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UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

 

CURRENT REPORT 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) 

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 16, 2021

 

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-39668   83-2292321

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
         

1880 Embarcadero Road

Palo Alto, CA

  94303
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 650-272-3233

 

Atlas Crest Investment Corp. 399 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

 

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

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

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

 

Title of each class  

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001

per share

  ACHR   The New York Stock Exchange
Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   ACHR WS   The New York Stock Exchange

 

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

 

Emerging growth company x

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Introductory Note

 

Overview

 

On September 16, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy Archer”), Atlas Crest Investment Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Atlas”), and Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas (“Merger Sub”), consummated the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, dated February 10, 2021, as amended and restated on July 29, 2021, by and among Atlas, Legacy Archer and Merger Sub (the “Business Combination Agreement”), following approval at a special meeting of the stockholders of Atlas held on September 14, 2021 (the “Special Meeting”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, a business combination of Legacy Archer and Atlas was effected by the merger of Merger Sub with and into Legacy Archer, with Legacy Archer surviving the merger (the “Surviving Entity”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas (the “Merger,” and, collectively with the other transactions described in the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Following the consummation of the Merger on the Closing Date, the Surviving Entity changed its name from Archer Aviation Inc. to Archer Aviation Operating Corp. and Atlas changed its name from Atlas Crest Investment Corp. to Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”).

 

In connection with the Special Meeting and the Business Combination, the holders of 24,239,307 shares of Atlas Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Atlas Class A Common Stock”), or approximately 48.5% of the shares with redemption rights, exercised their right to redeem their shares for cash at a redemption price of approximately $10.00 per share, for an aggregate redemption amount of approximately $242.4 million.

 

Conversion and Exchange of Equity in the Business Combination

 

After the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined below) was declared effective under the Securities Act, Legacy Archer obtained and delivered to Atlas a written consent approving and adopting the Business Combination Agreement and the ancillary documents thereto to which Legacy Archer was a party or would be a party and the transactions contemplated therein (including the Merger) that was duly executed by Legacy Archer stockholders that held at least the requisite number of issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Archer common stock required to approve and adopt such matters in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and Legacy Archer’s governing documents and Legacy Archer’s stockholders agreements (the “Legacy Archer Stockholder Written Consent”). Promptly following the receipt of the Legacy Archer Stockholder Written Consent, Legacy Archer prepared and delivered to each Legacy Archer stockholder who did not execute and deliver the Legacy Archer Stockholder Written Consent an information statement, in the form and substance required under the DGCL in connection with the Merger and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Atlas.

 

Immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of Legacy Archer preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Legacy Archer Preferred Stock”) then issued and outstanding converted into a number of shares of Legacy Archer common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Legacy Archer Common Stock”) in accordance with an irrevocable written consent executed by certain Legacy Archer preferred stockholders, who, collectively, held more than a majority of Legacy Archer Preferred Stock (the “Conversion Written Consent”) and the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company (the “Legacy Archer Certificate of Incorporation”, together with the delivery of the Conversion Written Consent, the “Legacy Archer Preferred Conversion”).

 

In connection with the Merger, Atlas amended and restated its certificate of incorporation to implement a new dual-class capital structure with: (i) shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Archer Class A Shares”) carrying voting rights in the form of one vote per share, and (ii) shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Archer Class B Shares” and, together with the Archer Class A Shares, the “Common Stock”) carrying voting rights in the form of ten votes per share. Pursuant to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the former Legacy Archer equityholders have the right to convert their Archer Class B Shares received (or to be received, following exercise of the applicable options, restricted stock unit awards or warrants) as a result of the Business Combination into Archer Class A Shares.

 

1 

 

 

In connection with the Merger:

 

· each outstanding share of Atlas Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, was converted automatically into one share of Atlas Class A Common Stock;

 

· each outstanding share of Atlas Class A Common Stock was converted automatically into one Archer Class A Share;

 

· each share of Legacy Archer Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (including shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock resulting from the Legacy Archer Preferred Conversion, but excluding any shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock held by Legacy Archer as treasury stock) was converted into a right to receive a number of Archer Class B Shares determined on the basis of an exchange ratio (the “Exchange Ratio”) equal to: (A) (I) (a) $1,480,000,000, plus (b) the aggregate exercise price that would have been paid to Legacy Archer in respect of all options to purchase shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock (whether vested or unvested) if all such options were exercised in full immediately prior to the Effective Time, plus (c) the aggregate exercise price that would have been paid to Legacy Archer in respect of all warrants to purchase equity securities of Legacy Archer (whether vested or unvested) if all such warrants were exercised in full immediately prior to the Effective Time, minus (d) the product of (x) 732,280, multiplied by (y) $1.56 (being the trading price of the warrants to purchase Atlas Class A Common Stock on the date prior to the Closing Date), divided by (II) the fully diluted shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock (including shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock resulting from the Legacy Archer Preferred Conversion, but excluding any shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock held by Legacy Archer as treasury stock and further excluding any restricted stock unit awards), divided by (B) $10.00, it being understood that the shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that were restricted shares subject to certain vesting conditions or were subject to a repurchase option or a risk of forfeiture, then the number of Archer Class B Shares issued in exchange for such restricted shares have the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such restricted shares immediately prior to the Effective Time (including with respect to vesting and termination-related provisions);

 

· each option (whether vested or unvested) to purchase shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock that was outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into an option to purchase a number of Archer Class B Shares based on the Exchange Ratio (no fractional shares will be issuable upon exercise of such options);

 

· each restricted stock unit award (whether vested or unvested) that was outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time with respect to shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock was converted into a restricted stock unit award with respect to a number of Archer Class B Shares based on the Exchange Ratio; and

 

· each outstanding warrant (whether vested or unvested) to purchase Legacy Archer Common Stock was converted into a warrant to purchase a number of Archer Class A Shares or Archer Class B Shares, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of such warrant (no fractional shares will be issuable upon exercise of such warrants).

 

Furthermore, an aggregate of 1,512,500 Archer Class A Shares (based on the assumed price of $10.00 per share) were issued to satisfy fees related to the Business Combination and PIPE Financing (as defined below)(the “Transaction Fee Shares”).

 

A description of the Business Combination and the terms of the Business Combination Agreement are included in the prospectus and definitive proxy statement, dated August 11, 2021, as amended and supplemented on August 30, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in the section titled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal—The Business Combination Agreement” beginning on page 78 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The foregoing description of the Business Combination Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Business Combination Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

2 

 

 

Transaction Support Agreements

 

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Legacy Archer obtained and delivered to Atlas transaction support agreements (collectively, the “Transaction Support Agreements”) executed by certain equityholders of Legacy Archer (the “Legacy Archer Supporting Equityholders”). Under the Transaction Support Agreements, the Legacy Archer Supporting Equityholders agreed, among other things, to, in the case of all Legacy Archer Supporting Equityholders (other than Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein, Legacy Archer’s co-founders and co-Chief Executive Officers), elect to convert their Archer Class B Shares received in the Business Combination into 57,218,767 Archer Class A Shares pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation. The foregoing description of the Transaction Support Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the form of Transaction Support Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PIPE Subscription Agreements

 

In connection with the Business Combination and substantially concurrent with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, Atlas entered into subscription agreements (each, a “Subscription Agreement”) with each of the investors in the PIPE Financing (as defined below) (including with certain of Atlas’ directors and officers, as well as certain employees of Moelis & Company LLC, an affiliate of Atlas and Atlas Crest Investment LLC (the “Sponsor”) and certain affiliates of Legacy Archer) (the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors agreed to subscribe for and purchase, and Atlas agreed to issue and sell to the PIPE Investors, an aggregate of 60,000,000 Archer Class A Shares at a price of $10.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $600,000,000, which we refer to as the “PIPE Financing.” Atlas granted the PIPE Investors certain registration rights in connection with the PIPE Financing. The sale of the PIPE Shares was consummated concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination (the “Closing”). In addition, an aggregate of 1,512,500 Archer Class A Shares (based on the assumed price of $10.00 per share) were issued to satisfy fees related to the Business Combination and PIPE Financing.

 

A description of the Subscription Agreements is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal—Related Agreements—Subscription Agreements” beginning on page 91 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The foregoing description of the Subscription Agreements is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the form of PIPE Subscription Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

 

On the Closing Date, Atlas, the Sponsor and certain other individuals entered into that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 16, 2021, (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Sponsor and certain other significant equityholders of Legacy Archer are subject to a six-month lock-up in respect of their shares of Common Stock received in the Business Combination (subject to certain customary exceptions).

 

The terms of the Registration Rights Agreement are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal—Related Agreements—Registration Rights Agreement” beginning on page 92 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Following the Closing, the holders of 198,552,323 shares of Common Stock and up to 18,024,399 shares issuable upon the exercise of Warrants (as defined below) to purchase Common Stock) are entitled to certain registration rights.

 

The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement, including the terms of the lock-up contained therein, is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

3 

 

 

Indemnification Agreements

 

Effective as of the Closing Date, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These indemnification agreements, among other things, require the Company to indemnify its directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or executive officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of the Company’s directors or executive officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at its request.

 

The foregoing description of the indemnification agreements is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the form of Indemnity Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.26 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition of Disposition of Assets.

 

The disclosure set forth in the “Introductory Note” above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

As of the Closing Date and following the completion of the Business Combination, the Company had the following outstanding securities:

 

  156,991,960 Archer Class A Shares;

 

  83,641,594 Archer Class B Shares;

 

  25,398,947 warrants to purchase Archer Class A Shares, with an exercise price of $11.50; and

 

  12,772,625 warrants to purchase Archer Class B Shares, with an exercise price of $0.01.

 

FORM 10 INFORMATION

 

Item 2.01(f) of this Current Report on Form 8-K states that if the predecessor registrant was a shell company, as Atlas was immediately before the Business Combination, then the registrant must disclose the information that would be required if the registrant were filing a general form for registration of securities on Form 10. Accordingly, the Company, as the successor registrant to Atlas, is providing the information below that would be included in a Form 10 if it were to file a Form 10. Please note that the information provided below relates to the combined company after the consummation of the Business Combination unless otherwise specifically indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Company makes forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K and in documents incorporated herein by reference. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K, regarding the Company’s future financial performance, as well as the Company’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this Current Report on Form 8-K, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, hopes, beliefs, intentions and strategies regarding future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. The Company cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company, incident to its business.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K and in any document incorporated herein by reference should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any subsequent date, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

4 

 

 

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include:

 

  the Company is an early-stage company with a history of losses and expectation of significant losses for the foreseeable future;

 

  the Company’s ability to design, manufacture and deliver its aircraft to customers;
     
  risks associated with the United Airlines order constituting all of the current orders for the Company’s aircraft and that the order is subject to conditions, further negotiation and reaching mutual agreement on certain material terms;

 

  the Company’s ability to remediate material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and ability to maintain an effective system of internal control;

 

  the Company’s ability to realize operating and financial results forecasts which rely in large part upon assumptions and analyses that the Company has developed;

 

  the Company’s ability to effectively market and sell air transportation as a substitute for conventional methods of transportation, following receipt of governmental operating authority;

 

  the Company’s ability to compete effectively in the urban air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing industries;

 

  the Company’s ability to obtain expected or required certifications, licenses, approvals, and authorizations from transportation authorities;

 

  the Company’s ability to achieve expected business milestones or launch products on anticipated timelines;

 

  risks associated with the Company’s reliance on its relationships with its suppliers and service providers for the parts and components in its aircraft;

 

  the Company’s ability to successfully develop commercial-scale manufacturing capabilities;

 

  the Company’s ability to successfully address obstacles outside of its control that slow market adoption of electric aircraft;

 

  the Company’s ability to attract, integrate, manage, train and retain qualified senior management personnel or other key employees;

 

  natural disasters, outbreaks and pandemics, economic, social, weather, growth constraints and regulatory conditions or other circumstances affecting metropolitan areas;

 

  the potential for losses and adverse publicity stemming from any accident involving our lithium-ion battery cells or test flights of our prototype eVTOL aircraft;

 

  risks associated with indexed price escalation clauses in customer contracts, which could subject the Company to losses if we have cost overruns or if increases in costs exceed the applicable escalation rate;

 

  the Company’s ability to address a wide variety of extensive and evolving laws and regulations, including data privacy and security laws;
     
  the Company’s ability to realize the benefits of the Business Combination;

 

5 

 

 

  risks associated with a federal government investigation relating to one of the Company’s employees (who Archer has placed on paid administrative leave) as well as a lawsuit brought against the Company by Wisk Aero LLC (“Wisk”);
     
  the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use by third parties, including the litigation with Wisk;
     
  the Company’s ability to obtain additional capital to pursue its business objectives and respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances;
     
  cybersecurity risks to the Company’s various systems and software; and

 

  risks associated with the dual-class structure of the Common Stock which has the effect of concentrating voting control with Adam Goldstein and Brett Adcock, Legacy Archer’s co-founders and the Company’s co-Chief Executive Officers and co-Chairmen.

 

Please see the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 33 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In addition, statements that the “Company believes”, “Archer believes” or “Legacy Archer believes” and similar statements reflect Atlas’s or Legacy Archer’s beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to Atlas or Legacy Archer, as the case may be, as of the date of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and while Atlas or Legacy Archer, as the case may be, believes such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and such statements should not be read to indicate that such party has conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

 

Business and Properties

 

The business and properties of the Company are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections titled “Information About Atlas” and “Information About Archer” beginning on pages 168 and 203, respectively, of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and such descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Risk Factors

 

The risks associated with the Company’s business are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 33 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Selected Historical Financial Information

 

The selected historical financial information and other data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 for Legacy Archer is included in the section titled “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data of Archer” beginning on page 28 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The historical financial information and other data as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 for Legacy Archer are set forth in Exhibit 99.3 attached hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of and for the six ended June 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020 is set forth in Exhibit 99.4 attached hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Legacy Archer for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.5 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

6 

 

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Company’s directors and executive officers after the Closing are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Management of New Archer Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 234 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Executive Compensation

 

Information with respect to the compensation of the Company’s executive officers is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Executive Compensation of Archer” beginning on page 226 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the Company’s employment arrangements with Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein.

 

The description of the employment arrangements of the Company’s executive officers is qualified in their entirety by the full text of such employment arrangements which attached hereto as Exhibits 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15.

 

Director Compensation

 

Information with respect to the compensation of the Company’s directors is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections titled “Executive Compensation of Archer—Non-Employee Director Compensation” on page 230 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

7 

 

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock as of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the Closing, by:

 

    each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Archer Class A Shares or Archer Class B Shares upon the Closing of the Business Combination;
       
    each of the Company’s executive officers and directors; and

 

    all of the Company’s executive officers and directors as a group upon the Closing.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including warrants, options and restricted stock units that are currently exercisable or vested or that will become exercisable or vest within 60 days. This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders and Schedules 13G or 13D filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, the Company believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them. The beneficial ownership percentages set forth in the table below are based on 156,991,960 shares of Archer Class A Shares and 83,641,594 shares of Archer Class B Shares issued and outstanding as of the Closing Date.

 

   

Archer Class A

Shares

    Archer Class B
Shares
       
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)   Number of
Shares
    %     Number of
Shares
    %     % of
Combined
Voting Power
 
5% or Greater Stockholders:                                        
Atlas Crest Investment LLC(2)     20,500,000       13.1 %     -       -       2.1 %
Marc Lore(3)     25,925,286       16.5       -       -       2.6  
Executive Officers and Directors:                                        
Brett Adcock(4)     100,000       *       36,917,931       44.1 %     37.2  
Adam Goldstein(5)     100,000       *       36,917,931       44.1       37.2  
Ben Lu     -       -       -       -       -  
Andy Missan     -       -       -       -       -  
Tom Muniz     1,551,816       *       -       -       *  
Deborah Diaz     -       -       -       -       -  
Fred Diaz     -       -       -       -       -  
Maria Pinelli     -       -       -       -       -  
Michael Spellacy(6)     90,000       *       -       -       *  
Oscar Munoz     250,000       *       -       -       *  
All current directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)(7)     2,091,816       1.3 %     73,835,862       88.3 %     74.5 %

 

 

* Less than one percent.

 

(1)   Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the following is 1880 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
     
(2)   Includes (i) 12,500,000 Archer Class A Shares and (ii) private warrants to acquire 8,000,000 Archer Class A Shares. Atlas Crest Investment LLC is the record holder of the shares reported herein and its address is c/o Atlas Crest Investment Corp., 399 Park Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
     
(3)   Marc Lore is the record holder of the shares reported herein and his address is 443 Greenwich Street, PHA, New York, NY 10013.
     
(4)   Includes (i) 100,000 Class A Shares held by Hight Drive Growth LLC, (ii) 27,756,278 Archer Class B Shares held by Hight Drive Growth LLC and (iii) 9,161,653 Archer Class B Shares held by Mr. Adcock. Mr. Adcock is a managing member of Hight Growth LLC.

 

(5)   Includes (i) 100,000 Class A Shares held by Capri Growth LLC, (ii) 27,756,278 Archer Class B Shares held by Capri Growth LLC and (ii) 9,161,653 Archer Class B Shares held by Mr. Goldstein. Mr. Goldstein is a managing member of Capri Growth LLC.
     
(6)   Mr. Spellacy has an indirect pecuniary interest in shares of Class A common stock Atlas Crest Investment LLC through membership interests in Atlas Crest Investment II LLC, over which Mr. Spellacy does not have voting or dispositive control.
     
(7)   Includes the shares described in notes (4) to (6).

8 

 

 

Certain Relationships and Related Business Combination

 

Certain relationships and related party transactions are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” beginning on page 198 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and such descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

Information about legal proceedings is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections “Information About Atlas—Legal Proceedings” and “Information About Archer—Legal Proceedings” beginning on pages 173 and 213, respectively, of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On April 6, 2021, Wisk brought a lawsuit against Archer in the United States District Court in the Northern District of California alleging misappropriation of trade secrets and patent infringement. Archer has placed an employee on paid administrative leave in connection with a government investigation and a search warrant issued to the employee, which Archer believes are focused on conduct prior to the employee joining Archer. Archer and three other Archer employees with whom the individual worked have received subpoenas relating to this investigation. Archer is cooperating with the investigation of the employee. On May 19, 2021, Wisk filed a motion for preliminary injunction and expedited discovery. On June 1, 2021, Archer filed a motion to dismiss the trade secret claims and filed counterclaims. On June 15, 2021, Wisk amended its complaint, and the following day Archer filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On June 23, 2021, Archer filed an opposition to the motion for preliminary injunction. On July 13, 2021, Archer filed amended counterclaims for the Wisk legal proceeding. On July 22, 2021, the District Court denied Wisk’s motion for preliminary injunction. On July 27, 2021, Wisk filed a motion to strike and dismiss certain of Archer's amended counterclaims. On August 10, 2021, Archer filed a motion to dismiss the motion to strike and dismiss. On August 20, 2021, Wisk filed a notice of appeal of the District Court’s denial of the motion for preliminary injunction. On August 24, 2021, the District Court denied Archer’s motion to dismiss the trade secret claims. On September 14, 2021, the District Court denied Wisk’s motion to strike and dismiss certain of Archer’s amended counterclaims. As of September 22, 2021, the government investigation was ongoing.  Archer cannot predict the timing or outcome of the litigation or government investigation or range of reasonably possible loss, if any, from either but a negative result could have a material adverse effect on Archer’s financial position, liquidity, operations, and cash flows.

 

Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Market Information and Holders

 

Atlas’s units, Class A common stock and warrants were historically quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “ACICU,” “ACIC” and “ACICW,” respectively. The Archer Class A Shares and warrants began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the new trading symbols “ACHR” and “ACHR WS,” respectively, on September 17, 2021.

 

In connection with the Closing, each Atlas unit was separated into its components, which consisted of one share of Class A common stock and one warrant, and such units no longer exist. As of the Closing Date and following the completion of the Business Combination, the Company had 156,991,960 shares of Archer Class A Shares issued and outstanding held of record by 142 holders, 83,641,594 shares of Archer Class B Shares issued and outstanding held of record by 51 holders and 38,171,572 Warrants outstanding held of record by two holders.

 

9 

 

 

Dividends

 

The Company intends to retain future earnings, if any, for, including but not limited to, future operations, expansion and debt repayment and there are no current plans to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of Common Stock will be at the sole discretion of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). The Board may take into account general and economic conditions, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, the Company’s available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax, and regulatory restrictions, implications on the payment of dividends by the Company to its stockholders or by its subsidiaries to it and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant. In addition, the Company’s ability to pay dividends is limited by covenants of the Company’s existing and outstanding indebtedness and may be limited by covenants of any future indebtedness the Company incurs.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 3.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning recent sales of unregistered securities.

 

Description of Registrant’s Securities

 

Common Stock

 

A description of the Common Stock is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections titled “Description of New Archer’s Securities—Authorized and Outstanding Stock” and “Description of New Archer’s Securities—New Archer Common Stock Following the Business Combination” beginning on page 184 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Warrants

 

A description of the Company’s outstanding warrants is included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections titled “Description of New Archer’s Securities—Archer Warrants Prior to the Business Combination” and “Description of New Archer’s Securities—Redeemable Warrants” beginning on pages 186 and 188, respectively, of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

SVB Warrants

 

In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, the warrants issued to Silicon Valley Bank were automatically exchanged for warrants to purchase an aggregate of 732,280 Archer Class A Shares at an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “New SVB Warrants”).

 

United Warrants

 

Prior to the Closing of the Business Combination, United Airlines, Inc. (“United”) transferred and assigned all of its rights and interests in and to purchase 13,562,423 Archer Class A Shares to United Airlines Ventures, Ltd. (“UAV”). Prior to the Closing of the Business Combination, UAV exercised warrants to acquire 4,686,597 Legacy Archer Common Stock. In connection with the Closing, 4,717,365 Archer Class B Shares were issued to UAV and pursuant to a Transaction Support Agreement, all the Archer Class B Shares held by UAV were converted into Class A Shares on a one-for-one basis.

 

Stellantis Warrants

 

In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, the warrants issued to FCA US LLC were converted into warrants to acquire 1,671,202 Archer Class B Shares and the warrants issued to FCA Italy S.p.A. were converted into warrants to acquire 1,077,024 Archer Class B Shares.

 

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These indemnification agreements provide such directors and executive officers with contractual rights to indemnification and expense advancement. The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the form of Indemnity Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.26 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

10 

 

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the Company’s financial statements and supplementary data.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 4.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the changes in certifying accountant.

 

Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

The information set forth in Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

The disclosure set forth in the “Introductory Note—PIPE Subscription Agreements” and “Description of Registrant’s Securities—SVB Warrants” above is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

The Archer Class A Shares issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, the New SVB Warrants and the Transaction Fee Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

The information set forth in Item 5.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4.01 Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

 

On September 16, 2021, the Audit Committee of the Board notified Marcum LLP (“Marcum”), Atlas’s independent registered public accounting firm prior to the Business Combination, that it would be dismissed and replaced by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm effective as of September 16, 2021.

 

On September 16, 2021, the Audit Committee of the Board approved the engagement of PwC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021. PwC previously served as the independent registered public accounting firm of Legacy Archer prior to the Business Combination.

 

Marcum’s report of independent registered public accounting firm dated March 8, 2021, except for the effects of the restatements discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements in Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated August 10, 2021, filed by the Company with the SEC, as to which the date is May 24, 2021, on the Atlas consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the period from August 26, 2020 (Atlas’s inception) through December 31, 2020 and the related notes to the financial statements did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

11 

 

 

During the period from August 26, 2020 (Atlas’s inception) through December 31, 2020 and the subsequent interim period through September 16, 2021, there were no “disagreements” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) with Marcum on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Marcum, would have caused Marcum to make reference thereto in its reports on Atlas’s financial statements for such periods. During the period from August 26, 2020 (Atlas’s inception) through December 31, 2020 and the subsequent interim period through September 16, 2021, there have been no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K), other than the material weakness in internal controls identified by management related to the accounting for warrants issued in connection with Atlas’s initial public offering, which resulted in the restatement of Atlas’s financial statements as set forth in Amendment No. 1 to Atlas’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on May 24, 2021.

 

During the period from August 26, 2020 (Atlas’s inception) through December 31, 2020 and the subsequent interim period through September 16, 2021, (i) the Company did not (a) consult with PwC as to the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and (b) receive a written report or oral advice that PwC concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to such accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue; and (ii) the Company did not consult PwC on any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a “reportable event” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

 

The Company has provided Marcum with a copy of the disclosures made by the registrant in this Item 4.01 in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and requested that Marcum furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the registrant in this Item 4.01 in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A letter from Marcum is attached hereto as Exhibit 16.1.

 

Item 5.01 Changes in Control of Registrant.

 

The information set forth in the section titled “Introductory Note” and in the section titled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

As a result of the completion of the Business Combination pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, a change of control of Atlas has occurred, and the stockholders of Atlas as of immediately prior to the Closing held 41.5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately following the Closing.

 

Item 5.02 Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

The information set forth in the sections titled “Directors and Executive Officers” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

At the Special Meeting, the Atlas stockholders considered and approved the Archer Aviation Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”). The Equity Incentive Plan was previously approved, subject to stockholder approval, by Atlas’s board of directors on August 11, 2021. The Equity Incentive Plan became effective immediately upon the Closing. The Equity Incentive Plan initially makes available a maximum number of Archer Class A Shares equal to 7,453,588. Additionally, the number of Archer Class A Shares reserved for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year, starting on January 1, 2022 and ending on and including January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 2% of the aggregate number of Archer Class A Shares outstanding (or issuable upon conversion or exercise of outstanding instruments) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, or (ii) such lesser number of shares as determined by the Board.

 

A summary of the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Proposal No. 5: The Equity Incentive Plan Proposal” beginning on page 134 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary and the foregoing description are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the Equity Incentive Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.8 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

12 

 

 

2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

At the Special Meeting, the Atlas stockholders considered and approved the Archer Aviation Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP was previously approved, subject to stockholder approval, by Atlas’s board of directors on August 11, 2021. The ESPP became effective immediately upon the Closing. The ESPP initially makes available for sale a maximum number of Archer Class A Shares equal to 4,969,059. Additionally, the number of Archer Class A Shares reserved for issuance under the ESPP will automatically increase on January 1 of each year, starting on January 1, 2022 and ending on and including January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of the aggregate number of Archer Class A Shares outstanding (or issuable upon conversion or exercise of outstanding instruments) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, or (ii) such lesser number of shares as determined by the Board.

 

A summary of the terms of the ESPP is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Proposal No. 6: The Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proposal” beginning on page 142 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary and the foregoing description are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the ESPP, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.11 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Founder Grants

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, and due to Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein’s continued employment through immediately prior to Closing, each of Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein (the “Archer Founders”) were granted 20,009,224 restricted stock units (the “Legacy Archer Founder Grants”), subject to certain vesting conditions, under the Archer 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. Each of the Legacy Archer Founder Grants will vest as to 25% of the shares thereunder upon the achievement (within seven years following the Closing) of the earlier to occur of: (i) a price based milestone or (ii) a performance-based milestone (including the Closing of the Business Combination), with a different set of such price and performance-based milestones applying to each quarter of the Legacy Archer Founder Grants. The vesting will generally be subject to the Archer Founder’s continued employment with the Company through the vesting date. However, if the Archer Founder’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by the Archer Founder for “good reason” ​(as defined in the employment agreement entered into with each Archer Founder), the Legacy Archer Founder Grants will remain outstanding and eligible to vest for a period of 15 months following such termination of employment. Twenty-five percent of the Legacy Archer Founder Grants vested in connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, and 5,002,306 Archer Class B Shares were issued to each of the Archer Founders upon the Closing.

 

The description of the Legacy Archer Founder Grants is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the employment arrangements of Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.12 and 10.13. Copies of the Archer 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, and a Form of RSU Grant Package under the Archer 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, under which the Legacy Archer Founder Grants were issued, are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5 and 10.7, respectively.

 

Employment Arrangements

 

Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein

 

The Company entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein substantially on the terms set forth below in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein are each entitled to an annual base salary of $600,000, a target annual bonus of 50% of base salary based upon the achievement of target objectives as established by the board of directors of the Company, and standard benefit plans available to Company executives.

 

13 

 

 

 

In addition, Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein will each be eligible for the following severance package for a termination without “cause” or resignation for “good reason” (each as defined below) not in connection with a change in control:

 

· 24 months of base salary at time of termination paid in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices;

 

· a lump sum cash payment equal to two times the target annual bonus;

 

· a lump sum payment equal to 24 months of COBRA premiums; and

 

· 24-month accelerated vesting of any time-vested equity awards (excluding for the avoidance of doubt the Legacy Archer Founder Grants).

 

For a termination without cause or resignation for good reason in the period starting three months prior to and ending 18 months following a change in control, Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein will each be eligible for the following severance package:

 

· 24 months of base salary at time of termination paid in a lump sum;

 

· a lump sum cash payment equal to two times the target annual bonus;

 

· a lump sum payment equal to 24 months of COBRA premiums; and

 

· 100% accelerated vesting of any time-vested awards (excluding for the avoidance of doubt the Legacy Archer Founder Grants).

 

As a condition of receiving the severance benefits, Messrs. Adcock and Goldstein are required to execute a general release of claims in favor of the Company and comply with all applicable agreements including but not limited to, the Company’s form of confidentiality and invention assignment agreement.

 

For purposes of the employment agreements, “cause” for termination will exist if the executive’s employment is terminated for any of the following reasons:

 

· any material breach by the executive of any material written agreement between the executive and the Company and the executive’s failure to cure such condition (if curable) within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof;

 

· any failure by the executive to comply with the Company’s material written policies or rules as they may be in effect from time to time;

 

· the executive’s willful failure to follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the board of directors and the executive’s failure to cure such condition (if curable) within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof;

 

· the executive’s conviction of (including a plea of guilty or nolo contendere) to, any crime that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Company;

 

· the executive’s commission of or participation in an act of fraud;

 

· the executive’s misconduct that results in material damage to the Company’s business, property or reputation; or

 

· the executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of Archer or any other party to whom the executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his relationship with the Company. For purposes of clarity, a termination without “cause” does not include any termination that occurs as a result of the executive’s death or disability.

 

 14

 

 

For purposes of the employment agreements, resignation for “good reason” from employment with Archer will exist if any of the following actions are taken by the Company without the executive’s prior written consent:

 

· a material reduction in the executive’s base salary (unless pursuant to a salary reduction program applicable generally to the executive’s similarly situated employees not to exceed 10%);

 

· a material reduction in the executive’s title or duties (including responsibilities and/or authorities); or

 

· relocation of the executive’s principal place of employment by more than 35 miles, provided, however, that any change from remote work to working from the Company’s Palo Alto offices will not be deemed a relocation that could give rise to good reason under this provision.

 

Upon a termination of employment without “cause” or a resignation for “good reason”, the Legacy Archer Founder Grants held by Messrs. Adcock or Goldstein, as the case may be, will remain outstanding for 15 months from the date of such termination and will remain eligible for vesting upon the achievement of the milestones set forth in such equity award.

 

Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

At the Special Meeting, the Atlas stockholders considered and approved, among other things, Proposal No. 2: The Charter Proposal (the “Charter Proposal”), which is described in greater detail in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page 126 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

 

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), which became effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 16, 2021, includes the amendments proposed by the Charter Proposal.

 

On September 16, 2021, the Board approved and adopted the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”), which became effective as of the Effective Time.

 

Copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws are attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The description of the Certificate of Incorporation and the general effect of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws upon the rights of holders of the Company’s capital stock are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the section titled “Description of New Archer’s Securities” beginning on page 184 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.05 Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.

 

In connection with the Business Combination, on September 16, 2021, the Board approved and adopted a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, officers and directors of the Company. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be found in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.archer.com.

 

Item 5.06 Change in Shell Company Status.

 

As a result of the Business Combination, the Company ceased being a shell company. Reference is made to the disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Proposal No. 1: The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 78 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and such disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Further reference is made to the information contained in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On September 16, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the Closing. A copy of the press release is filed hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

On September 17, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the commencement of trading of Class A Shares on the NYSE. A copy of the press release is filed hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, is furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liabilities under that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the filings of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings. This Current Report on Form 8-K will not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information contained in this Item 7.01, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statement and Exhibits.

 

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of Legacy Archer as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-44 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Legacy Archer as of for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the related notes are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of Atlas as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 and as of and for the period from August 26, 2020 (Atlas’s inception) to December 31, 2020 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-2 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Atlas as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the related notes are included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Company with the SEC on August 16, 2021 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company as of, and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, and for the year ended December 31, 2020 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.4 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d) Exhibits.

 

        Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit

Number

  Description  

Schedule/

Form

  File No.   Exhibit   Filing Date
2.1†   Amended and Restated Business Combination Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2021, by and among Atlas Crest Investment Corp., Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc. and Archer Aviation Inc.   8-K   001-39668   2.1   July 29, 2021
3.1*   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Archer Aviation Inc.                
3.2*   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Archer Aviation Inc.                
4.1   Warrant Agreement, dated October 27, 2020, by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent.   8-K   001-39668   4.1   November 2, 2020
10.1   Form of Subscription Agreement.   8-K   001-39668   10.2   February 10, 2021
10.2*   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, by and between the Company and certain stockholders, dated September 16, 2021.                
10.3   Amended and Restated Sponsor Letter Agreement, dated July 29, 2021, by and among Atlas Crest Investment LLC, Atlas Crest Investment Corp., Archer Aviation Inc. and the individuals named therein.   S-4   333-254007   10.1B   August 3, 2021
10.4   Form of Transaction Support Agreement   S-4   333-254007   10.2   March 8,2021
10.5+*   Archer 2019 Equity Incentive Plan.                
10.6+*   Form of Stock Option Grant Package under Archer 2019 Equity Incentive Plan.                
10.7+*   Form of RSU Grant Package under 2019 Equity Incentive Plan.                
10.8+*   Archer 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.                
10.9+*   Form of Stock Option Grant Package under Archer 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.                
10.10+*   Form of RSU Grant Package under Archer 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.                
10.11+*   Archer 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.                
10.12+*   Offer Letter, dated September 16, 2021, by and between the Company and Brett Adcock.                
10.13+*   Offer Letter, dated September 16, 2021, by and between the Company and Adam Goldstein.                
10.14+   Offer Letter, dated November 19, 2019, by and between the Company and Tom Muniz.   S-4   333-254007   10.19   August 10, 2021
10.15+   Offer Letter, dated June 24, 2021, by and between the Company and Ben Lu.   S-4   333-254007   10.18   August 10, 2021
10.16+   Offer Letter, dated May 5, 2021, by and between the Company and Andy Missan.   S-4   333-254007   10.17   August 10, 2021
10.17   Sublease Agreement, dated July 1, 2020, by and between Aurora Innovation, Inc. and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.12   August 10, 2021

 

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10.18   Lease Agreement, dated December 11, 2020, by and between Jack Dymond Lathing Co. and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.13   August 10, 2021
1019   Sublease Agreement, dated March 1, 2020, by and between Delta Mike Enterprises, LLC and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.14   August 10, 2021
10.20   Lease Agreement, dated April 14, 2021, by and between NC Investments, LLC and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.15   August 10, 2021
10.21   Storage/R&D Space License Agreement, dated March 15, 2021, by and between J.V. Lewis Enterprises, Inc. and Archer Aviation.   S-4   333-254007   10.16   August 10, 2021
10.22   ​Warrant to Purchase Shares, dated as of November 6, 2020, by and among FCA US LLC and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.8   August 3, 2021
10.23   Warrant to Purchase Shares, dated as of January 9, 2021, by and among United Airlines, Inc. and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.9   August 3, 2021
10.24   Loan and Security Agreement, dated July 9, 2021, by and among Silicon Valley Bank, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent, Silicon Valley Bank and SVB Innovation Credit Fund VIII, L.P., as lenders, and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.10   August 3, 2021
10.25   Warrant to Purchase Shares, dated as of February 26, 2021, by and among Mesa Air Group, Inc. and Archer Aviation Inc.   S-4   333-254007   10.11   August 3, 2021
10.26+*   Form of Indemnity Agreement.                
16.1*   Letter from Marcum LLP.                
21.1*   List of Subsidiaries.                
99.1*   Press Release dated September 16, 2021.                
99.2*   Press Release dated September 17, 2021.                
99.3*   Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of Legacy Archer as of and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.                
99.4*   Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information of the Company as of and for the Six Months ended June 30, 2021 and for the Year Ended December 31, 2020.                
99.5*   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for Legacy Archer for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.                
104     Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).                

 

 

* Filed herewith.
Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601. The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

 18

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  ARCHER AVIATION INC.
Dated: September 22, 2021  
  By:

/s/ Andy Missan

    Andy Missan
    Chief Legal Officer

 

 19

 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
ATLAS CREST INVESTMENT CORP

 

Atlas Crest Investment Corp., corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies that:

 

ONE:     The current name of this corporation is Atlas Crest Investment Corp. and the date of filing the original Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was August 26, 2020.

 

TWO:     The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation is hereby amended and restated to read as set forth below.

 

I. 

 

The name of this company is Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”).

 

II. 

 

The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 19808, County of New Castle, and the name of the registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware at such address is Corporation Service Company.

 

III. 

 

The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”).

 

IV. 

 

A.            The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock, each with a par value of $0.0001 per share, which the Company is authorized to issue is 1,010,000,000 shares, consisting of (a) 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock (the “Common Stock”), including (i) 700,000,000 shares of Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock”), and (ii) 300,000,000 shares of Class B common stock (the “Class B Common Stock”), and (b) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”).

 

B.            The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors of the Company is hereby expressly authorized by resolution or resolutions to provide for the issue of all or any of the shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more series, and to fix the number of shares of such shares and to determine for each such series, such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designation, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other rights and such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such shares and as may be permitted by the DGCL. The Board of Directors is also expressly authorized to increase (but not about the authorized number of shares of Preferred Stock) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series subsequent to the issuance of shares of that series.

 

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C.            The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock, Class A Common Stock or Class B 1 Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Certificate of Designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock.

 

D.            Except as provided above, the rights, preferences, privileges, restrictions and other matters relating to the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are as follows:

 

1.             Definitions.

 

(a)           Acquisition” means any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other Entity, other than any such consolidation or merger in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation or merger continue to hold a majority of the voting power of the surviving Entity in substantially the same proportions (or, if the surviving Entity is a wholly owned subsidiary of another Entity, the surviving Entity’s Parent) immediately after such consolidation, merger or reorganization; or (B) any transaction or series of related transactions to which the Company is a party in which in excess of 50% of the Company’s voting power is transferred or issued; provided that an Acquisition shall not include any transaction or series of transactions principally for bona fide equity financing purposes.

 

(b)          Approved Designee” shall mean a person or persons who is entitled to exercise Voting Control with respect to shares of Class B Common Stock following the death or Incapacity of a Founder pursuant to an agreement entered into between such Founder and some person or persons, and who is approved by a majority of the Independent Directors.

 

(c)           Asset Transfer” means the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all the assets of the Company.

 

(d)          Business Combination” shall mean the consummation of the transactions set forth in that certain Business Combination Agreement, by and among Atlas Investment Corp., Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc., and Archer Aviation Inc., dated as of February 10, 2021.

 

(e)           Certificate of Incorporation” means the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as amended and/or restated from time to time, including the terms of any certificate of designations of any series of Preferred Stock.

 

(f)            Closing” means the closing date of the Business Combination.

 

(g)          Entity” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity.

 

(h)          Effective Time” means the time this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware became effective in accordance with the DGCL.

 

(i)           Family Member” means with respect to any natural person, the spouse, ex-spouse, parents, grandparents, lineal descendants, siblings and lineal descendants of siblings (in each case whether by blood relation or adoption) of such person.

