection with an event described in Rule 6.1 of the Plan, the class(es) and number of securities and (if applicable) the price per Share of subject to an award of RSUs will be appropriately and proportionately adjusted and such adjustment will occur automatically to the greatest extent possible. |
13. | GOVERNING LAW |
This RSU Sub Plan and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.
14. | JURISDICTION |
Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with, this RSU Sub Plan or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).
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Exhibit 10.21
Exscientia Limited
Rules
of the
Exscientia
Company Share Option Plan
Established by a resolution of the board of directors of the Company on 27th November 2019 and amended on 3rd April 2021
The Rules of the Exscientia Company Share Option Plan
1. | Interpretation |
1.1 | The following definitions and rules of interpretation apply in the Plan. |
Amendment Date: 3rd April 2021.
Associate: has the meaning given in paragraph 12 of Schedule 4.
Bad Leaver: a participant who, on the occasion of ceasing employment with a Group Company, is not a Good Leaver.
Board: the board of directors of the Company or a committee of directors appointed by that board to carry out any of its functions under the Plan.
Business Day: a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in Scotland or England when banks in London are open for business.
Company: Exscientia Limited incorporated and registered in Scotland under company registration number SC428761.
Constituent Company: any Group Company nominated by the Board to be a Constituent Company at the relevant time.
Control: has the meaning given in section 719 of ITEPA 2003.
Dilutive Shares: on any date, all shares of the Company that:
a) | have been issued or transferred out of treasury on the exercise of options granted, and in satisfaction of any other awards made, under any Share Incentive Scheme (including the Plan) and |
b) | remain capable of issue or transfer out of treasury under any Existing Options. |
Eligible Employee:
a) | any employee of a Constituent Company; and |
b) | any director of a Constituent Company who is required to devote at least 25 hours per week (excluding meal breaks) to their duties; |
who in either case:
a) | does not have a Material Interest (either on their own or together with one or more of their Associates), and has not had such an interest in the last 12 months; and |
b) | has no Associate or Associates that has or (taken together) have a Material Interest, or had such an interest in the last 12 months. |
Employee: an employee of a Group Company.
Employer Company: the Option Holder’s employer or former employer as applicable.
Exercise Price: the price at which each Share subject to an Option may be acquired on the exercise of that Option, which (subject to rule 15):
a) | if Shares are to be newly issued to satisfy the exercise of the Option, may not be less than the nominal value of a Share; and |
b) | may not be less than the Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date (or such earlier date as determined in accordance with paragraph 22 of Schedule 4). |
Existing CSOP Options: all:
a) | Option; and |
b) | options granted under any other Schedule 4 CSOP that has been established by the Company or any of its Associated Companies (as defined in paragraph 35 of Schedule 4), |
that can still be exercised.
Existing Option: an option or any other right to acquire or receive Shares granted under any Share Incentive Scheme (including the Plan), that remains capable of exercise, or in the case of options or rights that do not require exercise, remains capable of satisfaction.
Good Leaver: a Participant who, on the occasion of ceasing employment with a Group Company, ceases to be employed as a result of:
a) | injury, disability or illness (in each case evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board); |
b) | redundancy within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996; |
c) | retirement; |
d) | the Option Holder’s employer ceasing to be a Group Company |
e) | the transfer of the business which employs the Option Holder to a person which is not a Group Company |
f) | death; or |
g) | the Participant being declared a Good Leaver by the Board in its absolute discretion. |
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Grant Date: the date on which an Option is granted under the Plan.
Group Company: any of the following:
a) | the Company; |
b) | a company of which the Company has Control and which is also a Subsidiary of the Company; and |
c) | a jointly owned company (as defined in paragraph 34 of Schedule 4) that is treated as being under the Company’s Control under paragraph 34 of Schedule 4 and that is not excluded from being a Constituent Company under paragraph 34(4) of Schedule 4. |
HMRC: HM Revenue & Customs.
ITEPA 2003: Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.
Key Feature: any provision of the Plan that is necessary to meet the requirements of Schedule 4.
Market Abuse Regulation: Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse.
Market Value: the market value determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of Part VIII of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, and any relevant published HMRC guidance, on the relevant date and, if Shares are subject to a Relevant Restriction, Market Value shall be determined as if they were not subject to a Relevant Restriction.
Material Interest: has the meaning given in paragraph 9 of Schedule 4.
Normal Vesting Date: the earliest date on which the Option may be exercised, unless an earlier event occurs to cause the Option to lapse or become exercisable.
Option: a right to acquire Shares granted under the Plan.
Option Agreement: a certificate setting out the terms of an Option issued under rule 2.3.
Option Holder: an individual who holds an Option.
Performance Condition: any condition set under rule 3 that:
a) | must be met before an Option can be exercised at all; and/or |
b) | provides that the extent to which an Option becomes capable of exercise shall be determined by reference to performance over a certain period measured against specified targets. |
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Plan: the employee share option plan constituted and governed by these rules, as amended from time to time.
Relevant Restriction: any provision included in any contract, agreement, arrangement or condition to which any of sections 423(2), 423(3) and 423(4) of ITEPA 2003 would apply if references in those sections to employment-related securities were references to Shares.
Rollover Period: any period during which Options may be exchanged for options over shares in another company (under paragraph 26 of Schedule 4, rule 14.5 and rule 14.6).
Schedule 4: Schedule 4 to ITEPA 2003.
Schedule 4 CSOP: a share plan that meets the requirements of Schedule 4.
Share Incentive Scheme: any arrangement to provide employees and/or directors with shares.
Shares: £0.001 A ordinary shares in the Company (subject to rule 15) that meet the requirements of paragraphs 16 to 18 and paragraph 20 of Schedule 4.
Subsidiary: a subsidiary as defined in section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006.
Tax Liability: the total of any income tax and primary class 1 (employee) national insurance contributions and, in respect of Options granted on or after the Amendment Date, secondary class 1 (employer) national insurance contributions (or their equivalents in any jurisdiction) for which any Employer Company is or may be liable to account (or reasonably believes it is or may be liable to account) as a result of any Taxable Event.