 

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(j)            Final Conversion Date” means 5:00 p.m. in New York City, New York on the last Trading Day of the fiscal year during which a Final Conversion Trigger Event occurs.

 

(k)           Final Conversion Trigger Event” shall mean the earliest to occur of (i) the ten (10) year anniversary of the Closing, (ii) the date specified in writing by the holders of two-thirds of the then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class; and (iii) when the number of then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represents less than 10.0% of the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

 

(l)             Founder” means each of Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein as individuals.

 

(m)          Incapacity” means, with respect to an individual, that such individual is incapable of managing his or her financial affairs under the criteria set forth in the applicable probate code that can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months as determined by a licensed medical practitioner. In the event of a dispute regarding whether an individual has suffered an Incapacity, no Incapacity of such individual will be deemed to have occurred unless and until an affirmative ruling regarding such Incapacity has been made by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(n)           Independent Directors” means the members of the Board of Directors designated as independent directors in accordance with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange or any national stock exchange under which the Company’s equity securities are listed for trading.

 

(o)            Liquidation Event” means (i) any Asset Transfer or Acquisition in which cash or other property is, pursuant to the express terms of the Asset Transfer or Acquisition, to be distributed to the stockholders in respect of their shares of capital stock in the Company or (ii) any liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, compensation pursuant to any employment, consulting, severance or other compensatory arrangement to be paid to or received by a person who is also a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock does not constitute consideration or a “distribution to stockholders” in respect of the shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.

 

(p)            Non-founder” shall mean any individual stockholder other than the Founders.

 

(q)            Parent” of an Entity means any Entity that directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the voting power of the voting securities or interests of such Entity.

 

(r)            Permitted Entity” means, with respect to a Qualified Stockholder, any Entity in which such Qualified Stockholder directly, or indirectly through one or more Permitted Transferees, has sole dispositive power and exclusive Voting Control with respect to all shares of Class B Common Stock held of record by such Entity.

 

(s)            Permitted Transfer” means, and be restricted to, any Transfer of a share of Class B Common Stock:

 

(i)               by a Founder, by Founder’s Permitted Entities or by Founder’s Permitted Transferees, in each case, as a result of or in connection with such Founder’s death or Incapacity, either (i) to such Founder’s Family Members or to such Founder’s Permitted Entities or to Founder’s Permitted Transferees, or (ii) of Voting Control to an Approved Designee;

 

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(ii)              by a Qualified Stockholder that is a natural person (including a natural person serving in a trustee capacity with regard to a trust for the benefit of himself or herself and/or his or her Family Members), to the trustee of a Permitted Trust of such Qualified Stockholder or to such Qualified Stockholder in his or her individual capacity or as a trustee of a Permitted Trust;

 

(iii)             by the trustee of a Permitted Trust of a Qualified Stockholder, to such Qualified Stockholder, the trustee of any other Permitted Trust of such Qualified Stockholder or any Permitted Entity of such Qualified Stockholder;

 

(iv)              by a Qualified Stockholder to any Permitted Entity of such Qualified Stockholder; or

 

(v)               by a Permitted Entity of a Qualified Stockholder to such Qualified Stockholder or any other Permitted Entity or the trustee of a Permitted Trust of such Qualified Stockholder.

 

(t)            Permitted Transferee” means a transferee of shares of Class B Common Stock received in a Transfer that constitutes a Permitted Transfer.

 

(u)           Permitted Trust” means a validly created and existing trust the beneficiaries of which are either a Qualified Stockholder or Family Members of the Qualified Stockholder or both, or a trust under the terms of which such Qualified Stockholder has retained a “qualified interest” within the meaning of §2702(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (as amended from time to time) and/or a reversionary interest.

 

(v)            Qualified Stockholder” means (i) the record holder of a share of Class B Common Stock at the Effective Time; and (ii) a Permitted Transferee of a Qualified Stockholder.

 

(w)           Single Founder Conversion Trigger Event” shall mean the earliest to occur of any of the following only respect to the shares of Class B Common Stock held by the applicable Founder (and any shares of Class B Common Stock underlying any derivative securities held by such Founder), (i) the occurrence of the nine (9) month anniversary of the death or Incapacity of such Founder; (ii) the occurrence of the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date that such Founder is no longer providing services to the Company or its subsidiaries as an executive officer or employee, or as a director of the Company; and (iii) at least 80% of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by such Founder as of immediately following the Closing having been transferred (on a fully as converted/as exercised basis and subject to customary capitalization adjustments), provided, however, that any Permitted Transfer shall be excluded from such calculation.

 

(x)            Single Holder Conversion Date” means 5:00 p.m. in New York City, New York on the last Trading Day of the fiscal year during which a Single Founder Conversion Trigger Event or Single Non-Founder Conversion Trigger Event, as the case may be, occurs.

 

(y)             Single Non-founder Conversion Trigger Event” shall mean the earliest to occur of any of the following only respect to the shares of Class B Common Stock held by a Non-founder (and any shares of Class B Common Stock underlying any derivative securities held by such individual), (i) the date of the death or Incapacity of such Non-founder; (ii) the date that such Non-founder ceases to provide services to the Company or its subsidiaries as an executive officer or employee, or as a director of the Company; or (iii) at least 80% of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by such Non-founder as of immediately following the Closing having been transferred (on a fully as converted/as exercised basis and subject to customary capitalization adjustments), provided, however, that any Permitted Transfer shall be excluded from such calculation.

 

4 

 

 

(z)            Trading Day” means any day on which The Nasdaq Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange are open for trading.

 

(aa)          Transfer” of a share of Class B Common Stock means any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, hypothecation or other transfer or disposition of such share or any legal or beneficial interest in such share, whether or not for value and whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, including, without limitation, a transfer of a share of Class B Common Stock to a broker or other nominee (regardless of whether there is a corresponding change in beneficial ownership), or the transfer of, or entering into a binding agreement with respect to, Voting Control (as defined below) over such share by proxy or otherwise; provided, however, that the following shall not be considered a “Transfer” within the meaning of this Article IV:

 

(i)               the granting of a revocable proxy to officers or directors of the Company at the request of the Board of Directors in connection with actions to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders;

 

(ii)              the existence of any proxy granted prior to the Effective Time or the amendment or expiration of any such proxy;

 

(iii)            entering into a voting trust, agreement or arrangement (with or without granting a proxy) solely with stockholders who are holders of shares of Class B Common Stock that (A) is disclosed either in a Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in writing to the Secretary of the Company, (B) either has a term not exceeding one year or is terminable by the holder of the shares subject thereto at any time and (C) does not involve any payment of cash, securities, property or other consideration to the holder of the shares subject thereto other than the mutual promise to vote shares in a designated manner;

 

(iv)             the pledge of shares of Class B Common Stock by a stockholder that creates a mere security interest in such shares pursuant to a bona fide loan or indebtedness transaction for so long as such stockholder continues to exercise exclusive Voting Control over such pledged shares; provided, however, that a foreclosure on such shares or other similar action by the pledgee shall constitute a “Transfer” unless such foreclosure or similar action qualifies as a “Permitted Transfer”; or

 

(v)              entering into, or reaching an agreement, arrangement or understanding regarding, a support or similar voting or tender agreement (with or without granting a proxy) in connection with a Liquidation Event, Asset Transfer or Acquisition that has been approved by the Board of Directors.

 

A “Transfer” shall also be deemed to have occurred with respect to a share of Class B Common Stock beneficially held by (0 a Permitted Transferee on the date that such Permitted Transferee ceases to meet the qualifications to be a Permitted Transferee of the Qualified Stockholder who effected the Transfer of such shares to such Permitted Transferee, or (ii) an Entity that is a Qualified Stockholder, if there occurs a Transfer on a cumulative basis, from and after the Effective Time, of a majority of the voting power of the voting securities of such Entity or any Parent of such Entity, other than a Transfer to parties that were, as of the Effective Time, holders of voting securities of any such Entity or Parent of such Entity.

 

(bb)          Voting Control” means, with respect to a share of Class B Common Stock, the power (whether exclusive or shared) to vote or direct the voting of such share by proxy, voting agreement or otherwise.

 

5 

 

 

2.             Rights Relating to Dividends, Subdivisions and Combinations.

 

(a)           Subject to the rights of holders of any Preferred Stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to dividends, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors. Except as permitted in Section 2(b), any dividends paid to the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be paid pro rata, on an equal priority, pari passu basis, unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.

 

(b)           The Company shall not declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution to the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock payable in securities of the Company unless the same dividend or distribution with the same record date and payment date shall be declared and paid on all shares of Common Stock; provided, however, that (i) dividends or other distributions payable in shares of Class A Common Stock or rights to acquire shares of Class A Common Stock may be declared and paid to the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock without the same dividend or distribution being declared and paid to the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock if, and only if, a dividend payable in shares of Class B Common Stock, or rights to acquire shares of Class B Common Stock, as applicable, are declared and paid to the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock at the same rate and with the same record date and payment date; and (ii) dividends or other distributions payable in shares of Class B Common Stock or rights to acquire shares of Class B Common Stock may be declared and paid to the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock without the same dividend or distribution being declared and paid to the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock if, and only if, a dividend payable in shares of Class A Common Stock, or rights to acquire shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, are declared and paid to the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock at the same rate and with the same record date and payment date.

 

(c)           If the Company in any manner subdivides or combines (including by reclassification) the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, then the outstanding shares of all Common Stock will be subdivided or combined in the same proportion and manner.

 

3.             Liquidation Rights. In the event of a Liquidation Event, upon the completion of the distributions required with respect to any Preferred Stock that may then be outstanding, the remaining assets of the Company legally available for distribution to stockholders, or consideration payable to the stockholders of the Company, in the case of an Acquisition constituting a Liquidation Event, shall be distributed on an equal priority, pro rata basis to the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (and the holders of any Preferred Stock that may then be outstanding, to the extent required by the Certificate of Incorporation), unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, compensation pursuant to any employment, consulting, severance or other compensatory arrangement to be paid to or received by a person who is also a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock does not constitute consideration or a “distribution to stockholders” in respect of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.

 

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4.             Voting Rights.

 

(a)           Class A Common Stock. Each holder of shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share thereof held.

 

(b)           Class B Common Stock. Each holder of shares of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to ten votes for each share thereof held.

 

(c)           Voting Generally. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or this Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall vote together and not as separate series or classes. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law.

 

5.             Optional Conversion.

 

(a)           Optional Conversion of Shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

(i)               At the option of the holder thereof, each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible, at any time or from time to time, into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock as provided herein.

 

(ii)              Each holder of shares of Class B Common Stock who elects to convert the same into shares of Class A Common Stock shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor (if any), duly endorsed, at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for shares of Class B Common Stock, and shall give written notice to the Company at such office that such holder elects to convert the same and shall state therein the number of shares of Class B Common Stock being converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Class B Common Stock to be converted, or, if the shares are uncertificated, immediately prior to the close of business on the date that the holder delivers notice of such conversion to the Company’s transfer agent and the person entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such shares of Class A Common Stock at such time.

 

6.             Automatic Conversion.

 

(a)           Automatic Conversion of Shares of Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock shall automatically be converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock upon a Transfer, other than a Permitted Transfer, of such share of Class B Common Stock. Such conversion shall occur automatically without the need for any further action by the holders of such shares and whether or not the certificates representing such shares (if any) are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Class B Common Stock are either delivered to the Company or its transfer agent as provided below, or the holder notifies the Company or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates. Upon the occurrence of such automatic conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock, the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock so converted shall surrender the certificates representing such shares (if any) at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for the shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

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(b)           Single Holder Conversion. On a Single Holder Conversion Date, each issued and outstanding share of Class B Common Stock held by the applicable Founder or by the Non-founder, as applicable, shall automatically, without any further action, convert into one share of Class A Common Stock. Such conversion shall occur automatically without the need for any further action by the holders of such shares and whether or not the certificates representing such shares (if any) are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Class B Common Stock are either delivered to the Company or its transfer agent as provided below, or the holder notifies the Company or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates. Upon the occurrence of such automatic conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock, the holder of Class B Common Stock so converted shall surrender the certificates representing such shares (if any) at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for the shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

(c)           Final Conversion. On the Final Conversion Date, each issued and outstanding share of Class B Common Stock shall automatically, without any further action, convert into one share of Class A Common Stock. Following the Final Conversion Date, the Company may no longer issue any additional shares of Class B Common Stock. Such conversion shall occur automatically without the need for any further action by the holders of such shares and whether or not the certificates representing such shares (if any) are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Class B Common Stock are either delivered to the Company or its transfer agent as provided below, or the holder notifies the Company or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates. Upon the occurrence of such automatic conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock, the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock so converted shall surrender the certificates representing such shares (if any) at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for the shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

(d)           Procedures. The Company may, from time to time, establish such policies and procedures relating to the conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock to shares of Class A Common Stock and the general administration of this dual class stock structure, including the issuance of stock certificates (or the establishment of book-entry positions) with respect thereto, as it may deem reasonably necessary or advisable, and may from time to time request that holders of shares of Class B Common Stock furnish certifications, affidavits or other proof to the Company as it deems necessary to verify the ownership of shares of Class B Common Stock and to confirm that a conversion to shares of Class A Common Stock has not occurred. A determination by the Secretary of the Company as to whether a Transfer results in a conversion to shares of Class A Common Stock shall be conclusive and binding.

 

(e)           Immediate Effect. In the event of a conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock to shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to this Section 6, such conversion(s) shall be deemed to have been made at the time that the Transfer of shares occurred or immediately upon the Final Conversion Date, as applicable. Upon any conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock to shares of Class A Common Stock, all rights of the holder of shares of Class B Common Stock shall cease and the person or persons in whose names or names the certificate or certificates (or book-entry position(s)) representing the shares of Class A Common Stock are to be issued shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

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7.             Redemption. The Common Stock is not redeemable.

 

8.             Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of shares of the Class B Common Stock, as applicable, such number of its shares of Class A Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock; and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then-outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, as applicable, the Company will take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock to such numbers of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose.

 

9.             Prohibition on Reissuance of Shares. Shares of Class B Common Stock that are acquired by the Company for any reason (whether by repurchase, upon conversion, or otherwise) shall be retired in the manner required by law and shall not be reissued as shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

V. 

 

For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Company, and in further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Company, of its directors and of its stockholders or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided that:

 

A.            Board of Directors.

 

1.             Generally. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The number of directors that shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.

 

2.             Election.

 

(a)           Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the directors shall be divided into three classes designated as Class I, Class II and Class HI, respectively. Each class shall consist, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the total number of such directors. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to such classes at the time the classification becomes effective. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following such initial classification of the Board of Directors, the initial term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following such initial classification of the Board of Directors, the initial term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following such initial classification of the Board of Directors, the initial term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class 111 directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting.

 

(b)           No stockholder entitled to vote at an election for directors may cumulate votes.

 

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(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, each director shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

(d)           Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.

 

3.             Removal of Directors. Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, removal shall be as provided in Section 141(k) of the DGCL.

 

4.             Vacancies. Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by the stockholders and except as otherwise provided by applicable law, be filled only by the Board of Directors by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified.

 

B.            Stockholder Actions. No action shall be taken by the stockholders of the Company except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders called in accordance with the Bylaws and no action shall be taken by the stockholders by written consent. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Company shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Company.

 

C.            Bylaws. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Company. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Company; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Company required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

VI. 

 

A.            Limitation of Director Liability. A current director of the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended unless such director violated his or her duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions. Any amendment, modification or repeal of the foregoing sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a current director of the Company hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

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B.            Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.

 

1.             To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each person who is or was made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Company or, while a director or officer of the Company, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with such proceeding. The Company shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an indemnitee in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, to the extent required by applicable law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of the indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VI, Section B or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Article VI, Section B shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article VI, Section B(1), except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses, the Company shall indemnify and advance expenses to an indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

 

2.             The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred on any indemnitee by this Article VI, Section B shall not be exclusive of any other rights that any indemnitee may have or hereafter acquire under law, this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, an agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

 

3.             Any repeal or amendment of this Article VI, Section B by the stockholders of the Company or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article VI Section B shall, unless otherwise required by law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis than permitted prior thereto), and shall not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing at the time of such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision in respect of any proceeding (regardless of when such proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) arising out of, or related to, any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision.

 

4.             This Article VI, Section B shall not limit the right of the Company, to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than indemnitees.

 

VII. 

 

A.            Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (A) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company; (B) any action or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Company or any stockholder to the Company or the Company’s stockholders; (C) any action or proceeding asserting a claim against the Company or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Company or any stockholder arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company (as each may be amended from time to time); (D) any action or proceeding to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company (including any right, obligation or remedy thereunder); (E) any action or proceeding as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (F) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any director, officer or other employee of the Company or any stockholder, governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. This Article VII shall not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

 

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B.            Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

C.            Any person or Entity holding, owning or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article VII.

 

VIII. 

 

A.            The Company reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, except as provided in paragraph B. of this Article VIII, and all rights conferred upon the stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

 

B.            Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation , the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal Articles V, VI, VII and VIII.

 

C.            If any provision or provisions in this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provision or provisions in any other circumstance, and of the remaining provisions in this Certificate of Incorporation, and the application of such provision or provisions to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

THREE:     This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly authorized in accordance with Sections 228, 242 and 245 of the DGCL.

 

* * * *

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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Atlas Crest Investment Corp. has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by a duly authorized officer on September 16, 2021.

 

  ATLAS CREST INVESTMENT CORP.

 

By:    /s/ Brett Adcock
Name: Brett Adcock
Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

13 

Exhibit 3.2

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

 

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

ARCHER AVIATION INC.

 

 

 

(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

 

 

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

 

 

OF

 

ARCHER AVIATION INC.

 

 

(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

 

ARTICLE I

 

Offices

 

Section 1.              Registered Office. The registered office of the corporation in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”).

 

Section 2.              Other Offices. The corporation may also have and maintain an office or principal place of business at such place as may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the corporation (the “Board of Directors”), and may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Corporate Seal

 

Section 3.              Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal. If adopted, the corporate seal shall consist of the name of the corporation and the inscription, “Corporate Seal-Delaware.” Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Stockholders’ Meetings

 

Section 4.              Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the corporation may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) and Section 14 below.

 

Section 5.              Annual Meetings.

 

(a)           The annual meeting of the stockholders of the corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may properly come before it, shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The corporation may postpone, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board of Directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the corporation and proposals of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders: (i) pursuant to the corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders; (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof; or (iii) by any stockholder of the corporation who was a stockholder of record (and, with respect to any beneficial owner, if different, on whose behalf such business is proposed or such nomination or nominations are made, only if such beneficial owner was the beneficial owner of shares of the corporation) at the time of giving the stockholder’s notice provided for in Section 5(b) below, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 5. For the avoidance of doubt, clause (iii) above shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations and submit other business (other than matters properly included in the corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders and proxy statement under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “1934 Act”)) before an annual meeting of stockholders.

 

 

 

 

(b)            At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as is a proper matter for stockholder action under Delaware law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, and only such nominations shall be made and such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures below.

 

(i)              For nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 5(a), the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(b)(iii) and must update and supplement such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each nominee such stockholder proposes to nominate at the meeting: (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee, (2) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee, (3) the class or series and number of shares of each class or series of capital stock of the corporation that are owned of record and beneficially by such nominee, (4) the date or dates on which such shares were acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, (5) a statement whether such nominee, if elected, intends to tender, promptly following such person’s failure to receive the required vote for election or re-election at the next meeting at which such person would face election or re-election, an irrevocable resignation effective upon acceptance of such resignation by the Board of Directors and (6) all other information concerning such nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved and whether or not proxies are being or will be solicited), or that is otherwise required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 14 of the 1934 Act (including such person’s written consent to being named in the corporation’s proxy statement and associated proxy card as a nominee of the stockholder and to serving as a director if elected); and (B) all of the information required by Section 5(b)(iv). The corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the corporation (as such term is used in any applicable stock exchange listing requirements or applicable law) or on any committee or sub-committee of the Board of Directors under any applicable stock exchange listing requirements or applicable law, or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the annual meeting (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the annual meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such annual meeting.

 

(ii)             Other than proposals sought to be included in the corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act, for business other than nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 5(a), the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(b)(iii), and must update and supplement such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 5(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any material interest (including any anticipated benefit of such business to any Proponent (as defined below) other than solely as a result of its ownership of the corporation’s capital stock, that is material to any Proponent individually, or to the Proponents in the aggregate) in such business of any Proponent; and (B) the information required by Section 5(b)(iv).

 

 

 

 

(iii)            To be timely, the written notice required by Section 5(b)(i) or 5(b)(ii) must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, subject to the last sentence of this Section 5(b)(iii), in the event that (A) the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 30 days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the corporation or (B) the corporation did not have an annual meeting in the preceding year, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event shall an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting for which notice has been given, or the public announcement thereof has been made, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(iv)             The written notice required by Section 5(b)(i) or 5(b)(ii) shall also set forth, as of the date of the notice and as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (each, a “Proponent” and collectively, the “Proponents”): (A) the name and address of each Proponent, including, if applicable, such name and address as they appear on the corporation’s books and records; (B) the class, series and number of shares of each class or series of the capital stock of the corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record or beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) by each Proponent (provided, that for purposes of this Section 5(b)(iv), such Proponent shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own all shares of any class or series of capital stock of the corporation as to which such Proponent has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future); (C) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with respect to such nomination or proposal (and/or the voting of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the corporation) between or among any Proponent and any of its affiliates or associates, and any others (including their names) acting in concert, or otherwise under the agreement, arrangement or understanding, with any of the foregoing; (D) a representation that the Proponents are holders of record or beneficial owners, as the case may be, of shares of the corporation at the time of giving notice, will be entitled to vote at the meeting, and intend to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(i)) or to propose the business that is specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(ii)); (E) a representation as to whether the Proponents intend to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a sufficient number of the corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(i)) or to carry such proposal (with respect to a notice under Section 5(b)(ii)); (F) to the extent known by any Proponent, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the proposal on the date of such stockholder’s notice; and (G) a description of all Derivative Transactions (as defined below) by each Proponent during the previous 12 month period, including the date of the transactions and the class, series and number of securities involved in, and the material economic terms of, such Derivative Transactions.

 

(c)           A stockholder providing the written notice required by Section 5(b)(i) or 5(b)(ii) shall update and supplement such notice in writing, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct in all material respects as of (i) the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting and (ii) the date that is five Business Days (as defined below) prior to the meeting and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, five Business Days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 5(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than five Business Days after the later of the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting or the public announcement of such record date. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 5(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than two Business Days prior to the date for the meeting, and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, two Business Days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting.

 

 

 

 

(d)            Notwithstanding anything in Section 5(b)(iii) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors in an Expiring Class (as defined below) to be elected to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting is increased effective after the time period for which nominations would otherwise be due under Section 5(b)(iii) and there is no public announcement by the corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least 100 days before the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 5 and that complies with the requirements in Section 5(b)(i), other than the timing requirements in Section 5(b)(iii), shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships in such Expiring Class, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the corporation. For purposes of this section, an “Expiring Class” shall mean a class of directors whose term shall expire at the annual meeting of stockholders.

 

(e)            A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director at an annual meeting, unless the person is nominated in accordance with either clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 5(a) and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 5(b), Section 5(c), and Section 5(d), as applicable. Only such business shall be conducted at any annual meeting of the stockholders of the corporation as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) of Section 5(a) and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 5(b) and Section 5(c), as applicable. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Bylaws, or the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations in Sections 5(b)(iv)(D) and 5(b)(iv)(E), to declare that such proposal or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded, or that such business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nomination or such business may have been solicited or received. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual meeting of stockholders of the corporation to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the corporation. For purposes of this Section 5, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.

 

(f)            Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5, in order to include information with respect to a stockholder proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy for a stockholders’ meeting, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the 1934 Act. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the 1934 Act are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to proposals and/or nominations to be considered pursuant to Section 5(a)(iii). Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of holders of any class or series of preferred stock to nominate and elect directors pursuant to and to the extent provided in any applicable provision of the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

 

 

 

(g)            For purposes of Sections 5 and 6,

 

(i)              “affiliates” and “associates” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”);

 

(ii)             “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks are closed in New York City, New York;

 

(iii)            “close of business” means 6:00 p.m. local time at the principal executive offices of the corporation on any calendar day, whether or not the day is a Business Day;

 

(iv)             “Derivative Transaction” means any agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding entered into by, or on behalf or for the benefit of, any Proponent or any of its affiliates or associates, whether record or beneficial:

 

(A)  the value of which is derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares or other securities of the corporation;

 

(B)  that otherwise provides any direct or indirect opportunity to gain or share in any gain derived from a change in the value of securities of the corporation;

 

(C)  the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit from changes in value or price with respect to any securities of the corporation; or

 

(D)  that provides the right to vote or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Proponent, or any of its affiliates or associates, directly or indirectly, with respect to any securities of the corporation,

 

which agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding may include, without limitation, any option, warrant, debt position, note, bond, convertible security, swap, stock appreciation or similar right, short position, profit interest, hedge, right to dividends, voting agreement, performance-related fee or arrangement to borrow or lend shares (whether or not subject to payment, settlement, exercise or conversion in any such class or series), and any proportionate interest of such Proponent in the securities of the corporation held by any general or limited partnership, or any limited liability company, of which such Proponent is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member; and

 

(v)              “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act or by such other means reasonably designed to inform the public or security holders in general of such information, including, without limitation, posting on the corporation’s investor relations website.

 

Section 6.               Special Meetings.

 

(a)            Special meetings of the stockholders of the corporation may be called, for any purpose as is a proper matter for stockholder action under Delaware law, by (i) the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, or (iii) the Board of Directors. The corporation may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board of Directors.

 

(b)            The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place, if any, of such special meeting. Upon determination of the time and place, if any, of the meeting, the Secretary shall cause a notice of meeting to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the provisions of Section 7. No business may be transacted at such special meeting otherwise than specified in the notice of meeting

 

 

 

 

(c)           Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof or (ii) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the corporation who is a stockholder of record (and, with respect to any beneficial owner, if different, on whose behalf such nomination or nominations are made, only if such beneficial owner was the beneficial owner of shares of the corporation) at the time of giving notice provided for in this paragraph, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who delivers written notice to the Secretary of the corporation setting forth the information required by Sections 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(iv). The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the special meeting (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the special meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such special meeting. In the event the corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder of record may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the corporation’s notice of meeting, if written notice setting forth the information required by Sections 5(b)(i) and 5(b)(iv) shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not earlier than 120 days prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such meeting or the tenth day following the day on which the corporation first makes a public announcement of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. The stockholder shall also update and supplement such information as required under Section 5(c). In no event shall an adjournment or a postponement of a special meeting for which notice has been given, or the public announcement thereof has been made, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director at the special meeting unless the person is nominated either in accordance with clause (i) or clause (ii) of this Section 6(c). Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Bylaws, or if the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations in Sections 5(b)(iv)(D) and 5(b)(iv)(E), to declare that such nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nomination may have been solicited or received. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder (meeting the requirements specified in Section 5(e) does not appear at the special meeting of stockholders of the corporation to present a nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the corporation.

 

(d)           Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the 1934 Act with respect to matters set forth in this Section 6. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the 1934 Act are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations for the election to the Board of Directors or proposals of other business to be considered pursuant to Section 6(c).

 

Section 7.              Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, notice, given in writing or by electronic transmission, of each meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. Such notice shall specify the place, if any, date and hour, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes of the meeting, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such record date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at any such meeting. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the corporation. If delivered by courier service, the notice is given on the earlier of when the notice is received or left at the stockholder’s address. If sent via electronic mail, notice is given when directed to such stockholder’s electronic mail address in accordance with applicable law unless (a) the stockholder has notified the corporation in writing or by electronic transmission of an objection to receiving notice by electronic mail or (b) electronic transmission of such notice is prohibited by applicable law. Notice of the time, place, if any, and purpose of any meeting of stockholders (to the extent required) may be waived in writing, signed by the person entitled to notice thereof, or by electronic transmission by such person, either before or after such meeting, and will be waived by any stockholder by his or her attendance thereat in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, except when the stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Any stockholder so waiving notice of such meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of any such meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.

 

 

 

 

Section 8.              Quorum and Vote Required. At all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, the presence, in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy duly authorized, of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote at the meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned, from time to time, either by the chairperson of the meeting or by vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares represented thereat and entitled to vote thereon, but no other business shall be transacted at such meeting. The stockholders present at a duly called or convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

 

Except as otherwise provided by statute or by applicable stock exchange rules, or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized at the meeting and voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) on such matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws or any applicable stock exchange rules, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. Except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws or any applicable stock exchange rules, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of the voting power of the shares of such class or classes or series present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstention and broker non-votes) on such matter shall be the act of such class or classes or series.

 

Section 9.              Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time either by the chairperson of the meeting or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, if any, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed present in person and may vote at such meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

 

 

 

 

Section 10.            Voting Rights. For the purpose of determining those stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or adjournment thereof, except as otherwise provided by applicable law, only persons in whose names shares stand on the stock records of the corporation on the record date shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Every person entitled to vote shall have the right to do so either in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by an agent or agents authorized by a proxy granted in accordance with Delaware law. An agent so appointed need not be a stockholder. No proxy shall be voted after three years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Secretary of the corporation a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date. Voting at meetings of stockholders need not be by written ballot.

 

Section 11.            Joint Owners of Stock. If shares or other securities having voting power stand of record in the names of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety, or otherwise, or if two or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary is given written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect: (a) if only one votes, his or her act binds all; (b) if more than one votes, the act of the majority so voting binds all; (c) if more than one votes, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction may vote the securities in question proportionally, or may apply to the Delaware Court of Chancery for relief as provided in Section 217(b) of the DGCL. If the instrument filed with the Secretary shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interests, a majority or even-split for the purpose of subsection (c) shall be a majority or even-split in interest.

 

Section 12.            List of Stockholders. The corporation shall prepare, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number and class of shares registered in the name of each stockholder; provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect all of the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. In the event that the corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the corporation. The list shall be open to examination of any stockholder during the time of the meeting as provided by applicable law.

 

Section 13.            Action without Meeting.

 

Any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote only to the extent permitted by and in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and in accordance with applicable law.

 

 

 

 

Section 14.            Remote Communication; Delivery to the Corporation.

 

(a)           For the purposes of these Bylaws, if authorized by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders may, by means of remote communication:

 

(i)              participate in a meeting of stockholders; and

 

(ii)             be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the corporation.

 

(b)           Whenever this Article III requires one or more persons (including a record or beneficial owner of stock) to deliver a document or information to the corporation or any officer, employee or agent thereof (including any notice, request, questionnaire, revocation, representation or other document or agreement), such document or information shall be in writing exclusively (and not in an electronic transmission) and shall be delivered exclusively by hand (including, without limitation, overnight courier service) or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and the corporation shall not be required to accept delivery of any document not in such written form or so delivered. For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any notice from any stockholder of record or beneficial owner of the corporation’s capital stock under the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the DGCL, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the corporation expressly opts out of Section 116 of the DGCL.

 

Section 15.            Organization.

 

(a)           At every meeting of stockholders, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairperson has not been appointed, is absent or refuses to act, the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving or the Chief Executive Officer is absent or refuses to act, the President, or, if the President is absent or refuses to act, a chairperson of the meeting designated by the Board of Directors, or, if the Board of Directors does not designate such chairperson, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by a majority of the voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy duly authorized, shall act as chairperson of the meeting of stockholders. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors may appoint the Chief Executive Officer as chairperson of the meeting. The Secretary, or, in his or her absence, an Assistant Secretary or other officer or other person directed to do so by the chairperson of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

(b)            The Board of Directors shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board of Directors, if any, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairperson, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing an agenda or order of business for the meeting, rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present, limitations on participation in such meeting to stockholders of record of the corporation and their duly authorized and constituted proxies and such other persons as the chairperson shall permit, restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants and regulation of the opening and closing of the polls for balloting on matters that are to be voted on by ballot. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Directors

 

Section 16.            Number and Term of Office. The authorized number of directors of the corporation shall be fixed in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation. If for any cause, the directors shall not have been elected at an annual meeting, they may be elected as soon thereafter as convenient at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose in the manner provided in these Bylaws.

 

Section 17.            Powers. The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL.

 

Section 18.            Terms of Directors. The terms of directors shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 19.            Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships on the Board of Directors shall be filled as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 20.            Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by delivering his or her notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of delivery of the notice or at any later time specified therein. Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. When one or more directors shall resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the director whose place shall be vacated and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Section 21.            Removal. Directors shall be removed as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 22.            Meetings.

 

(a)            Regular Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time or date and at any place within or without the State of Delaware that has been designated by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, or by electronic mail or other electronic means. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board of Directors.

 

(b)            Special Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time and place within or without the State of Delaware as designated and called by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors.

 

(c)            Meetings by Electronic Communications Equipment. Any member of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

 

 

 

(d)            Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of the time and place, if any, of all special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be transmitted orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice messaging system or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, or by electronic mail or other electronic means, during normal business hours, at least 24 hours before the meeting. If notice is sent by U.S. mail, it shall be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least three days before the date of the meeting.

 

(e)            Waiver of Notice. Notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors may be waived in writing, or by electronic transmission, at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. The transaction of all business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, however called or noticed, or wherever held, shall be as valid as though it had been transacted at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum be present and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the directors not present who did not receive notice shall sign a written waiver of notice or shall waive notice by electronic transmission. All such waivers shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting.

 

Section 23.            Quorum and Voting.

 

(a)            Unless the Certificate of Incorporation requires a greater number, and except with respect to questions related to indemnification arising under Section 46 for which a quorum shall be one-third of the authorized number of directors fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation, a quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the total number of directors then serving on the Board of Directors or, if greater, one-third of the authorized number of directors fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation. At any meeting whether a quorum be present or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn from time to time, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.

 

(b)            At each meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, all questions and business shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present, unless a different vote be required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

 

Section 24.            Action without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, such consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

 

Section 25.            Fees and Compensation. Directors shall be entitled to such compensation for their services on the Board of Directors or any committee thereof as may be approved by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof to which the Board of Directors has delegated such responsibility and authority, including, if so approved, by resolution of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof to which the Board of Directors has delegated such responsibility and authority, including, without limitation, a fixed sum and reimbursement of expenses incurred, if any, for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors and at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors, as well as reimbursement for other reasonable expenses incurred with respect to duties as a member of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee, or otherwise and receiving compensation therefor.

 

 

 

 

Section 26.            Committees.

 

(a)           Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee to consist of one or more members of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee, to the extent permitted by applicable law and provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, and may authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the corporation.

 

(b)            Other Committees. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint such other committees as may be permitted by applicable law. Such other committees appointed by the Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members of the Board of Directors and shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the resolution or resolutions creating such committees, but in no event shall any such committee have the powers denied to the Executive Committee in these Bylaws.

 

(c)            Term. The Board of Directors, subject to any requirements of any outstanding series of preferred stock and the provisions of subsections (a) or (b) of this Section 26, may at any time increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. The membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of his or her death or voluntary resignation from the committee or from the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member and the Board of Directors may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee, and, in addition, in the absence or disqualification of any member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.

 

(d)            Meetings. Unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide, regular meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee appointed pursuant to this Section 26 shall be held at such times and places, if any, as are determined by the Board of Directors, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such committee may be held at such place, if any, that has been determined from time to time by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon notice to the members of such committee of the time and place, if any, of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of notice to members of the Board of Directors of the time and place, if any, of special meetings of the Board of Directors. Notice of any meeting of any committee may be waived in writing or by electronic transmission at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends such meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolutions authorizing the creation of the committee, a majority of the authorized number of members of any such committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of those present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.

 

Section 27.            Duties of Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall perform such other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

 

 

 

Section 28.            Organization. At every meeting of the directors, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairperson has not been appointed or is absent, the Chief Executive Officer (if a director), or, if a Chief Executive Officer is absent, the President (if a director), or if the President is absent, the most senior Vice President (if a director), or, in the absence of any such person, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall preside over the meeting. The Secretary, or in his or her absence, any Assistant Secretary or other officer, director or other person directed to do so by the person presiding over the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Officers

 

Section 29.            Officers Designated. The officers of the corporation shall include, if and when designated by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers and such other officers and agents with such powers and duties as it shall deem appropriate or necessary. The Board of Directors may assign such additional titles to one or more of the officers as it shall deem appropriate. Any one person may hold any number of offices of the corporation at any one time unless specifically prohibited therefrom by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. The salaries and other compensation of the officers of the corporation shall be fixed by or in the manner designated by the Board of Directors or by a committee thereof to which the Board of Directors has delegated such responsibility.

 

Section 30.            Tenure and Duties of Officers.

 

(a)            General. All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, subject to such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal. If the office of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors or by a committee thereof to which the Board of Directors has delegated such responsibility or, if so authorized by the Board of Directors, by the Chief Executive Officer or another officer of the corporation.

 

(b)            Duties of Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and, subject to the supervision, direction and control of the Board of Directors, shall have the general powers and duties of supervision, direction, management and control of the business and officers of the corporation as are customarily associated with the position of Chief Executive Officer. To the extent that a Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and no President has been appointed, all references in these Bylaws to the President shall be deemed references to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

(c)            Duties of President. Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, the President shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and, subject to the supervision, direction and control of the Board of Directors, shall have the general powers and duties of supervision, direction, management and control of the business and officers of the corporation as are customarily associated with the position of President. The President shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors (or the Chief Executive Officer, if the Chief Executive Officer and President are not the same person and the Board of Directors has delegated the designation of the President’s duties to the Chief Executive Officer) shall designate from time to time.

 

(d)            Duties of Vice Presidents. A Vice President may assume and perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President or whenever the office of President is vacant (unless the duties of the President are being filled by the Chief Executive Officer). A Vice President shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or, if the Chief Executive Officer has not been appointed or is absent, the President shall designate from time to time.

 

 

 

 

(e)            Duties of Secretary and Assistant Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors and shall record all acts, votes and proceedings thereof in the minute books of the corporation. The Secretary shall give notice in conformity with these Bylaws of all meetings of the stockholders and of all meetings of the Board of Directors and any committee thereof requiring notice. The Secretary shall perform all other duties provided for in these Bylaws and other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President may direct any Assistant Secretary or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.

 

(f)             Duties of Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President. The Chief Financial Officer, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. To the extent that a Chief Financial Officer has been appointed and no Treasurer has been appointed, all references in these Bylaws to the Treasurer shall be deemed references to the Chief Financial Officer.

 

(g)            Duties of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the corporation, the Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the corporation. The Treasurer shall perform other duties customarily associated with the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President may direct any Assistant Treasurer or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Treasurer in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, and each Assistant Treasurer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.

 

Section 31.            Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

 

Section 32.            Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the corporation under any contract with the resigning officer.

 

Section 33.            Removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, or by any duly authorized committee thereof or any superior officer upon whom such power of removal may have been conferred by the Board of Directors.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Execution Of Corporate Instruments And Voting Of Securities Owned By The Corporation

 

Section 34.            Execution of Corporate Instruments. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer or officers, or other person or persons, to execute, sign or endorse on behalf of the corporation any corporate instrument or document, or to sign on behalf of the corporation the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into contracts on behalf of the corporation, except where otherwise provided by applicable law or these Bylaws, and such execution or signature shall be binding upon the corporation.

 

All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositaries on funds to the credit of the corporation or in special accounts of the corporation shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board of Directors shall from time to time authorize so to do.

 

Unless otherwise specifically determined by the Board of Directors or otherwise required by applicable law, the execution, signing or endorsement of any corporate instrument or document by or on behalf of the corporation may be effected manually, by facsimile or (to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to such policies and procedures as the corporation may have in effect from time to time) by electronic signature.