Taxable Event: any event or circumstance that gives rise to a liability for the Option Holder to pay income tax, national insurance contributions or both (or their equivalents in any jurisdiction) in respect of:
a) | the Option, including its exercise, assignment or surrender for consideration, or the receipt of any benefit in connection with it; |
b) | any Shares (or other securities or assets): |
(i) | earmarked or held to satisfy the Option; |
(ii) | acquired on exercise of the Option; |
(iii) | acquired as a result of holding the Option; |
(iv) | acquired in consideration of the assignment or surrender of the Option; |
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(c) | any securities (or other assets) acquired or earmarked as a result of holding Shares (or other securities or assets) mentioned in (b); |
(d) | entering into an election under section 430 or 431 of ITEPA 2003; or |
(e) | any amount due under PAYE in respect of securities or assets within (a) to (d) above, including any failure by the Option Holder to make good such an amount within the time limit specified in section 222 of ITEPA 2003. |
1.2 | Rule headings shall not affect the interpretation of the Plan. |
1.3 | Unless the context otherwise requires, words in the singular shall include the plural and in the plural shall include the singular. |
1.4 | Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to one gender shall include a reference to the other genders. |
1.5 | A reference to a statute or statutory provision is a reference to it as amended, extended or re-enacted from time to time. |
1.6 | A reference to a statute or statutory provision shall include all subordinate legislation made from time to time under that statute or statutory provision. |
1.7 | A reference to writing or written includes fax and email. |
1.8 | Any obligation on a party not to do something includes an obligation not to allow that thing to be done. |
1.9 | A reference to the Plan or to any other agreement or document referred to in the Plan is a reference to the Plan or such other agreement or document as varied or novated (in each case, other than in breach of the provisions of the Plan) from time to time. |
1.10 | References to rules are to the rules of the Plan and a reference to Plan Rules shall be construed accordingly |
1.11 | Any words following the terms including, include, in particular, for example or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words, description, definition, phrase or term preceding those terms. |
2. | Grant of Options |
2.1 | Subject to the Plan Rules, the Company may grant Options to any Eligible Employee it chooses at any time. |
2.2 | Options may not be granted: |
(a) | at any time when that grant would be prohibited by, or in breach of any: |
(i) | law; or |
(ii) | the Market Abuse Regulation or any other regulation with the force of law. |
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2.3 | An Option shall be granted by the Company executing an Option Agreement as a deed in a form approved by the Board. Each Option Agreement shall be sent to the relevant Option Holder and shall specify (without limitation): |
(a) | the Grant Date; |
(b) | the number and class of the Shares over which the Option is granted; |
(c) | the Exercise Price; |
(d) | the Normal Vesting Date; |
(e) | the date when the Option will lapse, assuming that the Option is not exercised earlier and no event occurs to cause the Option to lapse earlier. This date may not be later than the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. |
(f) | any Performance Conditions, and the method by which the Performance Conditions may be varied or waived; |
(g) | a statement that: |
(i) | the Option is subject to these rules, Schedule 4 and any other legislation applying to Schedule 4 CSOPs; and |
(ii) | the provisions listed in rule (i) shall prevail over any conflicting statement relating to the Option’s terms; |
(h) | whether or not the shares are subject to any Relevant Restrictions and, if so, the nature of the Relevant Restrictions; and |
(i) | the circumstances in which the Option will lapse. |
2.4 | No amount shall be paid for the grant of an Option. |
3. | Performance Conditions |
3.1 | On the Grant Date of any Option, the Company: |
(a) | may specify one or more Performance Conditions for the Option; and |
(b) | may specify, for any Performance Condition: |
(i) | any restrictions that will apply to variation or waiver of that Performance Condition under rule 3.4; or |
(ii) | that there may be no such variation or waiver. |
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3.2 | A Performance Condition may be specified to apply only to part of an Option. |
3.3 | Any Performance Condition shall be an objective measure of the performance of: |
(a) | the Company; or |
(b) | the Option Holder; or |
(c) | a business unit of which the Option Holder is a part. |
3.4 | Subject to rule 3.6 and any restrictions on variation or waiver specified by the Company under rule 3.1(b), the Board may vary or waive any Performance Condition if events occur that cause: |
(a) | an Option to become exercisable before the end of the period over which the original Performance Condition was to be assessed, if the original Performance Condition cannot reasonably be applied to the shortened time period; or |
(b) | the Board to decide the Performance Condition is no longer an appropriate measure of performance. |
3.5 | If the Board varies the Performance Condition under rule 3.4, the varied Performance Condition must be (in the reasonable opinion of the Board): |
(a) | no more difficult to satisfy than the original Performance Condition was at the Grant Date; and |
(b) | not materially easier to satisfy than the original Performance Condition was at the Grant Date, unless the variation of the Performance Condition has been approved in advance by the Company in general meeting. |
3.6 | rule 3.4 shall not permit the general waiver by the Board of Performance Conditions: |
(a) | on cessation of employment; |
(b) | on the occurrence of any event permitting the exercise of Options under rule 14; or |
(c) | on the release of Options in exchange for New Options under rule 14.5. |
3.7 | The Board shall determine whether, and to what extent, Performance Conditions have been satisfied. |
3.8 | If an Option is subject to any Performance Condition, the Board shall notify the Option Holder within a reasonable time after the Board becomes aware of the relevant information: |
(a) | when that Performance Condition has become incapable of being satisfied, in whole or in part; and |
(b) | of any waiver or variation of that Performance Condition under rule 3.4. |
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4. | Overall limits on grants |
The Company may not grant an Option if that grant would result in the total number of Dilutive Shares exceeding 25% of the issued share capital of the Company.
5. | Individual limits on grants |
The grant of any share option intended to be an Option (New Option) shall be limited and take effect so that the total Market Value (at the relevant dates of grant) of Shares subject to all Existing CSOP Options held by the relevant Eligible Employee and the New Option does not exceed £30,000 (or any other amount specified in paragraph 6 of Schedule 4 at the relevant time).
6. | Transfer of Options |
6.1 | Options may not be transferred or assigned or have any charge or other security interest created over them. If an Option Holder attempts to do any of those things, the Option shall lapse immediately. |
7. | Lapse and suspension of Options |
7.1 | An Option (or part of an Option as applicable) shall lapse on the earliest of the following: |
(a) | any attempted action by the Option Holder falling within rule 6.1; or |
(b) | to the extent that any Performance Condition becomes incapable of being met, or is not met on the Normal Vesting Date; or |
(c) | the lapse date specified in the Option Agreement; or |
(d) | the day next following the Option Holder (who is not determined to be a Good Leaver) ceasing employment with a Group Company and is thereby no longer an employee or director of any Group Company; |
(e) | if any part of rule 14 applies, the time specified for the lapse of the Option under that part of rule 14; or |
(f) | when the Option Holder becomes bankrupt under Part IX of the Insolvency Act 1986, or applies for an interim order under Part VIII of the Insolvency Act 1986, or proposes or makes a voluntary arrangement under Part VIII of the Insolvency Act 1986, or takes similar steps, or is similarly affected, under laws of any jurisdiction that correspond to those provisions of the Insolvency Act. |
8. | Exercise of Options: General |
8.1 | An Option Holder may exercise an Option from the earliest of: |
(a) | the Normal Vesting Date; and |
(b) | the time it becomes exercisable under rule 14. |
8.2 | An Option Holder may only exercise an Option to the extent that the relevant Performance Condition is achieved (unless waived under rule 3.4). |
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9. | Exercise of Options: restrictions |
9.1 | An Option Holder may not exercise an Option when its exercise is prohibited by, or would be a breach of the Market Abuse Regulation, or any: |
(a) | law; or |
(b) | regulation with the force of law. |
9.2 | An Option Holder may not exercise an Option at any time when the Option Holder: |
(a) | has a Material Interest (any interests of the Option Holder’s Associates being treated as belonging to the Option Holder for this purpose); or |
(b) | had a Material Interest in the 12 months before that time (any interests of the Option Holder’s Associates being treated as having belonged to the Option Holder for this purpose). |
9.3 | An Option Holder may exercise an Option only if the Option Holder has: |
(a) | agreed to rule 12 in writing (this agreement may be included in the exercise notice); and |
(b) | made any arrangements, or entered into any agreements, required under rule 12. |
9.4 | An Option Holder may not exercise an Option at any time: |
(a) | while subject to ongoing disciplinary proceedings by any Group Company; |
(b) | while any Group Company is investigating the Option Holder’s conduct and may as a result begin disciplinary proceedings; |
(c) | while there is a breach of the Option Holder’s employment contract that is a potentially fair reason for dismissal; |
(d) | while in breach of a fiduciary duty owed to any Group Company; |
(e) | after ceasing to be an Employee. |
9.5 | The Company shall not unfairly frustrate a valid exercise of the Option by the inappropriate application of any provision of rule 9.4. |
9.6 | If an Option Holder is unable to exercise an Option due to the application of rule 9.3(a) or rule 9.3(b), following the conclusion of any disciplinary proceedings or investigation, the Board shall determine whether the Option is exercisable. If so, the Option will be exercisable, subject to these rules, on the date of such determination. |
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10. | TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT |
10.1 | An Option Holder who gives or receives notice of termination of employment (whether or not lawful) before the Normal Vesting Date may not exercise an Option at any time while the notice remains effective unless the Board is satisfied that the notice has been given or received in connection with an arrangement to transfer the Option Holder’s employment to another Group Company. |
10.2 | An Option Holder who ceases employment with a Group Company may not exercise their Option except as permitted by Rule 10.6, Rule 10.7 or Rule 10.11. |
10.3 | If an Option Holder: |
(a) | dies while an Employee; or |
(b) | ceases to be an Employee (whether or not following notice and for whatever reason) |
before the Normal Vesting Date, their Option shall lapse immediately in respect of such number of Shares as is calculated in accordance with Rule 10.4.
10.4 | If Rule 10.3 applies, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option lapses shall be calculated in accordance with the formula N x (X/Y) where: |
(a) | N is the number of Shares over which the Option was originally granted, less any Shares in respect of which it has already been exercised or has lapsed; |
(b) | X is the number of days between the date of death or cessation and the Normal Vesting Date; and |
(c) | Y is the number of days between the Grant Date and the Normal Vesting Date. |
10.5 | For the purposes of Rule 10, the Leaver Number is such number of Shares as remain following the application of Rule 10.3, reduced to reflect the extent to which the Performance Condition has not been satisfied on: |
(a) | the date on which the Board determines whether the Performance Condition has been met; |
(b) | if an Option becomes exercisable before the Normal Vesting Date under this Rule 10, the date the Option Holder ceased employment. |
10.6 | Notwithstanding any other rule of this Plan except Rule 14.13, if an Option Holder dies, the Option Holder’s personal representatives may exercise the Option over the Leaver Number during the period of 12 months following the Option Holder’s death. If the Option is not exercised, it will lapse on the first anniversary of the Option Holder’s death. |
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10.7 | An Option Holder who ceases to be an Employee before the Normal Vesting date due to any of the following reasons, may exercise their Option over the Leaver Number during the period of six months following the date the Option Holder ceased to be an Employee due to: |
(a) | injury; |
(b) | ill health; |
(c) | disability; |
(d) | the transfer of the business which employs the Option Holder to a person which is not a Group Company |
(e) | retirement; |
(f) | Redundancy; |
(g) | the Option Holder’s employer ceasing to be a Group Company; |
The Option shall lapse at the end of the exercise period specified in this Rule 10.7 to the extent it is not exercised.
10.8 | An Option Holder who ceases to be an Employee before the Normal Vesting Date for any reason other than death or a reason specified in Rule 10.7 may not exercise their Option unless the Board determines otherwise under Rule 10.11. |
10.9 | An Option Holder who ceases to be an Employee on or after the Normal Vesting Date for any reason other than summary dismissal may exercise their Option during the period of 90 days following the date of cessation, after which the Option shall lapse to the extent not exercised |
10.10 | An Option Holder who ceases to be an Employee by reason of summary dismissal may not exercise their Option unless the Board determines otherwise under Rule 10.11. |
10.11 | If Rule 10.8 or Rule 10.10 applies, the Board may decide at any time during the period of 90 days after the relevant cessation of employment that the relevant Option Holder is a Good Leaver and may exercise their Option over the Leaver Number. Any such decision, and whether to consider making such a decision, shall be entirely at the discretion of the Board. If the Board makes a decision to permit exercise under this Rule 10.11, it shall: |
(a) | specify the period during which the Option may be exercised (after which the Option shall lapse, to the extent not exercised), such a period to end no later than the later of: |
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(i) | the latest date on which the Option may be exercised, as specified in the Option Certificate; and |
(ii) | 90 days following the Normal Vesting Date; and |
(b) | notify the Option Holder of its decision within a reasonable time after making it. |
10.12 | An Option Holder shall not be regarded as ceasing to be an Employee until the Option Holder is no longer an employee or director of any Group Company. |
11. | Manner of exercise of Options |
11.1 | An Option may be exercised in part only, or, in respect of Options granted on or after the Amendment Date, in part or in full. |
11.2 | An Option shall be exercised by the Option Holder giving a written exercise notice to the Company that shall: |
(a) | set out the number of Shares over which the Option Holder wishes to exercise the Option except that, if that number exceeds the number over which the Option may be validly exercised at the time: |
(i) | the Option shall be treated as exercised only in respect of that lesser number; and |
(ii) | any excess amount paid to exercise the Option or meet any Tax Liability shall be refunded; and |
(b) | be made using a form that the Board will approve; |
(c) | include a power of attorney as required by rule 12.5; |
(d) | include the Option Holder’s agreement to pay the Tax Liability in accordance with rule 12; and |
(e) | be accompanied by the relevant Option Agreement. If an Option Agreement has been lost, the relevant Option may still be exercised, but the Company may make it a condition of exercise that the Option Holder shall enter into a formal acknowledgement that the Option Agreement is lost and a binding undertaking to return it for cancellation if recovered at a later date. |
11.3 | Any exercise notice shall be accompanied by: |
(a) | payment of an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Shares specified in the notice; and |
(b) | any payment required under rule 12; and/or |
(c) | any documents relating to arrangements or agreements required under rule 12. |
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11.4 | Any exercise notice shall be invalid: |
(a) | to the extent that it is inconsistent with the Option Holder’s rights under these rules and the Option Agreement; or |
(b) | if any of the requirements of rule 11.2 or rule 11.3 are not met; or |
(c) | if any payment referred to in rule 11.3 is made by a cheque that is not honoured on first presentation or in any other manner that fails to transfer the expected value to the Company. |
The Company may permit the Option Holder to correct any defect referred to in rule (b) or rule (c) (but shall not be obliged to do so). The date of any corrected exercise notice shall be the date of the correction rather than the original notice date for all other purposes of the Plan.
11.5 | Shares shall be allotted and issued (or transferred, as appropriate) within 30 days after a valid Option exercise, subject to the other rules of the Plan. |
11.6 | Except for any rights determined by reference to a date before the date of allotment, Shares allotted and issued in satisfaction of the exercise of an Option shall rank equally in all respects with the other shares of the same class in issue at the date of allotment. |
11.7 | If the Shares are listed or traded on any stock exchange, the Company shall apply to the appropriate body for any newly issued Shares allotted on exercise of an Option to be admitted to trading on that exchange. |
12. | Tax liabilities |
12.1 | The Option Holder shall indemnify the Employer Company in respect of any Tax Liability. |
12.2 | An Option Holder may not exercise an Option unless the Option Holder: |
(a) | agrees, in writing, to pay the Tax Liability to the Employer Company; and |
(b) | has made arrangements, satisfactory to the Employer Company or Company, to pay the Tax Liability. |
12.3 | If an Option Holder does not pay the Tax Liability on the day of exercise, the Company or Employer Company as appropriate, may: |
(a) | if the Shares are readily saleable at the time, retain and sell such number of Shares on behalf of the Option Holder as is necessary to meet the Tax Liability and any costs of sale; or |
(b) | deduct the amount of any Tax Liability from any payments of remuneration made to the Option Holder on or after the date on which the Tax Liability arose. However, in the case of national insurance contributions, the Employer Company may only withhold such amount as is permitted by the Social Security Contributions Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/1004). |
The Option Holder’s obligations under rule 12.1 shall not be affected by any failure of the Company or Employer Company to withhold shares or deduct from payments of remuneration under this rule.