 

Unless authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

 

Section 35.            Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and other securities of or interests in other corporations or entities owned or held by the corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution of the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or any Vice President.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Shares Of Stock

 

Section 36.            Form and Execution of Certificates. The shares of the corporation shall be represented by certificates, or shall be uncertificated if so provided by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors. Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock in the corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the corporation by any two authorized officers of the corporation (it being understood that each of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary shall be an authorized officer for such purpose), certifying the number, and the class or series, of shares owned by such holder in the corporation. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.

 

Section 37.            Lost Certificates. A new certificate or certificates shall be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. The corporation may require, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner’s legal representative, to agree to indemnify the corporation in such manner as it shall require or to give the corporation a surety bond in such form and amount as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.

 

 

 

 

Section 38.            Transfers.

 

(a)            Transfers of record of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, and, in the case of stock represented by certificate, upon the surrender of a properly endorsed certificate or certificates for a like number of shares.

 

(b)            The corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes or series of stock of the corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the corporation of any one or more classes or series owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.

 

Section 39.            Fixing Record Dates.

 

(a)            In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall, subject to applicable law, not be more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of such meeting, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the day on which notice is given, or if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 39(a).

 

(b)            In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

Section 40.            Registered Stockholders. The corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.

 

Section 41.            Additional Powers of the Board. In addition to, and without limiting, the powers set forth in these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have power and authority to make all such rules and regulations as it shall deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer, and registration of certificates for shares of stock of the corporation, including the use of uncertificated shares of stock, subject to the provisions of the DGCL, other applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may appoint and remove transfer agents and registrars of transfers, and may require all stock certificates to bear the signature of any such transfer agent and/or any such registrar of transfers.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Other Securities Of The Corporation

 

Section 42.            Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and other corporate securities of the corporation, other than stock certificates (covered in Section 36, may be signed by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that where any such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security, authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the corporation or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond, debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security nevertheless may be adopted by the corporation and issued and delivered as though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the corporation.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Dividends

 

Section 43.            Declaration of Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.

 

Section 44.            Dividend Reserve. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, determines proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the corporation, or for such other purpose or purposes as the Board of Directors shall determine to be conducive to the interests of the corporation, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

 

ARTICLE X

 

Fiscal Year

 

Section 45.            Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI

 

Indemnification

 

Section 46.            Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Employees and Agents.

 

(a)            Directors and Executive Officers. The fullest extent and in any manner permitted under the DGCL and any other applicable law, the corporation shall indemnify any person who is made or threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (as a witness or otherwise) in any Proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or executive officer of the corporation, or while serving as a director or executive officer of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of Another Enterprise, against Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such Proceeding, provided, however, that the corporation shall not be required to indemnify any director or executive officer in connection with any Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by applicable law, (ii) the Proceeding was authorized in the specific case by the Board of Directors of the corporation, (iii) such indemnification is is approved by the Board of Directors of the corporation, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in it under the DGCL or any other applicable law or (iv) such indemnification is required to be made under subsection (d) of this Section 46 (collectively Covered Indemnitee Initiated Proceedings”).

 

(b)            Other Officers, Employees and Agents. The corporation shall have power to indemnify (including the power to advance expenses in a manner consistent with subsection (c) of this Section 46) to its other officers, employees and agents as set forth in the DGCL or any other applicable law. The Board of Directors shall have the power to delegate the determination of whether indemnification shall be given to any such person except executive officers to such officers or other persons as the Board of Directors shall determine.

 

(c)            Expenses. The corporation shall advance to any director or executive officer who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding, prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by any director or executive officer in connection with such Proceeding provided, however, that if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by a director or executive officer in his or her capacity as a director or executive officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an “undertaking”), by or on behalf of such person, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “final adjudication”) that such person is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 46 or otherwise; provided further, that the corporation shall not be required to advance expenses to any director or executive officer in connection with any Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless the Proceeding is a Covered Indemnitee Initiated Proceeding.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section 46, no advance shall be made by the corporation to an executive officer of the corporation (except by reason of the fact that such executive officer is or was a director of the corporation in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any Proceeding, if a determination is reasonably made (i) by a majority vote of directors who were not parties to the Proceeding, even if not a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that the facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.

 

 

 

 

(d)            Enforcement. Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to indemnification and advances to directors and executive officers under this Section 46 shall be deemed to be contractual rights, shall vest when the person becomes a director or executive officer of the corporation, shall continue as vested contract rights even if such person ceases to be a director or executive officer of the corporation, and shall be effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the corporation and the director or executive officer. Any right to indemnification or advances granted by this Section 46 to a director or executive officer shall be enforceable by or on behalf of the person holding such right in any court of competent jurisdiction if (i) the claim for indemnification or advances is denied, in whole or in part, or (ii) no disposition of such claim is made within 90 days of request therefor. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the claimant in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting the claim. In connection with any claim for indemnification, the corporation shall be entitled to raise as a defense to any such action that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct that make it permissible under the DGCL or any other applicable law for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. In connection with any claim by an executive officer of the corporation (except in any Proceeding, by reason of the fact that such executive officer is or was a director of the corporation) for advances, the corporation shall be entitled to raise a defense as to any such action clear and convincing evidence that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, or with respect to any criminal Proceeding that such person acted without reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL or any other applicable law, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by a director or executive officer to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, the burden of proving that the director or executive officer is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Section 46 or otherwise shall be on the corporation.

 

(e)            Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Section 46 shall not be exclusive of any other right that such person may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office. The corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL, or by any other applicable law.

 

(f)            Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Section 46. shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or executive officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

(g)           Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL or any other applicable law, the corporation, upon approval by the Board of Directors, may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 46.

 

(h)           Amendments. Any repeal or modification of this Section 46 shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights under this Section 46 as in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the cause of any Proceeding against any agent of the corporation.

 

(i)            Saving Clause. If this Article XI or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director and executive officer to the fullest extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this Article XI that shall not have been invalidated, or by any other applicable law. If this Article XI shall be invalid due to the application of the indemnification provisions of another jurisdiction, then the corporation shall indemnify each director and executive officer to the fullest extent not prohibited under the applicable law of such jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

(j)            Certain Definitions and Construction of Terms. For the purposes of Article XI of these Bylaws, the following definitions and rules of construction shall apply:

 

(i)              The term “Another Enterprise” shall mean any corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including any employee benefit plan.

 

(ii)             The term the “corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger that, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Section 46 with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

(iii)            References to a “director,” “executive officer,” “officer,” “employee,” or “agent” of the corporation shall include, without limitation, situations where such person is serving at the request of the corporation as, respectively, a director, executive officer, officer, employee, trustee or agent of Another Enterprise.

 

(iv)             The term “executive officer” shall mean those persons designated by the corporation as (a) executive officers for purposes of the disclosures required in the corporation’s proxy and periodic reports or (b) officers for purposes of Section 16 of the 1934 Act).

 

(v)              The term “expenses” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, court costs, attorneys’ fees, witness fees, fines (including ERISA excise taxes or penalties), amounts paid in settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind incurred in connection with any Proceeding. References to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan.

 

(vi)             The term “Proceeding” shall mean any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, to which a person is made or threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in (as a witness or otherwise) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or executive officer of the corporation, or while serving as a director or executive officer of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of Another Enterprise. The term Proceeding shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.

 

(vii)           References to “serving at the request of the corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation that imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the corporation” as referred to in this Section 46.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII

 

Notices

 

Section 47.            Notices.

 

(a)            Notice to Stockholders. Notice to stockholders of stockholder meetings shall be given as provided in Section 7. Without limiting the manner by which notice may otherwise be given effectively to stockholders under any agreement or contract with such stockholder, and except as otherwise required by applicable law, written notice to stockholders for purposes other than stockholder meetings may be sent by U.S. mail or nationally recognized overnight courier, or by electronic mail or other electronic means.

 

(b)            Notice to Directors. Any notice required to be given to any director may be given by the method stated in subsection (a), as otherwise provided in these Bylaws (including by any of the means specified in Section 22(d)), or by overnight delivery service. Any notice sent by overnight delivery service or U.S. mail shall be sent to such address as such director shall have filed in writing with the Secretary, or, in the absence of such filing, to the last known post office address of such director.

 

(c)            Affidavit of Mailing. An affidavit of mailing, executed by a duly authorized and competent employee of the corporation or its transfer agent appointed with respect to the class of stock affected, or other agent, specifying the name and address or the names and addresses of the stockholder or stockholders, or director or directors, to whom any such notice or notices was or were given, and the time and method of giving the same, shall in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained.

 

(d)            Methods of Notice. It shall not be necessary that the same method of giving notice be employed in respect of all recipients of notice, but one permissible method may be employed in respect of any one or more, and any other permissible method or methods may be employed in respect of any other or others.

 

(e)            Notice to Person with Whom Communication is Unlawful. Whenever notice is required to be given, under applicable law or any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the corporation, to any person with whom communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be required and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such person. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to any such person with whom communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. In the event that the action taken by the corporation is such as to require the filing of a certificate under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate shall state, if such is the fact and if notice is required, that notice was given to all persons entitled to receive notice except such persons with whom communication is unlawful.

 

(f)             Notice to Stockholders Sharing an Address. Except as otherwise prohibited under the DGCL, any notice given under the provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. Such consent shall have been deemed to have been given if such stockholder fails to object in writing to the corporation within 60 days of having been given notice by the corporation of its intention to send the single notice. Any consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the corporation.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

Amendments

 

Section 48.            Amendments. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the corporation. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the corporation required by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

Loans To Officers

 

Section 49.            Loans to Officers. Except as otherwise prohibited by applicable law, the corporation may lend money to, or guarantee any obligation of, or otherwise assist any officer or other employee of the corporation or of its subsidiaries, including any officer or employee who is a director of the corporation or its subsidiaries, whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, such loan, guarantee or assistance may reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation. The loan, guarantee or other assistance may be with or without interest and may be unsecured, or secured in such manner as the Board of Directors shall approve, including, without limitation, a pledge of shares of stock of the corporation. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to deny, limit or restrict the powers of guaranty or warranty of the corporation at common law or under any statute.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of September 16, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and among Atlas Crest Investment Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and the parties listed on Schedule A hereto (each, a “Holder” and collectively, the “Holders”). Any capitalized term used but not defined herein will have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Business Combination Agreement (as defined below).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, on February 10, 2021, the Company, Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”), and Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Archer”), entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as amended, and restated on July 29, 2021, the “Business Combination Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Merger Sub will merge with and into Archer, with Archer as the surviving company in the merger and, after giving effect to such merger, becoming a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company, and each Company Share will be automatically converted into the right to receive a portion of the Adjusted Transaction Share Consideration, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement and in accordance with Section 251 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Business Combination”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Holder designated as the Original Holder on Schedule A hereto (the “Original Holder”) are parties to that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2020 (the “Prior Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, the Original Holder currently holds (i) 12,500,000 Atlas Class B Shares (the “Founder Shares”) which, on the Effective Date, will automatically be converted, directly or indirectly, into 12,500,000 Atlas New Class A Shares (as defined below), of which 1,875,000 shall be subject to the vesting and forfeiture provisions specified in that certain Amended and Restated Sponsor Letter Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2021, by and among the Company, Atlas Crest Investment LLC (the “Sponsor”), Archer and, for limited purposes of Section 5, 8 and 9 of such agreement, those individuals, each of whom is a member of the Company’s board of directors and/or management, parties thereto and (ii) 9,000,000 private placement warrants (the “Private Placement Warrants”) which, pursuant to that certain Private Placement Warrant Agreement dated as of October 27, 2020 (the “Warrant Agreement”), entitle the Original Holder to purchase additional Atlas New Class A Shares;

 

WHEREAS, certain of the Holders designated as New Holders on Schedule A hereto (the “New Holders”) are receiving Atlas New Class A Shares or Atlas New Class B Shares (collectively, the “Business Combination Shares”) on or about the date hereof, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties to the Prior Agreement desire to terminate the Prior Agreement and to provide for certain rights and obligations included herein and to include the recipients of the Business Combination Shares identified herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

 

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Article I

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1              Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms and variations thereof have the meanings set forth below:

 

Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals.

 

Amended and Restated Operating Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of October 9, 2020 as amended, supplemented or modified, from time to time.

 

Atlas” means Atlas Crest Investment Corp., a Delaware corporation.

 

Atlas Class A Shares” means, at all times prior to the Effective Date, shares of Atlas’ Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

Atlas Class B Shares” means, at all times prior to the Effective Date, shares of Atlas’ Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

Atlas New Class A Shares” means, at all times on or after the Effective Date, shares of Atlas’ Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

Atlas New Class B Shares” means, at all times on or after the Effective Date, shares of Atlas’ Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Business Combination Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

Business Day” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close.

 

Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Stock” shall mean any Atlas New Class A Shares.

 

Company” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals.

 

Demand Registration” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

 

Demand Requesting Holder” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

 

Demanding Holders” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

 

Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.1.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan” shall mean the Company’s 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan dated as of September 16, 2021.

 

Equity Incentive Plan” shall mean the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan dated as of September 16, 2021.

 

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Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Form S-1” means a Registration Statement on Form S-1.

 

Form S-3” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

 

Founder Grants” shall mean any restricted stock units issued to Brett Adcock, Hight Drive Growth LLC, Adam Goldstein and/or Capri Growth LLC in accordance with the principal terms set forth in Exhibit F to the Business Combination Agreement.

 

Founder Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals.

 

Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals.

 

Lock-Up Shares” shall mean the Registrable Securities (excluding (i) the proviso to the definition of “Registrable Securities” and (ii) the Warrants), the Atlas New Class B Shares and the MIP Securities.

 

Maximum Number of Securities” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.

 

Mesa Warrant” shall mean that certain warrant exercisable into up to 1,171,649 shares of Common Stock, issued to Mesa Air Group, Inc. on February 26, 2021, pursuant to the terms of that certain Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated February 26, 2021 (as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time).

 

Misstatement” shall mean an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus in the light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading.

 

MIP Securities” means any Common Stock issued or to be issued by the Company pursuant to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Equity Incentive Plan or the Founder Grants. For the avoidance of doubt, equity securities issued and outstanding on the Effective Date shall not be deemed MIP Securities.

 

New Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

New Registration Statement” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.4.

 

Original Holder” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

Piggyback Registration” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.1.

 

PIPE Securities” shall mean any Common Stock issued pursuant to those certain Subscription Agreements entered into on or about February 10, 2021.

 

Prior Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

Private Placement Warrants” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals.

 

Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by any and all prospectus supplements and as amended by any and all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

 

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Public Warrants” shall mean the 16,666,667 redeemable warrants of the Company issued pursuant to the Warrant Agreement on or about October 30, 2020.

 

Registrable Security”, “Registrable Securities” shall mean (a) the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of the Founder Shares, (b) the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants, (c) any other outstanding share of Common Stock or any other equity security (including the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company held by the Original Holder as of the date of this Agreement, (d) the shares of Common Stock held by the New Holders as of the date of this Agreement, (e) the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of the Atlas New Class B Shares held by a New Holder as of the date of this Agreement, (f) the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of the United Warrant or the Mesa Warrant, (g) any other outstanding share of Common Stock or any other equity security (including the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company held by a Significant Holder (other than the Original Holder) as of the date of this Agreement, and (h) any other equity security of the Company issued or issuable with respect to any such share of Common Stock by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization and excluding (x) any Atlas Class A Shares, (y) any Public Warrants and (z) any PIPE Securities; provided, however, that, as to any particular Registrable Security, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when: (A) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement; (B) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates or book entry positions for such securities not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and subsequent public distribution of such securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (C) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; (D) such securities may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission) (but with no volume or other restrictions, limitations or conditions); or (E) such securities have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction.

 

Registration” shall mean a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.

 

Registration Expenses” shall mean the out-of-pocket expenses of a Registration, including, without limitation, the following:

 

(A)              all registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.) and any securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed;

 

(B)              fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities);

 

(C)              printing, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses;

 

(D)              reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, including the cost of rendering any opinion or negative assurance letter;

 

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(E)               reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration, including the cost of rendering any comfort letter;

 

(F)               reasonable fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel for all holders of registrable securities to be registered for offer and sale in the applicable Registration, selected by (i) a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating a Demand Registration, or (ii) a majority-in-interest of Holders of all Registrable Securities included in a Company-initiated Piggyback Registration; provided, however, that such reimbursable fees and expenses shall not exceed $50,000 per Registration Statement; and

 

(G)              reasonable fees and disbursements of any special experts retained by the Company in connection with the Registration.

 

Registration Statement” shall mean any registration statement that covers the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

Resale Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.1.

 

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

 

SEC Guidance” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.4.

 

Significant Holder” shall mean (i) the Original Holder and (ii) each New Holder who, on the Effective Date and immediately prior to giving effect to the Business Combination, holds equity securities representing at least two percent (2%) of Archer’s common stock on a fully-diluted basis, including without limitation, Brett Adcock, Hight Drive Growth LLC, Adam Goldstein, Capri Growth LLC, Mark Lore, TCP Archer Aviation LLC, Alps Investment Partners, LP, Greycroft Partners VI, L.P., Luktev GmbH, and United Airlines Ventures, Ltd.

 

Suspension Event” shall have the meaning given in Section 3.4.

 

Transfer” shall mean the (a) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder with respect to, any security, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

Underwriter” shall mean a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.

 

Underwritten Registration” or “Underwritten Offering” shall mean a Registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public.

 

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United Warrant” shall mean that certain Warrant to Purchase Shares of Archer Aviation Inc., issued by Archer to United Airlines, Inc. on January 29, 2021 (as amended, modified or otherwise supplemented from time to time) in respect of the right to purchase common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Archer, as amended by that certain Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated February 26, 2021 (as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time), and as transferred to United Airlines Ventures, Ltd. by that certain Notice of Transfer, dated as of September 14, 2021.

 

Warrant Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals.

 

Warrants” shall mean the Public Warrants, the Private Placement Warrants, the United Warrant and the Mesa Warrant.

 

Article II
REGISTRATION

 

Section 2.1              Demand Registration.

 

2.1.1          Request for Registration. Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.1.4 and Section 2.4 hereof, at any time and from time to time on or after the date that is 90 days prior to the expiration of the lock-up provisions set forth in Article 5 below, Holders holding at least fifteen percent (15%) in interest of the then-outstanding number of Registrable Securities (the “Demanding Holders”), may make a written demand for Registration of all or part of their Registrable Securities on Form S-3 (“Form S-3”) (or, if Form S-3 is not available to be used by the Company at such time, on Form S-1 or another appropriate form permitting Registration of such Registrable Securities for resale by such Demanding Holders), which written demand shall describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such Registration and the intended method(s) of distribution thereof (such written demand a “Demand Registration”). The Company shall, within ten (10) days of the Company’s receipt of the Demand Registration, notify, in writing, all other Holders of Registrable Securities of such demand, and each Holder of Registrable Securities who thereafter wishes to include all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration (each such Holder that includes all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Registration, a “Demand Requesting Holder”) shall so notify the Company, in writing, within five (5) days after the receipt by the Holder of the notice from the Company. Upon receipt by the Company of any such written notification from a Demand Requesting Holder(s) to the Company, such Demand Requesting Holder(s) shall be entitled to have their Registrable Securities included in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration and the Company shall effect, as soon thereafter as practicable, but not more than forty five (45) days immediately after the Company’s receipt of the Demand Registration, the Registration of all Registrable Securities requested by the Demanding Holders and Demand Requesting Holders pursuant to such Demand Registration. Under no circumstances shall the Company be obligated to effect more than an aggregate of three (3) Registrations pursuant to a Demand Registration under this subsection 2.1.1.

 

2.1.2          Effective Registration. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2.1.1 above or any other part of this Agreement, a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration shall not count as a Registration unless and until (i) the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration has been declared effective by the Commission and (ii) the Company has complied with all of its obligations under this Agreement with respect thereto; provided, further, that if, after such Registration Statement has been declared effective, an offering of Registrable Securities in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration is subsequently interfered with by any stop order or injunction of the Commission, federal or state court or any other governmental agency the Registration Statement with respect to such Registration shall be deemed not to have been declared effective, unless and until, (i) such stop order or injunction is removed, rescinded or otherwise terminated, and (ii) a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating such Demand Registration thereafter affirmatively elect to continue with such Registration and accordingly notify the Company in writing, but in no event later than five (5) days, of such election; provided, further, that the Company shall not be obligated or required to file another Registration Statement until the Registration Statement that has been previously filed with respect to a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration becomes effective or is subsequently terminated.

 

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2.1.3          Underwritten Offering. Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.1.4 and Section 2.4 hereof, if a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders so advise the Company as part of their Demand Registration that the offering of the Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration shall be in the form of an Underwritten Offering, then the right of such Demanding Holder or Demand Requesting Holder (if any) to include its Registrable Securities in such Registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such Underwritten Offering and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering to the extent provided herein. All such Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this subsection 2.1.3 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating the Demand Registration.

 

2.1.4          Reduction of Underwritten Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration, in good faith, advises the Company, the Demanding Holders and the Demand Requesting Holders (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and the Demand Requesting Holders (if any) desire to sell, taken together with all other Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell and the Common Stock, if any, as to which a Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by any other stockholders who desire to sell, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of equity securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as applicable, the “Maximum Number of Securities”), then the Company shall include in such Underwritten Offering, as follows: (i) first, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders and the Demand Requesting Holders (if any) (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder and Demand Requesting Holder (if any) has requested be included in such Underwritten Registration and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and Demand Requesting Holders have requested be included in such Underwritten Registration) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), Common Stock or other equity securities of other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register in a Registration pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

 

2.1.5          Demand Registration Withdrawal. A majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating a Demand Registration under subsection 2.1.1, or a majority-in-interest of the Demand Requesting Holders (if any), pursuant to a Registration under subsection 2.2.1, shall have the right to withdraw from a Registration pursuant to such Demand Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Registration prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to the Registration of their Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration. If a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating a Demand Registration or a majority-in-interest of the Demand Requesting Holders (if any), withdraws from a proposed offering pursuant to this Section 2.1.5, then such registration shall not count as a Demand Registration provided for in Section 2.1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.1.5.

 

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Section 2.2              Piggyback Registration.

 

2.2.1         Piggyback Rights. If, at any time on or after the date hereof, the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into equity securities, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of the Company (or by the Company and by the stockholders of the Company including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof), other than a Registration Statement (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company’s existing stockholders, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity securities of the Company, (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan, or (v) filed pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities then outstanding as soon as practicable but not less than ten (10) days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement, which notice shall (A) describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities the opportunity to register the sale of such number of Registrable Securities as such Holders may request in writing within five (5) days after receipt of such written notice (such Registration a “Piggyback Registration”). The Company shall, in good faith, cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such Piggyback Registration and shall use its best efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Holders pursuant to this subsection 2.2.1 to be included in a Piggyback Registration on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included in such Registration and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. All such Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this subsection 2.2.1 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the Company.

 

2.2.2          Reduction of Piggyback Registration. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Registration that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of Common Stock that the Company desires to sell, taken together with (i) the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, (ii) the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, and (iii) the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:

 

(i)               If the Registration is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, the Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1 hereof, pro rata, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has so requested, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and

 

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(ii)               If the Registration is pursuant to a request by persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, then the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, of such requesting persons or entities, other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1, pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Registration and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Registration, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), Common Stock or other equity securities for the account of other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons or entities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

 

2.2.3          Piggyback Registration Withdrawal. Any Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of his, her or its intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Piggyback Registration. The Company (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in connection with a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.2.3.

 

2.2.4          Unlimited Piggyback Registration Rights. For purposes of clarity, any Registration effected pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof shall not be counted as a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration effected under Section 2.1 hereof.

 

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Section 2.3              Resale Shelf Registration Rights

 

2.3.1          Registration Statement on Form S-3 Covering Resale of Registrable Securities. The Company shall prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed with the Commission, no later than thirty (30) days following the closing of the Business Combination, a Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act or any successor thereto registering the resale from time to time by Holders of all of the Registrable Securities held by Holders (the “Resale Shelf Registration Statement”). The Resale Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-3 (or if Form S-3 is not available to be used by the Company at such time, on Form S-1 or another appropriate form permitting Registration of such Registrable Securities for resale). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Resale Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable after filing, but no later than the earlier of (i) the 60th calendar day (or 120th calendar day if the Commission notifies the Company that it will “review” the Resale Shelf Registration Statement) following the closing of the Business Combination and (ii) ten (10) Business Days after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the Resale Shelf Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Deadline”). Once effective, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Resale Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Resale Shelf Registration Statement is available or, if not available, to ensure that another Registration Statement is available, under the Securities Act at all times until all Registrable Securities covered by such Resale Shelf Registration Statement have been disposed of in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution set forth in such Resale Shelf Registration Statement or have ceased to be Registrable Securities. The Registration Statement filed with the Commission pursuant to this subsection 2.3.1 shall contain a prospectus in such form as to permit any Holder to sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the Commission then in effect) at any time beginning on the effective date for such Registration Statement (subject to the restrictions provided in Article 5 below), and shall provide that such Registrable Securities may be sold pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, the Holders. If the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is filed on Form S-1, then promptly following the date upon which the Company becomes eligible to use a Registration Statement on Form S-3, the Company shall file a post-effective amendment on Form S-3 to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement (an “S-3 Conversion”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Holders shall not be entitled to reimbursement from the Company of Registration Expenses set forth in clause (F) of the definition of “Registration Expenses” related to an S-3 Conversion.

 

2.3.2          Notification and Distribution of Materials. The Company shall notify the Holders in writing of the effectiveness of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement as soon as practicable, and in any event within one (1) Business Day after the Resale Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective, and shall furnish to them, without charge, such number of copies of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement (including any amendments, supplements and exhibits), the Prospectus contained therein (including each preliminary prospectus and all related amendments and supplements) and any documents incorporated by reference in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement or such other documents as the Holders may reasonably request in order to facilitate the sale of the Registrable Securities in the manner described in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement.

 

2.3.3          Amendments and Supplements. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3.1 above, the Company shall promptly prepare and file with the Commission from time to time such amendments and supplements to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep the Resale Shelf Registration Statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all the Registrable Securities. If any Resale Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2.3.1 is filed on Form S-3 and thereafter the Company becomes ineligible to use Form S-3 for secondary sales, the Company shall promptly notify the Holders of such ineligibility and use its reasonable best efforts to file a shelf registration on an appropriate form as promptly as practicable to replace the shelf registration statement on Form S-3 and have such replacement Resale Shelf Registration Statement declared effective as promptly as practicable and to cause such replacement Resale Shelf Registration Statement to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Resale Shelf Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another Resale Shelf Registration Statement is available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Holders until all such Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities; provided, however, that at any time the Company once again becomes eligible to use Form S-3, the Company shall cause such replacement Resale Shelf Registration Statement to be amended, or shall file a new replacement Resale Shelf Registration Statement, such that the Resale Shelf Registration Statement is once again on Form S-3.

 

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2.3.4          Notwithstanding the registration obligations set forth in this Section 2.3, in the event the Commission informs the Company that all of the Registrable Securities cannot, as a result of the application of Rule 415, be registered for resale as a secondary offering on a single registration statement, the Company agrees to promptly (i) inform each of the holders thereof and use its reasonable best efforts to file amendments to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement as required by the Commission and/or (ii) withdraw the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and file a new registration statement (a “New Registration Statement”), on Form S-3, or if Form S-3 is not then available to the Company for such registration statement, on such other form available to register for resale the Registrable Securities as a secondary offering; provided, however, that prior to filing such amendment or New Registration Statement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to advocate with the Commission for the registration of all of the Registrable Securities in accordance with any publicly-available written or oral guidance, comments, requirements or requests of the Commission staff (the “SEC Guidance”), including without limitation, the Manual of Publicly Available Telephone Interpretations D.29. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any SEC Guidance sets forth a limitation of the number of Registrable Securities permitted to be registered on a particular Registration Statement as a secondary offering (and notwithstanding that the Company used diligent efforts to advocate with the Commission for the registration of all or a greater number of Registrable Securities), unless otherwise directed in writing by a Holder as to its Registrable Securities, the number of Registrable Securities to be registered on such Registration Statement will be reduced in order to include first, the number of shares of Common Stock included in the Resale Shelf Registration Statement that are held by PIPE Investors (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), and second, the Registrable Securities under this Agreement, on a pro rata basis based on the total number of Registrable Securities held by the Holders, subject to a determination by the Commission that certain Holders must be reduced first based on the number of Registrable Securities held by such Holders. In the event the Company amends the Resale Shelf Registration Statement or files a New Registration Statement, as the case may be, under clauses (i) or (ii) above, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to file with the Commission, as promptly as allowed by Commission or SEC Guidance provided to the Company or to registrants of securities in general, one or more registration statements on Form S-3 or such other form available to register for resale those Registrable Securities that were not registered for resale on the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, as amended, or the New Registration Statement.

 

2.3.5          Registrations effected pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall not be counted as Demand Registrations effected pursuant to Section 2.2.

 

Section 2.4             Restrictions on Registration Rights. If (A) during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days prior to the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of the filing of, and ending on a date one hundred and twenty (120) days after the effective date of, a Company initiated Registration and provided that the Company has delivered written notice to the Holders prior to receipt of a Demand Registration pursuant to subsection 2.1.1 and it continues to actively employ, in good faith, all reasonable efforts to cause the applicable Registration Statement to become effective; (B) the Holders have requested an Underwritten Registration and the Company and the Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of underwriters to firmly underwrite the offer; or (C) in the good faith judgment of the Board such Registration would be materially detrimental to the Company and the Board concludes as a result that it is essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement at such time, then in each case the Company shall furnish to such Holders a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board it would be materially detrimental to the Company for such Registration Statement to be filed in the near future and that it is therefore essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement. In such event, the Company shall have the right to defer a filing pursuant to Section 2.1 for a period of not more than thirty (30) days; provided, however, that the Company shall not defer its obligation in this manner more than once in any 12 month period.

 

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Article III
COMPANY PROCEDURES

 

Section 3.1            General Procedures. If at any time on or after the Effective Date the Company is required to effect the Registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall use its best efforts to effect such Registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:

 

3.1.1          prepare and file with the Commission as soon as practicable a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold;

 

3.1.2          prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be reasonably requested by the Holders or any Underwriter of Registrable Securities or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement are sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

 

3.1.3          prior to filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, and such Holders’ legal counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the Underwriters and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Holders may request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders;

 

3.1.4          prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its best efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;

 

3.1.5          cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

 

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3.1.6          provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

 

3.1.7          advise each seller of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;

 

3.1.8          advise each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement has been declared effective or a supplement to any Prospectus forming a part of such registration statement has been filed;

 

3.1.9          at least five (5) days prior to the filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, furnish a copy thereof to each seller of such Registrable Securities or its counsel;

 

3.1.10        notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.4 hereof;

 

3.1.11      permit a representative of the Holders, the Underwriters, if any, and any attorney or accountant retained by such Holders or Underwriter to participate, at each such person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with the Registration; provided, however, that such representatives or Underwriters enter into a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;

 

3.1.12      obtain a “cold comfort” letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Registration, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters as the managing Underwriter may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to such managing Underwriter;

 

3.1.13      on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to an Underwritten Registration, obtain an opinion and negative assurance letter, each dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Underwritten Registration, addressed to the Underwriters covering such legal matters with respect to the Underwritten Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the managing Underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, and reasonably satisfactory to such managing Underwriter;

 

3.1.14      in the event of any Underwritten Offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter of such offering;

 

3.1.15      make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission);

 

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3.1.16      if the Registration involves the Registration of Registrable Securities involving gross proceeds in excess of $50,000,000, use its reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in any Underwritten Offering; and

 

3.1.17      otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Holders, in connection with such Registration.

 

Section 3.2              Registration Expenses. Except as provided in Section 2.3.1 with respect to an S-3 Conversion, the Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by the Company. It is acknowledged by the Holders that the Holders shall bear all incremental selling expenses relating to the sale of Registrable Securities, such as Underwriters’ commissions and discounts, brokerage fees, Underwriter marketing costs and, other than as set forth in the definition of “Registration Expenses,” all reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel representing the Holders.

 

Section 3.3              Requirements for Participation in Underwritten Offerings. No person may participate in any Underwritten Offering for equity securities of the Company pursuant to a Registration initiated by the Company hereunder unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

Section 3.4              Suspension of Sales. Upon receipt of written notice from the Company that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until he, she or it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (it being understood that the Company hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until he, she or it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to delay or postpone the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, and from time to time to require the Holders not to sell under a Registration Statement or to suspend the effectiveness thereof, if the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Company or its subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event the Board reasonably believes, upon the advice of legal counsel, would require additional disclosure by the Company in the Registration Statement of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in the Registration Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Board, upon the advice of legal counsel, to cause the Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (each such circumstance, a “Suspension Event”); provided, however, that the Company may not delay or suspend a Registration Statement on more than two occasions or for more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or more than ninety (90) total calendar days, in each case during any twelve month period. Upon receipt of any written notice from the Company of the happening of any Suspension Event during the period that a Registration Statement is effective or if as a result of a Suspension Event a Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made (in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, the Holders agrees that (i) they will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Shares under such Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144) until the Holders receive copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus (which the Company agrees to promptly prepare) that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless otherwise notified by the Company that it may resume such offers and sales, and (ii) they will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by the Company unless otherwise required by law or subpoena. If so directed by the Company, the Holders will deliver to the Company or, in each Holder’s sole discretion destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares in such Holder’s possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares shall not apply (i) to the extent the Holder is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (a) in order to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (b) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (ii) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up.

 

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Section 3.5              Reporting Obligations. As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Securities, the Company, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the date hereof pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and to promptly furnish the Holders with true and complete copies of all such filings. The Company further covenants that it shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell shares of Common Stock held by such Holder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission), including providing any legal opinions. Upon the request of any Holder, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written certification of a duly authorized officer as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

 

Section 3.6              Limitations on Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, other than the registration rights granted in subscription agreements with the PIPE Investors (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would provide to such holder registration rights on a basis more favorable than the registration rights granted to the Holders herein.

 

Article IV
INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

 

Section 4.1              Indemnification

 

4.1.1          The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers, directors, employees and agents and each person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or any violation by the Company of the Securities Act or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any such registration, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. The Company shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers and directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder.

 

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4.1.2          In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and agents and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue statement of material fact contained in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.

 

4.1.3          Any person entitled to indemnification herein shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

 

4.1.4          The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Holder of Registrable Securities participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution to such party in the event the Company’s or such Holder’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.

 

4.1.5          If the indemnification provided under Section 4.1 hereof from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder under this subsection 4.1.5 shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in subsections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 above, any legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this subsection 4.1.5. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

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Article V
LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

 

Section 5.1              Common Stock Lock-Up Period. Each Significant Holders that owns Lock-Up Shares agrees that it shall not Transfer any Lock-Up Shares until the earlier of (A) 180 days after the completion of the Business Combination and (B) subsequent to the Business Combination, the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or other property.

 

Section 5.2              Private Placement Warrant Lock-Up Period. Notwithstanding subsection 5.1 above, the Original Holder agrees that it shall not Transfer any Private Placement Warrants (or any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants), until 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination.

 

Section 5.3              Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsections 5.1 and 5.2 above, Transfers of Lock-Up Shares or Private Placement Warrants (or any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants) that are held by the Holders are permitted (i) to the Company’s officers or directors, any affiliate or family member of any of the Company’s officers or directors, any affiliate of the Original Holder or to any members of the Original Holder or any of their affiliates; (ii) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of such individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such individual’s immediate family, an affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization; (iii) in the case of an individual, by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such individual; (iv) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (v) by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware; (vi) by virtue of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the Sponsor, as amended, supplemented or modified, from time to time; or (vii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the Company’s completion of the Business Combination, each of the persons specified in clauses (i) through (vii), a “Permitted Transferee”; provided, however, that in the case of clauses (i) through (vii), each such Permitted Transferee must enter into a written agreement with the Company agreeing to be bound by the transfer restrictions herein and the other restrictions contained in this Agreement.

 

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Article VI

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 6.1              Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including Schedule A hereto) constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the parties as to the matters covered herein and supersedes and replaces any prior understanding, agreement or statement of intent, in each case, written or oral, of any and every nature with respect thereto.

 

Section 6.2              Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be delivered to any party under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly delivered, given and received (a) upon receipt when delivered by hand, (b) upon transmission, if sent by facsimile or electronic transmission (in each case with receipt verified by electronic confirmation), or (c) one (1) Business Day after being sent by courier or express delivery service, specifying next day delivery, with proof of receipt. The addresses, email addresses and facsimile numbers for such notices and communications are those set forth on the signature pages hereof, or such other address, email address or facsimile numbers as may be designated in writing hereafter, in the same manner, by any such person.

 

Section 6.3              Assignment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or in part. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder may be freely assigned or delegated by such Holder of Registrable Securities in conjunction with and to the extent of any transfer of Registrable Securities by any such Holder. This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and the permitted assigns of the applicable holder of Registrable Securities or of any assignee of the applicable holder of Registrable Securities. This Agreement is not intended to confer any rights or benefits on any persons that are not party hereto other than as expressly set forth in Article 4 and this Section 6.3. No assignment by any party hereto of such party’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company unless and until the Company shall have received (i) written notice of such assignment and (ii) the written agreement of the assignee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (which may be accomplished by an addendum or certificate of joinder to this Agreement).

 

Section 6.4              Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart and such counterparts may be delivered by the parties hereto via facsimile or electronic transmission.

 

Section 6.5              Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may be amended or modified, and any provision hereof may be waived, in whole or in part, at any time pursuant to an agreement in writing executed by (i) the Company, (ii) the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities held by the Original Holder at such time, and (iii) holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities held by the New Holders at such time; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that materially and adversely affects one Holder, solely in his, her or its capacity as a holder of the shares of capital stock of the Company, in a manner that is materially different from the other Holders (in such capacity) shall require the consent of the Holder so affected. Any failure by any party at any time to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed a waiver of such provision or any other provisions hereof.

 

Section 6.6              Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto.

 

18 

 

 

Section 6.7              Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State. All legal actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any Delaware Chancery Court; provided, that if jurisdiction is not then available in the Delaware Chancery Court, then any such legal action may be brought in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or any other Delaware state court. The parties hereto hereby (a) irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for themselves and with respect to their respective properties for the purpose of any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any party hereto, and (b) agree not to commence any action relating thereto except in the courts described above in Delaware, other than actions in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by any such court in Delaware as described herein. Each of the parties further agrees that notice as provided herein shall constitute sufficient service of process and the parties further waive any argument that such service is insufficient. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Delaware as described herein for any reason, (b) that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (c) that (i) the action in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such action is improper or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.

 

Section 6.8              Specific Performance. Each party acknowledges and agrees that the other parties hereto would be irreparably harmed and would not have any adequate remedy at law in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by such first party in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached by such first party. Accordingly, each party agrees that the other parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such parties are entitled at law or in equity.

 

Section 6.9              Exercise Term. The Holders may not exercise their registration rights under Article II after the seven-year anniversary of the closing of the Business Combination.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

19 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  COMPANY:
   
  Atlas Crest Investment Corp.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Spellacy
  Name: Michael Spellacy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  ORIGINAL HOLDER:
   
  Atlas Crest Investment LLC.
   
  By: /s/ Kenneth Moelis
  Name: Kenneth Moelis
  Title: Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  ALPS INVESTMENT PARTNERS, LP
   
  By: /s/ Charles Kim
  Name: Charles Kim
  Title: Managing Partner

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  AVXVA INC.
   
  By: /s/ Anthony Tucker
  Name: Anthony Tucker
  Title: President

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  GREYCROFT PARTNERS VI, L.P.
   