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12.4 | At the request of the Employer Company (or the Company on behalf of the Employer Company) on or before the date of exercise of the Option, the Option Holder must enter into a joint election under section 431(1) or section 431(2) of ITEPA 2003 in respect of the Shares to be acquired on exercise of the relevant Option. |
12.5 | The exercise notice for the Option may include a power of attorney appointing the Company as the Option Holder’s agent and attorney for the purposes of rule 12.3. |
12.6 | Option Holders shall have no rights to compensation or damages on account of any loss in respect of Options or the Plan where such loss arises (or is claimed to arise), in whole or in part, from the Plan not being, or ceasing to be, a Schedule 4 CSOP. |
13. | Relationship with employment contract |
13.1 | The rights and obligations of any Option Holder under the terms of their office or employment with the Company (or any Group Company or former Group Company) shall not be affected by being an Option Holder. |
13.2 | The value of any benefit realised under the Plan by Option Holders shall not be taken into account in determining any pension or similar entitlements. |
13.3 | Option Holders and Employees shall have no rights to compensation or damages on account of any loss in respect of Options or the Plan where such loss arises (or is claimed to arise), in whole or in part, from: |
(a) | termination of office or employment with; or |
(b) | notice to terminate office or employment given by or to, |
the Company, any Group Company or any former Group Company. This exclusion of liability shall apply however termination of office or employment, or the giving of notice, is caused and however compensation or damages may be claimed.
13.4 | Option Holders and Employees shall have no rights to compensation or damages from the Company, any Group Company or any former Group Company on account of any loss in respect of Options or the Plan where such loss arises (or is claimed to arise), in whole or in part, from: |
(a) | any company ceasing to be a Group Company; or |
(b) | the transfer of any business from a Group Company to any person that is not a Group Company. |
This exclusion of liability shall apply however the change of status of the relevant Group Company, or the transfer of the relevant business, is caused and however compensation or damages may be claimed.
13.5 | An Employee shall not have any right to receive Options, whether or not any have previously been granted. |
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14. | Takeovers and liquidations |
14.1 | For the purposes of this rule 14, a Relevant Event means: |
(a) | a person (the Controller) obtaining Control of the Company as a result of: |
(i) | making a general offer to acquire the majority of the issued share capital of the Company (except for any capital already held by the Controller or any person connected with the Controller) that is made on a condition such that, if it is satisfied, the person making the offer will have Control of the Company; or |
(ii) | making a general offer to acquire the majority of the shares in the Company (except for any shares already held by the Controller or any person connected with the Controller) that are of the same class as the Shares; or |
(b) | the court sanctioning a compromise or arrangement under section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 that is applicable to or affects: |
(i) | all the ordinary share capital of the Company or all the Shares of the same class as the Shares to which the Option relates; or |
(ii) | all the Shares, or all the Shares of that same class, which are held by a class of shareholders identified otherwise than by reference to their employment or directorships or their participation in a Schedule 4 CSOP; or |
(c) | shareholders becoming bound by a non-UK reorganisation (as defined by paragraph 35ZA of Schedule 4) that is applicable to or affects: |
(i) | all the ordinary share capital of the Company or all the Shares of the same class as the Shares to which the Option relates; or |
(ii) | all the Shares, or all the Shares of that same class, which are held by a class of shareholders identified otherwise than by reference to their employment or directorships or their participation in a Schedule 4 CSOP; or |
(d) | a person becomes bound or entitled to acquire Shares under sections 979 to 985 of the Companies Act 2006. |
14.2 | Subject to rule 14.5 and rule 14.12, an Option may be exercised on the date of the Relevant Event: |
(a) | within six months of a Relevant Event occurring under rule 14.1(a), rule 14.1(b), or rule 14.1(c); |
(b) | at any time after a Relevant Event occurring under rule 14.1(d), continuing for as long as that person remains so bound or entitled. |
The Board may determine that the Option shall lapse when it ceases to be exercisable under this rule 14.2.
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14.3 | If |
(a) | a Relevant Event specified in rule 14.1(a) occurs; or |
(b) | a change of Control occurs as a result of a Relevant Event specified in rule 14.1(b), rule 14.1(c) or rule 14.1(d); |
and, as a result of the change of Control, Shares will no longer satisfy the requirements of Part 4 of Schedule 4, the Board may permit Option Holders to exercise Options to the extent that the Performance Condition is met at the date of the change of Control during the period of 20 days following the change of Control. Options that are not exercised will lapse at the expiry of 20 days following the change of Control.
14.4 | If the Board reasonably expects a Relevant Event to occur, the Board may make arrangements permitting Options to be exercised for a period of 20 days ending with the Relevant Event. If an Option is exercised under this rule 14.4, it will be treated as having been exercised in accordance with rule 14.2. |
If the Board makes arrangements for the exercise of Options under this rule 14.4:
(a) | if the Option is not exercised in accordance with those arrangements, it will lapse on the date of the Relevant Event; and |
(b) | if the Relevant Event does not occur within 20 days of the date of purported exercise, the Option shall be treated as not having been exercised. |
14.5 | If, as a result of a Relevant Event, a company has obtained Control of the Company, each Option Holder may, by agreement with that company (Acquiring Company) within the Rollover Period, release each Option (Old Option) for a replacement option (New Option). A New Option shall: |
(a) | be over shares that satisfy the requirements of paragraphs 16 to 20 of Schedule 4 in the Acquiring Company (or some other company falling within paragraph 27(2)(b) of Schedule 4); and |
(b) | be a right to acquire such number of those shares as have, immediately after grant of the New Option, a total Market Value substantially the same as the total Market Value of the shares subject to the Old Option immediately before its release; and |
(c) | have an exercise price per share such that the total price payable on complete exercise of the New Option is substantially the same as the total price that would have been payable on complete exercise of the Old Option; and |
(d) | so far as practicable, be on terms otherwise identical to the Old Option immediately before the Old Option’s release. |
14.6 | Any Rollover Period shall have the same duration as the applicable appropriate period defined in paragraph 26(3) of Schedule 4. |
14.7 | Any New Option granted under rule 14.5 shall be treated as having been acquired at the same time as the relevant Old Option for all other purposes of the Plan. |
14.8 | The Plan shall be interpreted in relation to any New Options as if references to: |
(a) | the Company (except for those in the definitions of Constituent Company and Group Company) were references to the Acquiring Company (or to any other company whose shares are subject to the New Options, as the context may require); and |
(b) | the Shares were references to the shares subject to the New Options. |
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14.9 | The Company will remain the scheme organiser of the Plan (as defined in paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 4) following the release of Options and the grant of New Options under rule 14.5. |
14.10 | The Acquiring Company shall issue (or procure the issue of) an Option Agreement for each New Option. |
14.11 | In this rule 14 (other than rule 14.5), a person shall be deemed to have obtained Control of a company if they, and others acting with them, have obtained Control of it together. |
14.12 | If a Relevant Event takes place in the course of any corporate reconstruction or reorganisation under which the ultimate beneficial ownership of the business of the Group Companies will remain the same, and the company that obtains Control offers to grant New Options in accordance with rule 14.5, then rule 14.2 shall not apply and all Old Options shall lapse at the end of the Rollover Period to the extent that they are not released under rule 14.5. |
14.13 | If the shareholders of the Company receive notice of a resolution for the voluntary winding up of the Company, any Option Holder may exercise an Option to the extent that the Performance Condition is met at the date of the resolution at any time in the period before that resolution is passed, conditionally upon the passing of that resolution, and if the Option Holder does not exercise the Option, it shall lapse when the winding up begins. |
14.14 | The Board shall notify Option Holders of any event that is relevant to Options under this rule 14 within a reasonable period after the Board becomes aware of it. |
15. | Variation of share capital |
If there is any variation of the share capital of the Company (whether that variation is a capitalisation issue (other than a scrip dividend), rights issue, consolidation, subdivision or reduction of capital or otherwise) that affects (or may affect) the value of Options to Option Holders, the Board may adjust the number and description of Shares subject to each Option and/or the Exercise Price of each Option in a manner that the Board, in its reasonable opinion, considers to be fair and appropriate. However:
(a) | adjustments to the Exercise Price may only be made in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 22 of Schedule 4; |
(b) | any adjustment to the number of Shares may be made only in accordance with either paragraph 22 of Schedule 4 or a mechanism notified to the Option Holder at grant; |
(c) | the total market value of the Shares subject to the Option is, immediately after the variation of share capital, substantially the same as immediately before the variation of share capital; |
(d) | the total amount payable on exercise of an Option immediately after the variation of Share Capital must be substantially the same as immediately before the variation of share capital; |
(e) | the Exercise Price for a Share to be newly issued on the exercise of any Option shall not be reduced below its nominal value (unless the Board resolves to capitalise, from reserves, an amount equal to the amount by which the total nominal value of the relevant Shares exceeds the total adjusted Exercise Price, and to apply such amount to pay up the relevant Shares in full). |
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16. | Notices |
16.1 | Any notice or other communication given under or in connection with the Plan shall be in writing and shall be: |
(a) | delivered by hand or by pre-paid first-class post or other next working day delivery service at the appropriate address; |
For the purposes of this rule 16, the appropriate address means:
(i) | in the case of the Company, its registered office, provided the notice is marked for the attention of the VP, People; |
(ii) | in the case of an Option Holder, their home address; |
(iii) | if the Option Holder has died, and notice of the appointment of personal representatives has been given to the Company, any contact address they have specified in such notice; and |
(b) | sent by email to the appropriate email address. |
For the purposes of this rule 16, appropriate email address means:
(i) | in the case of the Company, the work email address for the VP, People; |
(ii) | in the case of the Option Holder, if they are permitted to receive personal emails at work, their work email address. |
16.2 | Any notice or other communication given under this rule 16 shall be deemed to have been received: |
(a) | if delivered by hand, on signature of a delivery receipt, or at the time the notice is left at the proper address; |
(b) | if sent by pre-paid first-class post or other next working day delivery service, at 9.00 am on the second Business Day after posting, or at the time recorded by the delivery service; |
(c) | if send by fax, at 9.00 am on the next Business Day after transmission; and |
(d) | if sent by email, at 9.00 am on the next Business Day after sending. |
16.3 | This rule 16 does not apply to: |
(a) | the service of any exercise notice pursuant to rule 11.2; and |
(b) | the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action or, where applicable, any arbitration or other method of dispute resolution. |
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17. | Administration and amendment |
17.1 | The Board shall administer the Plan. |
17.2 | The Board may amend the Plan from time to time but: |
(a) | no amendment may be made to a Key Feature of the Plan if, as a result of the amendment, the Plan would no longer be a Schedule 4 CSOP; |
(b) | no material amendment may apply to Options granted before the amendment was made without the consent of the Option Holder: |
(c) | while the Company is subject to any requirement, or bound by any agreement, that this should be the case, no amendment may be made without the prior approval of the Company in general meeting if it would: |
(i) | make the terms on which Options may be granted materially more generous; or |
(ii) | increase any of the limits specified in rule 4 or rule 5; or |
(iii) | change the definition of Eligible Employee to expand the class of potential Option Holders; or |
(iv) | change rule 13 to the benefit of Option Holders, |
unless it is a minor amendment to benefit the administration of the Plan, to take account of a change in legislation or to obtain or maintain favourable tax, exchange control or regulatory treatment for Option Holders or for the Company or any Group Company.
17.3 | The cost of setting up and operating the Plan shall be borne by the Constituent Companies in proportions determined by the Board. |
17.4 | The Company shall ensure that at all times: |
(a) | it has sufficient unissued or treasury Shares available; or |
(b) | arrangements are in place for a third party to transfer issued Shares |
to satisfy the exercise of all Options.
17.5 | The Board shall determine any question of interpretation and settle any dispute arising under the Plan. In such matters, the Board’s decision shall be final. |
17.6 | In making any decision or determination, or exercising any discretion under the rules, the Board shall act fairly and reasonably and in good faith. |
17.7 | The Company shall not be obliged to notify any Option Holder if an Option is due to lapse. |
17.8 | The Company shall not be obliged to provide Option Holders with copies of any materials sent to the holders of Shares. |
18. | Governing law |
The Plan and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland or England and Wales.
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19. | Jurisdiction |
19.1 | Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of Scotland or England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with the Plan or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims). |
19.2 | Each party irrevocably consents to any process in any legal action or proceedings under rule 19.1 above being served on it in accordance with the provisions of the Plan relating to service of notices. Nothing contained in the Plan shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. |
20. | Third party rights |
20.1 A person who is not a party to the Option shall not have any rights under or in connection with it as a result of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 except where such rights arise under any provision of the Plan for any Employer Company of the Option Holder which is not a party. This does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from that Act.