  By: Greycroft Managers VI, LLC, its General Partner
   
  By: /s/ Matt Parker
  Name: Matt Parker
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  MARC LORE
   
  /s/ Marc Lore

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  TCP ARCHER AVIATION LLC
   
  By: TROY CAPITAL PARTNERS X GP, LLC, its Manager
   
  By: /s/ Josh Berman
  Name: Josh Berman
  Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  ZZM, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Josh Berman
  Name: Josh Berman
  Title: Partner

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Brian Gillman
  Name: Brian Gillman
  Title: EVP & General Counsel

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

20

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  THOMAS MUNIZ
   
  /s/ Thomas Muniz

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

21

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  United Airlines Ventures, Ltd.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Leskinen
  Name: Michael Leskinen
  Title: President

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  Notrevis Investments, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Charles G. Cascarilla
  Name: Charles G. Cascarilla

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

22

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  CH/LCV Fund VII, LP
   
  By: /s/ Emil K. Woods
  Name: Emil K. Woods

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

23

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  BRETT ADCOCK
   
  /s/ Brett Adcock

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

24

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  HIGHT DRIVE GROWTH LLC
   
  By: /s/ Brett Adcock
  Name: Brett Adcock
  Title: Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

25

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  ADAM GOLDSTEIN
   
  /s/ Adam Goldstein

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

26

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  CAPRI GROWTH LCC
   
  By: /s/ Adam Goldstein
  Name: Adam Goldstein
  Title: Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

27

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  NEW HOLDER:
   
  LUKTEV GMBH
   
  By: /s/ Lukasz Gadowski
  Name: Lukasz Gadowski
  Title: Managing Director

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

28

 

 

Schedule A

 

ORIGINAL HOLDER:

 

· Atlas Crest Investment LLC

 

NEW HOLDERS:

 

· Adam Goldstein
     
· Alps Investment Partners, LP
     
· AVXVA Inc.
     
· Brett Adcock
     
· Capri Growth LLC
     
· Greycroft Partners VI, L.P.
     
· Hight Drive Growth LLC
     
· Luktev GmbH
     
· Marc Lore
     
· Mesa Air Group, Inc.
     
· TCP Archer Aviation LLC
     
· Thomas Muniz
     
· United Airlines Ventures, Ltd.
     
· ZZM, Inc.

 

29

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

ARCHER AVIATION INC.

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2019 STOCK PLAN

 

1.             Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of the Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants, and to promote the success of the Company’s business. The Plan provides for the grant of Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an Option and subject to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

2.             Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(a)            Administrator” means the Board or a Committee.

 

(b)            Affiliate” means (i) an entity other than a Subsidiary which, together with the Company, is under common control of a third person or entity and (ii) an entity other than a Subsidiary in which the Company and /or one or more Subsidiaries own a controlling interest.

 

(c)            Applicable Laws” means all applicable laws, rules, regulations and requirements, including, but not limited to, all applicable U.S. federal or state laws, any Stock Exchange rules or regulations, and the applicable laws, rules or regulations of any other country or jurisdiction where Options, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit Awards are granted under the Plan or Participants reside or provide services, as such laws, rules, and regulations shall be in effect from time to time.

 

(d)            Award” means any award of an Option, Restricted Stock or a Restricted Stock Unit Award granted under the Plan.

 

(e)            Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(f)            California Participant” means a Participant whose Award is issued in reliance on Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code.

 

(g)            Cashless Exercise” means a program approved by the Administrator in which payment of the Option exercise price or tax withholding obligations or other required deductions may be satisfied, in whole or in part, with Shares subject to the Option, including by delivery of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker (on a form prescribed by the Company) to sell Shares and to deliver all or part of the sale proceeds to the Company in payment of such amount.

 

(h)            Cause” for termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service Status will exist (unless another definition is provided in an applicable Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, employment agreement or other applicable written agreement) if the Participant’s Continuous Service Status is terminated for any of the following reasons: (i) any material breach by Participant of any material written agreement between Participant and the Company and Participant’s failure to cure such breach within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (ii) any failure by Participant to comply with the Company’s material written policies or rules as they may be in effect from time to time; (iii) neglect or persistent unsatisfactory performance of Participant’s duties and Participant’s failure to cure such condition within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (iv) Participant’s repeated failure to follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the Board or Chief Executive Officer and Participant’s failure to cure such condition within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (v) Participant’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Company; (vi) Participant’s commission of or participation in an act of fraud against the Company; (vii) Participant’s intentional material damage to the Company’s business, property or reputation; or (viii) Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom the Participant owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company. For purposes of clarity, a termination without “Cause” does not include any termination that occurs as a result of Participant’s death or disability. The determination as to whether a Participant’s Continuous Service Status has been terminated for Cause shall be made in good faith by the Company and shall be final and binding on the Participant. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate a Participant’s employment or consulting relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted to include any Subsidiary, Parent, Affiliate, or any successor thereto, if appropriate.

 

1

 

 

(i)            Change of Control” means (i) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets other than to an Excluded Entity (as defined below), (ii) a merger, consolidation or other capital reorganization or business combination transaction of the Company with or into another corporation, limited liability company or other entity other than an Excluded Entity, or (iii) the consummation of a transaction, or series of related transactions, in which any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of all of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute a Change of Control if its purpose is to (A) change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, (B) create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who hold the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction, or (C) obtain funding for the Company in a financing that is approved by the Company’s Board. An “Excluded Entity” means a corporation or other entity of which the holders of voting capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction are the direct or indirect holders of voting securities representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all of such corporation’s or other entity’s voting securities outstanding immediately after such transaction.

 

(j)            Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(k)           Committee” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board consisting of two (2) or more Directors (or such lesser or greater number of Directors as shall constitute the minimum number permitted by Applicable Laws to establish a committee or sub-committee of the Board) appointed by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with Section 4 below.

 

(l)            Common Stock” means the Company’s Common Stock.

 

(m)          Company” means Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(n)           Consultant” means any person or entity, including an advisor but not an Employee, that renders, or has rendered, services to the Company, or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate and is compensated for such services, and any Director whether compensated for such services or not.

 

(o)            Continuous Service Status” means the absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee or Consultant. Continuous Service Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted or terminated in the case of: (i) Company approved sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other bona fide leave of absence approved by the Company, provided that, if an Employee is holding an Incentive Stock Option and such leave exceeds 3 months then, for purposes of Incentive Stock Option status only, such Employee’s service as an Employee shall be deemed terminated on the 1st day following such 3-month period and the Incentive Stock Option shall thereafter automatically become a Nonstatutory Stock Option in accordance with Applicable Laws, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to a written Company policy. Also, Continuous Service Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted or terminated in the case of a transfer between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or their respective successors, or a change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or from a Consultant to an Employee.

 

2

 

 

(p)            Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(q)            Disability” means “disability” within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

 

(r)            Employee” means any person employed by the Company, or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, with the status of employment determined pursuant to such factors as are deemed appropriate by the Company in its sole discretion, subject to any requirements of Applicable Laws, including the Code. The payment by the Company of a director’s fee shall not be sufficient to constitute “employment” of such director by the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate.

 

(s)            Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(t)            Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the per share fair market value of the Common Stock, as determined by the Administrator in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate and applied consistently with respect to Participants. Whenever possible, the determination of Fair Market Value shall be based upon the per share closing price for the Shares as reported in The Wall Street Journal for the applicable date.

 

(u)            Family Members” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships) of the Participant, any person sharing the Participant’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons (or the Participant) have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Participant) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Participant) own more than 50% of the voting interests.

 

(v)            Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to, and which does, in fact, qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

(w)           Involuntary Termination” means (unless another definition is provided in the applicable Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, employment agreement or other applicable written agreement) the termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service Status other than for (i) death, (ii) Disability or (iii) for Cause by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary, Affiliate or successor thereto, as appropriate.

 

(x)            Listed Security” means any security of the Company that is listed or approved for listing on a national securities exchange or designated or approved for designation as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (or any successor thereto).

 

(y)            Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that is not intended to, or does not, in fact, qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(z)            Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to Section 7 below.

 

(aa)          Option Agreement” means a written document, the form(s) of which shall be approved from time to time by the Administrator, reflecting the terms of an Option granted under the Plan and includes any documents attached to or incorporated into such Option Agreement, including, but not limited to, a notice of stock option grant and a form of exercise notice.

 

(bb)          Option Exchange Program” means a program approved by the Administrator whereby outstanding Options (i) are exchanged for Options with a lower exercise price, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit Awards, cash or other property or (ii) are amended to decrease the exercise price as a result of a decline in the Fair Market Value.

 

3

 

 

(cc)          Optioned Stock” means Shares that are subject to an Option or that were issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option.

 

(dd)          Optionee” means an Employee or Consultant who receives an Option.

 

(ee)          Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of grant of the Award, each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.

 

(ff)           Participant” means any holder of one or more Awards or Shares issued pursuant to an Award.

 

(gg)         Plan” means this Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Plan.

 

(hh)         Restricted Stock” means Shares acquired pursuant to a right to purchase or receive Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 8(a) below.

 

(ii)           Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement” means a written document, the form(s) of which shall be approved from time to time by the Administrator, reflecting the terms of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan and includes any documents attached to such agreement.

 

(jj)           Restricted Stock Unit Award” means a right to receive Shares which is granted pursuant to Section 8(b) below.

 

(kk)        Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement” means a written document, the form(s) of which shall be approved from time to time by the Administrator, reflecting the terms of a Restricted Stock Unit Award granted under the Plan, and includes any documents attached to or incorporated into such Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including, but not limited to, a restricted stock unit grant notice.

 

(ll)           Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time, or any successor provision.

 

(mm)       Share” means a share of Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 10 below.

 

(nn)         Stock Exchange” means any stock exchange or consolidated stock price reporting system on which prices for the Common Stock are quoted at any given time.

 

(oo)          Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of grant of the Award, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.

 

(pp)          Ten Percent Holder” means a person who owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary measured as of an Award’s date of grant.

 

4

 

 

3.             Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 below, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 75,000,000 Shares, all of which Shares may be issued under the Plan pursuant to Incentive Stock Options. The Shares issued under the Plan may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Shares. If an Award should expire or become unexercisable for any reason without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the unissued Shares that were subject thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, continue to be available under the Plan for issuance pursuant to future Awards. In addition, any Shares which are retained by the Company upon exercise of an Award in order to satisfy the exercise or purchase price for such Award or any withholding taxes due with respect to such Award shall be treated as not issued and shall continue to be available under the Plan for issuance pursuant to future Awards. Shares issued under the Plan and later forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest or repurchased by the Company at the original purchase price paid to the Company for the Shares (including, without limitation, upon forfeiture to or repurchase by the Company in connection with the termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service Status) shall again be available for future grant under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the provisions of Section 10 below, in no event shall the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan pursuant to Incentive Stock Options exceed the number set forth in the first sentence of this Section 3 plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated there under, any Shares that again become available for issuance pursuant to the remaining provisions of this Section 3.

 

4.             Administration of the Plan.

 

(a)           General. The Plan shall be administered by the Board, a Committee appointed by the Board, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Board. The Plan may be administered by different administrative bodies with respect to different classes of Participants and, if permitted by Applicable Laws, the Board may authorize one or more officers of the Company to make Awards under the Plan to Employees and Consultants (who are not subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act) within parameters specified by the Board.

 

(b)           Committee Composition. If a Committee has been appointed pursuant to this Section 4, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of any Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies (however caused) and dissolve a Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws and, in the case of a Committee administering the Plan in accordance with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code, to the extent permitted or required by such provisions.

 

(c)           Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its sole discretion:

 

(i)             to determine the Fair Market Value in accordance with Section 2(t) above, provided that such determination shall be applied consistently with respect to Participants under the Plan;

 

(ii)           to select the Employees and Consultants to whom Awards may from time to time be granted;

 

(iii)          to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award;

 

(iv)           to approve the form(s) of agreement(s) and other related documents used under the Plan;

 

(v)            to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder, which terms and conditions include but are not limited to the exercise or purchase price, the time or times when Awards may vest and/or be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), the circumstances (if any) when vesting will be accelerated or forfeiture restrictions will be waived, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award, Optioned Stock, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit Award;

 

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(vi)           to amend any outstanding Award or agreement related to any Optioned Stock, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit Award, including any amendment adjusting vesting (e.g., in connection with a change in the terms or conditions under which such person is providing services to the Company), provided that no amendment shall be made that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant without his or her consent;

 

(vii)          to determine whether and under what circumstances an Option may be settled in cash under Section 7(c)(iii) below instead of Common Stock;

 

(viii)        subject to Applicable Laws, to implement an Option Exchange Program and establish the terms and conditions of such Option Exchange Program without consent of the holders of capital stock of the Company, provided that no amendment or adjustment to an Option that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant shall be made without his or her consent;

 

(ix)           to approve addenda pursuant to Section 18 below or to grant Awards to, or to modify the terms of, any outstanding Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, or Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement or any agreement related to any Optioned Stock, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit Award held by Participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United States with such terms and conditions as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom which deviate from the terms and conditions set forth in this Plan to the extent necessary or appropriate to accommodate such differences; and

 

(x)            to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan, any Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, or Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement and any agreement related to any Optioned Stock, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit Award, which constructions, interpretations and decisions shall be final and binding on all Participants.

 

(d)            Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Laws, each member of the Committee (including officers of the Company, if applicable), or of the Board, as applicable, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (i) any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan or pursuant to the terms and conditions of any Award except for actions taken in bad faith or failures to act in good faith, and (ii) any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit, or proceeding against him or her, provided that such member shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend any such claim, action, suit or proceeding before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or under any other power that the Company may have to indemnify or hold harmless each such person.

 

5.             Eligibility.

 

(a)            Recipients of Grants. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards may be granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees, provided that Employees of Affiliates shall not be eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options.

 

(b)            Type of Option. Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

 

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(c)            ISO $100,000 Limitation. Notwithstanding any designation under Section 5(b) above, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares with respect to which Options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 5(c), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to an Incentive Stock Option shall be determined as of the date of the grant of such Option.

 

(d)            No Employment Rights. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall confer upon any Employee or Consultant any right with respect to continuation of an employment or consulting relationship with the Company (any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate), nor shall it interfere in any way with such Employee’s or Consultant’s right or the Company’s (Parent’s, Subsidiary’s or Affiliate’s) right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause.

 

6.             Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board and shall continue in effect for a term of 10 years unless sooner terminated under Section 14 below.

 

7.             Options.

 

(a)            Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated in the Option Agreement; provided that the term shall be no more than 10 years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement and provided further that, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a person who at the time of such grant is a Ten Percent Holder, the term of the Option shall be 5 years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

 

(b)           Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

 

(i)            Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement, but shall be subject to the following:

 

(1)           In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

 

a.             granted to an Employee who at the time of grant is a Ten Percent Holder, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant;

 

b.             granted to any other Employee, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant;

 

(2)           Except as provided in subsection (3) below, in the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option the per Share exercise price shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator, provided that, if the per Share exercise price is less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant, it shall otherwise comply with all Applicable Laws, including Section 409A of the Code; and

 

(3)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

 

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(ii)           Permissible Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option and to the extent required by Applicable Laws, shall be determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash; (2) check; (3) to the extent permitted under, and in accordance with, Applicable Laws, delivery of a promissory note with such recourse, interest, security and redemption provisions as the Administrator determines to be appropriate (subject to the provisions of Section 152 of the Delaware General Corporation Law); (4) cancellation of indebtedness; (5) other previously owned Shares that have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which the Option is exercised; (6) a Cashless Exercise; (7) such other consideration and method of payment permitted under Applicable Laws; or (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company and the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, refuse to accept a particular form of consideration at the time of any Option exercise.

 

(c)            Exercise of Option.

 

(i)            General.

 

(1)             Exercisability. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator, consistent with the terms of the Plan and reflected in the Option Agreement, including vesting requirements and/or performance criteria with respect to the Company, and Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, and/or the Optionee.

 

(2)             Leave of Absence. The Administrator shall have the discretion to determine at any time whether and to what extent the vesting of Options shall be tolled during any leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting of Options shall continue during any paid leave and shall be tolled during any unpaid leave (unless otherwise required by Applicable Laws). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of military leave, vesting shall toll during any unpaid portion of such leave, provided that, upon an Optionee’s returning from military leave (under conditions that would entitle him or her to protection upon such return under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended), he or she shall be given vesting credit with respect to Options to the same extent as would have applied had the Optionee continued to provide services to the Company (or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, if applicable) throughout the leave on the same terms as he or she was providing services immediately prior to such leave.

 

(3)             Minimum Exercise Requirements. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. The Administrator may require that an Option be exercised as to a minimum number of Shares, provided that such requirement shall not prevent an Optionee from exercising the full number of Shares as to which the Option is then exercisable.

 

(4)             Procedures for and Results of Exercise. An Option shall be deemed exercised when written notice of such exercise has been received by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement by the person entitled to exercise the Option and the Company has received full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised and has paid, or made arrangements to satisfy, any applicable taxes, withholding, required deductions or other required payments in accordance with Section 9 below. The exercise of an Option shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares that thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

 

(5)             Rights as Holder of Capital Stock. Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a holder of capital stock shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock is issued, except as provided in Section 10 below.

 

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(ii)           Termination of Continuous Service Status. The Administrator shall establish and set forth in the applicable Option Agreement the terms and conditions upon which an Option shall remain exercisable, if at all, following termination of an Optionee’s Continuous Service Status, which provisions may be waived or modified by the Administrator at any time. To the extent that an Option Agreement does not specify the terms and conditions upon which an Option shall terminate upon termination of an Optionee’s Continuous Service Status, the following provisions shall apply:

 

(1)             General Provisions. If the Optionee (or other person entitled to exercise the Option) does not exercise the Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified below, the Option shall terminate and the Optioned Stock underlying the unexercised portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. In no event may any Option be exercised after the expiration of the Option term as set forth in the Option Agreement (and subject to this Section 7).

 

(2)             Termination other than Upon Disability or Death or for Cause. In the event of termination of an Optionee’s Continuous Service Status other than under the circumstances set forth in the subsections (3) through (5) below, such Optionee may exercise any outstanding Option at any time within 3 month(s) following such termination to the extent the Optionee is vested in the Optioned Stock.

 

(3)             Disability of Optionee. In the event of termination of an Optionee’s Continuous Service Status as a result of his or her Disability, such Optionee may exercise any outstanding Option at any time within 12 month(s) following such termination to the extent the Optionee is vested in the Optioned Stock.

 

(4)             Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee during the period of Continuous Service Status since the date of grant of any outstanding Option, or within 3 month(s) following termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service Status, the Option may be exercised by any beneficiaries designated in accordance with Section 16 below, or if there are no such beneficiaries, by the Optionee’s estate, or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, at any time within 12 month(s) following the date the Optionee’s Continuous Service Status terminated, but only to the extent the Optionee is vested in the Optioned Stock.

 

(5)             Termination for Cause. In the event of termination of an Optionee’s Continuous Service Status for Cause, any outstanding Option (including any vested portion thereof) held by such Optionee shall immediately terminate in its entirety upon first notification to the Optionee of termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service Status for Cause. If an Optionee’s Continuous Service Status is suspended pending an investigation of whether the Optionee’s Continuous Service Status will be terminated for Cause, all the Optionee’s rights under any Option, including the right to exercise the Option, shall be suspended during the investigation period. Nothing in this Section 7(c)(ii)(5) shall in any way limit the Company’s right to purchase unvested Shares issued upon exercise of an Option as set forth in the applicable Option Agreement.

 

(iii)         Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted under the Plan based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

 

8.             Awards Other Than Options.

 

(a)           Restricted Stock.

 

(i)             Rights to Purchase. When a right to purchase or receive Restricted Stock is granted under the Plan, the Company shall advise the recipient in writing of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, if any (which shall be as determined by the Administrator, subject to Applicable Laws, including any applicable securities laws), and the time within which such person must accept such offer. The permissible consideration for Restricted Stock shall be determined by the Administrator and shall be the same as is set forth in Section 7(b)(ii) above with respect to exercise of Options. The offer to purchase Shares shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.

 

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(ii)           Repurchase Option.

 

(1)            General. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service Status for any reason (including death or Disability) at a purchase price for Shares equal to the original purchase price paid by the purchaser to the Company for such Shares and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the Administrator may determine.

 

(2)             Leave of Absence. The Administrator shall have the discretion to determine at any time whether and to what extent the lapsing of Company repurchase rights shall be tolled during any leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, such lapsing shall continue during any paid leave and shall be tolled during any unpaid leave (unless otherwise required by Applicable Laws). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of military leave, the lapsing of Company repurchase rights shall toll during any unpaid portion of such leave, provided that, upon a Participant’s returning from military leave (under conditions that would entitle him or her to protection upon such return under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended), he or she shall be given vesting credit with respect to Shares purchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement to the same extent as would have applied had the Participant continued to provide services to the Company (or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, if applicable) throughout the leave on the same terms as he or she was providing services immediately prior to such leave.

 

(iii)         Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. In addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

 

(iv)          Rights as a Holder of Capital Stock. Once the Restricted Stock is purchased, the Participant shall have the rights equivalent to those of a holder of capital stock, and shall be a record holder when his or her purchase and the issuance of the Shares is entered upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Restricted Stock is purchased, except as provided in Section 10 below.

 

(b)           Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

 

(i)            General. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator will deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in such agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

(ii)           Consideration. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Administrator will determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each Share subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. The consideration to be paid (if any) by the Participant for each Share subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award may be paid in any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and permissible under Applicable Laws.

 

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(iii)         Vesting.

 

(1)             General. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Administrator may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

 

(2)             Leave of Absence. The Administrator shall have the discretion to determine at any time whether and to what extent vesting of Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be tolled during any leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting of Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall continue during any paid leave and shall be tolled during any unpaid leave (unless otherwise required by Applicable Laws). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of military leave, vesting of Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall toll during any unpaid portion of such leave, provided that, upon a Participant’s returning from military leave (under conditions that would entitle him or her to protection upon such return under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended), he or she shall be given vesting credit with respect to Restricted Stock Unit Awards to the same extent as would have applied had the Participant continued to provide services to the Company (or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, if applicable) throughout the leave on the same terms as he or she was providing services immediately prior to such leave.

 

(iv)          Payment. A Restricted Stock Unit Award 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 Administrator and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

 

(v)            Additional Restrictions. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Administrator, as it deems appropriate, may impose such restrictions or conditions that delay the delivery of the Shares (or their cash equivalent) subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award to a time after the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award.

 

(vi)           Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of Shares covered by a Restricted Stock Unit Award, as determined by the Administrator and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. At the sole discretion of the Administrator, such dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Shares covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award in such manner as determined by the Administrator. Any additional Shares covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award credited by reason of such dividend equivalents will be subject to all of the same terms and conditions of the underlying Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to which they relate.

 

(vii)         Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service Status. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, such portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service Status.

 

(viii)        Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Restricted Stock Unit Award granted under the Plan that is not exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code will contain such provisions so that such Restricted Stock Unit Award will comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Such restrictions, if any, will be determined by the Administrator and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement evidencing such Restricted Stock Unit Award. For example, such restrictions may include, without limitation, a requirement that any Shares that are to be issued in a year following the year in which the Restricted Stock Unit Award vests must be issued in accordance with a fixed pre-determined schedule.

 

9.             Taxes.

 

(a)           As a condition of the grant, vesting and exercise of an Award, the Participant (or in the case of the Participant’s death or a permitted transferee, the person holding or exercising the Award) shall make such arrangements as the Administrator may require for the satisfaction of any applicable U.S. federal, state, local or foreign tax, withholding, and any other required deductions or payments that may arise in connection with such Award. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.

 

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(b)           The Administrator may, to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws, permit a Participant (or in the case of the Participant’s death or a permitted transferee, the person holding or exercising the Award) to satisfy all or part of his or her tax, withholding, or any other required deductions or payments by Cashless Exercise or by surrendering Shares (either directly or by stock attestation) that he or she previously acquired; provided that, unless specifically permitted by the Company, any such Cashless Exercise must be an approved broker-assisted Cashless Exercise or the Shares withheld in the Cashless Exercise must be limited to avoid financial accounting charges under applicable accounting guidance and any such surrendered Shares must have been previously held for any minimum duration required to avoid financial accounting charges under applicable accounting guidance. Any payment of taxes by surrendering Shares to the Company may be subject to restrictions, including, but not limited to, any restrictions required by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

10.          Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Merger or Certain Other Transactions.

 

(a)           Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any action required under Applicable Laws by the holders of capital stock of the Company, (i) the numbers and class of Shares or other stock or securities: (x) available for future Awards under Section 3 above and (y) covered by each outstanding Award, (ii) the exercise price per Share of each such outstanding Option, and (iii) any repurchase price per Share applicable to Shares issued pursuant to any Award, shall be automatically proportionately adjusted in the event of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination, consolidation, reclassification of the Shares or subdivision of the Shares. In the event of any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, a declaration of an extraordinary dividend with respect to the Shares payable in a form other than Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value, a recapitalization (including a recapitalization through a large nonrecurring cash dividend), a rights offering, a reorganization, merger, a spin-off, split-up, change in corporate structure or a similar occurrence, the Administrator shall make appropriate adjustments, in its discretion, in one or more of (i) the numbers and class of Shares or other stock or securities: (x) available for future Awards under Section 3 above and (y) covered by each outstanding Award, (ii) the exercise price per Share of each outstanding Option and (iii) any repurchase price per Share applicable to Shares issued pursuant to any Award, and any such adjustment by the Administrator shall be made in the Administrator’s sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares subject to an Award. If, by reason of a transaction described in this Section 10(a) or an adjustment pursuant to this Section 10(a), a Participant’s Award agreement or agreement related to any Optioned Stock, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit Award covers additional or different shares of stock or securities, then such additional or different shares, and the Award agreement or agreement related to the Optioned Stock, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit Award in respect thereof, shall be subject to all of the terms, conditions and restrictions which were applicable to the Award, Optioned Stock, Restricted Stock, and Restricted Stock Unit Award prior to such adjustment.

 

(b)           Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, each Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such action, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.

 

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(c)           Corporate Transactions. In the event of (i) a transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, (ii) a merger, consolidation or other capital reorganization or business combination transaction of the Company with or into another corporation, entity or person, or (iii) the consummation of a transaction, or series of related transactions, in which any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Company’s then outstanding capital stock (a “Corporate Transaction”), each outstanding Award (vested or unvested) will be treated as the Administrator determines, which determination may be made without the consent of any Participant and need not treat all outstanding Awards (or portion thereof) in an identical manner. Such determination, without the consent of any Participant, may provide (without limitation) for one or more of the following in the event of a Corporate Transaction: (A) the continuation of such outstanding Awards by the Company (if the Company is the surviving corporation); (B) the assumption of such outstanding Awards by the surviving corporation or its parent; (C) the substitution by the surviving corporation or its parent of new options or equity awards for such Awards; (D) the cancellation of such Awards in exchange for a payment to the Participants equal to the excess of (1) the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to such Awards as of the closing date of such Corporate Transaction over (2) the exercise price or purchase price paid or to be paid for the Shares subject to the Awards; or (E) the cancellation of any outstanding Options, rights to purchase Restricted Stock, unvested Restricted Stock Unit Awards, in each case, for no consideration. Notwithstanding anything under this Plan, any Award agreement or otherwise, any escrow, holdback, earn-out or similar provisions agreed to pursuant to, or in connection with, a Corporate Transaction shall, unless otherwise determined by the Board, apply to any payment or other right a Participant may be entitled to under this Plan, if any, to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply generally to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock with respect to the Corporate Transaction, but only to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, including (without limitation), Section 409A of the Code.

 

11.          Non-Transferability of Awards.

 

(a)           General. Except as set forth in this Section 11, Awards (or any rights of such Awards) may not be sold, pledged, encumbered, assigned, hypothecated, or disposed of or otherwise transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. The designation of a beneficiary by a Participant will not constitute a transfer. An Option may be exercised, during the lifetime of the holder of the Option, only by such holder or a transferee permitted by this Section 11.

 

(b)           Limited Transferability Rights. Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 11, the Administrator may in its sole discretion provide that any Nonstatutory Stock Options may be transferred by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust in which the Options are to be passed to beneficiaries upon the death of the trustor (settlor) or by gift to Family Members. Further, beginning with (i) the period when the Company begins to rely on the exemption described in Rule 12h-1(f)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, and (ii) ending on the earlier of (A) the date when the Company ceases to rely on such exemption, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, or (B) the date when the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, an Option, or prior to exercise, the Shares subject to the Option, may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred or disposed of, in any manner, including by entering into any short position, any “put equivalent position” or any “call equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) and Rule 16a-1(b) of the Exchange Act, respectively), other than to (i) persons who are Family Members through gifts or domestic relations orders, or (ii) to an executor or guardian of the Participant upon the death or disability of the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Board, in its sole discretion, may permit transfers of Nonstatutory Stock Options to the Company or in connection with a Change of Control or other acquisition transactions involving the Company to the extent permitted by Rule 12h-1(f).

 

12.          Non-Transferability of Stock Underlying Awards.

 

(a)           General. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no Participant or other stockholder shall Transfer (as such term is defined below) any Shares (or any rights of or interests in such Shares) acquired pursuant to any Award (including, without limitation, Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option) to any person or entity unless such Transfer is approved by the Company prior to such Transfer, which approval may be granted or withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion. “Transfer” shall mean, with respect to any security, the direct or indirect assignment, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, hypothecation, or the grant, creation or suffrage of a lien or encumbrance in or upon, or the gift, placement in trust, or the Constructive Sale (as such term is defined below) or other disposition of such security (including transfer by testamentary or intestate succession, merger or otherwise by operation of law) or any right, title or interest therein (including, but not limited to, any right or power to vote to which the holder thereof may be entitled, whether such right or power is granted by proxy or otherwise), or the record or beneficial ownership thereof, the offer to make such a sale, transfer, Constructive Sale or other disposition, and each agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether or not in writing, to effect any of the foregoing. “Constructive Sale” shall mean, with respect to any security, a short sale with respect to such security, entering into or acquiring an offsetting derivative contract with respect to such security, entering into or acquiring a futures or forward contract to deliver such security, or entering into any other hedging or other derivative transaction that has the effect of materially changing the economic benefits and risks of ownership. Any purported Transfer effected in violation of this Section 12 shall be null and void and shall have no force or effect and the Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of the Plan or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

 

13

 

 

(b)           Approval Process. Any Participant or stockholder seeking the approval of the Company to Transfer some or all of its Shares shall give written notice thereof to the Secretary of the Company that shall include: (1) the name of the stockholder; (2) the proposed transferee; (3) the number of shares of the Transfer of which approval is thereby requested; and (4) the purchase price, if any, of the shares proposed for Transfer. The Company may require the Participant to supplement its notice with such additional information as the Company may request or as may otherwise be required by the applicable Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement or other applicable written agreement. In addition such request for Transfer shall be subject to such right of first refusal, transfer provisions and any other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement or other applicable written agreement.

 

13.          Time of Granting Awards. The date of grant of an Award shall, for all purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other date as is determined by the Administrator.

 

14.          Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Board may at any time amend or terminate the Plan, but no amendment or termination shall be made that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant under any outstanding Award, without his or her consent. In addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws, the Company shall obtain the approval of holders of capital stock with respect to any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required.

 

15.          Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any agreement entered into by the Company pursuant to the Plan, the Company shall not be obligated, and shall have no liability for failure, to issue or deliver any Shares under the Plan unless such issuance or delivery would comply with Applicable Laws, with such compliance determined by the Company in consultation with its legal counsel. As a condition to the exercise of any Option, purchase of any Restricted Stock or receipt of payment in settlement of any Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Company may require the person exercising the Option, purchasing the Restricted Stock or receiving payment in settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit Award to represent and warrant at the time of such exercise, purchase, or payment that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is advisable or required by Applicable Laws. Shares issued upon the exercise of Options, purchase of Restricted Stock or settlement of Restricted Stock Unit Awards prior to the date, if ever, on which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security shall be subject to a right of first refusal in favor of the Company pursuant to which the Participant will be required to offer Shares to the Company before selling or transferring them to any third party on such terms and subject to such conditions as is reflected in the applicable Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, or Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

 

16.          Beneficiaries. If permitted by the Company, a Participant may designate one or more beneficiaries with respect to an Award by timely filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Participant’s death. Except as otherwise provided in an Award agreement, if no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Participant, then after a Participant’s death any vested Award(s) shall be transferred or distributed to the Participant’s estate or to any person who has the right to acquire the Award by bequest or inheritance.

 

14

 

 

17.          Approval of Holders of Capital Stock. If required by Applicable Laws, continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the holders of capital stock of the Company within 12 months before or after the date the Plan is adopted or, to the extent required by Applicable Laws, any date the Plan is amended. Such approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

 

18.          Addenda. The Administrator may approve such addenda to the Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for the purpose of granting Awards to Employees or Consultants, which Awards may contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom, which may deviate from the terms and conditions set forth in this Plan. The terms of any such addenda shall supersede the terms of the Plan to the extent necessary to accommodate such differences but shall not otherwise affect the terms of the Plan as in effect for any other purpose.

 

19.          Information to Holders of Options. In the event the Company is relying on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-1(f) under the Exchange Act, the Company shall provide the information described in Rule 701(e)(3), (4) and (5) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to all holders of Options in accordance with the requirements thereunder until such time as the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company may request that holders of Options agree to keep the information to be provided pursuant to this Section confidential. If the holder does not agree to keep the information to be provided pursuant to this Section confidential, then the Company will not be required to provide the information unless otherwise required pursuant to Rule 12h-1(f)(1) of the Exchange Act.

 

15

 

 

ADDENDUM A

 

2019 Stock Plan

(California Participants)

 

Prior to the date, if ever, on which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security and/or the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the terms set forth herein shall apply to Awards issued to California Participants. All capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Plan.

 

1.             The following rules shall apply to any Option in the event of termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service Status:

 

(a)            If such termination was for reasons other than death, “Permanent Disability” (as defined below), or Cause, the Participant shall have at least 30 days after the date of such termination to exercise his or her Option to the extent the Participant is entitled to exercise on his or her termination date, provided that in no event shall the Option be exercisable after the expiration of the term as set forth in the Option Agreement.

 

(b)            If such termination was due to death or Permanent Disability, the Participant shall have at least 6 months after the date of such termination to exercise his or her Option to the extent the Participant is entitled to exercise on his or her termination date, provided that in no event shall the Option be exercisable after the expiration of the term as set forth in the Option Agreement.

 

Permanent Disability” for purposes of this Addendum shall mean the inability of the Participant, in the opinion of a qualified physician acceptable to the Company, to perform the major duties of the Participant’s position with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary because of the sickness or injury of the Participant.

 

2.             Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 10(a) of the Plan, the Administrator shall in any event make such adjustments as may be required by Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code.

 

3.             Notwithstanding anything stated herein to the contrary, no Option shall be exercisable on or after the 10th anniversary of the date of grant and any Award agreement shall terminate on or before the 10th anniversary of the date of grant.

 

4.             The Company shall furnish summary financial information (audited or unaudited) of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, consistent with the requirements of Applicable Laws, at least annually to each California Participant during the period such Participant has one or more Awards outstanding, and in the case of an individual who acquired Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such Participant owns such Shares; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to provide such information if (i) the issuance is limited to key persons whose duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent information or (ii) the Plan or any agreement complies with all conditions of Rule 701 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; provided that for purposes of determining such compliance, any registered domestic partner shall be considered a “family member” as that term is defined in Rule 701.

 

16

Exhibit 10.6

 

Archer Aviation Inc.
Stock Option Grant Notice
(2019 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), has granted to you (“Optionholder) an option to purchase the number of shares of the Common Stock set forth below (the “Option”). Your Option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Plan, and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement, as applicable.

 

Optionholder:  
Date of Grant:  
Vesting Commencement Date:  
Number of Shares of Common Stock Subject to Option:  
Exercise Price (Per Share):  
Total Exercise Price:  
Expiration Date:  

 

Type of Grant:               [Incentive Stock Option] OR [Nonstatutory Stock Option]

 

Exercise and Vesting Schedule: Subject to the Optionholder’s Continuous Service through each applicable vesting date, the Option will vest as follows:

 

[   ]

 

Optionholder acknowledges and agrees that the Exercise and Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event Optionholder’s service status changes between full- and part-time status and/or in the event Optionholder on an approved leave of absence in accordance the Company’s policies relating to work schedules and vesting of awards or as determined by the Board.

 

Optionholder Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:

 

· The Option is governed by this Stock Option Grant Notice (this “Grant Notice”), and the provisions of the Plan and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Stock Option Agreement (together, the “Option Agreement”) may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.

 

1 

 

 

· [If the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted to you) 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 Nonstatutory Stock Option.]

 

· You consent to receive this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement, the Plan, the Prospectus 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.

 

· You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

 

· The Option Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to you and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Option.

 

· Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. 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.

 

Archer Aviation Inc.   Optionholder:
         
By:      
Signature   Signature

 

Title:     Date:  
Date:        

 

Attachments: Stock Option Agreement, 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, Notice of Exercise

 

2 

 

 

Attachment I

 

Archer Aviation Inc.
Stock Option Agreement

(2019 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

As reflected by your Stock Option Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you an option under the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice (the “Option”). Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the meanings set forth in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable. The terms of your Option as specified in the Grant Notice and this Stock Option Agreement constitute your Option Agreement.

 

The general terms and conditions applicable to your Option are as follows:

 

1.             Governing Plan Document. Your Option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:

 

(a)            Section 6 regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your Option;

 

(b)            Section 9(e) regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the Option; and

 

(c)            Section 8 regarding the tax consequences of your Option.

 

Your Option is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the Option Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

 

2.             No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as shares of Common Stock are issued following exercise of the Option, you will have no ownership of the shares allocated to the Option and will have no right to vote such shares. You shall receive no benefit or adjustment to this Option award with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution that does not result from a capitalization adjustment; provided, however, that this sentence will not apply with respect to any shares of Common Stock that are delivered to you following exercise of your Option award after such shares have been delivered to you.

 

3.             Exercise.

 

(a)            You may generally exercise the vested portion of your Option for whole shares of Common Stock at any time during its term by delivery of payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes and other required documentation to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the exercise procedures established by the Plan Administrator, which may include an electronic submission. Please review Sections 4(i), 4(j) and 7(b)(v) of the Plan, which may restrict or prohibit your ability to exercise your Option during certain periods.

 

 

 

 

(b)            To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, you may pay your Option exercise price as follows:

 

(i)             cash, check, bank draft or money order;

 

(ii)            subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” program as further described in Section 4(c)(ii) of the Plan if at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded;

 

(iii)           subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, by delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock as further described in Section 4(c)(iii) of the Plan; or

 

(iv)            subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement as further described in Section 4(c)(iv) of the Plan.

 

4.             Term. You may not exercise your Option before the commencement of its term or after its term expires. The term of your Option commences on the Date of Grant and expires upon the earliest of the following:

 

(a)            immediately upon the termination of your Continuous Service for Cause;

 

(b)           three months after the termination of your Continuous Service for any reason other than Cause, Disability or death;

 

(c)           12 months after the termination of your Continuous Service due to your Disability;

 

(d)           18 months after your death if you die during your Continuous Service;

 

(e)            immediately upon a Corporate Transaction if the Board has determined that the Option will terminate in connection with a Corporate Transaction,

 

(f)            the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or

 

(g)           the day before the 10th anniversary of the Date of Grant.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you die during the period provided in Section 3(b) or 3(c) above, the term of your Option shall not expire until the earlier of (i) 18 months after your death, (ii) upon any termination of the Option in connection with a Corporate Transaction, (iii) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice, or (iv) the day before the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. Additionally, the Post-Termination Exercise Period of your Option may be extended as provided in Section 4(i) of the Plan.