20.1 | The rights of the parties to an Option to surrender, terminate or rescind it, or agree any variation, waiver or settlement of it, are not subject to the consent of any person that is not a party to the Option as a result of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. |
21. | Data protection |
21.1 | In accepting the grant of an Option each Option Holder consents to the collection, holding, processing and transfer of their Personal Data by the Company or any Group Company for all purposes connected with the operation of the Plan. |
21.2 | The purposes of the Plan referred to in rule 21.1 include, but are not limited to: |
(a) | holding and maintaining details of the Option Holder’s Options; |
(b) | transferring the Option Holder’s Personal Data to the trustee of an employee benefit trust, the Company’s registrars or brokers or any administrators of the Plan; |
(c) | transferring the Option Holder’s Personal Data to a bona fide prospective buyer of the Company or the Option Holder’s Employer Company or business unit (or the prospective buyer’s advisers), provided that the prospective buyer, and its advisers, irrevocably agree to use the Option Holder’s Personal Data only in connection with the proposed transaction and in accordance with the data protection principles set out in the Data Protection Act 1998; and |
(d) | transferring the Option Holder’s Personal Data under rule 21.2(b) or rule21.2(c) to a person who is resident in a country or territory outside the European Economic Area that may not provide the same statutory protection for the information as countries within the European Economic Area. |
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Exhibit 10.22
The
Ex Scientia
Enterprise Management
Incentive Plan
under
the provisions of Schedule 5 of the Income Tax (Earnings and
Pensions) Act 2003
Plan Rules
(Adopted by the Board on 29 February 2016)
(The RM2 Partnership
Limited, registered in England 4613097
Sycamore House, 86-88 Coombe Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4QS www.rm2.co.uk
Plan Rules
Definitions
1.1. | In these Rules (and, where applicable, any Option Agreement) the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings: |
“Acting in Concert” | the meaning given in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers as in force at the date of an Option Agreement |
“Articles” | the Articles of Association of the Company as amended from time to time |
“Auditors” | the auditors of the Company from time to time or such other competent professional agreed by the parties or in the absence of an agreement, as appointed by the Board |
“Bad Leaver” | a Participant who, on the occasion of a Cessation of Employment, is not a Good Leaver |
"Board” | the Board of directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee of the Board |
“Business Sale” | the sale of the Majority Value of the assets of the business to a company which is not a Group Company, or to a person or persons Acting in Concert, where Majority Value is defined as the greater part of the gross assets of the business (including intellectual property and goodwill) as certified by the Auditors acting as experts and not as arbitrators |
“Cessation of Employment” | the occasion on which a Participant ceases to hold any office or employment in any Group Company and does not continue as, or become, an officer or employee of any other Group Company, and the time and date of cessation shall be the date on which the Participant shall have ceased to be an officer or employee of any Group Company, or the date of death or, if the Participant is absent from work by reason of maternity, paternity or adoption leave, the time and date when the Participant ceases to be entitled to exercise their right under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to return to work in any Group Company |
Company” | Ex Scientia Limited, CRN SC 428761, with registered office at EQ 14 City Quay, Dundee, DD 1 3JA |
“Company Reorganisation” | the meaning given to that expression in Rule 5.1 |
“Control” | the meaning given by section 719 of ITEPA |
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“Date of Grant” | the date on which an Option is, was, or is to be granted under the terms of an Option Agreement |
“Disqualifying Event” | a disqualifying event as set out in sections 533-539 ITEPA |
“Exercise Price” | the price at which each Share subject to an Option may be acquired on the exercise of that Option as set out in an Option Agreement |
“Exit Event” | any of the following events: |
(i) the date of a Company Reorganisation as mentioned in Rule 5.1 unless a release has been effected under Rule 5.2; | |
(ii) a Majority Share Sale; | |
(iii) a Business Sale; | |
(iv) a Flotation; | |
(v) on the commencement of a period mentioned in Rule 5.7 or 5.8; or | |
(vi) the Company passing a resolution for voluntary winding up | |
“Flotation” | the date on which any of the Company’s shares become quoted on a public stock exchange |
“Good Leaver” | a Participant who, on Cessation of Employment, ceases to be employed as a result of: |
(i) injury, disability or illness (in each case evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board); or | |
(ii) ceasing to be employed with the intention of retiring; or | |
(iii) redundancy within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996; or | |
(iv) death; or | |
(v) a transfer to which The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 apply; or | |
(vi) the Participant’s employing company ceasing to be a Group Company; or | |
(vii) the Participant being declared a Good Leaver by the Board in its absolute discretion | |
“Grantor” | whoever grants the Option, which may be a Group Company, the Trustees or any other person |
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“Group Company” | the Company or any company over which the Company has Control or any company which has Control of the Company |
“ITEPA” | the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 from time to time amended |
“Majority Share Sale” | a sale on a single date, or by a series of transactions over less than a calendar month, of shares of any class in the Company together entitled to more than 50 per cent. of the votes in general meeting to a person or persons Acting in Concert previously unconnected with (i) the Company, or (ii) any shareholder of record, provided that the Company may by Ordinary Resolution waive the condition that the person or persons Acting in Concert must be unconnected |
“Market Value” | on any day the market value of a Share determined in accordance with the provisions of Part VIII of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 and agreed with HM Revenue & Customs Shares and Assets Valuation |
“New Holding Company” | a company which has obtained Control of the Company (including where a person and others Acting in Concert with him together obtain Control of the Company) where the consideration received by holders of ordinary shares in the Company consists wholly of shares in the company obtaining Control of the Company and where the identity and proportion of the shareholders of the company obtaining Control of the Company are substantially similar to those prior to the change of Control |
“Option” | a right to acquire Shares granted in accordance with an Option Agreement |
“Option Agreement” | an agreement entered into between the Grantor and a Participant in accordance with these Rules under which the Grantor offers and the Participant accepts an Option |
“Participant” | an individual to whom an Option is granted including his personal representatives where the context so admits |
“Plan” | The Ex Scientia Enterprise Management Incentive Plan |
“Rules” | these present rules of the Plan |
“Schedule” | Schedule 5 of ITEPA |
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“Share” or “Shares” | either Ordinary and B Ordinary Shares of 0.001 each in the capital of the Company (as specified for each Participant in the Option Agreement) which satisfy the requirements of paragraph 35 of the Schedule and rank pari passu with all other shares of the same class but subject to the rights and restrictions set down in any Shareholders’ Agreement and the Articles |
“Shareholders’ Agreement” | any shareholders’ agreement made between the shareholders of the Company as may be in force and as amended from time to time |
“Trustees” | the trustees of an employee benefit trust within the meaning of section 1166 Companies Act 2006 |
“Vest”, “Vests” or “Vested” | the circumstances in which all, or part of, an Option will become capable of exercise |
“Vesting Conditions” | conditions attached to an Option which determine the circumstances in which all or part of an Option will Vest |
“Vesting Schedule” | a schedule attached to an Option Agreement containing the Vesting Conditions |
1.2. | Where the context so admits the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and the masculine shall include the feminine. |
1.3. | Any reference to any enactment includes a reference to that enactment as from time to time modified, extended or re-enacted. |
1.4. | If any question, dispute or disagreement arises as to the interpretation of these Rules or any Option Agreement the decision of the Grantor shall (except as regard any matter regarded to be determined by the Auditors hereunder) be final and binding upon all persons. |
2. | Grant of the Option |
2.1. | An Option shall be granted by the Grantor and a Participant executing by deed an Option Agreement. The Option Agreement shall include a declaration that the Participant works at least 25 hours a week or 75% of their working time (in accordance with paragraph 26 of the Schedule). |
2.2. | Following the grant of an Option the Grantor shall as soon as reasonably practicable issue to the Participant a certificate in respect of the Option making reference to the terms of the Option Agreement and these Rules and stating the date on which the Option was granted. |
2.3. | Notwithstanding any other provision of the Rules: |
(i) | the grant of an Option pursuant to these Rules shall not form part of any contract of employment between any Group Company and a Participant; |
(ii) | unless expressly so provided in his contract of employment, a Participant has no right to be granted an Option; |
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(iii) | the benefit to a Participant of any Options held by him shall not form any part of his remuneration or count as his remuneration for any purpose and shall not be pensionable; |
(iv) | the rights granted to a Participant under any Option shall not give the Participant any right or entitlement to claim any compensation or damages in consequence of the loss or termination of his office or employment with any Group Company for any reason and whether or not such loss or termination of office or employment is found to be wrongful or inn breach of any contract (whether of the Plan, the Option Agreement or any other agreement); and |
(v) | a Participant shall not be entitled to claim any compensation or damages (or any other remedy) for any loss by reason that the Participant is unable to exercise any Option in consequence of the loss or termination of his office or employment with any Group Company for any reason and whether or not such loss or termination of office or employment is found to be wrongful or in breach of any contract (whether of the Plan, the Option Agreement or any other agreement) including as a result of the exercise by any Group Company (or the Grantor) of any discretion (or failure to exercise any discretion) that is found to be an unreasonable exercise of such discretion); and |
(vi) | by accepting the grant of an Option and not renouncing it, a Participant is deemed to have agreed to the provisions of this Rule 2.3. |
3. | Exercise of Option |
3.1. | Subject to this Rule 3, an Option shall be exercisable only in accordance with the conditions contained in the relevant Option Agreement. |