 

 

 

 

To obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with an Incentive Stock Option, the Code requires that at all times beginning on the date of grant of your Option and ending on the day three months before the date of your Option’s exercise, you must be an employee of the Company or an Affiliate, except in the event of your death or Disability. If the Company provides for the extended exercisability of your Option under certain circumstances for your benefit, your Option will not necessarily be treated as an Incentive Stock Option if you exercise your Option more than three months after the date your employment terminates.

 

5.             Withholding Obligations. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan: (a) you may not exercise your Option unless the applicable tax withholding obligations are satisfied, and (b) at the time you exercise your Option, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including by means of a “cashless exercise” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your Option in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your Option even though the Option is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to your Option, unless and until such obligations are satisfied. In the event that the amount of the Company’s withholding obligation in connection with your Option was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

 

6.             Incentive Stock Option Disposition Requirement. If your Option is an Incentive Stock Option, you must notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of your Option that occurs within two years after the date of your Option grant or within one year after such shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of your Option.

 

7.             Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(e) of the Plan, your Option is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you.

 

8.             Corporate Transaction. Your Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.

 

9.             No Liability for Taxes. As a condition to accepting the Option, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the Option or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Option and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, you acknowledge that the Option is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise price is at least equal to the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Option. Additionally, as a condition to accepting the Option, you agree not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise is less than the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

 

 

 

10.           Severability. If any part of this Option Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Option Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid.  Any Section of this Option Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid

 

11.           Other Documents.  You hereby acknowledge 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.  In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.

 

12.           Questions. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your Option, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.

 

* * * *

 

 

 

 

Attachment II

 

2019 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

 

Attachment III

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

(2019 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

1880 Embarcadero Road

Palo Alto, CA 94303 Date of Exercise:  

 

This constitutes notice to Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) that I elect to purchase the below number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Shares”) by exercising my Option for the price set forth below. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Notice of Exercise but defined in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the meanings set forth in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or Plan, as applicable. Use of certain payment methods is subject to Company and/or Committee consent and certain additional requirements set forth in the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan.

 

Type of option (check one):   Incentive  ¨   Nonstatutory  ¨
         
Date of Grant:        
           
Number of Shares as to which Option is exercised:        
           
Certificates to be issued in name of:        
           
Total exercise price:   $    
           
Cash, check, bank draft or money order delivered herewith:   $    
           
Value of ________ Shares delivered herewith:   $    
           
Regulation T Program (cashless exercise)   $    
           
Value of _______ Shares pursuant to net exercise:   $    

 

 

 

 

By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) to satisfy the tax withholding obligations, if any, relating to the exercise of this Option as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the Shares issued upon exercise of this Option that occurs within two years after the Date of Grant or within one year after such Shares are issued upon exercise of this Option.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
   

 

 

Exhibit 10.7

 

Archer aviation, INC.

 

Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Plan

 

Restricted Stock Unit award Grant Notice

 

Archer Aviation, Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to its Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Plan (the “Plan”), has granted to Participant (as of the date indicated below) a Restricted Stock Unit Award for the number of Shares (“RSUs”) set forth below (the “Award”). The Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (this “Grant Notice”) and in the Plan and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “Agreement”), both of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Agreement, as applicable. In the event of any conflict between the terms in this Grant Notice or the Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan will control.

 

Participant:    
Date of Grant:    
Number of RSUs:    

 

Expiration Date:

 

Vesting: The RSUs will vest as set forth on Exhibit A.

 

Settlement: If an RSU vests as provided for above, the Company will issue one Share for each Vested RSU. The Shares will be issued in accordance with the issuance schedule set forth in Section 5 of the Agreement.

 

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: By Participant’s signature below (or by Participant otherwise accepting the Award), Participant acknowledges having received, having had the opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel regarding, and having reviewed and fully understood the terms and conditions of this Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Plan (the “Grant Documents”). Furthermore, by Participant’s signature below (or by Participant otherwise accepting the Award), Participant agrees to be bound to all of the terms and conditions of the Grant Documents. Participant further acknowledges and agrees that as of the Date of Grant, the Grant Documents set forth the entire understanding between Participant and the Company regarding this Award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements, offer letters, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of (1) equity awards previously granted and delivered to Participant, (2) any compensation recovery policy that is adopted by the Company or is otherwise required by Applicable Laws and (3) any written employment or severance arrangement that would provide for vesting acceleration of this Award upon the terms and conditions set forth therein (provided that if there is any conflict in the vesting and/or acceleration terms, those contained in this Grant Notice and the Agreement will control). Finally, Participant acknowledges and agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions and interpretations of the Administrator regarding any questions relating to this Award or the Grant Documents.

 

Notwithstanding the above, if Participant has not actively accepted the Award within 90 days of the Date of Grant set forth in this Grant Notice, Participant is deemed to have accepted the Award, subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Grant Documents.

 

 

 

Archer Aviation, Inc.   Participant:  
             
             
By:            
Signature   Signature
           
Name & Title:          Date:              
             
Date:       Address:  
         
       
       
       

 

Attachments:
· Attachment I: Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

 

2

 

 

Attachment I

 

Archer Aviation, Inc.

 

amended and restated 2019 Stock Plan

 

Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

 

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) and this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), Archer Aviation, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted to you a Restricted Stock Unit Award for the number of Shares (“RSUs”) indicated in the Grant Notice (the “Award”) under its Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Plan (the “Plan”). The Award is granted to you effective as of the Date of Grant set forth in the Grant Notice for this Award. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement will have the same meanings given to them in the Plan or Grant Notice, as applicable. The terms and conditions of the Award, in addition to those set forth in the Grant Notice and the Plan, are as follows.

 

1.             Nature of the Award. The Award represents the right to be issued on a future date the number of Shares as indicated in the Grant Notice upon the satisfaction of the terms set forth in this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, you will not be required to make any payment to the Company with respect to your receipt of the Award, the vesting of the RSUs or the issuance of the underlying Shares.

 

2.             Vesting. Subject to the limitations contained herein, the Award will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in the Grant Notice. Upon termination of your Continuous Service Status, any unvested RSUs will be forfeited at no cost to the Company and you will have no further right, title or interest in or to such RSUs or the Shares covered thereby.

 

3.             Number of Shares.

 

(a)           The number of RSUs subject to the Award will be adjusted from time to time for changes in the Company’s capitalization, as provided by Section 10 of the Plan.

 

(b)            Any additional RSUs, shares, cash or other property that become subject to the Award pursuant to this Section 3, if any, will be subject, in a manner determined by the Administrator, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of issuance as applicable to the other shares covered by the Award.

 

(c)            Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3, no fractional shares or rights for fractional shares will be created pursuant to this Section 3. The Administrator will, in its sole discretion, determine an equivalent benefit for any fractional shares or fractional shares that might be created by the adjustments referred to in this Section 3.

 

4.             Securities Law and Other Compliance. You may not be issued any Shares under the Award unless either (a) the Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); or (b) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Award also must comply with other Applicable Laws governing the Award, and you will not receive such Shares if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with Applicable Laws. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission or to effect compliance with the exemption, registration, qualification or listing requirements of any state or foreign securities laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.

 

 

 

5.              Date of Issuance.

 

(a)            Subject to the satisfaction of the Tax-Related Items set forth in Section 11 of this Agreement, in the event one or more RSUs vest, the Company will issue to you one (1) Share for each RSU that vests on the applicable Vesting Date (subject to any adjustment under Section 3 above) (such date, the “Original Issuance Date”).

 

(b)            If the Original Issuance Date falls on a date that is not a business day, issuance will instead occur on the next following business day. In addition, to the extent applicable at a Vesting Date when the Shares are registered under the Securities Act (or a non-U.S. securities law equivalent), if:

 

(i)            the Original Issuance Date does not occur (1) during an “open window period” applicable to you, 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 you are 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) no Tax-Related Items apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy the Tax-Related Items by withholding Shares from the Shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to you under this Award, (B) not to permit you to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit you to pay the Tax-Related Items in cash, then the Shares that would otherwise be issued to you on the Original Issuance Date will not be issued on such Original Issuance Date and will instead be issued on the first business day when you are not prohibited from selling Shares in the open public market, but in no event later than (x) December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of your taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or (y) if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the year immediately following the year in which the Shares covered by this Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).

 

(c)            The form of such issuance (e.g., a stock certificate or electronic entry evidencing such Shares) will be determined by the Company. In all cases, the issuance of Shares under this Award is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner.

 

6.             Dividends. You will receive no benefit or adjustment to your RSUs with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution except as provided in Section 10 of the Plan.

 

7.             Lock-Up Agreement. If so requested by the Company or the underwriters in connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s securities registered under the Securities Act, you shall not sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company however or whenever acquired (except for those being registered) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement, plus such additional period, to the extent required by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules, up to a maximum of 216 days from the effective date of the registration statement, and you shall execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of such offering (the “Lock-Up Agreement”).

 

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8.             Transfer Restrictions. This Award is not transferrable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Shares that you acquire upon vesting and settlement of your Award are subject to any restrictions on transfer and/or right of first refusal that may be set forth in the Company’s bylaws in effect at such time the Company elects to exercise its right. In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, you will not sell, assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Shares subject to your Award or any interest in such Shares, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, by gift, by entering into a contract that requires Shares to be issued at a future date, or otherwise, except in compliance with this Agreement, the Company’s bylaws and applicable securities laws.

 

9.             Restrictive Legends. The Shares issued in respect of your Award will be endorsed with appropriate legends as determined by the Company.

 

10.           Award not an Employment or Service Contract.

 

(a)            Subject to Applicable Laws, your employment or other service with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary is not for any specified term and may be terminated by you or by the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary at any time, for any reason, with or without cause and with or without notice.  Nothing in this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the vesting of the Award pursuant to Section 2 or the issuance of the Shares subject to the Award), the Plan or any covenant of good faith and fair dealing that may be found implicit in this Agreement or the Plan will: (i) confer upon you any right to continue in the employ of, or affiliation with, the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary; (ii) constitute any promise or commitment by the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary regarding the fact or nature of future positions, future work assignments, future compensation or any other term or condition of employment or affiliation; (iii) confer any right or benefit under this Agreement or the Plan unless such right or benefit has specifically accrued under the terms of this Agreement or Plan; or (iv) deprive the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the right to terminate your employment or engagement at will (subject to Applicable Laws) and without regard to any future vesting opportunity that you may have.

 

(b)            By accepting this Award, you acknowledge and agree that the right to continue vesting in the Award pursuant to Section 2 and the schedule set forth in the Grant Notice is earned only by remaining in Continuous Service Status (not through the act of being hired, being granted this Award or any other award or benefit) and that the Company has the right to reorganize, sell, spin-out or otherwise restructure one or more of its businesses or Affiliates or Subsidiaries at any time or from time to time, as it deems appropriate (a “reorganization”).  You further acknowledge and agree that such reorganization could result in the termination of your Continuous Service Status, or the termination of Affiliate or Subsidiary status of your employer and/or the loss of benefits available to you under this Agreement and the Plan, including but not limited to, the termination of the right to continue vesting in the Award.

 

11.          Responsibility for Taxes.

 

(a)            You acknowledge that, regardless of any action taken by the Company, the ultimate liability for all income and other tax (including U.S. federal, state, and local taxes and/or non-U.S. taxes), social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you or deemed by the Company in its sole discretion to be an appropriate charge to you even if legally applicable to the Company (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company.

 

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(b)            Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you agree to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or your employer (if not the Company) to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, you authorize the Company or its agent to satisfy their withholding obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items, if any, by any of the following methods or by a combination of such methods selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion, it being understood that the Administrator is not required to choose any particular method: (i) withholding from any compensation otherwise payable to you by the Company or your employer; (ii) causing you to tender a cash payment; (iii) entering on your behalf (pursuant to this authorization without further consent) into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker dealer that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (a “FINRA Dealer”) whereby you irrevocably elect to sell a portion of the Shares to be issued under the Award to satisfy the Tax-Related Items and whereby the FINRA Dealer irrevocably commits to forward the proceeds necessary to satisfy the Tax-Related Items directly to the Company and/or its Affiliates or Subsidiaries; (iv) withholding Shares from the Shares issued or otherwise issuable to you in connection with the Award with a Fair Market Value (measured as of the date the applicable Shares are issued to you or, if and as determined by the Company, the date on which the Tax-Related Items are required to be calculated) equal to the amount of such Tax-Related Items; or (v) any other method of withholding determined by the Company and permitted by Applicable Laws. However, the Company does not guarantee that you will be able to satisfy any Tax-Related Items through any of the methods described in the preceding sentence and in all circumstances you remain responsible for timely and fully satisfying the Tax-Related Items. Depending on the withholding method used, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum applicable rate in your jurisdiction to the extent permitted under the Plan, in which case you may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent in Shares. In the event any under-withholding results from the application of minimum statutory or other withholding rates, you may be required to pay additional amounts to the tax authorities. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, you are deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested portion of the Award, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.

 

(c)            Finally, you agree to pay to the Company or your employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or your employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of your participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by any of the withholding methods previously described. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, if you fail to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any Tax-Related Items when due, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, you permanently will forfeit the RSUs on which the Tax-Related Items were not satisfied and will also permanently forfeit any right to receive Shares thereunder. In that case, the RSUs will be returned to the Plan at no cost to the Company.

 

12.          Investment Representations. In connection with your receipt of the Award and the Shares under your Award, you represent to the Company the following:

 

(a)            You are aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and have acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares. You are acquiring the Shares for investment for your own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act.

 

(b)            You understand that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of your investment intent as expressed in this Agreement.

 

(c)            You further acknowledge and understand that the Shares must be held indefinitely unless the Shares are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. You further acknowledge and understand that the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares. You understand that the certificate evidencing the Shares will be imprinted with a legend that prohibits the transfer of the Shares unless the Shares are registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel for the Company.

 

(d)            You are familiar with the provisions of Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act, as in effect from time to time, which, in substance, permit limited public resale of “restricted securities” acquired, directly or indirectly, from the issuer thereof (or from an affiliate of such issuer), in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of issuance of the securities, such issuance will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the securities exempt under Rule 701 may be sold by you 90 days thereafter, subject to the satisfaction of certain of the conditions specified by Rule 144 and the Lock-Up Agreement.

 

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(e)            In the event that the sale of the Shares does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time of issuance, then the Shares may be resold by you in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires, among other things: (i) the availability of certain public information about the Company; and (ii) the resale occurring following the required holding period under Rule 144 after you have purchased, and made full payment of (within the meaning of Rule 144), the securities to be sold.

 

(f)            You further understand that at the time you wish to sell the Shares there may be no public market upon which to make such a sale, and that, even if such a public market then exists, the Company may not satisfy the current public information requirements of Rule 144 or 701, and that, in such event, you would be precluded from selling the Shares under Rule 144 or 701 even if the minimum holding period requirement had been satisfied.

 

13.          No Obligation to Minimize Taxes. You acknowledge that the Company is not making representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Award, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the Award, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends and/or any dividend equivalent payments. Further, you acknowledge that the Company does not have any duty or obligation to minimize your liability for Tax-Related Items arising from the Award or to achieve any particular tax result and will not be liable to you for any Tax-Related Items arising in connection with the Award. If you become subject to taxation in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or your employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

 

14.         No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan, or your acquisition or sale of the Shares underlying the Award. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and/or legal advisors regarding the Tax-Related Items arising in connection with the Award and by accepting the Award, you have agreed that you have done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

 

15.         Unsecured Obligation. The Award is unfunded, and as a holder of a vested Award, you will be considered an unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Company’s obligation, if any, to issue Shares pursuant to this Agreement. You will not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement until such Shares are issued to you pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement. Upon such issuance, you will obtain full voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company. Nothing contained in this 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 you and the Company or any other person.

 

16.         Imposition of Other Requirements. As a condition to the grant of your Award or to the Company’s issuance of any Shares under this Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, require you to execute certain customary agreements entered into with the holders of capital stock of the Company, including without limitation, a right of first refusal and co-sale agreement and a voting agreement. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on your participation in the Plan, on your Award and on any award or Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable in order to comply with Applicable Laws, facilitate the administration of the Plan, and/or carry out the purposes or intent of the Award. You agree to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing. Furthermore, you acknowledge that the laws of the country in which you are working at the time of grant and vesting of the Award or the sale of Shares received pursuant to this Agreement (including any rules or regulations governing securities, foreign exchange, tax, labor, or other matters) may subject you to additional procedural or regulatory requirements that you are and will be solely responsible for and must fulfill.

 

17.          Electronic Delivery. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to your current or future participation in the Plan, this Award, the Shares subject to this Award, any other Company securities or any other Company-related documents, by electronic means. You hereby (i) consent to receive such documents by electronic means, (ii) consent to the use of electronic signatures, and (iii) if applicable, agree to participate in the Plan and/or receive any such documents through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. To the extent you have been provided with a copy of the Grant Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, or any other documents relating to this Award in a language other than English, the English language documents will prevail in case of any ambiguities or divergences as a result of translation.

 

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18.          No Acquired Rights. In accepting this Award, you acknowledge that the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, is discretionary in nature, and may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time. The grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of awards, or other awards or benefits in lieu of this Award, even if awards have been granted repeatedly in the past, and all decisions with respect to future grants of awards, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company. In addition, your participation in the Plan is voluntary, and this Award and the Shares subject to this Award are extraordinary items that do not constitute regular compensation for services rendered to the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate and are outside the scope of your employment contract, if any. The Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation and are not part of normal or expected salary or compensation for any purpose, including but not limited to calculating severance payments, if any, upon termination.

 

19.          Data Privacy. You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, whether in electronic or other form, of your Personal Data (as described below) by and among, as applicable, the Company and any Subsidiary or Affiliate or third parties as may be selected by the Company for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering, and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that refusal or withdrawal of consent will affect your ability to participate in the Plan; without providing consent, you will not be able to participate in the Plan or realize benefits (if any) from the Award. You understand that the Company and any Subsidiary or Affiliate or designated third parties may hold personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate, details of all awards or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor (“Personal Data”). You understand that Personal Data may be transferred to any Subsidiary or Affiliate or third parties assisting in the implementation, administration and management of the Plan, that these recipients may be located in the United States, your country, or elsewhere, and that the recipient’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections than your country. In particular, the Company may transfer Personal Data to the broker or stock plan administrator assisting with the Plan, to its legal counsel and tax/ accounting advisor, and to the Subsidiary or Affiliate that is your employer and its payroll provider.

 

20.          Miscellaneous.

 

(a)            Governing Plan Document. The Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of the Award, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. Except as expressly provided herein, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Award and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will control.

 

(b)            Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of the Grant Notice and this Agreement, and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Grant Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state of New York and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of New York or the federal courts of the United States located in New York and no other courts.

 

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(c)            Amendments and Waivers. The Grant Notice and this Agreement may not be modified, amended or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by you and by a duly authorized representative of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Grant Notice and this Agreement may be amended solely by the Administrator by a writing which specifically states that it is amending the Grant Notice or this Agreement, so long as a copy of such amendment is delivered to you, and provided that, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, no such amendment materially and adversely affecting your rights hereunder may be made without your written consent. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator reserves the right to change, by written notice to you, the provisions of the Grant Notice and this Agreement in any way it may deem necessary or advisable to carry out the purpose of the Award as a result of any change in Applicable Laws or regulations or any future law, regulation, ruling, or judicial decision, provided that any such change will be applicable only to rights relating to that portion of the Award which is then subject to restrictions as provided herein. No delay or failure to require performance of any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of that provision as to that or any other instance.

 

(d)            Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided in the Grant Notice or this Agreement, the Grant Notice and this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties thereunder, will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Company may assign any of its rights and obligations under the Grant Notice or this Agreement. No other party to this Agreement may assign, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, any of its rights and obligations under the Grant Notice or this Agreement, except with the prior written consent of the Company.

 

(e)            Notices. Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given under the Grant Notice or this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient when delivered personally or by overnight courier or sent by email, or 48 hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail as certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified at such party’s address as set forth on the signature page, as subsequently modified by written notice, or if no address is specified on the signature page, at the most recent address set forth in the Company’s books and records.

 

(f)             Severability. If one or more provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under Applicable Laws, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from the Grant Notice or this Agreement, as applicable, to the extent of its unenforceability, (ii) the balance of the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

(g)            Construction. The Grant Notice and this Agreement are the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.

 

(h)            Counterparts. The Grant Notice and this Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Execution of a facsimile copy will have the same force and effect as execution of an original, and a facsimile signature will be deemed an original and valid signature.

 

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21.          Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. This Award is intended to comply with the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that the Award fails to satisfy the requirements of the short-term deferral rule and is otherwise deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning set forth Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) as of the date of your separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h)), then the issuance of any Shares that would otherwise be made upon the date of the separation from service or within the first six months thereafter will not be made on the originally scheduled date(s) and will instead be issued in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day after the date of the separation from service, with the balance of the Shares issued thereafter in accordance with the original vesting and issuance schedule set forth above, but if and only if such delay in the issuance of the Shares is necessary to avoid the imposition of taxation on you in respect of the Shares under Section 409A of the Code. Each installment of Shares that vests is intended to constitute a “separate payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Grant Notice, or of this Agreement, under no circumstances will the Company reimburse you for any taxes or other costs under Section 409A or any other tax law or rule. All such taxes and costs are solely your responsibility.

 

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This Agreement will be deemed to be accepted by you upon the signing (which may be electronic) by you of the Grant Notice to which it is attached or by the deemed acceptance of this Agreement, as described in the Grant Notice.

 

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Exhibit 10.8

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Adopted by the Board of Directors: August 11, 2021

Approved by the Stockholders: September 14, 2021

 

1.            General.

 

(a)            Plan Purpose. The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to secure and retain the services of Employees, Directors and Consultants, to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate and to provide a means by which such persons may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of Awards.

 

(b)            Available Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options; (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options; (iii) SARs; (iv) Restricted Stock Awards; (v) RSU Awards; (vi) Performance Awards; and (vii) Other Awards.

 

(c)            Adoption Date; Effective Date. The Plan will come into existence on the Adoption Date, but no Award may be granted prior to the Effective Date.

 

2.            Shares Subject to the Plan.

 

(a)            Share Reserve. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2(c) and any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards will not exceed 7,453,588 shares. In addition, subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, such aggregate number of shares of Common Stock will automatically increase on January 1 of each year for a period of ten years commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to 2% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding year; provided, however, that the Board may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock.

 

(b)            Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2(a) and subject to any adjustments as necessary to implement any Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is 22,360,764 shares.

 

(c)            Share Reserve Operation.

 

(i)            Limit Applies to Common Stock Issued Pursuant to Awards. For clarity, the Share Reserve is a limit on the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards and does not limit the granting of Awards, except that the Company will keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock 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.

 

(ii)           Actions that Do Not Constitute Issuance of Common Stock and Do Not Reduce Share Reserve. The following actions do not result in an issuance of shares under the Plan and accordingly do not reduce the number of shares subject to the Share Reserve and available for issuance under the Plan: (1) the expiration or termination of any portion of an Award without the shares covered by such portion of the Award having been issued, (2) the settlement of any portion of an Award in cash (i.e., the Participant receives cash rather than Common Stock), (3) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; or (4) the withholding of shares that would otherwise be issued by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.

 

 

 

(iii)         Reversion of Previously Issued Shares of Common Stock to Share Reserve. The following shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant to an Award and accordingly initially deducted from the Share Reserve will be added back to the Share Reserve and again become available for issuance under the Plan: (1) any shares that are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of a failure to meet a contingency or condition required for the vesting of such shares; (2) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of an Award; and (3) any shares that are reacquired by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with an Award.

 

3.            Eligibility and Limitations.

 

(a)            Eligible Award Recipients. Subject to the terms of the Plan, Employees, Directors and Consultants are eligible to receive Awards.

 

(b)            Specific Award Limitations.

 

(i)            Limitations on Incentive Stock Option Recipients. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code).

 

(ii)           Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds $100,000 (or such other limit established in the Code) or otherwise does not comply with the rules governing Incentive Stock Options, the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) or otherwise do not comply with such rules will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).

 

(iii)          Limitations on Incentive Stock Options Granted to Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder may not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless (i) the exercise price of such Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Option and (ii) the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant of such Option.

 

(iv)           Limitations on Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs. Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs may not be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants unless the stock underlying such Awards is treated as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A or unless such Awards otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

(c)            Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit. The aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any individual for service as a Non-Employee Director with respect to any calendar year, including Awards granted and cash fees paid by the Company to such Non-Employee Director, will not exceed (i) $750,000 in total value or (ii) in the event such Non-Employee Director is first appointed or elected to the Board during such calendar year, $1,500,000 in total value, in each case, calculating the value of any equity awards based on the grant date fair value of such equity awards for financial reporting purposes. Notwithstanding the prior sentence, a Non-Employee Director who is a non-executive chairperson may receive awards and cash compensation with a maximum aggregate value of $1,500,000 during each calendar year of service.

 

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4.            Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

Each Option and SAR will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board. Each Option will be designated in writing as an Incentive Stock Option or Nonstatutory Stock Option at the time of grant; provided, however, that if an Option is not so designated or if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then such Option will be a Nonstatutory Stock Option, and the shares purchased upon exercise of each type of Option will be separately accounted for. Each SAR will be denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents. The terms and conditions of separate Options and SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Option Agreement and SAR Agreement will conform (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

(a)            Term. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant of such Award or such shorter period specified in the Award Agreement.

 

(b)            Exercise or Strike Price. Subject to Section 3(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the exercise or strike price of each Option or SAR will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be granted with an exercise or strike 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 stock appreciation right pursuant to a Corporate Transaction and in a manner consistent with the provisions of Sections 409A and, if applicable, 424(a) of the Code.

 

(c)            Exercise Procedure and Payment of Exercise Price for Options. In order to exercise an Option, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the procedures specified in the Option Agreement or otherwise provided by the Company. The Board has the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The exercise price of an Option may be paid, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and as determined by the Board, by one or more of the following methods of payment to the extent set forth in the Option Agreement:

 

(i)            by cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;

 

(ii)           pursuant to a “cashless exercise” program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the Common Stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

 

(iii)          by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock that are already owned by the Participant free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed the exercise price, provided that (1) at the time of exercise the Common Stock is 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 Law or agreement restricting the redemption of the Common Stock, (4) 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;

 

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(iv)           if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise that does not exceed 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; or

 

(v)            in any other form of consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and permissible under Applicable Law.

 

(d)            Exercise Procedure and Payment of Appreciation Distribution for SARs. In order to exercise any SAR, the Participant must provide notice of exercise to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the SAR Agreement. The appreciation distribution payable to a Participant upon the exercise of a SAR will not be greater than an amount equal to the excess of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common Stock equivalents that are vested and being exercised under such SAR, over (ii) the strike price of such SAR. Such appreciation distribution may be paid to the Participant in the form of Common Stock or cash (or any combination of Common Stock and cash) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the SAR Agreement.

 

(e)            Transferability. Options and SARs may not be transferred to third party financial institutions for value. The Board may impose such additional limitations on the transferability of an Option or SAR as it determines. In the absence of any such determination by the Board, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs will apply, provided that except as explicitly provided herein, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration and provided, further, that if an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer:

 

(i)            Restrictions on Transfer. An Option or SAR will not be transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and will be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant; provided, however, that the Board may permit transfer of an Option or SAR in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws upon the Participant’s request, including to a trust if the Participant is considered to be the sole beneficial owner of such trust (as determined under Section 671 of the Code and applicable state law) while such Option or SAR is held in such trust, provided that the Participant and the trustee enter into a transfer and other agreements required by the Company.

 

(ii)           Domestic Relations Orders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the execution of transfer documentation in a format acceptable to the Company and subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order.

 

(f)            Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting and/or exercisability of an Option or SAR as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Options and SARs will cease upon termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.

 

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(g)            Termination of Continuous Service for Cause. Except as explicitly otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Participant’s Options and SARs will terminate and be forfeited immediately upon such termination of Continuous Service, and the Participant will be prohibited from exercising any portion (including any vested portion) of such Awards on and after the date of such termination of Continuous Service and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in such forfeited Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the forfeited Award, or any consideration in respect of the forfeited Award.

 

(h)            Post-Termination Exercise Period Following Termination of Continuous Service for Reasons Other than Cause. Subject to Section 4(i), if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR to the extent vested, but only within the following period of time or, if applicable, such other period of time provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)):

 

(i)            three months following the date of such termination if such termination is a termination without Cause (other than any termination due to the Participant’s Disability or death);

 

(ii)          12 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participant’s Disability;

 

(iii)         18 months following the date of such termination if such termination is due to the Participant’s death; or

 

(iv)          18 months following the date of the Participant’s death if such death occurs following the date of such termination but during the period such Award is otherwise exercisable (as provided in (i) or (ii) above).

 

Following the date of such termination, to the extent the Participant does not exercise such Award within the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period (or, if earlier, prior to the expiration of the maximum term of such Award), such unexercised portion of the Award will terminate, and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in terminated Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the terminated Award, or any consideration in respect of the terminated Award.

 

(i)            Restrictions on Exercise; Extension of Exercisability. A Participant may not exercise an Option or SAR at any time that the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason other than for Cause and, at any time during the last thirty days of the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period: (i) the exercise of the Participant’s Option or SAR would be prohibited solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise would violate Applicable Law, or (ii) the immediate sale of any shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise would violate the Company’s Trading Policy, then the applicable Post-Termination Exercise Period will be extended to the last day of the calendar month that commences following the date the Award would otherwise expire, with an additional extension of the exercise period to the last day of the next calendar month to apply if any of the foregoing restrictions apply at any time during such extended exercise period, generally without limitation as to the maximum permitted number of extensions); provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term (as set forth in Section 4(a)).

 

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(j)            Non-Exempt Employees. No Option or SAR, whether or not vested, granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, will be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six months following the date of grant of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of the 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 Transaction 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 4(j) 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 SAR will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.

 

(k)            Whole Shares. Options and SARs may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock or their equivalents.

 

5.            Awards Other Than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

(a)            Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award and RSU Award will have such terms and conditions as determined by the Board; provided, however, that each Restricted Stock Award Agreement and RSU Award Agreement will conform (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Award Agreement or otherwise) to the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

(i)            Form of Award.

 

(1)            Restricted Stock Awards: To the extent consistent with the Company’s Bylaws, at the Board’s election, shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may be (i) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until such shares become vested or any other restrictions lapse, or (ii) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate will be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Participant will have voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award.

 

(2)            RSU Awards: A RSU Award represents a Participant’s right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units subject to the RSU Award. As a holder of a RSU Award, a Participant is an unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Company's unfunded obligation, if any, to issue shares of Common Stock in settlement of such Award and nothing contained in the Plan or any RSU 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 an Affiliate or any other person. A Participant will not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any RSU Award (unless and until shares are actually issued in settlement of a vested RSU Award).

 

(ii)            Consideration.

 

(1)            Restricted Stock Awards: A Restricted Stock Award may be granted in consideration for (A) cash or check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) services to the Company or an Affiliate, or (C) any other form of consideration as the Board may determine and permissible under Applicable Law.

 

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(2)            RSU Awards: Unless otherwise determined by the Board at the time of grant, a RSU Award will be granted in consideration for the Participant’s services to the Company or an Affiliate, 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 RSU Award, or the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the RSU Award. If, at the time of grant, the Board determines that any consideration must be paid by the Participant (in a form other than the Participant’s services to the Company or an Affiliate) upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock in settlement of the RSU Award, such consideration may be paid in any form of consideration as the Board may determine and permissible under Applicable Law.

 

(iii)          Vesting. The Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award as determined by the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, vesting of Restricted Stock Awards and RSU Awards will cease upon termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.

 

(iv)           Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates for any reason, (i) the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant under his or her Restricted Stock Award that have not vested as of the date of such termination as set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the Restricted Stock Award, the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award, or any consideration in respect of the Restricted Stock Award and (ii) any portion of his or her RSU Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon such termination and the Participant will have no further right, title or interest in the RSU Award, the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the RSU Award, or any consideration in respect of the RSU Award.

 

(v)            Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid or credited, as applicable, with respect to any shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award or RSU Award, as determined by the Board and specified in the Award Agreement.

 

(vi)          Settlement of RSU Awards. A RSU Award may be settled by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or cash (or any combination thereof) or in any other form of payment, as determined by the Board and specified in the RSU Award Agreement. At the time of grant, the Board may determine to impose such restrictions or conditions that delay such delivery to a date following the vesting of the RSU Award.

 

(b)            Performance Awards. With respect to any Performance Award, the length of any Performance Period, the Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period, the other terms and conditions of such Award, and the measure of whether and to what degree such Performance Goals have been attained will be determined by the Board.

 

(c)            Other Awards. Other Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to Awards provided for under Section 4 and the preceding provisions of this Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board will have sole and complete discretion to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Awards will be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such Other Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Awards.

 

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6.            Adjustments upon Changes in Common Stock; Other Corporate Events.

 

(a)            Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board shall appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan, (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 2(b), and (iii) the class(es) and number of securities and exercise price, strike price or purchase price of Common Stock subject to outstanding Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no fractional shares or rights for fractional shares of Common Stock shall be created in order to implement any Capitalization Adjustment. The Board shall determine an appropriate equivalent benefit, if any, for any fractional shares or rights to fractional shares that might be created by the adjustments referred to in the preceding provisions of this Section.

 

(b)            Dissolution or Liquidation. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding Awards (other than Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to a forfeiture condition or the Company’s right of repurchase) will terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition may be repurchased or reacquired by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Award is providing Continuous Service; provided, however, that the Board may determine to cause some or all Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the dissolution or liquidation is completed but contingent on its completion.

 

(c)            Corporate Transaction. The following provisions will apply to Awards in the event of a Corporate Transaction unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of an Award.

 

(i)            Awards May Be Assumed. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) may assume or continue any or all Awards outstanding under the Plan or may substitute similar awards for Awards outstanding under the Plan (including but not limited to, awards to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to Awards may be assigned by the Company to the successor of the Company (or the successor’s parent company, if any), in connection with such Corporate Transaction. A surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent) may choose to assume or continue only a portion of an Award or substitute a similar award for only a portion of an Award, or may choose to assume or continue the Awards held by some, but not all Participants. The terms of any assumption, continuation or substitution will be set by the Board.

 

(ii)           Awards Held by Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction (referred to as the “Current Participants”), the vesting of such Awards (and, with respect to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the time when such Awards may be exercised) will be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction) as the Board determines (or, if the Board does not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction), and such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction). With respect to the vesting of Performance Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and that have multiple vesting levels depending on the level of performance, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, the vesting of such Performance Awards will accelerate at 100% of the target level upon the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction in which the Awards are not assumed in accordance with Section 6(c)(i). With respect to the vesting of Awards that will accelerate upon the occurrence of a Corporate Transaction pursuant to this subsection (ii) and are settled in the form of a cash payment, such cash payment will be made no later than 30 days following the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction or such later date as required to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

 

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(iii)          Awards Held by Persons other than Current Participants. In the event of a Corporate Transaction in which the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such outstanding Awards or substitute similar awards for such outstanding Awards, then with respect to Awards that have not been assumed, continued or substituted and that are held by persons other than Current Participants, such Awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction; provided, however, that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to such Awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the Corporate Transaction.

 

(iv)           Payment for Awards in Lieu of Exercise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Award will terminate if not exercised prior to the effective time of a Corporate Transaction, the Board may provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of such Award may not exercise such Award but will receive a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board, equal in value, at the effective time, to the excess, if any, of (1) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Award (including, at the discretion of the Board, any unvested portion of such Award), over (2) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise.

 

(d)            Appointment of Stockholder Representative. As a condition to the receipt of an Award under this Plan, a Participant will be deemed to have agreed that the Award will be subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on the Participant’s behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.

 

(e)            No Restriction on Right to Undertake Transactions. The grant of any Award under the Plan and the issuance of shares pursuant to any Award does not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, rights or options to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.

 

7.            Administration.

 

(a)            Administration by Board. The Board will administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in subsection (c) below.

 

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(b)            Powers of Board. The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

 

(i)            To determine from time to time: (1) which of the persons eligible under the Plan will be granted Awards; (2) when and how each Award will be granted; (3) what type or combination of types of Award will be granted; (4) the provisions of each Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person will be permitted to receive an issuance of Common Stock or other payment pursuant to an Award; (5) the number of shares of Common Stock or cash equivalent with respect to which an Award will be granted to each such person; (6) the Fair Market Value applicable to an Award; and (7) the terms of any Performance Award that is not valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock, including the amount of cash payment or other property that may be earned and the timing of payment.

 

(ii)            To construe and interpret the Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it deems necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Award fully effective.

 

(iii)          To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Awards granted under it.

 

(iv)           To accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award Agreement stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

 

(v)            To prohibit the exercise of any Option, SAR or other exercisable Award during a period of up to 30 days prior to the consummation of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other change affecting the shares of Common Stock or the share price of the Common Stock including any Corporate Transaction, for reasons of administrative convenience.

 

(vi)            To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Plan will not Materially Impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.

 

(vii)          To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable; provided, however, that stockholder approval will be required for any amendment to the extent required by Applicable Law. Except as provided above, rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan will not be Materially Impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.

 

(viii)        To submit any amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval.

 

(ix)          To approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided however, that, a Participant’s rights under any Award will not be Materially Impaired by any such amendment unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.

 

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(x)            Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Awards.

 

(xi)          To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit and facilitate participation in the Plan by, or take advantage of specific tax treatment for Awards granted to, Employees, Directors or Consultants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that Board 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).

 

(xii)         To effect, at any time and from time to time, subject to the consent of any Participant whose Award is Materially Impaired by such action, (1) the reduction of the exercise price (or strike price) of any outstanding Option or SAR; (2) the cancellation of any outstanding Option or SAR and the grant in substitution therefor of (A) a new Option, SAR, Restricted Stock Award, RSU Award or Other Award, under the Plan or another equity plan of the Company, covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock, (B) cash and/or (C) other valuable consideration (as determined by the Board); or (3) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.

 

(c)            Delegation to Committee.

 

(i)            General. The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to another Committee or a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. Each Committee may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with Committee or subcommittee to which it has delegated its authority hereunder and may, at any time, revest in such Committee some or all of the powers previously delegated. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with any Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated.

 

(ii)           Rule 16b-3 Compliance. To the extent an Award is intended to qualify for the exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act that is available under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, the Award will be granted by the Board or a Committee that consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, as determined under Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act and thereafter any action establishing or modifying the terms of the Award will be approved by the Board or a Committee meeting such requirements to the extent necessary for such exemption to remain available.

 

(d)            Effect of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board or any Committee in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

 

(e)            Delegation to an Officer. The Board or any Committee may delegate to one or more Officers the authority to do one or both of the following (i) designate Employees who are not Officers to be recipients of Options and SARs (and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, other types of Awards) and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the terms thereof, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Awards granted to such Employees; provided, however, that the resolutions or charter adopted by the Board or any Committee evidencing such delegation will specify the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to the Awards granted by such Officer and that such Officer may not grant an Award to himself or herself. Any such Awards will be granted on the applicable form of Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Board or the Committee, unless otherwise provided in the resolutions approving the delegation authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the Board nor any Committee may delegate to an Officer who is acting solely in the capacity of an Officer (and not also as a Director) the authority to determine the Fair Market Value.

 

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8.            Tax Withholding.

 

(a)            Withholding Authorization. As a condition to acceptance of any Award under the Plan, a Participant authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to such Participant, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including), any sums required to satisfy any U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign tax or social insurance contribution withholding obligations of the Company or an Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of such Award, as applicable. Accordingly, 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 of Common Stock subject to an Award, unless and until such obligations are satisfied.