3.2. | An Option may be exercised in whole or in part provided that, on any day, an Option may be exercised over no fewer than the less of: |
(i) | 25 per cent. of the Shares over which an Option has Vested; |
(ii) | the total number of Shares over which an Option remains exercisable at that time; and |
(iii) | such other number as the Board may determine. |
3.3. | When an Option is exercised in part, the balance (to the extent that it has not lapsed) shall remain exercisable on the same terms as originally applied to the whole Option and a new Option certificate shall be issued accordingly by the Grantor as soon as possible after the partial exercise. |
3.4. | Save where the context otherwise permits, or if otherwise determined by the Board, a Vested Option shall be capable of exercise on any business day, subject to the notice period required under Rule 7. |
3.5. | The acquisition price on exercise of an Option shall be the Exercise Price, provided that the total exercise consideration shall be rounded up to the nearest penny. If the price is less than the nominal value of a Share then, on the exercise of the Option, the Board shall capitalise the Company’s distributable reserves and apply the same in paying up the difference between the Exercise Price and the nominal value of the Shares. In the event that the Company has no such reserves, the Participant shall pay up the difference. |
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3.6. | The Participant may not exercise any part of an Option or sell Shares upon such exercise if such exercise or sale would not be permissible under any applicable law, rule or regulation including any regulation relating to insider trading. |
3.7. | To the extent an Option has not lapsed, the Grantor may in its absolute discretion declare an Option to be exercisable, to the extent permitted by the Board, on the occurrence of a Disqualifying Event, but for the avoidance of doubt the Grantor shall be under no obligation to exercise this discretion. |
4. | Lapse of Option |
4.1. | An Option shall lapse as provided in the relevant Option Agreement, or if earlier, on the earliest of the following events: |
(i) | the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant; |
(ii) | the date of Cessation of Employment if the Participant is a Bad Leaver; |
(iii) | the date of Cessation of Employment for any part of a Good Leaver’s Option that the Board, in its discretion, has determined that the Participant may not exercise by virtue of being a Good Leaver, with any balance of the Option that the Board, in its discretion has determined may be exercised by virtue of being a Good Leaver to lapse on a date determined by the Board in its discretion, and not exceeding 90 days; |
(iv) | where the Participant is a Good Leaver by reason of his death, 12 months after the death of the Participant; |
(v) | (v) 60 days after either a Majority Share Sale, a Company Re-organisation or a Business Sale unless a release has been effected under Rule 5.2; |
(vi) | as provided by Rule 5.6, Rule 5.7 or Rule 5.8; |
(vii) | (vii) six months after the Company passes a resolution for voluntary winding up; or |
(viii) | the Participant being adjudicated bankrupt. |
4.2. | Any purported transfer of assignment by the Participant shall cause the Option to lapse forthwith, and the Option certificate shall carry a statement to this effect, provided that, on a Participant’s death, his personal representatives may exercise the Option, subject to the Rules and the Option Agreement. |
4.3. | Neither the Company or, if different, the Grantor shall be obliged to notify the Participant if the Option is due to lapse. |
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5. | Takeovers and Liquidations |
5.1. | For the purposes of this Rule 5, a Company Reorganisation means where a company (“Acquiring Company”): |
(i) | obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to acquire the whole of the issued share capital of the Company which is made on a condition such that if it is satisfied the person making the offer will have Control of the Company; or |
(ii) | obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to acquire all the shares in the Company which are of the same class as the Shares; or |
(iii) | obtains Control of the Company as a result of a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by the court under section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 (court sanction for compromise or arrangement); or |
(iv) | obtains all the shares of the Company as a result of a qualifying exchange of shares within the meaning of paragraph 40 of the Schedule; or |
(v) | becomes bound or entitled under sections 979 to 982 of the Companies Act 2006 (takeover offers; right of offeror to buy out minority shareholder) to acquire shares in the Company which are of the same class as the Shares; |
Provided always that a Company Reorganisation shall not include the creation of a New Holding Company where the Acquiring Company offers to grant the Participant a Replacement Option (as that term is defined and in accordance with Rule 5.2).
5.2. | If there is a Company Reorganisation, as an alternative to exercising his Option a Participant may by agreement with the Acquiring Company release his Option for an option (the “Replacement Option”), which is equivalent to the Option but relates to shares in the Acquiring Company, such that all the conditions in Rule 5.3 are satisfied. |
5.3. | The conditions mentioned in Rule 5.2 are: |
(i) | in the case of an event falling within Rules 5.1(i) to 5.1(iv) above, that the Replacement Option is issued within 6 months beginning with the time that the Acquiring Company obtained Control of the Company, or in the case of an event within 5.1(v) above, that the Replacement Option is issued within the period during which the Acquiring Company remains bound or entitled as mentioned in that Rule; |
(ii) | that the total Market Value, immediately before the release, of the Shares which were subject to the Option is equal to the total Market Value, immediately after the grant, of the shares in respect of which the Replacement Option is granted; |
(iii) | that the Acquiring Company is a qualifying company within the meaning of paragraph 8 of the Schedule, that the Participant remains an eligible employee within the meaning of paragraph 24 of the Schedule, that the Replacement Option is a qualifying option within the meaning of paragraph 34 of the Schedule; and |
(iv) | (iv) that all other requirements of paragraph 43 of the Schedule are also met. |
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5.4. | Where any Replacement Option is granted pursuant to this Rule 5, then the date of grant of the Replacement Option shall be deemed to be the same as the Date of Grant of the Option. |
5.5. | In relation to the Replacement Option, where appropriate, references to “Company” and “Shares” shall be read as if they were references to the company to whose shares the Replacement Option relates and the shares in respect of which the Replacement Option is granted, respectively. |
5.6. | If a person makes an offer for the Company which, if successful, would result in a Company Reorganisation, a Majority Share Sale or a Business Sale, the Grantor may by written notice to the Participant (an “Impending Sale Notice”) declare that all outstanding Options (which have Vested, or will Vest on the occurrence of a Company Reorganisation, a Majority Share Sale or a Business Sale in accordance with an Option Agreement) may be conditionally exercised during a period not exceeding 3 months to be specified by the Grantor in the notice and shall lapse at the end of that period. If an Option is conditionally exercised by a Participant pursuant to this Rule 5.6, the exercise shall become unconditional immediately before it becomes certain that the Company Reorganisation, Majority Share Sale or Business Sale will take place. All conditional notices of exercise shall lapse if, and when, it becomes certain that the Company Reorganisation, Majority Share Sale or Business Sale will not take place. Any Option which was subject to a lapsed exercise notice shall be unaffected and the Option shall continue as before. The Grantor may at its discretion include in the Impending Sale Notice a requirement that the Participant must give a valid and irrevocable power of attorney (“POA”) in favour of a director of the Company nominated by the Grantor conferring on such person the authority to do all things (including executing all documents) necessary to exercise the Participant’s Option to the fullest extent possible permitted by the relevant Option Agreement and, at the discretion of the Grantor, to sell the Shares acquired through exercise of the Option, provided that such authority to sell Shares shall be exercised only pursuant to a Company Reorganisation or a Majority Share Sale and the terms of any such sale and the value of the consideration to be received on a sale taking into account the terms of sale shall in the reasonable opinion of the Board not be inferior to the best terms on which any other share is sold pursuant to the Company Reorganisation or the Majority Share Sale. If a Participant is required by an Impending Sale Notice to give a POA and does not do so within any reasonable time limit set by the Grantor of receiving such notice the relevant Option shall immediately lapse. |
5.7. | If a person proposes to obtain Control of the Company in pursuance of a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by the court, as referred to in Rule 5.1(iii), all outstanding Options (which have Vested, or will Vest on the occurrence of a Company Reorganisation or a Majority Share Sale in accordance with an Option Agreement) may be exercised, conditionally, at any time during the period beginning with the date of the meeting of the members of the Company ordered by the court and ending on the earlier of 6 months thereafter and 7 clear days before the court sanctions the compromise or arrangement. If an Option is conditionally exercised by a Participant pursuant to this Rule 5.7, the exercise shall become unconditional immediately before it becomes certain that the proposed compromise or arrangement will be sanctioned by the court. All conditional notices of exercise shall lapse if, and when, it becomes certain that the proposed compromise or arrangement will not be sanctioned by the court. Any Option which was subject to a lapsed exercise notice shall be unaffected and the Option shall continue as before. |
5.8. | In the case of an event falling within Rule 5.1(v), all outstanding Options (which have Vested or will Vest on the occurrence of a Company Reorganisation in accordance with an Option Agreement) may be exercised at any time during the period beginning with the date the person serves a notice under section 979 of the Companies Act 2006 and ending 7 clear days before the date on which the person ceases to be entitled to serve such a notice. For the purposes of this Rule 5.8, the term “person” shall include two or more persons Acting in Concert. |
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6. | Variation of share capital |
6.1. | In the event of any variation of the share capital of the Company by way of capitalisation (other than a scrip dividend), rights issue, consolidation, subdivision or reduction of capital or otherwise, the number of Shares subject to the Option and the Exercise Price for each of those Shares shall be adjusted in such a manner as the Auditors confirm in writing to be fair and reasonable provided that the Exercise Price for a Share is not reduced below its nominal value and: |
(i) | the Market Value of the Shares subject to the Option is not increased; and |
(ii) | following the adjustment the Shares continue to satisfy the conditions specified in paragraph 35 of the Schedule; |
provided that for the avoidance of doubt no adjustment shall be made under this Rule in respect of any new consideration received by the Company as a result of an issue of shares.