 

(b)            Satisfaction of Withholding Obligation. To the extent permitted by the terms of an Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign tax or social insurance withholding obligation relating to an Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Award; (iii) withholding cash from an Award settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; (v) by allowing a Participant to effectuate a “cashless exercise” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, or (vi) by such other method as may be set forth in the Award Agreement.

 

(c)            No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes; No Liability to Claims. Except as required by Applicable Law the Company has no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising such Award. Furthermore, the Company has no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder 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 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 consequences to such holder in connection with an Award. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, each Participant (i) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from such Award or other Company 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 consequences of the Award and has either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, each Participant acknowledges any Option or SAR granted under the Plan is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise or strike price is at least equal to the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Award. Additionally, as a condition to accepting an Option or SAR granted under the Plan, each Participant agrees not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise price or strike price is less than the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

(d)            Withholding Indemnification. As a condition to accepting an Award under the Plan, in the event that the amount of the Company’s and/or its Affiliate’s withholding obligation in connection with such Award was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or its Affiliates, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and/or its Affiliates harmless from any failure by the Company and/or its Affiliates to withhold the proper amount.

 

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9.            Miscellaneous.

 

(a)            Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise.

 

(b)            Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Awards will constitute general funds of the Company.

 

(c)            Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of an Award to any Participant will be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Award is communicated to, or actually received or accepted by, the Participant. In the event that the corporate records (e.g., Board consents, resolutions or minutes) documenting the corporate action approving the grant contain terms (e.g., exercise price, vesting schedule or number of shares) that are inconsistent with those in the Award Agreement or related grant documents as a result of a clerical error in the Award Agreement or related grant documents, the corporate records will control and the Participant will have no legally binding right to the incorrect term in the Award Agreement or related grant documents.

 

(d)            Stockholder 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 of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms, if applicable, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to such Award is reflected in the records of the Company.

 

(e)            No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award granted pursuant thereto will confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate at will and without regard to any future vesting opportunity that a Participant may have with respect to any Award (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state or foreign jurisdiction in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be. 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 an Affiliate 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.

 

(f)            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 Affiliates 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 Board may determine, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, 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, 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.

 

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(g)            Execution of Additional Documents. 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 Plan 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 Plan Administrator’s request.

 

(h)            Electronic Delivery and Participation. 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). 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 Plan Administrator or another third party selected by the Plan Administrator. The form of delivery of any Common Stock (e.g., a stock certificate or electronic entry evidencing such shares) shall be determined by the Company.

 

(i)             Clawback/Recovery. All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Law and any clawback policy that the Company otherwise adopts, to the extent applicable and permissible under Applicable Law. In addition, the Board may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award Agreement as the Board determines necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of Common Stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence of Cause. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback 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.

 

(j)            Securities Law Compliance. A Participant will not be issued any shares in respect of an Award unless either (i) the shares are registered under the Securities Act; or (ii) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Each Award also must comply with other Applicable Law governing the Award, and a Participant will not receive such shares if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with Applicable Law.

 

(k)            Transfer or Assignment of Awards; Issued Shares. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or the form of Award Agreement, Awards granted under the Plan may not be transferred or assigned by the Participant. After the vested shares subject to an Award have been issued, or in the case of Restricted Stock and similar awards, after the issued shares have vested, the holder of such shares is free to assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any interest in such shares provided that any such actions are in compliance with the provisions herein, the terms of the Trading Policy and Applicable Law.

 

(l)             Effect on Other Employee Benefit Plans. The value of any Award granted under the Plan, as determined upon grant, vesting or settlement, shall not be included as compensation, earnings, salaries, or other similar terms used when calculating any Participant’s benefits under any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company or any Affiliate, except as such plan otherwise expressly provides. The Company expressly reserves its rights to amend, modify, or terminate any of the Company's or any Affiliate's employee benefit plans.

 

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(m)           Deferrals. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock 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. Deferrals will be made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

(n)            Section 409A. Unless otherwise expressly provided for in an Award Agreement, the Plan and Award Agreements will be interpreted to the greatest extent possible in a manner that makes the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder exempt from Section 409A, and, to the extent not so exempt, in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. If the Board determines that any Award granted hereunder is not exempt from and is therefore subject to Section 409A, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award will incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code, and to the extent an Award Agreement is silent on terms necessary for compliance, such terms are hereby incorporated by reference into the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan (and unless the Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise), if the shares of Common Stock are publicly traded, and if a Participant holding an Award that constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A, no distribution or payment of any amount that is due because of a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A without regard to alternative definitions thereunder) will be issued or paid before the date that is six months and one day following the date of such Participant’s “separation from service” or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death, unless such distribution or payment can be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and any amounts so deferred will be paid in a lump sum on the day after such six month period elapses, with the balance paid thereafter on the original schedule.

 

(o)            Choice of Law. This Plan and any controversy arising out of or relating to this Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in any application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.

 

10.            Covenants of the Company.

 

(a)            Compliance with Law. The Company will seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency, as may be deemed to be necessary, having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise or vesting of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking will not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. 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 or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock 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 Common Stock pursuant to the Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any Applicable Law.

 

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11.            Additional Rules for Awards Subject to Section 409A.

 

(a)            Application. Unless the provisions of this Section of the Plan are expressly superseded by the provisions in the form of Award Agreement, the provisions of this Section shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary set forth in the Award Agreement for a Non-Exempt Award.

 

(b)            Non-Exempt Awards Subject to Non-Exempt Severance Arrangements. To the extent a Non-Exempt Award is subject to Section 409A due to application of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, the following provisions of this subsection (b) apply.

 

(i)            If the Non-Exempt Award vests in the ordinary course during the Participant’s Continuous Service in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Award Agreement, and does not accelerate vesting under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, in no event will the shares be issued in respect of such Non-Exempt Award any later than the later of: (i) December 31st of the calendar year that includes the applicable vesting date, or (ii) the 60th day that follows the applicable vesting date.

 

(ii)           If vesting of the Non-Exempt Award accelerates under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement in connection with the Participant’s Separation from Service, and such vesting acceleration provisions were in effect as of the date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award and, therefore, are part of the terms of such Non-Exempt Award as of the date of grant, then the shares will be earlier issued in settlement of such Non-Exempt Award upon the Participant’s Separation from Service in accordance with the terms of the Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement, but in no event later than the 60th day that follows the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service. However, if at the time the shares would otherwise be issued the Participant is subject to the distribution limitations contained in Section 409A applicable to “specified employees,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such shares shall not be issued before the date that is six months following the date of such Participant’s Separation from Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death that occurs within such six month period.

 

(iii)          If vesting of a Non-Exempt Award accelerates under the terms of a Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement in connection with a Participant’s Separation from Service, and such vesting acceleration provisions were not in effect as of the date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award and, therefore, are not a part of the terms of such Non-Exempt Award on the date of grant, then such acceleration of vesting of the Non-Exempt Award shall not accelerate the issuance date of the shares, but the shares shall instead be issued on the same schedule as set forth in the Grant Notice as if they had vested in the ordinary course during the Participant’s Continuous Service, notwithstanding the vesting acceleration of the Non-Exempt Award. Such issuance schedule is intended to satisfy the requirements of payment on a specified date or pursuant to a fixed schedule, as provided under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(a)(4).

 

(c)            Treatment of Non-Exempt Awards Upon a Corporate Transaction for Employees and Consultants. The provisions of this subsection (c) shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary set forth in the Plan with respect to the permitted treatment of any Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction if the Participant was either an Employee or Consultant upon the applicable date of grant of the Non-Exempt Award.

 

(i)            Vested Non-Exempt Awards. The following provisions shall apply to any Vested Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction:

 

(1)            If the Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control then the Acquiring Entity may not assume, continue or substitute the Vested Non-Exempt Award. Upon the Section 409A Change in Control the settlement of the Vested Non-Exempt Award will automatically be accelerated and the shares will be immediately issued in respect of the Vested Non-Exempt Award. Alternatively, the Company may instead provide that the Participant will receive a cash settlement equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant upon the Section 409A Change in Control.

 

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(2)            If the Corporate Transaction is not also a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Acquiring Entity must either assume, continue or substitute each Vested Non-Exempt Award. The shares to be issued in respect of the Vested Non-Exempt Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of the Fair Market Value of the shares made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.

 

(ii)           Unvested Non-Exempt Awards. The following provisions shall apply to any Unvested Non-Exempt Award unless otherwise determined by the Board pursuant to subsection (e) of this Section.

 

(1)            In the event of a Corporate Transaction, the Acquiring Entity shall assume, continue or substitute any Unvested Non-Exempt Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, any Unvested Non-Exempt Award will remain subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions that were applicable to the Award prior to the Corporate Transaction. The shares to be issued in respect of any Unvested Non-Exempt Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of Fair Market Value of the shares made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.

 

(2)            If the Acquiring Entity will not assume, substitute or continue any Unvested Non-Exempt Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction, then such Award shall automatically terminate and be forfeited upon the Corporate Transaction with no consideration payable to any Participant in respect of such forfeited Unvested Non-Exempt Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted and in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the Board may in its discretion determine to elect to accelerate the vesting and settlement of the Unvested Non-Exempt Award upon the Corporate Transaction, or instead substitute a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant, as further provided in subsection (e)(ii) below. In the absence of such discretionary election by the Board, any Unvested Non-Exempt Award shall be forfeited without payment of any consideration to the affected Participants if the Acquiring Entity will not assume, substitute or continue the Unvested Non-Exempt Awards in connection with the Corporate Transaction.

 

(3)            The foregoing treatment shall apply with respect to all Unvested Non-Exempt Awards upon any Corporate Transaction, and regardless of whether or not such Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control.

 

(d)            Treatment of Non-Exempt Awards Upon a Corporate Transaction for Non-Employee Directors. The following provisions of this subsection (d) shall apply and shall supersede anything to the contrary that may be set forth in the Plan with respect to the permitted treatment of a Non-Exempt Director Award in connection with a Corporate Transaction.

 

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(i)            If the Corporate Transaction is also a Section 409A Change in Control then the Acquiring Entity may not assume, continue or substitute the Non-Exempt Director Award. Upon the Section 409A Change in Control the vesting and settlement of any Non-Exempt Director Award will automatically be accelerated and the shares will be immediately issued to the Participant in respect of the Non-Exempt Director Award. Alternatively, the Company may provide that the Participant will instead receive a cash settlement equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant upon the Section 409A Change in Control pursuant to the preceding provision.

 

(ii)           If the Corporate Transaction is not also a Section 409A Change in Control, then the Acquiring Entity must either assume, continue or substitute the Non-Exempt Director Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Non-Exempt Director Award will remain subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions that were applicable to the Award prior to the Corporate Transaction. The shares to be issued in respect of the Non-Exempt Director Award shall be issued to the Participant by the Acquiring Entity on the same schedule that the shares would have been issued to the Participant if the Corporate Transaction had not occurred. In the Acquiring Entity’s discretion, in lieu of an issuance of shares, the Acquiring Entity may instead substitute a cash payment on each applicable issuance date, equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant on such issuance dates, with the determination of Fair Market Value made on the date of the Corporate Transaction.

 

(e)            If the RSU Award is a Non-Exempt Award, then the provisions in this Section 11(e) shall apply and supersede anything to the contrary that may be set forth in the Plan or the Award Agreement with respect to the permitted treatment of such Non-Exempt Award:

 

(i)            Any exercise by the Board of discretion to accelerate the vesting of a Non-Exempt Award shall not result in any acceleration of the scheduled issuance dates for the shares in respect of the Non-Exempt Award unless earlier issuance of the shares upon the applicable vesting dates would be in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

(ii)           The Company explicitly reserves the right to earlier settle any Non-Exempt Award to the extent permitted and in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, including pursuant to any of the exemptions available in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix).

 

(iii)          To the extent the terms of any Non-Exempt Award provide that it will be settled upon a Change in Control or Corporate Transaction, to the extent it is required for compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the Change in Control or Corporate Transaction event triggering settlement must also constitute a Section 409A Change in Control. To the extent the terms of a Non-Exempt Award provides that it will be settled upon a termination of employment or termination of Continuous Service, to the extent it is required for compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, the termination event triggering settlement must also constitute a Separation From Service. However, if at the time the shares would otherwise be issued to a Participant in connection with a “separation from service” such Participant is subject to the distribution limitations contained in Section 409A applicable to “specified employees,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such shares shall not be issued before the date that is six months following the date of the Participant’s Separation From Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death that occurs within such six month period.

 

(iv)           The provisions in this subsection (e) for delivery of the shares in respect of the settlement of a RSU Award that is a Non-Exempt Award are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that the delivery of the shares to the Participant in respect of such Non-Exempt Award will not trigger the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be so interpreted.

 

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12.          Severability.

 

If all or any part of the Plan or any Award Agreement is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not invalidate any portion of the Plan or such Award Agreement not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of the Plan or any Award Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.

 

13.          Termination of the Plan.

 

The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Incentive Stock Options may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of: (i) the Adoption Date, or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

 

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14.          Definitions.

 

As used in the Plan, the following definitions apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:

 

(a)            Acquiring Entity” means the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) in connection with a Corporate Transaction.

 

(b)            Adoption Date” means the date the Plan is first approved by the Board or Compensation Committee.

 

(c)            Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act. The Board may determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.

 

(d)            Applicable Law” means any applicable securities, federal, state, foreign, material local or municipal or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, listing rule, regulation, judicial decision, ruling or requirement 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).

 

(e)            Award” means any right to receive Common Stock, cash or other property granted under the Plan (including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a RSU Award, a SAR, a Performance Award or any Other Award).

 

(f)            Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award. The Award Agreement generally consists of the Grant Notice and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Award and which is provided, including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice.

 

(g)            Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company (or its designee). Any decision or determination made by the Board shall be a decision or determination that is made in the sole discretion of the Board (or its designee), and such decision or determination shall be final and binding on all Participants

 

(h)           Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Award after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.

 

(i)             Cause” has the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between a Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Participant’s dishonest statements or acts with respect to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, or any current or prospective customers, suppliers, vendors or other third parties with which such entity does business; (ii) the Participant’s commission of (A) a felony or (B) any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud; (iii) the Participant’s failure to perform the Participant’s assigned duties and responsibilities to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company which failure continues, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, after written notice given to the Participant by the Company; (iv) the Participant’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or insubordination with respect to the Company or any affiliate of the Company; or (v) the Participant’s material violation of any provision of any agreement(s) between the Participant and the Company relating to noncompetition, nonsolicitation, nondisclosure and/or assignment of inventions. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause will be made by the Board with respect to Participants who are executive officers of the Company and by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer with respect to Participants who are not executive officers of the Company. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Awards held by such Participant will have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.

 

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(j)             Change in Control” or “Change of Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

 

(i)            any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur (A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company, (B) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities, or (C) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “Subject Person”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to occur;

 

(ii)           there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the Acquiring Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(iii)          there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or

 

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(iv)           individuals who, on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) 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, (B) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply, and (C) respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation that becomes payable on account of the Change in Control, the transaction or event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) also constitutes a Section 409A Change in Control if required in order for the payment not to violate Section 409A of the Code.

 

(k)           Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.

 

(l)             Committee” means the Compensation Committee and any other committee of one or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by the Board or Compensation Committee in accordance with the Plan.

 

(m)           Common Stock” means the Class A common stock of the Company.

 

(n)            Company” means Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(o)            Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

 

(p)            Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, will not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this Plan 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.

 

(q)            Continuous Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director or Consultant or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, will not terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service; provided, however, that if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board, such Participant’s Continuous Service will be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate or to a Director will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service will be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Board or chief executive officer, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence will be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in an Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law. In addition, to the extent required for exemption from or compliance with Section 409A, the determination of whether there has been a termination of Continuous Service will be made, and such term will be construed, in a manner that is consistent with the definition of “separation from service” as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).

 

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(r)            Corporate Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

 

(i)            a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

(ii)           a sale or other disposition of at least 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company;

 

(iii)          a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or

 

(iv)           a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Corporate Transaction shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, (B) the definition of Corporate Transaction (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Corporate Transaction or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply, and (C) respect to any nonqualified deferred compensation that becomes payable on account of the Corporate Transaction, the transaction or event described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) also constitutes a Section 409A Change in Control if required in order for the payment not to violate Section 409A of the Code.

 

(s)            Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(t)             determineor determined” means as determined by the Board or the Committee (or its designee) in its sole discretion.

 

(u)            Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, such Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as provided in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, and will be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.

 

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(v)            Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan, which is the date of the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement by and among Atlas Crest Investment Acquisition Corp., Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc. and the Company, dated as of February 10, 2021, provided that this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders prior to such date.

 

(w)           Employee” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.

 

(x)            Employer” means the Company or the Affiliate of the Company that employs the Participant.

 

(y)            Entity” means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.

 

(z)            Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(aa)          Exchange Act Person” means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange Act Person” will not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to a registered public offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.

 

(bb)          Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the value of the Common Stock (as determined on a per share or aggregate basis, as applicable) determined as follows:

 

(i)            If the Common Stock is 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 Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable.

 

(ii)           If there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock 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 Common Stock, 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.

 

(cc)          Governmental Body” means any: (a) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) 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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(dd)          Grant Notice” means the notice provided to a Participant that he or she has been granted an Award under the Plan and which includes the name of the Participant, the type of Award, the date of grant of the Award, number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Award or potential cash payment right, (if any), the vesting schedule for the Award (if any) and other key terms applicable to the Award.

 

(ee)          Incentive Stock Option” means an option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that is intended to be, and qualifies as, an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

(ff)           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 Board, 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 or SAR that may be exercised, (ii) to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (iii) to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option in a manner that disqualifies, impairs or otherwise affects the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option 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.

 

(gg)         Non-Employee Director” means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee or officer of the Company or an Affiliate, does not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, from the Company or an Affiliate for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (“Regulation S-K”)), does not possess an interest in any other transaction for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a “non-employee director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3.

 

(hh)         Non-Exempt Award” means any Award that is subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A, including as the result of (i) a deferral of the issuance of the shares subject to the Award which is elected by the Participant or imposed by the Company or (ii) the terms of any Non-Exempt Severance Agreement.

 

(ii)           Non-Exempt Director Award” means a Non-Exempt Award granted to a Participant who was a Director but not an Employee on the applicable grant date.

 

(jj)           Non-Exempt Severance Arrangement means a severance arrangement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company that provides for acceleration of vesting of an Award and issuance of the shares in respect of such Award upon the Participant’s termination of employment or separation from service (as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code (and without regard to any alternative definition thereunder) (“Separation from Service”) and such severance benefit does not satisfy the requirements for an exemption from application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(9) or otherwise.

 

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(kk)        Nonstatutory Stock Option” means any option granted pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(ll)           Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

(mm)       Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

(nn)         Option Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of the Option grant. The Option Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Option and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Option and which is provided, including through electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Option Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(oo)          Optionholder” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

 

(pp)          Other Award” means an award valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or strike price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value at the time of grant) that is not an Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Option, SAR, Restricted Stock Award, RSU Award or Performance Award.

 

(qq)          Other Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of an Other Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Award grant. Each Other Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(rr)          Own,” “Owned,” “Owner,” “Ownership” means that a person or Entity will be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

 

(ss)          Participant” means an Employee, Director or Consultant to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.

 

(tt)           Performance Award” means an Award that may vest or may be exercised or a cash award that may vest or become earned and paid contingent upon the attainment during a Performance Period of certain Performance Goals and which is granted under the terms and conditions of Section 5(b) pursuant to such terms as are approved by the Board. In addition, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, the Board may determine that cash or other property may be used in payment of Performance Awards. Performance Awards that are settled in cash or other property are not required to be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the Common Stock.

 

(uu)         Performance Criteria” means the one or more criteria that the Board will select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goals for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish such Performance Goals may be based on any one of, or combination of, the following as determined by the Board: earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; total stockholder return; return on equity or average stockholder’s equity; return on assets, investment, or capital employed; stock price; margin (including gross margin); income (before or after taxes); operating income; operating income after taxes; pre-tax profit; operating cash flow; sales or revenue targets; increases in revenue or product revenue; expenses and cost reduction goals; improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; economic value added (or an equivalent metric); market share; cash flow; cash flow per share; share price performance; debt reduction; customer satisfaction; stockholders’ equity; capital expenditures; debt levels; operating profit or net operating profit; workforce diversity; growth of net income or operating income; billings; financing; regulatory milestones; stockholder liquidity; corporate governance and compliance; intellectual property; personnel matters; progress of internal research; progress of partnered programs; partner satisfaction; budget management; partner or collaborator achievements; internal controls, including those related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; investor relations, analysts and communication; implementation or completion of projects or processes; employee retention; number of users, including unique users; strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property); establishing relationships with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of the Company’s products; supply chain achievements; co-development, co-marketing, profit sharing, joint venture or other similar arrangements; individual performance goals; corporate development and planning goals; and other measures of performance selected by the Board or Committee whether or not listed herein.

 

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(vv)           Performance Goals” means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Board for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Performance Goals may be based on a Company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, Affiliates, or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise by the Board (i) in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established, the Board will appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of Performance Goals for a Performance Period as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of items that are “unusual” in nature or occur “infrequently” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a Performance Period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under the Company’s bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles; and (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the Board may establish or provide for other adjustment items in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established. In addition, the Board retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of Performance Goals and to define the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period. Partial achievement of the specified criteria may result in the payment or vesting corresponding to the degree of achievement as specified in the Award Agreement or the written terms of a Performance Cash Award.

 

27

 

 

(ww)         Performance Period” means the period of time selected by the Board over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to vesting or exercise of an Award. Performance Periods may be of varying and overlapping duration, at the sole discretion of the Board.

 

(xx)          Plan” means this Archer Aviation Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(yy)          Plan Administrator” means the person, persons, and/or third-party administrator designated by the Company to administer the day to day operations of the Plan and the Company’s other equity incentive programs.

 

(zz)          Post-Termination Exercise Period” means the period following termination of a Participant’s Continuous Service within which an Option or SAR is exercisable, as specified in Section 4(h).

 

(aaa)        Restricted Stock Award” or “RSA” means an Award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).

 

(bbb)        Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award grant. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the Restricted Stock Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock Award and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(ccc)        RSU Award” or “RSU” means an Award of restricted stock units representing the right to receive an issuance of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5(a).

 

(ddd)        RSU Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a RSU Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a RSU Award. The RSU Award Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the RSU Award and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the RSU Award and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each RSU Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(eee)        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.

 

(fff)          Rule 405” means Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

(ggg)       Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder.

 

(hhh)       Section 409A Change in Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).

 

(iii)          Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

28

 

 

(jjj)          Share Reserve” means the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan as set forth in Section 2(a).

 

(kkk)      Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.

 

(lll)          SAR Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a holder of a SAR evidencing the terms and conditions of a SAR grant. The SAR Agreement includes the Grant Notice for the SAR and the agreement containing the written summary of the general terms and conditions applicable to the SAR and which is provided, including by electronic means, to a Participant along with the Grant Notice. Each SAR Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(mmm)    Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50%.

 

(nnn)       Ten Percent Stockholder” means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

(ooo)        Trading Policy” means the Company’s policy permitting certain individuals to sell Company shares only during certain "window" periods and/or otherwise restricts the ability of certain individuals to transfer or encumber Company shares, as in effect from time to time.

 

(ppp)        Unvested Non-Exempt Award” means the portion of any Non-Exempt Award that had not vested in accordance with its terms upon or prior to the date of any Corporate Transaction.

 

(qqq)        Vested Non-Exempt Award” means the portion of any Non-Exempt Award that had vested in accordance with its terms upon or prior to the date of a Corporate Transaction.

 

29

 

Exhibit 10.9

 

Archer Aviation Inc.
Stock Option Grant Notice
(2021 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), has granted to you (“Optionholder) an option to purchase the number of shares of the Common Stock set forth below (the “Option”). Your Option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Plan, and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Stock Option Agreement, as applicable.

 

Optionholder:
Date of Grant:
Vesting Commencement Date:
Number of Shares of Common Stock Subject to Option:
Exercise Price (Per Share):
Total Exercise Price:
Expiration Date:

 

Type of Grant:              [Incentive Stock Option] OR [Nonstatutory Stock Option]

 

Exercise and

Vesting Schedule:       Subject to the Optionholder’s Continuous Service through each applicable vesting date, the Option will vest as follows:

 

[_____________________________________________________________]

 

Optionholder acknowledges and agrees that the Exercise and Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event Optionholder’s service status changes between full- and part-time status and/or in the event Optionholder on an approved leave of absence in accordance the Company’s policies relating to work schedules and vesting of awards or as determined by the Board.

 

Optionholder Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:

 

· The Option is governed by this Stock Option Grant Notice (this “Grant Notice”), and the provisions of the Plan and the Stock Option Agreement and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Stock Option Agreement (together, the “Option Agreement”) may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.

 

 

 

· [If the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted to you) 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 Nonstatutory Stock Option.]

 

· You consent to receive this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement, the Plan, the Prospectus 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.

 

· You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, the Notice of Exercise, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

 

· The Option Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of other equity awards previously granted to you and any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this Option.

 

· Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. 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.

 

Archer Aviation Inc.   Optionholder:
     
By:      
Signature   Signature
     
Title:            Date:                     
Date:      

 

Attachments: Stock Option Agreement, 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, Notice of Exercise

 

 

 

Attachment I

 

Archer Aviation Inc.
Stock Option Agreement

(2021 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

As reflected by your Stock Option Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you an option under the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice (the “Option”). Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the meanings set forth in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable. The terms of your Option as specified in the Grant Notice and this Stock Option Agreement constitute your Option Agreement.

 

The general terms and conditions applicable to your Option are as follows:

 

1.            Governing Plan Document. Your Option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:

 

(a)            Section 6 regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your Option;

 

(b)            Section 9(e) regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the Option; and

 

(c)            Section 8 regarding the tax consequences of your Option.

 

Your Option is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the Option Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

 

2.            No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as shares of Common Stock are issued following exercise of the Option, you will have no ownership of the shares allocated to the Option and will have no right to vote such shares. You shall receive no benefit or adjustment to this Option award with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution that does not result from a capitalization adjustment; provided, however, that this sentence will not apply with respect to any shares of Common Stock that are delivered to you following exercise of your Option award after such shares have been delivered to you.

 

3.            Exercise.

 

(a)            You may generally exercise the vested portion of your Option for whole shares of Common Stock at any time during its term by delivery of payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes and other required documentation to the Plan Administrator in accordance with the exercise procedures established by the Plan Administrator, which may include an electronic submission. Please review Sections 4(i), 4(j) and 7(b)(v) of the Plan, which may restrict or prohibit your ability to exercise your Option during certain periods.

 

 

 

(b)            To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, you may pay your Option exercise price as follows:

 

(i)            cash, check, bank draft or money order;

 

(ii)           subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” program as further described in Section 4(c)(ii) of the Plan if at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded;

 

(iii)         subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, by delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock as further described in Section 4(c)(iii) of the Plan; or

 

(iv)          subject to Company and/or Committee consent at the time of exercise, if the Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement as further described in Section 4(c)(iv) of the Plan.

 

4.            Term. You may not exercise your Option before the commencement of its term or after its term expires. The term of your Option commences on the Date of Grant and expires upon the earliest of the following:

 

(a)            immediately upon the termination of your Continuous Service for Cause;

 

(b)            three months after the termination of your Continuous Service for any reason other than Cause, Disability or death;

 

(c)            12 months after the termination of your Continuous Service due to your Disability;

 

(d)            18 months after your death if you die during your Continuous Service;

 

(e)            immediately upon a Corporate Transaction if the Board has determined that the Option will terminate in connection with a Corporate Transaction,

 

(f)            the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or

 

(g)            the day before the 10th anniversary of the Date of Grant.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you die during the period provided in Section 3(b) or 3(c) above, the term of your Option shall not expire until the earlier of (i) 18 months after your death, (ii) upon any termination of the Option in connection with a Corporate Transaction, (iii) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice, or (iv) the day before the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. Additionally, the Post-Termination Exercise Period of your Option may be extended as provided in Section 4(i) of the Plan.

 

 

 

To obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with an Incentive Stock Option, the Code requires that at all times beginning on the date of grant of your Option and ending on the day three months before the date of your Option’s exercise, you must be an employee of the Company or an Affiliate, except in the event of your death or Disability. If the Company provides for the extended exercisability of your Option under certain circumstances for your benefit, your Option will not necessarily be treated as an Incentive Stock Option if you exercise your Option more than three months after the date your employment terminates.

 

5.            Withholding Obligations. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan: (a) you may not exercise your Option unless the applicable tax withholding obligations are satisfied, and (b) at the time you exercise your Option, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including by means of a “cashless exercise” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your Option in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your Option even though the Option is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue shares of Common Stock subject to your Option, unless and until such obligations are satisfied. In the event that the amount of the Company’s withholding obligation in connection with your Option was greater than the amount actually withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

 

6.            Incentive Stock Option Disposition Requirement. If your Option is an Incentive Stock Option, you must notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of your Option that occurs within two years after the date of your Option grant or within one year after such shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of your Option.

 

7.            Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(e) of the Plan, your Option is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you.

 

8.            Corporate Transaction. Your Option is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.

 

9.            No Liability for Taxes. As a condition to accepting the Option, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the Option or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the Option and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. Additionally, you acknowledge that the Option is exempt from Section 409A only if the exercise price is at least equal to the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the Option. Additionally, as a condition to accepting the Option, you agree not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that such exercise is less than the “fair market value” of the Common Stock on the date of grant as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

 

 

10.            Severability. If any part of this Option Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Option Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid.  Any Section of this Option Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid

 

11.            Other Documents.  You hereby acknowledge 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.  In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.

 

12.            Questions. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your Option, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.

 

* * * *

 

 

 

Attachment II

 

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

Attachment III

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

(2021 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

1880 Embarcadero Road

Palo Alto, CA 94303        Date of Exercise: _______________

 

This constitutes notice to Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) that I elect to purchase the below number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Shares”) by exercising my Option for the price set forth below. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Notice of Exercise but defined in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the meanings set forth in the Stock Option Grant Notice, Stock Option Agreement or Plan, as applicable. Use of certain payment methods is subject to Company and/or Committee consent and certain additional requirements set forth in the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan.

 

Type of option (check one):   Incentive  ¨ Nonstatutory  ¨
Date of Grant:   _______________  
Number of Shares as
to which Option is
exercised:
  _______________  
Certificates to be
issued in name of:
  _______________  
Total exercise price:   $______________  
Cash, check, bank draft or money order delivered herewith:   $______________  
Value of ________ Shares delivered herewith:   $______________  
Regulation T Program (cashless exercise)   $_____________  
Value of _______ Shares pursuant to net exercise:   $_____________  

 

 

 

By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) to satisfy the tax withholding obligations, if any, relating to the exercise of this Option as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify the Company in writing within 15 days after the date of any disposition of any of the Shares issued upon exercise of this Option that occurs within two years after the Date of Grant or within one year after such Shares are issued upon exercise of this Option.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
   

 

 

Exhibit 10.10

 

Archer Aviation Inc.
RSU Award Grant Notice
(2021 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) has awarded to you (the “Participant”) the number of restricted stock units specified and on the terms set forth below in consideration of your services (the “RSU Award”). Your RSU Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Archer Aviation Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Agreement.

 

Participant:  
Date of Grant:  
Vesting Commencement Date:  
Number of Restricted Stock Units:  

 

Vesting Schedule:       [__________________________________________________________________]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, vesting shall terminate upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event Participant’s service status changes between full- and part-time status and/or in the event Participant is on an approved leave of absence in accordance the Company’s policies relating to work schedules and vesting of awards or as determined by the Board.

 

Issuance Schedule: One share of Common Stock will be issued at the time set forth in Section 5 of the Agreement for each restricted stock unit which vests.

 

Participant Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that:

 

· The RSU Award is governed by this RSU Award Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”), and the provisions of the Plan and the Agreement, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement (together, the “RSU Award Agreement”) may not be modified, amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.

 

· You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the RSU Award Agreement and the Prospectus. In the event of any conflict between the provisions in the RSU Award Agreement, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

 

· The RSU Award Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of: (i) other equity awards previously granted to you, and (ii) any written employment agreement, offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this RSU Award.

 

 

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.:   Participant:
     
By:      
Signature   Signature
     
Title:            Date:                     
Date:      

 

Attachments: Award Agreement, 2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

 

Attachment I

 

Archer Aviation Inc.
Award Agreement

(2021 Equity Incentive Plan)

 

As reflected by your RSU Award Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a RSU Award under the Archer Aviation Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units as indicated in your Grant Notice (the “RSU Award”). The terms of your RSU Award as specified in this Award Agreement for your RSU Award (this “Agreement”) and the Grant Notice constitute your “RSU Award Agreement”. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable.

 

The general terms applicable to your RSU Award are as follows:

 

1.            Governing Plan Document. Your RSU Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:

 

(a)            Section 6 of the Plan regarding the impact of a Capitalization Adjustment, dissolution, liquidation, or Corporate Transaction on your RSU Award;

 

(b)            Section 9(e) of the Plan regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate your Continuous Service notwithstanding the grant of the RSU Award; and

 

(c)            Section 8 of the Plan regarding the tax consequences of your RSU Award.

 

Your RSU Award is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the RSU Award Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

 

2.            Grant of the RSU Award. This RSU Award represents your right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units indicated in the Grant Notice as modified to reflect any Capitalization Adjustment and subject to your satisfaction of the vesting conditions set forth therein (the “Restricted Stock Units”). Any additional Restricted Stock Units that become subject to the RSU Award pursuant to Capitalization Adjustments as set forth in the Plan and the provisions of Section 3 below, if any, shall be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other Restricted Stock Units covered by your RSU Award.

 

3.            No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as shares of Common Stock are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, you will have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and will have no right to vote such Shares. You shall receive no benefit or adjustment to this RSU Award with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution that does not result from a Capitalization Adjustment; provided, however, that this sentence will not apply with respect to any shares of Common Stock that are delivered to you in connection with your RSU Award after such shares have been delivered to you.

 

4.            Withholding Obligations. As further provided in Section 8 of the Plan, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise in connection with your RSU Award (the “Withholding Obligation”) in accordance with the withholding procedures established by the Company. Unless the Withholding Obligation is satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to deliver to you any Common Stock in respect of the RSU Award. In the event the Withholding Obligation of the Company arises prior to the delivery to you of Common Stock or it is determined after the delivery of Common Stock to you that the amount of the Withholding Obligation was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

 

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5.            Date of Issuance.

 

(a)            The issuance of shares in respect of the Restricted Stock Units is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner. Subject to the satisfaction of the Withholding Obligation, if any, in the event one or more Restricted Stock Units vests, the Company shall issue to you one (1) share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests on the applicable vesting date(s) (subject to any adjustment under Section 3 above, and subject to any different provisions in the Grant Notice). Each issuance date determined by this paragraph is referred to as an “Original Issuance Date.”

 

(b)            If the Original Issuance Date falls on a date that is not a business day, delivery shall 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 you, 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 you are otherwise permitted to sell shares of Common Stock 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) a Withholding Obligation does not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy the Withholding Obligation by withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to you under this Award, and (B) not to permit you 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 you to pay your Withholding Obligation in cash,

 

then the shares that would otherwise be issued to you 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 you are not prohibited from selling shares of the Company’s Common Stock in the open public market, but in no event later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of your taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or, if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with 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 of Common Stock under this Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).

 

(c)            To the extent the RSU Award is a Non-Exempt RSU Award, the provisions of Section 11 of the Plan shall apply.

 

6.            Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, your RSU Award is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

7.            Corporate Transaction. Your RSU Award is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Corporate Transaction involving the Company, including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration.

 

8.            No Liability for Taxes. As a condition to accepting the RSU Award, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the RSU Award or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the RSU Award and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

 

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9.            Severability. If any part of this Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid.  Any Section of this Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.

 

10.          Other Documents.  You hereby acknowledge 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.  In addition, you acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy.

 

11.          Questions. If you have questions regarding these or any other terms and conditions applicable to your RSU Award, including a summary of the applicable federal income tax consequences please see the Prospectus.

 

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Attachment II

 

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

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Exhibit 10.11

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

 

2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

Adopted by the Board of Directors: August 11, 2021

Approved by the Stockholders: September 14, 2021

 

1.            General; Purpose.

 

(a)            The Plan provides a means by which Eligible Employees of the Company and certain Designated Companies may be given an opportunity to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Plan permits the Company to grant a series of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees under an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, the Plan permits the Company to grant a series of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees that do not meet the requirements of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

(b)           The Plan includes two components: a 423 Component and a Non-423 Component. The Company intends (but makes no undertaking or representation to maintain) the 423 Component to qualify as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The provisions of the 423 Component, accordingly, will be construed in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or determined by the Board, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.

 

(c)            The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services of Eligible Employees, to secure and retain the services of new Employees and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its Related Corporations.

 

2.            Administration.

 

(a)            The Board or the Committee will administer the Plan. References herein to the Board shall be deemed to refer to the Committee except where context dictates otherwise.

 

(b)            The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

 

(i)             To determine how and when Purchase Rights will be granted and the provisions of each Offering (which need not be identical).

 

(ii)        To designate from time to time (A) which Related Corporations will be eligible to participate in the Plan as Designated 423 Corporations, (B) which Related Corporations or Affiliates will be eligible to participate in the Plan as Designated Non-423 Corporations, and (C) which Designated Companies will participate in each separate Offering (to the extent that the Company makes separate Offerings).

 

(iii)       To construe and interpret the Plan and Purchase Rights, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan, in a manner and to the extent it deems necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.

 

(iv)            To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Purchase Rights granted under the Plan.

 

 

 

 

(v)            To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time as provided in Section 12.

 

(vi)            To amend the Plan at any time as provided in Section 12.

 

(vii)           Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as it deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and its Related Corporations and to carry out the intent that the Plan be treated as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan with respect to the 423 Component.

 

(viii)          To adopt such rules, procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit or facilitate participation in the Plan by Employees who are foreign nationals or employed or located outside the United States. Without limiting the generality of, and consistent with, the foregoing, the Board specifically is authorized to adopt rules, procedures, and sub-plans regarding, without limitation, eligibility to participate in the Plan, the definition of eligible “earnings,” handling and making of Contributions, establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold Contributions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, withholding procedures and handling of share issuances, any of which may vary according to applicable requirements, and which, if applicable to a Designated Non-423 Corporation, do not have to comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.

 

(c)            The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. Further, to the extent not prohibited by Applicable Law, the Board or Committee may, from time to time, delegate some or all of its authority under the Plan to one or more officers of the Company or other persons or groups of persons as it deems necessary, appropriate or advisable under conditions or limitations that it may set at or after the time of the delegation. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated. Whether or not the Board has delegated administration of the Plan to a Committee, the Board will have the final power to determine all questions of policy and expediency that may arise in the administration of the Plan.

 

(d)            All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

 

3.            Shares of Common Stock Subject to the Plan.

 

(a)            Subject to the provisions of Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan will not exceed 4,969,059 shares of Common Stock, plus the number of shares of Common Stock that are automatically added on January 1st of each year for a period of ten years commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31st of the preceding calendar year, and (ii) 9,938,118 shares of Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may act prior to the first day of any calendar year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase in the share reserve for such calendar year or that the increase in the share reserve for such calendar year will be a lesser number of shares of Common Stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence. For the avoidance of doubt, up to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock reserved under this Section 3(a) may be used to satisfy purchases of Common Stock under the 423 Component and any remaining portion of such maximum number of shares may be used to satisfy purchases of Common Stock under the Non-423 Component.

 

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(b)            If any Purchase Right granted under the Plan terminates without having been exercised in full, the shares of Common Stock not purchased under such Purchase Right will again become available for issuance under the Plan.

 

(c)            The stock purchasable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market.