6.2. | In the event of a proposed adjustment under Rule 6. 1, the Board shall seek clearance from HM Revenue and Customs prior to the adjustment being made that the proposed adjustment shall not constitute a Disqualifying Event. |
7. | Manner of Exercise of Options |
7.1. | The Participant will have no claim against the Grantor, any Group Company or any other person in the event that at the Date of Grant or any other time the Option is not a qualifying option within the meaning of the Schedule. |
7.2. | An Option shall be exercised by the Participant giving notice to the Grantor in writing of the number of Shares in respect of which he wishes to exercise the Option accompanied by such arrangements for payment as are acceptable to the Grantor in its reasonable discretion and the relevant Option certificate and shall be effective on the expiry of 28 clear days, or such shorter period as the Board in its discretion shall determine, after its receipt by the Grantor. |
7.3. | A definitive Share certificate shall be issued to the Participant within 30 days of the date of the exercise of the Option subject to the Participant entering into a deed of adherence pursuant to any Shareholders’ Agreement. |
7.4. | The Participant irrevocably agrees to enter into a joint election, under section 431(1) or section 431(2) of ITEPA in respect of the Shares to be acquired on exercise of the relevant Option, if required to do so by any Group Company, on, before or within 14 days of any date of exercise of the Option. |
7.5. | If in connection with the grant, holding and/or exercise of the Option: |
(i) | a Participant becomes liable to tax, duties (including stamp duty), national insurance contributions or any other tax, impost or amount and any Group Company is liable to make a payment to any revenue or other authority on account of the liability (including employees’ social security contributions); or |
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(ii) | any Group Company becomes liable to make a payment of employer’s national insurance contributions (unless this paragraph (ii) is disapplied in the relevant Option Agreement); |
the Participant shall as a condition of exercising the Option and before exercising the Option enter into such arrangements as the Grantor shall determine in its discretion for the purpose of ensuring that the Participant discharges all such liabilities as are mentioned in this Rule 7.5 and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Company may sell a sufficient number of Shares on exercise of the Option or require the Participant to remit to any Group Company an amount sufficient to satisfy the aforementioned liabilities.
7.6. | All Shares allotted or transferred to a Participant following the date of exercise shall rank equally in all respects with the Shares for the time being in issue save as regards any rights attaching to such Shares by reference to a record date prior to the date of such allotment or transfer. |
8. | Miscellaneous |
8.1. | Neither the Grantor or any Group Company shall have any responsibility for the consequences (whether in relation to taxation or any other matter) of any action of a Participant in relation to his acceptance or exercise of an Option and the Participant shall be responsible for obtaining any financial or legal advice that it or he may require at his own cost. |
8.2. | Any notice or other communication under or in connection with an Option may be given by a Participant or any Group Company or the Grantor either personally or by post; items sent by post shall be prepaid and shall be deemed to have been served 72 hours after posting. |
8.3. | The Grantor, if the Company, shall ensure that at all times it has sufficient authority to issue new Shares to satisfy the exercise to the full extent still possible of an Option or any part of it which has neither lapsed nor been fully exercised, taking account of any other obligations of the Company. The Grantor, if not the Company, shall procure that at all times it holds sufficient unencumbered Shares or irrevocable rights over such Shares to satisfy the exercise to the full extent still possible of an Option or any part of it which has neither lapsed nor been fully exercised. |
8.4. | If on the date of exercise of an Option or on any prior date any shares of the same class as the Shares are listed or quoted on a public investment exchange, the Company shall within one month of the Option exercise apply to the relevant investment exchange for permission for the Shares which have been the subject of the Option exercise to be similarly listed or quoted. |
8.5. | By accepting an Option a Participant agrees that the Grantor and any Group Company or any person retained by any of the foregoing in relation to the operation or administration of the Plan, may obtain, store and process data about the Participant in connection with the Plan and agrees further that any of the aforementioned parties or other third parties may use the information to contact the Participant from time to time by post, fax, email or telephone in connection with the operation of the Plan and to process information including personal data and personal sensitive data as defined in the Data Protection Act 1998 for the purposes of the Plan including all relevant disclosures to HM Revenue and Customs. |
8.6. | Each Party shall bear its own costs in connection with these Rules and any Option Agreement subject to these Rules. |
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8.7. | The Board may at its discretion make minor alterations or additions to the Rules in order to benefit the administration of the Plan, to take account of changes in legislation or to obtain or maintain favourable taxation or regulatory treatment for the Participant or the Grantor, provided that no such change will operate to the detriment of a Participant or result in an Option ceasing to be a qualifying option within the meaning of the Schedule. 8.8 Save as otherwise provided in these Rules, a person who is not a party to an Option Agreement shall have no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to rely upon or enforce any term of these Rules or any Bonus Agreement. This Rule shall not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act. |
8.8. | These Rules shall be interpreted in accordance with, and governed by, English law. |
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Exhibit 21.1
Exscientia plc*
List of Subsidiaries
Subsidiary | Jurisdiction |
Exscientia Inc. | Delaware |
Exscientia Ventures I, Inc. | Delaware |
RE Ventures I, LLC | Delaware |
Exscientia KK | Japan |
Kinetic Discovery Ltd | Scotland |
Alphaexscientia Beteiligungs GmbH | Austria |
Exscientia AI Limited | Scotland |
*Following the completion of the corporate reorganization described in the prospectus that forms a part of the registration statement to which this list of subsidiaries is an exhibit.
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Exscientia Limited of our report dated June 21, 2021 relating to the financial statements of Exscientia Limited, which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Reading, United Kingdom
September 10, 2021