 

4.            Grant of Purchase Rights; Offering.

 

(a)            The Board may from time to time grant or provide for the grant of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees under an Offering (consisting of one or more Purchase Periods) on an Offering Date or Offering Dates selected by the Board. Each Offering will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board will deem appropriate, and, with respect to the 423 Component, will comply with the requirement of Section 423(b)(5) of the Code that all Employees granted Purchase Rights will have the same rights and privileges. The terms and conditions of an Offering shall be incorporated by reference into the Plan and treated as part of the Plan. The provisions of separate Offerings need not be identical, but each Offering will include (through incorporation of the provisions of this Plan by reference in the document comprising the Offering or otherwise) the period during which the Offering will be effective, which period will not exceed 27 months beginning with the Offering Date, and the substance of the provisions contained in Sections 5 through 8, inclusive.

 

(b)            If a Participant has more than one Purchase Right outstanding under the Plan, unless he or she otherwise indicates in forms delivered to the Company or a third party designated by the Company (each, a “Company Designee”): (i) each form will apply to all of his or her Purchase Rights under the Plan, and (ii) a Purchase Right with a lower exercise price (or an earlier-granted Purchase Right, if different Purchase Rights have identical exercise prices) will be exercised to the fullest possible extent before a Purchase Right with a higher exercise price (or a later-granted Purchase Right if different Purchase Rights have identical exercise prices) will be exercised.

 

(c)            The Board will have the discretion to structure an Offering so that if the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the first Trading Day of a new Purchase Period within that Offering is less than or equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Offering Date for that Offering, then (i) that Offering will terminate immediately as of that first Trading Day, and (ii) the Participants in such terminated Offering will be automatically enrolled in a new Offering beginning on the first Trading Day of such new Purchase Period.

 

5.            Eligibility.

 

(a)            Purchase Rights may be granted only to Employees of the Company or, as the Board may designate in accordance with Section 2(b), to Employees of a Related Corporation or an Affiliate. Except as provided in Section 5(b) or as required by Applicable Law, an Employee will not be eligible to be granted Purchase Rights unless, on the Offering Date, the Employee has been in the employ of the Company or the Related Corporation or an Affiliate, as the case may be, for such continuous period preceding such Offering Date as the Board may require, but in no event will the required period of continuous employment be equal to or greater than two years. In addition, the Board may (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) provide that no Employee will be eligible to be granted Purchase Rights under the Plan unless, on the Offering Date, such Employee’s customary employment with the Company, the Related Corporation, or the Affiliate is more than 20 hours per week and more than five months per calendar year or such other criteria as the Board may determine consistent with Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component. The Board may also exclude from participation in the Plan or any Offering Employees who are "highly compensated employees" (within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code) of the Company or a Related Corporation or a subset of such highly compensated employees.

 

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(b)            The Board may provide that each person who, during the course of an Offering, first becomes an Eligible Employee will, on a date or dates specified in the Offering which coincides with the day on which such person becomes an Eligible Employee or which occurs thereafter, receive a Purchase Right under that Offering, which Purchase Right will thereafter be deemed to be a part of that Offering. Such Purchase Right will have the same characteristics as any Purchase Rights originally granted under that Offering, as described herein, except that:

 

(i)            the date on which such Purchase Right is granted will be the “Offering Date” of such Purchase Right for all purposes, including determination of the exercise price of such Purchase Right;

 

(ii)            the period of the Offering with respect to such Purchase Right will begin on its Offering Date and end coincident with the end of such Offering; and

 

(iii)            the Board may provide that if such person first becomes an Eligible Employee within a specified period of time before the end of the Offering, he or she will not receive any Purchase Right under that Offering.

 

(c)            No Employee will be eligible for the grant of any Purchase Rights under the 423 Component if, immediately after any such Purchase Rights are granted, such Employee owns stock possessing five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Related Corporation. For purposes of this Section 5(c), the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code will apply in determining the stock ownership of any Employee, and stock which such Employee may purchase under all outstanding Purchase Rights and options will be treated as stock owned by such Employee.

 

(d)           As specified by Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, an Eligible Employee may be granted Purchase Rights under the 423 Component only if such Purchase Rights, together with any other rights granted under all Employee Stock Purchase Plans of the Company and any Related Corporations, do not permit such Eligible Employee’s rights to purchase stock of the Company or any Related Corporation to accrue at a rate which, when aggregated, exceeds US $25,000 of Fair Market Value of such stock (determined at the time such rights are granted, and which, with respect to the Plan, will be determined as of their respective Offering Dates) for each calendar year in which such rights are outstanding at any time.

 

(e)            Officers of the Company and any Designated Company, if they are otherwise Eligible Employees, will be eligible to participate in Offerings under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) provide in an Offering that Employees who are highly compensated Employees within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code will not be eligible to participate.

 

(f)            Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, in the case of an Offering under the Non-423 Component, an Eligible Employee (or group of Eligible Employees) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the Board has determined, in its sole discretion, that participation of such Eligible Employee(s) is not advisable or practical for any reason.

 

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6.            Purchase Rights; Purchase Price.

 

(a)            On each Offering Date, each Eligible Employee, pursuant to an Offering made under the Plan, will be granted a Purchase Right to purchase up to that number of shares of Common Stock purchasable either with a percentage or with a maximum dollar amount, as designated by the Board (as defined by the Board in each Offering) during the period that begins on the Offering Date (or such later date as the Board determines for a particular Offering) and ends on the date stated in the Offering, which date will be no later than the end of the Offering.

 

(b)         The Board will establish one or more Purchase Dates during an Offering on which Purchase Rights granted for that Offering will be exercised and shares of Common Stock will be purchased in accordance with such Offering.

 

(c)            In connection with each Offering made under the Plan, the Board may specify (i) a maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by any Participant on any Purchase Date during such Offering, (ii) a maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by all Participants pursuant to such Offering and/or (iii) a maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by all Participants on any Purchase Date under the Offering. If the aggregate purchase of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Purchase Rights granted under the Offering would exceed any such maximum aggregate number, then, in the absence of any Board action otherwise, a pro rata (based on each Participant’s accumulated Contributions) allocation of the shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) available will be made in as nearly a uniform manner as will be practicable and equitable.

 

(d)            The purchase price of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to Purchase Rights will be specified by Board prior to the commencement of an Offering and will not be less than the lesser of:

 

(i)            an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the Offering Date; or

 

(ii)           an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the applicable Purchase Date.

 

7.            Participation; Withdrawal; Termination.

 

(a)            An Eligible Employee may elect to participate in an Offering and authorize payroll deductions as the means of making Contributions by completing and delivering to the Company or a Company Designee, within the time specified for the Offering, an enrollment form provided by the Company or Company Designee. The enrollment form will specify the amount of Contributions not to exceed the maximum amount specified by the Board. Each Participant’s Contributions will be credited to a bookkeeping account for such Participant under the Plan and will be deposited with the general funds of the Company except where Applicable Law requires that Contributions be deposited with a third party. If permitted in the Offering, a Participant may begin such Contributions with the first payroll occurring on or after the Offering Date (or, in the case of a payroll date that occurs after the end of the prior Offering but before the Offering Date of the next new Offering, Contributions from such payroll will be included in the new Offering). If permitted in the Offering, a Participant may thereafter reduce (including to zero) or increase his or her Contributions. If required under Applicable Law or if specifically provided in the Offering and to extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component, in addition to or instead of making Contributions by payroll deductions, a Participant may make Contributions through payment by cash, check or wire transfer prior to a Purchase Date.

 

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(b)            During an Offering, a Participant may cease making Contributions and withdraw from the Offering by delivering to the Company or a Company Designee a withdrawal form provided by the Company. The Company may impose a deadline before a Purchase Date for withdrawing. Upon such withdrawal, such Participant’s Purchase Right in that Offering will immediately terminate and the Company will distribute as soon as practicable to such Participant all of his or her accumulated but unused Contributions and such Participant’s Purchase Right in that Offering shall thereupon terminate. A Participant’s withdrawal from that Offering will have no effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any other Offerings under the Plan, but such Participant will be required to deliver a new enrollment form to participate in subsequent Offerings.

 

(c)            Unless otherwise required by Applicable Law, Purchase Rights granted pursuant to any Offering under the Plan will terminate immediately if the Participant either (i) is no longer an Employee for any reason or for no reason (subject to any post-employment participation period required by Applicable Law) or (ii) is otherwise no longer eligible to participate. The Company will distribute as soon as practicable to such individual all of his or her accumulated but unused Contributions.

 

(d)            Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Participant whose employment transfers or whose employment terminates with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by or between the Company and a Designated Company or between Designated Companies will not be treated as having terminated employment for purposes of participating in the Plan or an Offering; however, if a Participant transfers from an Offering under the 423 Component to an Offering under the Non-423 Component, the exercise of the Participant’s Purchase Right will be qualified under the 423 Component only to the extent such exercise complies with Section 423 of the Code. If a Participant transfers from an Offering under the Non-423 Component to an Offering under the 423 Component, the exercise of the Purchase Right will remain non-qualified under the Non-423 Component. The Board may establish different and additional rules governing transfers between separate Offerings within the 423 Component and between Offerings under the 423 Component and Offerings under the Non-423 Component.

 

(e)            During a Participant’s lifetime, Purchase Rights will be exercisable only by such Participant. Purchase Rights are not transferable by a Participant, except by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or, if permitted by the Company, by a beneficiary designation as described in Section 10.

 

(f)           Unless otherwise specified in the Offering or as required by Applicable Law, the Company will have no obligation to pay interest on Contributions.

 

8.            Exercise of Purchase Rights.

 

(a)            On each Purchase Date, each Participant’s accumulated Contributions will be applied to the purchase of shares of Common Stock, up to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock permitted by the Plan and the applicable Offering, at the purchase price specified in the Offering. No fractional shares will be issued unless specifically provided for in the Offering.

 

(b)            Unless otherwise provided in the Offering, if any amount of accumulated Contributions remains in a Participant’s account after the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the final Purchase Date of an Offering, then such remaining amount will not roll over to the next Offering and will instead be distributed in full to such Participant after the final Purchase Date of such Offering without interest (unless otherwise required by Applicable Law).

 

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(c)            No Purchase Rights may be exercised to any extent unless the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon such exercise under the Plan are covered by an effective registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act and the Plan is in material compliance with all applicable U.S. federal and state, foreign and other securities, exchange control and other laws applicable to the Plan. If on a Purchase Date the shares of Common Stock are not so registered or the Plan is not in such compliance, no Purchase Rights will be exercised on such Purchase Date, and, subject to Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component, the Purchase Date will be delayed until the shares of Common Stock are subject to such an effective registration statement and the Plan is in material compliance, except that the Purchase Date will in no event be more than 27 months from the Offering Date. If, on the Purchase Date, as delayed to the maximum extent permissible, the shares of Common Stock are not registered and the Plan is not in material compliance with all Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, no Purchase Rights will be exercised and all accumulated but unused Contributions will be distributed to the Participants without interest (unless the payment of interest is otherwise required by Applicable Law).

 

9.            Covenants of the Company.

 

The Company will seek to obtain from each U.S. federal or state, foreign or other regulatory commission, agency or other Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Purchase Rights and issue and sell shares of Common Stock thereunder unless the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that doing so is not practical or would cause the Company to incur costs that are unreasonable. If, after commercially reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the grant of Purchase Rights or the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, and at a commercially reasonable cost, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to grant Purchase Rights and/or to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Purchase Rights.

 

10.            Designation of Beneficiary.

 

(a)            The Company may, but is not obligated to, permit a Participant to submit a form designating a beneficiary who will receive any shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions from the Participant’s account under the Plan if the Participant dies before such shares and/or Contributions are delivered to the Participant. The Company may, but is not obligated to, permit the Participant to change such designation of beneficiary. Any such designation and/or change must be on a form approved by the Company.

 

(b)            If a Participant dies, and in the absence of a valid beneficiary designation, the Company will deliver any shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant. If no executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its sole discretion, may deliver such shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions, without interest (unless the payment of interest is otherwise required by Applicable Law), to the Participant’s spouse, dependents or relatives, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.

 

11.            Adjustments upon Changes in Common Stock; Corporate Transactions.

 

(a)            In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board will appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities by which the share reserve is to increase automatically each year pursuant to Section 3(a), (iii) the class(es) and number of securities subject to, and the purchase price applicable to outstanding Offerings and Purchase Rights, and (iv) the class(es) and number of securities that are the subject of the purchase limits under each ongoing Offering. The Board will make these adjustments, and its determination will be final, binding and conclusive.

 

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(b)            In the event of a Corporate Transaction, then: (i) any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) may assume or continue outstanding Purchase Rights or may substitute similar rights (including a right to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders in the Corporate Transaction) for outstanding Purchase Rights, or (ii) if any surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such Purchase Rights or does not substitute similar rights for such Purchase Rights, then the Participants’ accumulated Contributions will be used to purchase shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) within ten business days (or such other period specified by the Board) prior to the Corporate Transaction under the outstanding Purchase Rights, and the Purchase Rights will terminate immediately after such purchase.

 

12.            Amendment, Termination or Suspension of the Plan.

 

(a)            The Board may amend the Plan at any time in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable. However, except as provided in Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment of the Plan for which stockholder approval is required by Applicable Law.

 

(b)              The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Purchase Rights may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

 

Any benefits, privileges, entitlements and obligations under any outstanding Purchase Rights granted before an amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan will not be materially impaired by any such amendment, suspension or termination except (i) with the consent of the person to whom such Purchase Rights were granted, (ii) as necessary to facilitate compliance with any laws, listing requirements, or governmental regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of Section 423 of the Code and the regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder relating to Employee Stock Purchase Plans) including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued or amended after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, or (iii) as necessary to obtain or maintain favorable tax, listing, or regulatory treatment. To be clear, the Board may amend outstanding Purchase Rights without a Participant’s consent if such amendment is necessary to ensure that the Purchase Right and/or the Plan complies with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component or with respect to other Applicable Laws. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Offering Document to the contrary, the Board will be entitled to: (i) establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars; (ii) permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution elections; (iii) establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participant’s Contributions; (iv) amend any outstanding Purchase Rights or clarify any ambiguities regarding the terms of any Offering to enable the Purchase Rights to qualify under and/or comply with Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component; and (v) establish other limitations or procedures as the Board determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the Plan. The actions of the Board pursuant to this paragraph will not be considered to alter or impair any Purchase Rights granted under an Offering as they are part of the initial terms of each Offering and the Purchase Rights granted under each Offering.

 

13.            Tax Qualification; Tax Withholding.

 

(a)            Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify a Purchase Right for special tax treatment under the laws of the United States or jurisdictions outside of the United States or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment, the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain special or to avoid unfavorable tax treatment, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan.  The Company will be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on Participants.

 

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(b)            Each Participant will make arrangements, satisfactory to the Company and any applicable Related Corporation, to enable the Company or the Related Corporation to fulfill any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items. Without limitation to the foregoing, in the Company’s sole discretion and subject to Applicable Law, such withholding obligation may be satisfied in whole or in part by (i) withholding from the Participant’s salary or any other cash payment due to the Participant from the Company or a Related Corporation; (ii) withholding from the proceeds of the sale of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan, either through a voluntary sale or a mandatory sale arranged by the Company; or (iii) any other method deemed acceptable by the Board. The Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.

 

(c)            The 423 Component is exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code, and any ambiguities herein shall be interpreted to so be exempt from Section 409A of the Code. The Non-423 Component is intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code under the short-term deferral exception and any ambiguities shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if the Committee determines that an option granted under the Plan may be subject to Section 409A of the Code or that any provision in the Plan would cause an option under the Plan to be subject to Section 409A, the Committee may amend the terms of the Plan and/or of an outstanding option granted under the Plan, or take such other action the Committee determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the participant’s consent, to exempt any outstanding option or future option that may be granted under the Plan from or to allow any such options to comply with Section 409A of the Code, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Committee would not violate Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to a participant or any other party if the option under the Plan 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 Committee with respect thereto.

 

14.            Effective Date of Plan.

 

The Plan will become effective immediately prior to and contingent upon the Effective Date. No Purchase Rights will be exercised unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval must be within 12 months before or after the date the Plan is adopted (or if required under Section 12(a) above, materially amended) by the Board.

 

15.            Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

(a)              Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Purchase Rights will constitute general funds of the Company.

 

(b)            A Participant will not be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, shares of Common Stock subject to Purchase Rights unless and until the Participant’s shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of Purchase Rights are recorded in the books of the Company (or its transfer agent).

 

(c)            The Plan and Offering do not constitute an employment contract. Nothing in the Plan or in the Offering will in any way alter the at will nature of a Participant’s employment or amend a Participant’s employment contract, if applicable, or be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on the part of any Participant to continue in the employ of the Company or a Related Corporation or an Affiliate, or on the part of the Company, a Related Corporation or an Affiliate to continue the employment of a Participant.

 

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(d)            The provisions of the Plan will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without resort to that state’s conflicts of laws rules.

 

(e)            If any particular provision of the Plan is found to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, such provision will not affect the other provisions of the Plan, but the Plan will be construed in all respects as if such invalid provision were omitted.

 

(f)            If any provision of the Plan does not comply with Applicable Law, such provision shall be construed in such a manner as to comply with Applicable Law.

 

16.            Definitions.

 

As used in the Plan, the following definitions will apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:

 

(a)            423 Component” means the part of the Plan, which excludes the Non-423 Component, pursuant to which Purchase Rights that satisfy the requirements for an Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be granted to Eligible Employees.

 

(b)         “Affiliate means any entity, other than a Related Corporation, whether now or subsequently established, which is at the time of determination, a “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act. The Board may determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.

 

(c)            Applicable Law” means shall mean the Code and any applicable securities, federal, state, foreign, material local or municipal or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, listing rule, regulation, judicial decision, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (or under the authority of the Nasdaq Stock Market, the New York Stock Exchange or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).

 

(d)            Board” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

(e)            Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Purchase Right after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.

 

(f)            Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.

 

(g)           Committee” means a committee of one or more members of the Board to whom authority has been delegated by the Board in accordance with Section 2(c).

 

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(h)            Common Stock” means the Class A common stock of the Company.

 

(i)             Company” means Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(j)         “Contributions” means the payroll deductions and other additional payments specifically provided for in the Offering that a Participant contributes to fund the exercise of a Purchase Right. A Participant may make additional payments into his or her account if specifically provided for in the Offering, and then only if the Participant has not already had the maximum permitted amount withheld during the Offering through payroll deductions and, with respect to the 423 Component, to the extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code.

 

(k)          Corporate Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

 

(i)            a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries;

 

(ii)            a sale or other disposition of more than 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company;

 

(iii)            a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or

 

(iv)          a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.

 

(l)            “Designated 423 Corporation means any Related Corporation selected by the Board to participate in the 423 Component.

 

(m)          “Designated Companymeans any Designated Non-423 Corporation or Designated 423 Corporation, provided, however, that at any given time, a Related Corporation participating in the 423 Component shall not be a Related Corporation participating in the Non-423 Component.

 

(n)       “Designated Non-423 Corporation means any Related Corporation or Affiliate selected by the Board to participate in the Non-423 Component.

 

(o)           Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(p)         Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan, which is the date of the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement by and among Atlas Crest Investment Corp., Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc. and the Company, dated as of February 10, 2021, provided that this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders prior to such date.

 

(q)           Eligible Employee” means an Employee who meets the requirements set forth in the document(s) governing the Offering for eligibility to participate in the Offering, provided that such Employee also meets the requirements for eligibility to participate set forth in the Plan.

 

(r)           Employee” means any person, including an Officer or Director, who is “employed” for purposes of Section 423(b)(4) of the Code by the Company or a Related Corporation, or solely with respect to the Non-423 Component, an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.

 

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(s)          Employee Stock Purchase Plan” means a plan that grants Purchase Rights intended to be options issued under an “employee stock purchase plan,” as that term is defined in Section 423(b) of the Code.

 

(t)           Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(u)           Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined as follows:

 

(i)            If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock 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 Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in such source as the Board deems reliable. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, if there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.

 

(ii)            In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith in compliance with Applicable Laws and regulations and, to the extent applicable as determined in the sole discretion of the Board, in a manner that complies with Sections 409A of the Code

 

(v)            Governmental Body” means any: (a) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) 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, the New York Stock Exchange and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).

 

(w)           “Non-423 Component means the part of the Plan, which excludes the 423 Component, pursuant to which Purchase Rights that are not intended to satisfy the requirements for an Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be granted to Eligible Employees.

 

(x)            Offering” means the grant to Eligible Employees of Purchase Rights, with the exercise of those Purchase Rights automatically occurring at the end of one or more Purchase Periods. The terms and conditions of an Offering will generally be set forth in the “Offering Document” approved by the Board for that Offering.

 

(y)            Offering Date” means a date selected by the Board for an Offering to commence.

 

(z)            Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company or a Related Corporation within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

(aa)          Participant” means an Eligible Employee who holds an outstanding Purchase Right.

 

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(bb)         Plan” means this Archer Aviation Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended from time to time, including both the 423 Component and the Non-423 Component.

 

(cc)          Purchase Date” means one or more dates during an Offering selected by the Board on which Purchase Rights will be exercised and on which purchases of shares of Common Stock will be carried out in accordance with such Offering.

 

(dd)          Purchase Period” means a period of time specified within an Offering, generally beginning on the Offering Date or on the first Trading Day following a Purchase Date, and ending on a Purchase Date. An Offering may consist of one or more Purchase Periods.

 

(ee)          Purchase Right” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

(ff)         Related Corporation” means any “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” of the Company whether now or subsequently established, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.

 

(gg)         Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(hh)         Tax-Related Items” means any income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefit tax, payment on account or other tax-related items arising out of or in relation to a Participant’s participation in the Plan, including, but not limited to, the exercise of a Purchase Right and the receipt of shares of Common Stock or the sale or other disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan.

 

(ii)          Trading Day” means any day on which the exchange(s) or market(s) on which shares of Common Stock are listed, including but not limited to the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Capital Market or any successors thereto, is open for trading.

 

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Exhibit 10.12

 

September 16, 2021

 

Brett Adcock

[Address omitted]

 

Re:           Employment Terms

 

Dear Brett:

 

On behalf of Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company” or “New Archer”), being the public company resulting from the business combination of Atlas Crest Investment Corp., Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc., and Archer Aviation Inc. (“Archer”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Business Combination Agreement by and among the parties thereto, dated July 29, 2021 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), I am pleased to offer you employment at the Company on the terms set forth in this offer letter agreement (the “Agreement”). As discussed, the terms of this Agreement govern with respect to your employment, which is anticipated to start on the Closing Date (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement (such actual date of your commencement of employment referred to herein as the “Start Date”).

 

1.             Employment by the Company.

 

(a)               Position. You will serve as the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officer (“Co-CEO”), reporting to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). During the term of your employment with the Company, you will devote your best efforts and substantially all of your business time and attention to the business of the Company, except for approved vacation periods and reasonable periods of illness or other incapacities permitted by the Company’s general employment policies. It is anticipated that such business of the Company will include your providing services to entities that are affiliated with the Company, without further or additional compensation or benefits other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

(b)               Duties and Location. You will perform those duties and responsibilities as are customary for the position of Co-CEO and as may be directed by the Board. You will work out of the Company’s offices in Palo Alto, California, or if the offices have not yet reopened, you will initially work remotely until the Company’s offices re-open. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company reserves the right to reasonably require you to perform your duties at places other than your primary office location from time to time, and to require reasonable business travel. Subject to the Good Reason and other provisions contained herein, the Company may modify your job title, work location and duties as it deems necessary and appropriate in light of the Company’s needs and interests from time to time.

 

2.             Base Salary and Employee Benefits.

 

(a)               Salary. You will be paid a base salary at the rate of $600,000 per year, less applicable payroll deductions and withholdings. Your base salary will be paid on the Company’s ordinary payroll cycle. As an exempt salaried employee, you will be required to work the Company’s normal business hours, and such additional time as appropriate for your work assignments and position, and you will not be entitled to overtime compensation.

 

(b)               Annual Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus with a target amount of fifty percent (50%) of your base salary, less payroll deductions and withholdings. The amount of this bonus will be determined in the sole discretion of the Company based upon achievement of target objectives as established by the Board or a committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) in its sole discretion. The Company will pay you this bonus, if any, no later than March 15th of the following calendar year. The bonus is not earned until paid, is subject to your continuous employment with the Company through the payment date, and no pro-rated amount will be paid if your employment terminates for any reason prior to the bonus payment date.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 2

 

(c)               Employee Benefits. As a regular full-time employee, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s standard employee benefits offered to executive level employees, as in effect from time to time and subject to the terms and conditions of the benefit plans and applicable Company policies. A full description of these benefits is available upon request. The Company may change your compensation and benefits from time to time in its discretion.

 

3.             Expenses. The Company will reimburse you for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by you in furtherance of or in connection with the performance of your duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and practices as in effect from time to time.

 

4.             Equity Awards. Immediately prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (the “Closing”), you will be granted such number of restricted stock units (the “Founder Grants”) in accordance with the Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (the “RSU Agreement”) under the Archer Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Plan (as may be amended following the date hereof to permit the grant of the Founder Grants), that, taken together with your existing equity ownership, would result in you owning 18% of the Total Outstanding Capitalization (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) on Closing. The Founder Grants will vest in accordance with the terms set forth in Exhibit E to the Business Combination Agreement as memorialized in the RSU Agreement. For greater certainty, if the Closing does not occur, the Founder Grants shall be automatically forfeited and you shall have no further rights or entitlements thereto.

 

5.             Compliance with Confidentiality Information Agreement and Company Policies. As a condition of employment, you agree to sign and comply with the Company’s Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit A. In addition, you are required to abide by the Company’s policies and procedures (including but not limited to the Company’s employee Handbook), as adopted or modified from time to time within the Company’s discretion, and acknowledge in writing that you have read and will comply with such policies and procedures (and provide additional such acknowledgements as such policies and procedures may be modified from time to time); provided, however, that in the event the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

 

6.             Protection of Third Party Information. By signing this Agreement, you are representing that you have full authority to accept this position and perform the duties of the position without conflict with any other obligations and that you are not involved in any situation that might create, or appear to create, a conflict of interest with respect to your loyalty to or duties for the Company. You specifically warrant that you are not subject to an employment agreement or restrictive covenant preventing full performance of your duties to the Company. In addition, you agree not to bring to the Company or use in the performance of your responsibilities at the Company any materials or documents of a former employer that are not generally available to the public, unless you have obtained express written authorization from the former employer for their possession and use. You also agree to honor all obligations to former employers during your employment with the Company.

 

7.             At-Will Employment Relationship. Your employment relationship with the Company is at will. Accordingly, you may terminate your employment with the Company at any time and for any reason whatsoever simply by notifying the Company; and the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause (as defined herein) or advance notice.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 3

 

8.             Severance in the Event of Qualifying Termination Absent a Change of Control. If, at any time, the Company terminates your employment without Cause (other than as a result of your death or disability) or you resign for Good Reason (either such termination referred to as a “Qualifying Termination”), provided such termination or resignation constitutes a Separation from Service (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service”), then in addition the Accrued Obligations (defined below), and subject to Sections 10 (“Clawback and Recovery”), 12 (“Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting”) and 13 (“Return of Company Property”) below and your continued compliance with the terms of this Agreement (including without limitation the Confidentiality Agreement), the Company will provide you with the following severance benefits (the “Severance Benefits”):

 

(a)            Cash Severance. The Company will pay you, as cash severance, an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of your base salary in effect as of your Separation from Service date (ignoring any reductions that may give rise to Good Reason), less standard payroll deductions and tax withholdings (the “Severance”). The Severance will be paid in installments in the form of continuation of your base salary payments, paid on the Company’s ordinary payroll dates, commencing on the Company’s first regular payroll date that is more than sixty (60) days following your Separation from Service date, and shall be for any accrued base salary for the sixty (60)-day period plus the period from the sixtieth (60th) day until the regular payroll date, if applicable, and all salary continuation payments thereafter, if any, shall be made on the Company’s regular payroll dates

 

(b)            Bonus Severance. The Company will pay you an additional cash severance payment in an amount equal to two times (2x) the amount of your target annual bonus pursuant to Section 2(b) of this Agreement for the calendar year in which your employment is terminated, less applicable deductions and withholdings (the “Bonus Severance”). The Bonus Severance will be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Separation from Service date.

 

(c)            COBRA Severance. The Company will pay to you a fully taxable cash payment equal to the amount of your COBRA premiums you would have to pay to continue your health care coverage in effect at the at the time of your Separation from Service for a maximum of twenty-four (24) months following the Separation from Service date (such amount, the “Special Cash Payment”). You may, but are not obligated to, use such Special Cash Payment towards the cost of your own health insurance coverage.

 

(d)            Accelerated Vesting. The Company shall accelerate vesting (the “Accelerated Vesting”) of the number of then-unvested shares subject to any time-based equity awards previously granted to you by the Company (excluding for the avoidance of doubt the Founder Grants) that would have vested had your employment continued for an additional twenty-four (24) months after the Separation from Service date, such that those number of shares shall be deemed immediately vested and exercisable as of your Separation from Service date.

 

(e)            Founder Grants. The Founder Grants will remain outstanding for 15 months from the date of such termination and will remain eligible for vesting upon the achievement of the milestones set forth in such RSU Agreement.

 

9.             Severance in the Event of Qualifying Termination in Connection with a Change of Control. In the event of a Qualifying Termination that occurs within three (3) months prior to or within eighteen (18) months following the closing of a Change of Control (as defined below), provided such Qualifying Termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then in addition the Accrued Obligations, and subject to Sections 10 (“Clawback and Recovery”), 12 (“Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting”) and 13 (“Return of Company Property”) below and your continued compliance with the terms of this Agreement (including without limitation the Confidentiality Agreement), the Company shall provide you with the Severance Benefits set forth in Section 8 above, provided, however, that (a) the Severance will be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Separation from Service Date rather than in installments, and (b) the Accelerated Vesting shall apply to any then-unvested shares of any equity awards previously granted to you by the Company such that one hundred percent (100%) of the time-based portion of any such equity awards (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Founder Grants) shall be deemed satisfied as of your Separation from Service date.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 4

 

10.          Clawback and Recovery. Any and all Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting provided under this Agreement will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law.

 

11.          Resignation Without Good Reason; Termination for Cause; Death or Disability. If, at any time, you resign your employment without Good Reason, or the Company terminates your employment for Cause, or if either party terminates your employment as a result of your death or disability, you will receive (i) all accrued but unpaid base salary through the date of your employment termination, (ii) any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses, and (iii) any benefits provided under the Company’s employee benefit plans upon a termination of employment (excluding any employee benefit plan providing for severance or similar benefits), in accordance with the terms contained (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). Under these circumstances, you will not be entitled to any other form of compensation from the Company, including any Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting.

 

12.          Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting. Prior to and as a condition to your receipt of the Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting, you shall execute and deliver to the Company an effective release of claims in favor of and in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Release”), subject to any changes to comply with changes in the law, and allow the Release to become effective according to its terms (by not invoking any legal right to revoke it) within any applicable time period set forth therein (such latest permitted effective date, the “Release Deadline”).

 

13.          Return of Company Property. Upon the termination of your employment for any reason, as a precondition to your receipt of the Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting (if applicable), within fifteen (15) days after your Separation from Service Date (or earlier if requested by the Company), you must return to the Company all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other Company property in your possession, custody or control, including, but not limited to, Company files, notes, financial and operational information, password and account information, customer lists and contact information, prospect information, product and services information, research and development information, drawings, records, plans, forecasts, pipeline reports, sales reports or other reports, payroll information, spreadsheets, studies, analyses, compilations of data, proposals, agreements, sales and marketing information, personnel information, specifications, code, software, databases, computer-recorded information, tangible property and equipment (including, but not limited to, computers, facsimile machines, mobile telephones, tablets, handheld devices, and servers), credit cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys, and any materials of any kind which contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of the Company, and all reproductions thereof in whole or in part and in any medium. You further agree that you will make a diligent search to locate any such documents, property and information and return them to the Company within the timeframe provided above. You also must provide the Company all passwords, log-ins, administrative access, and any other information or access for and relating to any Company computer or other device that you have used to access or use the Company’s network, as well as any Company database or Company accounts with third parties which you established, administered, or to which you had access, and must terminate your access to such network and accounts and otherwise comply with any Company requests regarding all such access and accounts. In addition, if you have used any personal computer, server, or email system to receive, store, review, prepare or transmit any confidential or proprietary data, materials or information of the Company, then within five (5) days after your Separation from Service date (or earlier if requested by the Company) you must provide the Company with a computer-useable copy of such information and permanently delete and expunge such confidential or proprietary information from those systems without retaining any reproductions (in whole or in part); and you agree to provide the Company access to your system, as requested, to verify that the necessary copying and deletion is done. If requested, you shall deliver to the Company a signed statement certifying compliance with this Section prior to the receipt of the Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 5

 

14.          Outside Activities. Throughout your employment with the Company, you may engage in civic and not-for-profit activities so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of your duties hereunder or present a conflict of interest with the Company. During your employment by the Company, except on behalf of the Company, you will not directly or indirectly serve as an officer, director, stockholder, employee, partner, proprietor, investor, joint venturer, associate, representative or consultant of any other person, corporation, firm, partnership or other entity whatsoever known by you to compete with the Company (or is planning or preparing to compete with the Company), anywhere in the world, in any line of business engaged in (or planned to be engaged in) by the Company; provided, however, that you may purchase or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any enterprise (but without participating in the activities of such enterprise) if such securities are listed on any national or regional securities exchange. The Company is aware that you are engaged in those outside activities listed in Exhibit C and consents to your continued participation in such activities, so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of your duties hereunder or present a conflict of interest with the Company.

 

15.           Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)            Cause” for termination will exist if your employment is terminated for any of the following reasons: (i) any material breach by you of any material written agreement between you and the Company and your failure to cure such condition (if curable) within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof; (ii) any failure by you to comply with the Company’s material written policies or rules as they may be in effect from time to time; (iii) your willful failure to follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the Board and your failure to cure such condition (if curable) within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof; (iv) your conviction of (including a plea of guilty or nolo contendere) to, any crime that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Company; (v) your commission of or participation in an act of fraud; (vi) your misconduct that results in material damage to the Company’s business, property or reputation; or (vii) your unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom you owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his relationship with the Company. For purposes of clarity, a termination without “Cause” does not include any termination that occurs as a result of your death or disability.

 

(b)            Good Reason” will exist if any of the following actions are taken by the Company without your prior written consent: (i) a material reduction in your base salary (unless pursuant to a salary reduction program applicable generally to your similarly situated employees not to exceed ten percent (10%)); (ii) a material reduction in your title or duties (including responsibilities and/or authorities); or (iii) relocation of your principal place of employment by more than thirty-five (35) miles, provided, however, that any change from remote work to working from the Company’s Palo Alto offices will not be deemed a relocation that could give rise to Good Reason under this provision. In order to resign for Good Reason, you must provide written notice to the Company’s Board within thirty (30) days after the first occurrence of the event giving rise to Good Reason setting forth the basis for your resignation, allow the Company at least thirty (30) days from receipt of such written notice to cure such event, and if such event is not reasonably cured within such period, you must resign from all positions you then hold with the Company not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the cure period.

 

(c)               Change of Control” shall mean a Change of Control Transaction as defined in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 6

 

16.          Compliance with Section 409A. It is intended that the payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”) (Section 409A, together with any state law of similar effect and the treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, collectively, “Section 409A”), including under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Company (or, if applicable, the successor entity thereto) determines that the Severance or Accelerated Vesting constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and you are, on the date of your Separation from Service, a “specified employee” of the Company or any successor entity thereto, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (a “Specified Employee”), then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting shall be delayed until the earliest of: (i) the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after your Separation from Service date, (ii) the date of your death, or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments or benefits deferred pursuant to this Section shall be paid in a lump sum or provided in full by the Company (or the successor entity thereto, as applicable), and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred. If the Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting benefits are not covered by one or more exemptions from the application of Section 409A and the Release could become effective in the calendar year following the calendar year in which you have a Separation from Service, the Release will not be deemed effective any earlier than the Release Deadline. The payments and benefits provided hereunder are intended to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 409A or comply with its requirements to the extent necessary to avoid adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein shall be interpreted accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent required to comply with Section 409A, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A. With respect to reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided to you hereunder (or otherwise) that are not exempt from Section 409A, the following rules shall apply: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during any one of your taxable years shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefit to be provided in any other taxable year, (ii) in the case of any reimbursements of eligible expenses, reimbursement shall be made on or before the last day of your taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred, (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to you and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on you by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 7

 

17.          Section 280G; Parachute Payments.

 

(a)              If any payment or benefit you will or may receive from the Company or otherwise (a “280G Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then any such 280G Payment provided pursuant to this Agreement (a “Payment”) shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount (i.e., the amount determined by clause (x) or by clause (y)), after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in your receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater economic benefit notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in a Payment is required pursuant to the preceding sentence and the Reduced Amount is determined pursuant to clause (x) of the preceding sentence, the reduction shall occur in the manner (the “Reduction Method”) that results in the greatest economic benefit for you. If more than one method of reduction will result in the same economic benefit, the items so reduced will be reduced pro rata (the “Pro Rata Reduction Method”).

 

(b)               Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (a) above to the contrary, if the Reduction Method or the Pro Rata Reduction Method would result in any portion of the Payment being subject to taxes pursuant to Section 409A that would not otherwise be subject to taxes pursuant to Section 409A, then the Reduction Method and/or the Pro Rata Reduction Method, as the case may be, shall be modified so as to avoid the imposition of taxes pursuant to Section 409A as follows: (A) as a first priority, the modification shall preserve to the greatest extent possible, the greatest economic benefit for you as determined on an after-tax basis; (B) as a second priority, Payments that are contingent on future events (e.g., being terminated without Cause), shall be reduced (or eliminated) before Payments that are not contingent on future events; and (C) as a third priority, Payments that are “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be reduced (or eliminated) before Payments that are not deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(c)               Unless you and the Company agree on an alternative accounting firm or law firm, the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general tax compliance purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the of in Control transaction shall perform the foregoing calculations. If the accounting firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the change in control transaction, the Company shall appoint a nationally recognized accounting or law firm to make the determinations required by this Section 17 (“Section 280G; Parachute Payments”). The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such accounting or law firm required to be made hereunder. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the accounting or law firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder to provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to you and the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which your right to a 280G Payment becomes reasonably likely to occur (if requested at that time by you or the Company) or such other time as requested by you or the Company.

 

(d)               If you receive a Payment for which the Reduced Amount was determined pursuant to clause (x) of Section 17(a) and the Internal Revenue Service determines thereafter that some portion of the Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, you agree to promptly return to the Company a sufficient amount of the Payment (after reduction pursuant to clause (x) of Section 17(a)) so that no portion of the remaining Payment is subject to the Excise Tax. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Reduced Amount was determined pursuant to clause (y) of Section 17(a), you shall have no obligation to return any portion of the Payment pursuant to the preceding sentence.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 8

 

18.          Dispute Resolution. To ensure the rapid and economical resolution of disputes that may arise in connection with your employment with the Company, you and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action, in law or equity, including but not limited to statutory claims, arising from or relating to the enforcement, breach, performance, or interpretation of this Agreement, your employment with the Company, or the termination of your employment, shall be resolved pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1-16, to the fullest extent permitted by law, by final, binding and confidential arbitration conducted by JAMS, Inc. or its successor (“JAMS”), under JAMS’ then applicable rules and procedures for employment disputes before a single arbitrator (available upon request and also currently available at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/). You acknowledge that by agreeing to this arbitration procedure, both you and the Company waive the right to resolve any such dispute through a trial by jury or judge or administrative proceeding. In addition, all claims, disputes, or causes of action under this section, whether by you or the Company, must be brought in an individual capacity, and shall not be brought as a plaintiff (or claimant) or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding, nor joined or consolidated with the claims of any other person or entity. The arbitrator may not consolidate the claims of more than one person or entity, and may not preside over any form of representative or class proceeding. To the extent that the preceding sentences regarding class claims or proceedings are found to violate applicable law or are otherwise found unenforceable, any claim(s) alleged or brought on behalf of a class shall proceed in a court of law rather than by arbitration. This paragraph shall not apply to any action or claim that cannot be subject to mandatory arbitration as a matter of law, including, without limitation, claims brought pursuant to the California Private Attorneys General Act of 2004, as amended, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as amended, and the California Labor Code, as amended, to the extent such claims are not permitted by applicable law to be submitted to mandatory arbitration and such applicable law(s) are not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act or otherwise invalid (collectively, the “Excluded Claims”). In the event you intend to bring multiple claims, including one of the Excluded Claims listed above, the Excluded Claims may be publicly filed with a court, while any other claims will remain subject to mandatory arbitration. You will have the right to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding. Questions of whether a claim is subject to arbitration under this agreement shall be decided by the arbitrator. Likewise, procedural questions which grow out of the dispute and bear on the final disposition are also matters for the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall: (a) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by law; and (b) issue a written statement signed by the arbitrator regarding the disposition of each claim and the relief, if any, awarded as to each claim, the reasons for the award, and the arbitrator’s essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The arbitrator shall be authorized to award all relief that you or the Company would be entitled to seek in a court of law. The Company shall pay all JAMS arbitration fees in excess of the administrative fees that you would be required to pay if the dispute were decided in a court of law. Nothing in this letter agreement is intended to prevent either you or the Company from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. Any awards or orders in such arbitrations may be entered and enforced as judgments in the federal and state courts of any competent jurisdiction.

 

19.          Miscellaneous. This offer is contingent upon a satisfactory reference check and satisfactory proof of your right to work in the United States. If the Company informs you that you are required to complete a background check or drug test, this offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance of such background check and/or drug test. You agree to assist as needed and to complete any documentation at the Company’s request to meet these conditions. This Agreement, together with your Confidentiality Agreement, forms the complete and exclusive statement of your employment agreement with the Company. It supersedes any other agreements or promises made to you by anyone, whether oral or written. Changes in your employment terms, other than those changes expressly reserved to the Company’s or the Board’s discretion in this Agreement, require a written modification approved by the Company and signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than you). This Agreement will bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of both you and the Company, and inure to the benefit of both you and the Company, their heirs, successors and assigns. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, this determination shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement and the provision in question shall be modified so as to be rendered enforceable in a manner consistent with the intent of the parties insofar as possible under applicable law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any ambiguity in this Agreement shall not be construed against either party as the drafter. Any waiver of a breach of this Agreement, or rights hereunder, shall be in writing and shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any successive breach or rights hereunder. This Agreement may be delivered and executed via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and executed and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

 

 

 

Brett Adcock

September 16, 2021

Page 9

 

Please sign and date this Agreement and the enclosed Confidentiality Agreement and return them to me on or before September 16, 2021 if you wish to accept employment at the Company under the terms described above. The offer of employment herein will expire if I do not receive this signed letter by that date. I would be happy to discuss any questions that you may have about these terms.

 

We are delighted to be making this offer and the Company looks forward to your favorable reply and to a productive and enjoyable work relationship.

 

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Adam Goldstein  
Adam Goldstein, Director  

 

Reviewed, Understood, and Accepted:

 

/s/ Brett Adcock   September 16, 2021
Brett Adcock   Date

 

Exhibit A: Confidentiality Agreement

Exhibit B: Release

Exhibit C: Outside Activities

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 

Omitted.

 

A-1 

 

 

Exhibit B

 

RELEASE

 

In exchange for the severance benefits to be provided to me by Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to my Employment Terms offer letter between me and the Company, dated September 16, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”), I hereby provide the following release.

 

I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its parents, subsidiaries, successors, predecessors, and affiliates, and each of their respective current and former directors, officers, employees, stockholders, shareholders, agents, attorneys, insurers, and assigns, from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring at any time prior to and including the date I sign this release. This general release includes, but is not limited to: (a) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment or the termination of that employment; (b) all claims related to my compensation or benefits, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests; (c) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (d) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (e) all federal, state, provincial and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (as amended) (“ADEA”), the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended), and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended). Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand that the following claims are not included in my release: (a) any rights or claims for indemnification I may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement; the charter, bylaws, or operating agreements of the Company; or under applicable law; (b) any rights which cannot be waived as a matter of law; or (c) any rights to vested benefits or compensation.

 

In addition, I understand that nothing in this release limits my ability to file a charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”). I further understand this release does not limit my ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company. While this Agreement does not limit my right to receive an award for information provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission, I understand and agree that, to maximum extent permitted by law, I am otherwise waiving any and all rights I may have to individual relief based on any claims that I have released and any rights I have waived by signing this release.

 

I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the ADEA (“ADEA Waiver”), and that the consideration for the waiver and release in the preceding paragraph hereof is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that: (a) my waiver and release do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date I sign this release; (b) I should consult with an attorney prior to signing this release (although I may choose voluntarily not do so); (c) I have [21][45] days to consider this release (although I may choose voluntarily to sign this release earlier); (d) I have seven days following the date I sign this release to revoke it by providing written notice to the Board of Directors; and (e) this release will not be effective until the date upon which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after I sign this release.

 

B-2

 

 

I acknowledge that I have read and understand Section 1542 of the California Civil Code which reads as follows: “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.” I hereby expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to my release of any claims hereunder.

 

I hereby represent that I have been paid all compensation owed and for all hours worked; I have received all the leave and leave benefits and protections for which I am eligible pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, or otherwise; and I have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which I have not already filed a workers’ compensation claim. I further acknowledge that, other than the severance benefits that will be provided to me pursuant to the Employment Agreement upon the effectiveness of this release, among other required conditions, I have not earned and will not receive from the Company any additional compensation, severance, or benefits, with the exception of any vested right I may have under the express terms of a written ERISA-qualified benefit plan (e.g., 401(k) account). By way of example, I acknowledge that I have not earned and am not owed any bonus, vacation, incentive compensation, severance, commissions or equity.

 

I further acknowledge my continuing obligations under my Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement.

 

I hereby agree not to disparage the Company or any of its officers, directors, employees, shareholders, and agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to its or their business, business reputations or personal reputations; provided that I may respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by the legal process or in connection with a government investigation. In addition, nothing in this release is intended to prohibit or restrain me in any manner from making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation or under other applicable law or regulation.

 

I acknowledge that to become effective, I must sign and return this Release to the Company so that it is received not later than [21][45] days following the date it is provided to me.

   
  Brett Adcock
   
   
  (Signature)
   
  Date:                       

 

Archer Aviation Inc.  
   
   
Adam Goldstein, Director  
   
Date:             

 

B-3

 

 

Exhibit C

 

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

 

None.

 

C-1

 

 

Exhibit 10.13

 

September 16, 2021

 

Adam Goldstein

[Address omitted]

 

Re: Employment Terms

 

Dear Adam:

 

On behalf of Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company” or “New Archer”), being the public company resulting from the business combination of Atlas Crest Investment Corp., Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc., and Archer Aviation Inc. (“Archer”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Business Combination Agreement by and among the parties thereto, dated July 29, 2021 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), I am pleased to offer you employment at the Company on the terms set forth in this offer letter agreement (the “Agreement”). As discussed, the terms of this Agreement govern with respect to your employment, which is anticipated to start on the Closing Date (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement (such actual date of your commencement of employment referred to herein as the “Start Date”).

 

1. Employment by the Company.

 

(a)                Position. You will serve as the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officer (“Co-CEO”), reporting to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). During the term of your employment with the Company, you will devote your best efforts and substantially all of your business time and attention to the business of the Company, except for approved vacation periods and reasonable periods of illness or other incapacities permitted by the Company’s general employment policies. It is anticipated that such business of the Company will include your providing services to entities that are affiliated with the Company, without further or additional compensation or benefits other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

(b)               Duties and Location. You will perform those duties and responsibilities as are customary for the position of Co-CEO and as may be directed by the Board. You will work out of the Company’s offices in Palo Alto, California, or if the offices have not yet reopened, you will initially work remotely until the Company’s offices re-open. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company reserves the right to reasonably require you to perform your duties at places other than your primary office location from time to time, and to require reasonable business travel. Subject to the Good Reason and other provisions contained herein, the Company may modify your job title, work location and duties as it deems necessary and appropriate in light of the Company’s needs and interests from time to time.

 

2. Base Salary and Employee Benefits.

 

(a)                Salary. You will be paid a base salary at the rate of $600,000 per year, less applicable payroll deductions and withholdings. Your base salary will be paid on the Company’s ordinary payroll cycle. As an exempt salaried employee, you will be required to work the Company’s normal business hours, and such additional time as appropriate for your work assignments and position, and you will not be entitled to overtime compensation.

 

(b)               Annual Bonus. You will be eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus with a target amount of fifty percent (50%) of your base salary, less payroll deductions and withholdings. The amount of this bonus will be determined in the sole discretion of the Company based upon achievement of target objectives as established by the Board or a committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) in its sole discretion. The Company will pay you this bonus, if any, no later than March 15th of the following calendar year. The bonus is not earned until paid, is subject to your continuous employment with the Company through the payment date, and no pro-rated amount will be paid if your employment terminates for any reason prior to the bonus payment date.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 2

 

(c)                Employee Benefits. As a regular full-time employee, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s standard employee benefits offered to executive level employees, as in effect from time to time and subject to the terms and conditions of the benefit plans and applicable Company policies. A full description of these benefits is available upon request. The Company may change your compensation and benefits from time to time in its discretion.

 

3.            Expenses. The Company will reimburse you for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by you in furtherance of or in connection with the performance of your duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and practices as in effect from time to time.

 

4.            Equity Awards. Immediately prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (the “Closing”), you will be granted such number of restricted stock units (the “Founder Grants”) in accordance with the Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (the “RSU Agreement”) under the Archer Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Plan (as may be amended following the date hereof to permit the grant of the Founder Grants), that, taken together with your existing equity ownership, would result in you owning 18% of the Total Outstanding Capitalization (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) on Closing. The Founder Grants will vest in accordance with the terms set forth in Exhibit E to the Business Combination Agreement as memorialized in the RSU Agreement. For greater certainty, if the Closing does not occur, the Founder Grants shall be automatically forfeited and you shall have no further rights or entitlements thereto.

 

5.            Compliance with Confidentiality Information Agreement and Company Policies. As a condition of employment, you agree to sign and comply with the Company’s Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit A. In addition, you are required to abide by the Company’s policies and procedures (including but not limited to the Company’s employee Handbook), as adopted or modified from time to time within the Company’s discretion, and acknowledge in writing that you have read and will comply with such policies and procedures (and provide additional such acknowledgements as such policies and procedures may be modified from time to time); provided, however, that in the event the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

 

6.            Protection of Third Party Information. By signing this Agreement, you are representing that you have full authority to accept this position and perform the duties of the position without conflict with any other obligations and that you are not involved in any situation that might create, or appear to create, a conflict of interest with respect to your loyalty to or duties for the Company. You specifically warrant that you are not subject to an employment agreement or restrictive covenant preventing full performance of your duties to the Company. In addition, you agree not to bring to the Company or use in the performance of your responsibilities at the Company any materials or documents of a former employer that are not generally available to the public, unless you have obtained express written authorization from the former employer for their possession and use. You also agree to honor all obligations to former employers during your employment with the Company.

 

7.             At-Will Employment Relationship. Your employment relationship with the Company is at will. Accordingly, you may terminate your employment with the Company at any time and for any reason whatsoever simply by notifying the Company; and the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause (as defined herein) or advance notice.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 3

 

8.             Severance in the Event of Qualifying Termination Absent a Change of Control. If, at any time, the Company terminates your employment without Cause (other than as a result of your death or disability) or you resign for Good Reason (either such termination referred to as a “Qualifying Termination”), provided such termination or resignation constitutes a Separation from Service (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a “Separation from Service”), then in addition the Accrued Obligations (defined below), and subject to Sections 10 (“Clawback and Recovery”), 12 (“Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting”) and 13 (“Return of Company Property”) below and your continued compliance with the terms of this Agreement (including without limitation the Confidentiality Agreement), the Company will provide you with the following severance benefits (the “Severance Benefits”):

 

(a)                Cash Severance. The Company will pay you, as cash severance, an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of your base salary in effect as of your Separation from Service date (ignoring any reductions that may give rise to Good Reason), less standard payroll deductions and tax withholdings (the “Severance”). The Severance will be paid in installments in the form of continuation of your base salary payments, paid on the Company’s ordinary payroll dates, commencing on the Company’s first regular payroll date that is more than sixty (60) days following your Separation from Service date, and shall be for any accrued base salary for the sixty (60)-day period plus the period from the sixtieth (60th) day until the regular payroll date, if applicable, and all salary continuation payments thereafter, if any, shall be made on the Company’s regular payroll dates

 

(b)               Bonus Severance. The Company will pay you an additional cash severance payment in an amount equal to two times (2x) the amount of your target annual bonus pursuant to Section 2(b) of this Agreement for the calendar year in which your employment is terminated, less applicable deductions and withholdings (the “Bonus Severance”). The Bonus Severance will be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Separation from Service date.

 

(c)                COBRA Severance. The Company will pay to you a fully taxable cash payment equal to the amount of your COBRA premiums you would have to pay to continue your health care coverage in effect at the at the time of your Separation from Service for a maximum of twenty-four (24) months following the Separation from Service date (such amount, the “Special Cash Payment”). You may, but are not obligated to, use such Special Cash Payment towards the cost of your own health insurance coverage.

 

(d)               Accelerated Vesting. The Company shall accelerate vesting (the “Accelerated Vesting”) of the number of then-unvested shares subject to any time-based equity awards previously granted to you by the Company (excluding for the avoidance of doubt the Founder Grants) that would have vested had your employment continued for an additional twenty-four (24) months after the Separation from Service date, such that those number of shares shall be deemed immediately vested and exercisable as of your Separation from Service date.

 

(e)                Founder Grants. The Founder Grants will remain outstanding for 15 months from the date of such termination and will remain eligible for vesting upon the achievement of the milestones set forth in such RSU Agreement.

 

9.            Severance in the Event of Qualifying Termination in Connection with a Change of Control. In the event of a Qualifying Termination that occurs within three (3) months prior to or within eighteen (18) months following the closing of a Change of Control (as defined below), provided such Qualifying Termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then in addition the Accrued Obligations, and subject to Sections 10 (“Clawback and Recovery”), 12 (“Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting”) and 13 (“Return of Company Property”) below and your continued compliance with the terms of this Agreement (including without limitation the Confidentiality Agreement), the Company shall provide you with the Severance Benefits set forth in Section 8 above, provided, however, that (a) the Severance will be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Separation from Service Date rather than in installments, and (b) the Accelerated Vesting shall apply to any then-unvested shares of any equity awards previously granted to you by the Company such that one hundred percent (100%) of the time-based portion of any such equity awards (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Founder Grants) shall be deemed satisfied as of your Separation from Service date.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 4

 

10.          Clawback and Recovery. Any and all Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting provided under this Agreement will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law.

 

11.          Resignation Without Good Reason; Termination for Cause; Death or Disability. If, at any time, you resign your employment without Good Reason, or the Company terminates your employment for Cause, or if either party terminates your employment as a result of your death or disability, you will receive (i) all accrued but unpaid base salary through the date of your employment termination, (ii) any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses, and (iii) any benefits provided under the Company’s employee benefit plans upon a termination of employment (excluding any employee benefit plan providing for severance or similar benefits), in accordance with the terms contained (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). Under these circumstances, you will not be entitled to any other form of compensation from the Company, including any Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting.

 

12.          Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting. Prior to and as a condition to your receipt of the Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting, you shall execute and deliver to the Company an effective release of claims in favor of and in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Release”), subject to any changes to comply with changes in the law, and allow the Release to become effective according to its terms (by not invoking any legal right to revoke it) within any applicable time period set forth therein (such latest permitted effective date, the “Release Deadline”).

 

13.          Return of Company Property. Upon the termination of your employment for any reason, as a precondition to your receipt of the Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting (if applicable), within fifteen (15) days after your Separation from Service Date (or earlier if requested by the Company), you must return to the Company all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other Company property in your possession, custody or control, including, but not limited to, Company files, notes, financial and operational information, password and account information, customer lists and contact information, prospect information, product and services information, research and development information, drawings, records, plans, forecasts, pipeline reports, sales reports or other reports, payroll information, spreadsheets, studies, analyses, compilations of data, proposals, agreements, sales and marketing information, personnel information, specifications, code, software, databases, computer-recorded information, tangible property and equipment (including, but not limited to, computers, facsimile machines, mobile telephones, tablets, handheld devices, and servers), credit cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys, and any materials of any kind which contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of the Company, and all reproductions thereof in whole or in part and in any medium. You further agree that you will make a diligent search to locate any such documents, property and information and return them to the Company within the timeframe provided above. You also must provide the Company all passwords, log-ins, administrative access, and any other information or access for and relating to any Company computer or other device that you have used to access or use the Company’s network, as well as any Company database or Company accounts with third parties which you established, administered, or to which you had access, and must terminate your access to such network and accounts and otherwise comply with any Company requests regarding all such access and accounts. In addition, if you have used any personal computer, server, or email system to receive, store, review, prepare or transmit any confidential or proprietary data, materials or information of the Company, then within five (5) days after your Separation from Service date (or earlier if requested by the Company) you must provide the Company with a computer-useable copy of such information and permanently delete and expunge such confidential or proprietary information from those systems without retaining any reproductions (in whole or in part); and you agree to provide the Company access to your system, as requested, to verify that the necessary copying and deletion is done. If requested, you shall deliver to the Company a signed statement certifying compliance with this Section prior to the receipt of the Severance Benefits or Accelerated Vesting.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 5

 

14.          Outside Activities. Throughout your employment with the Company, you may engage in civic and not-for-profit activities so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of your duties hereunder or present a conflict of interest with the Company. During your employment by the Company, except on behalf of the Company, you will not directly or indirectly serve as an officer, director, stockholder, employee, partner, proprietor, investor, joint venturer, associate, representative or consultant of any other person, corporation, firm, partnership or other entity whatsoever known by you to compete with the Company (or is planning or preparing to compete with the Company), anywhere in the world, in any line of business engaged in (or planned to be engaged in) by the Company; provided, however, that you may purchase or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent (1%) of any class of securities of any enterprise (but without participating in the activities of such enterprise) if such securities are listed on any national or regional securities exchange. The Company is aware that you are engaged in those outside activities listed in Exhibit C and consents to your continued participation in such activities, so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of your duties hereunder or present a conflict of interest with the Company.

 

15.         Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)                Cause” for termination will exist if your employment is terminated for any of the following reasons: (i) any material breach by you of any material written agreement between you and the Company and your failure to cure such condition (if curable) within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof; (ii) any failure by you to comply with the Company’s material written policies or rules as they may be in effect from time to time; (iii) your willful failure to follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the Board and your failure to cure such condition (if curable) within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof; (iv) your conviction of (including a plea of guilty or nolo contendere) to, any crime that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Company; (v) your commission of or participation in an act of fraud; (vi) your misconduct that results in material damage to the Company’s business, property or reputation; or (vii) your unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom you owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his relationship with the Company. For purposes of clarity, a termination without “Cause” does not include any termination that occurs as a result of your death or disability.

 

(b)               Good Reason” will exist if any of the following actions are taken by the Company without your prior written consent: (i) a material reduction in your base salary (unless pursuant to a salary reduction program applicable generally to your similarly situated employees not to exceed ten percent (10%)); (ii) a material reduction in your title or duties (including responsibilities and/or authorities); or (iii) relocation of your principal place of employment by more than thirty-five (35) miles, provided, however, that any change from remote work to working from the Company’s Palo Alto offices will not be deemed a relocation that could give rise to Good Reason under this provision. In order to resign for Good Reason, you must provide written notice to the Company’s Board within thirty (30) days after the first occurrence of the event giving rise to Good Reason setting forth the basis for your resignation, allow the Company at least thirty (30) days from receipt of such written notice to cure such event, and if such event is not reasonably cured within such period, you must resign from all positions you then hold with the Company not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the cure period.

 

(c)                Change of Control” shall mean a Change of Control Transaction as defined in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 6

 

16.         Compliance with Section 409A. It is intended that the payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”) (Section 409A, together with any state law of similar effect and the treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, collectively, “Section 409A”), including under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9). For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Company (or, if applicable, the successor entity thereto) determines that the Severance or Accelerated Vesting constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and you are, on the date of your Separation from Service, a “specified employee” of the Company or any successor entity thereto, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (a “Specified Employee”), then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting shall be delayed until the earliest of: (i) the date that is six (6) months and one (1) day after your Separation from Service date, (ii) the date of your death, or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments or benefits deferred pursuant to this Section shall be paid in a lump sum or provided in full by the Company (or the successor entity thereto, as applicable), and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred. If the Severance Benefits and Accelerated Vesting benefits are not covered by one or more exemptions from the application of Section 409A and the Release could become effective in the calendar year following the calendar year in which you have a Separation from Service, the Release will not be deemed effective any earlier than the Release Deadline. The payments and benefits provided hereunder are intended to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 409A or comply with its requirements to the extent necessary to avoid adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein shall be interpreted accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent required to comply with Section 409A, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A. With respect to reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided to you hereunder (or otherwise) that are not exempt from Section 409A, the following rules shall apply: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during any one of your taxable years shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefit to be provided in any other taxable year, (ii) in the case of any reimbursements of eligible expenses, reimbursement shall be made on or before the last day of your taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred, (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to you and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on you by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 7

 

17. Section 280G; Parachute Payments.

 

(a)                If any payment or benefit you will or may receive from the Company or otherwise (a “280G Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then any such 280G Payment provided pursuant to this Agreement (a “Payment”) shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount (i.e., the amount determined by clause (x) or by clause (y)), after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in your receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater economic benefit notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in a Payment is required pursuant to the preceding sentence and the Reduced Amount is determined pursuant to clause (x) of the preceding sentence, the reduction shall occur in the manner (the “Reduction Method”) that results in the greatest economic benefit for you. If more than one method of reduction will result in the same economic benefit, the items so reduced will be reduced pro rata (the “Pro Rata Reduction Method”).

 

(b)               Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (a) above to the contrary, if the Reduction Method or the Pro Rata Reduction Method would result in any portion of the Payment being subject to taxes pursuant to Section 409A that would not otherwise be subject to taxes pursuant to Section 409A, then the Reduction Method and/or the Pro Rata Reduction Method, as the case may be, shall be modified so as to avoid the imposition of taxes pursuant to Section 409A as follows: (A) as a first priority, the modification shall preserve to the greatest extent possible, the greatest economic benefit for you as determined on an after-tax basis; (B) as a second priority, Payments that are contingent on future events (e.g., being terminated without Cause), shall be reduced (or eliminated) before Payments that are not contingent on future events; and (C) as a third priority, Payments that are “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be reduced (or eliminated) before Payments that are not deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(c)                Unless you and the Company agree on an alternative accounting firm or law firm, the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general tax compliance purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the of in Control transaction shall perform the foregoing calculations. If the accounting firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the change in control transaction, the Company shall appoint a nationally recognized accounting or law firm to make the determinations required by this Section 17 (“Section 280G; Parachute Payments”). The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such accounting or law firm required to be made hereunder. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the accounting or law firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder to provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to you and the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which your right to a 280G Payment becomes reasonably likely to occur (if requested at that time by you or the Company) or such other time as requested by you or the Company.

 

(d)               If you receive a Payment for which the Reduced Amount was determined pursuant to clause (x) of Section 17(a) and the Internal Revenue Service determines thereafter that some portion of the Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, you agree to promptly return to the Company a sufficient amount of the Payment (after reduction pursuant to clause (x) of Section 17(a)) so that no portion of the remaining Payment is subject to the Excise Tax. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Reduced Amount was determined pursuant to clause (y) of Section 17(a), you shall have no obligation to return any portion of the Payment pursuant to the preceding sentence.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 8

 

18.          Dispute Resolution. To ensure the rapid and economical resolution of disputes that may arise in connection with your employment with the Company, you and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action, in law or equity, including but not limited to statutory claims, arising from or relating to the enforcement, breach, performance, or interpretation of this Agreement, your employment with the Company, or the termination of your employment, shall be resolved pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1-16, to the fullest extent permitted by law, by final, binding and confidential arbitration conducted by JAMS, Inc. or its successor (“JAMS”), under JAMS’ then applicable rules and procedures for employment disputes before a single arbitrator (available upon request and also currently available at http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/). You acknowledge that by agreeing to this arbitration procedure, both you and the Company waive the right to resolve any such dispute through a trial by jury or judge or administrative proceeding. In addition, all claims, disputes, or causes of action under this section, whether by you or the Company, must be brought in an individual capacity, and shall not be brought as a plaintiff (or claimant) or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding, nor joined or consolidated with the claims of any other person or entity. The arbitrator may not consolidate the claims of more than one person or entity, and may not preside over any form of representative or class proceeding. To the extent that the preceding sentences regarding class claims or proceedings are found to violate applicable law or are otherwise found unenforceable, any claim(s) alleged or brought on behalf of a class shall proceed in a court of law rather than by arbitration. This paragraph shall not apply to any action or claim that cannot be subject to mandatory arbitration as a matter of law, including, without limitation, claims brought pursuant to the California Private Attorneys General Act of 2004, as amended, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as amended, and the California Labor Code, as amended, to the extent such claims are not permitted by applicable law to be submitted to mandatory arbitration and such applicable law(s) are not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act or otherwise invalid (collectively, the “Excluded Claims”). In the event you intend to bring multiple claims, including one of the Excluded Claims listed above, the Excluded Claims may be publicly filed with a court, while any other claims will remain subject to mandatory arbitration. You will have the right to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding. Questions of whether a claim is subject to arbitration under this agreement shall be decided by the arbitrator. Likewise, procedural questions which grow out of the dispute and bear on the final disposition are also matters for the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall: (a) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by law; and (b) issue a written statement signed by the arbitrator regarding the disposition of each claim and the relief, if any, awarded as to each claim, the reasons for the award, and the arbitrator’s essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The arbitrator shall be authorized to award all relief that you or the Company would be entitled to seek in a court of law. The Company shall pay all JAMS arbitration fees in excess of the administrative fees that you would be required to pay if the dispute were decided in a court of law. Nothing in this letter agreement is intended to prevent either you or the Company from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. Any awards or orders in such arbitrations may be entered and enforced as judgments in the federal and state courts of any competent jurisdiction.

 

19.          Miscellaneous. This offer is contingent upon a satisfactory reference check and satisfactory proof of your right to work in the United States. If the Company informs you that you are required to complete a background check or drug test, this offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance of such background check and/or drug test. You agree to assist as needed and to complete any documentation at the Company’s request to meet these conditions. This Agreement, together with your Confidentiality Agreement, forms the complete and exclusive statement of your employment agreement with the Company. It supersedes any other agreements or promises made to you by anyone, whether oral or written. Changes in your employment terms, other than those changes expressly reserved to the Company’s or the Board’s discretion in this Agreement, require a written modification approved by the Company and signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than you). This Agreement will bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of both you and the Company, and inure to the benefit of both you and the Company, their heirs, successors and assigns. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, this determination shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement and the provision in question shall be modified so as to be rendered enforceable in a manner consistent with the intent of the parties insofar as possible under applicable law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any ambiguity in this Agreement shall not be construed against either party as the drafter. Any waiver of a breach of this Agreement, or rights hereunder, shall be in writing and shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any successive breach or rights hereunder. This Agreement may be delivered and executed via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and executed and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

 

Adam Goldstein
September 16, 2021
Page 9

 

Please sign and date this Agreement and the enclosed Confidentiality Agreement and return them to me on or before September 16, 2021 if you wish to accept employment at the Company under the terms described above. The offer of employment herein will expire if I do not receive this signed letter by that date. I would be happy to discuss any questions that you may have about these terms.

 

We are delighted to be making this offer and the Company looks forward to your favorable reply and to a productive and enjoyable work relationship.

 

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Brett Adcock  
Brett Adcock, Director  

 

Reviewed, Understood, and Accepted:

 

/s/ Adam Goldstein   September 16, 2021  
Adam Goldstein   Date  

 

Exhibit A: Confidentiality Agreement

Exhibit B: Release

Exhibit C: Outside Activities

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

  

Omitted.

 

A-1

 

 

Exhibit B

 

RELEASE

 

In exchange for the severance benefits to be provided to me by Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to my Employment Terms offer letter between me and the Company, dated September 16, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”), I hereby provide the following release.

 

I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its parents, subsidiaries, successors, predecessors, and affiliates, and each of their respective current and former directors, officers, employees, stockholders, shareholders, agents, attorneys, insurers, and assigns, from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring at any time prior to and including the date I sign this release. This general release includes, but is not limited to: (a) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment or the termination of that employment; (b) all claims related to my compensation or benefits, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests; (c) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (d) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (e) all federal, state, provincial and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (as amended) (“ADEA”), the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended), and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended). Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand that the following claims are not included in my release: (a) any rights or claims for indemnification I may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement; the charter, bylaws, or operating agreements of the Company; or under applicable law; (b) any rights which cannot be waived as a matter of law; or (c) any rights to vested benefits or compensation.

 

In addition, I understand that nothing in this release limits my ability to file a charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”). I further understand this release does not limit my ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company. While this Agreement does not limit my right to receive an award for information provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission, I understand and agree that, to maximum extent permitted by law, I am otherwise waiving any and all rights I may have to individual relief based on any claims that I have released and any rights I have waived by signing this release.

 

I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the ADEA (“ADEA Waiver”), and that the consideration for the waiver and release in the preceding paragraph hereof is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that: (a) my waiver and release do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date I sign this release; (b) I should consult with an attorney prior to signing this release (although I may choose voluntarily not do so); (c) I have [21][45] days to consider this release (although I may choose voluntarily to sign this release earlier); (d) I have seven days following the date I sign this release to revoke it by providing written notice to the Board of Directors; and (e) this release will not be effective until the date upon which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after I sign this release.

 

B-2

 

 

I acknowledge that I have read and understand Section 1542 of the California Civil Code which reads as follows: “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.” I hereby expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to my release of any claims hereunder.

 

I hereby represent that I have been paid all compensation owed and for all hours worked; I have received all the leave and leave benefits and protections for which I am eligible pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, or otherwise; and I have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which I have not already filed a workers’ compensation claim. I further acknowledge that, other than the severance benefits that will be provided to me pursuant to the Employment Agreement upon the effectiveness of this release, among other required conditions, I have not earned and will not receive from the Company any additional compensation, severance, or benefits, with the exception of any vested right I may have under the express terms of a written ERISA-qualified benefit plan (e.g., 401(k) account). By way of example, I acknowledge that I have not earned and am not owed any bonus, vacation, incentive compensation, severance, commissions or equity.

 

I further acknowledge my continuing obligations under my Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Assignment Agreement.

 

I hereby agree not to disparage the Company or any of its officers, directors, employees, shareholders, and agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to its or their business, business reputations or personal reputations; provided that I may respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by the legal process or in connection with a government investigation. In addition, nothing in this release is intended to prohibit or restrain me in any manner from making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation or under other applicable law or regulation.

 

I acknowledge that to become effective, I must sign and return this Release to the Company so that it is received not later than [21][45] days following the date it is provided to me.

 

  Adam Goldstein
   
   
  (Signature)

 

  Date:  

 

Archer Aviation Inc.  
   
   
Brett Adcock, Director  
   
Date:            

 

B-3

 

 

Exhibit C

 

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

 

None.

 

C-1

 

 

Exhibit 10.26

 

  

 

Indemnity Agreement

 

This Indemnity Agreement, dated as of _____________, 202_ is made by and between Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and _____________________, a director, officer or key employee of the Company or one of the Company’s Subsidiaries or Affiliates (as those terms are defined below) or other service provider who satisfies the definition of Indemnifiable Person set forth below (“Indemnitee”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.            The Company is aware that competent and experienced persons are increasingly reluctant to serve as representatives of corporations unless they are protected by comprehensive liability insurance and indemnification, due to increased exposure to litigation costs and risks resulting from their service to such corporations, and due to the fact that the exposure frequently bears no relationship to the compensation of such representatives;

 

B.            The members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) have concluded that to retain and attract talented and experienced individuals to serve as representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and to encourage such individuals to take the business risks necessary for the success of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, it is necessary for the Company to contractually indemnify certain of its representatives and the representatives of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and to assume for itself maximum liability for Expenses and Other Liabilities (as those terms are defined below) in connection with claims against such representatives in connection with their service to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates;

 

C.           Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“Section 145”), empowers the Company to indemnify by agreement its officers, directors, employees and agents, and persons who serve, at the request of the Company, as directors, officers, employees or agents of other corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, trusts or other enterprises. The Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”) require indemnification of the directors and officers of the Company subject to specific terms and conditions. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to Section 145. The Bylaws and Section 145 expressly provide that the indemnification pursuant thereto is not exclusive and contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers, and other persons with respect to indemnification.

 

D.            This Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, as well as any rights of Indemnitees under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) or any directors and officers liability insurance policy or other applicable insurance policies, and this Agreement shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

 

E.           The Company desires and has requested Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a representative of the Company and/or the Subsidiaries or Affiliates of the Company free from undue concern about inappropriate claims for damages arising out of or related to such services to the Company and/or the Subsidiaries or Affiliates of the Company.

 

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AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.            Definitions.

 

(a)          Affiliate. For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” of the Company means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise or non-profit entity in respect of which Indemnitee is or was or will be serving as a director, officer, trustee, manager, member, partner, employee, agent, attorney, consultant, member of the entity’s governing body (whether constituted as a board of directors, board of managers, general partner or otherwise), fiduciary, or in any other similar capacity at the request, election or direction of the Company, and including, but not limited to, any employee benefit plan of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company.

 

(b)            Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” means any event or circumstance where (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), other than a Subsidiary or a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or Subsidiary, is or becomes the “Beneficial Owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding capital stock, (ii) during any period of two consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 1(b)(i), 1(b)(iii) or 1(b)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board, (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the outstanding capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into capital stock of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the capital stock of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (iv) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

(c)            Expenses. For purposes of this Agreement, “Expenses” means all reasonable and reasonably documented direct and indirect costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, and other out-of-pocket costs) actually paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense or appeal of, or being a witness or otherwise involved in (i) a Proceeding (as defined below), or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement, Section 145 or otherwise; provided, however, that Expenses shall not include any judgments, fines, taxes (including ERISA or other benefit plan related excise taxes or penalties) or amounts paid in settlement of a Proceeding; (ii) any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent; or (iii) recovery under any directors and officers liability insurance policies or other applicable insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

 

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(d)        Indemnifiable Event.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Indemnifiable Event” means any event or occurrence related to Indemnitee’s service for the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person (as defined below), or by reason of anything done or not done, or any act or omission, by Indemnitee in any such capacity.

 

(e)            Indemnifiable Person. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Indemnifiable Person” means any person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, manager, member, partner, employee, attorney, consultant, member of an entity’s governing body (whether constituted as a board of directors, board of managers, general partner or otherwise) or other agent or fiduciary of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company.

 

(f)            Independent Counsel. For purposes of this Agreement, “Independent Counsel” means legal counsel (i) who has not performed services for the Company or Indemnitee in the five years preceding the time in question and who would not, under applicable standards of professional conduct, have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee, and (ii) is selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

(g)            Independent Director. For purposes of this Agreement, “Independent Director” means a member of the Board who is not a party to the Proceeding for which a claim for advancement or indemnification is made under this Agreement.

 

(h)          Other Liabilities. For purposes of this Agreement, “Other Liabilities” means any and all liabilities of any type whatsoever, including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, penalties, taxes (including excise taxes or penalties related to ERISA or other benefit plans), and amounts paid in settlement, and all interest, taxes, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any such judgments, fines, or penalties or amounts paid in settlement.

 

(i)              Proceeding. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, claim or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, legislative or any other type whatsoever, preliminary, informal or formal, including any arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution and including any appeal of any of the foregoing.

 

(j)            Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiary” means any entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities is owned directly or indirectly by the Company.

 

2.          Agreement to Serve. The Indemnitee agrees to serve and/or continue to serve as an Indemnifiable Person in the capacity or capacities in which Indemnitee currently serves the Company as an Indemnifiable Person, and any additional capacity or capacities in which Indemnitee may agree to serve, until such time as Indemnitee’s service in a particular capacity shall end according to the terms of an agreement, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) or Bylaws, governing law, or otherwise. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to create any right to continued employment or other form of service for the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company by Indemnitee.

 

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3.            Mandatory Indemnification.

 

(a)            Agreement to Indemnify. In the event Indemnitee is a person who was or is a party to or witness in or is threatened to be made a party to or witness in any Proceeding by reason of an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee from and against any and all Expenses and Other Liabilities incurred by Indemnitee in connection with (including in preparation for) such Proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same may be amended from time to time (but only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the DGCL permitted prior to the adoption of such amendment), provided that such indemnification is subject to the exclusions set forth in Section 9 below. The parties hereto intend that this Agreement shall provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification in excess of that expressly permitted by statute, including, without limitation, any indemnification provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, vote of the Company’s stockholders or disinterested directors or applicable law.

 

(b)            Company Obligations Primary. The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee may have rights to advancement and/or indemnification for Expenses and Other Liabilities provided by a venture capital firm or other sponsoring organization (“Other Indemnitor”). The Company agrees with Indemnitee that the Company is the indemnitor of first resort of Indemnitee with respect to matters for which advancement and/or indemnification is provided under this Agreement and that the Company will be obligated to make all payments due to or for the benefit of Indemnitee under this Agreement without regard to any rights that Indemnitee may have against the Other Indemnitor. To the extent not in contravention of any insurance policy purchased by the Company, Subsidiary or Affiliate, the Company hereby waives any equitable rights to contribution or indemnification from the Other Indemnitor in respect of any amounts paid to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company further agrees that no reimbursement of Other Liabilities or payment of Expenses by the Other Indemnitor to or for the benefit of Indemnitee shall affect the obligations of the Company hereunder, and that the Company shall be obligated to repay the Other Indemnitor for all amounts so paid or reimbursed to the extent that the Company has an obligation to pay Indemnitee for such Expenses or Other Liabilities hereunder.

 

4.          Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Expenses or Other Liabilities but not entitled, however, to indemnification for the total amount of such Expenses or Other Liabilities, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for such total amount except as to the portion thereof for which indemnification is prohibited by this Agreement or the DGCL. In any review, process and/or Proceeding to determine the extent of indemnification to which Indemnitee is entitled, the Company shall bear the burden to establish, by clear and convincing evidence, the lack of a successful resolution of a particular claim, issue or matter and which amounts sought in indemnity are allocable to claims, issues or matters that were not successfully resolved.

 

5.        Liability Insurance. So long as Indemnitee shall continue to serve the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company as an Indemnifiable Person and thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible claim or threatened, pending or completed Proceeding as a result of an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall use reasonable efforts to maintain in full force and effect for the benefit of Indemnitee as an insured (i) directors and officers liability insurance issued by one or more reputable insurers and having the policy amount and deductible deemed appropriate by the Board and providing in all respects coverage at least comparable to and in the same amount as that provided to the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and (ii) any renewal, replacement or substitute directors and officers liability insurance policies issued by one or more reputable insurers providing in all respects coverage at least comparable to and in the same amount as that being provided to the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The purchase, establishment and maintenance of any such insurance or other arrangements shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such insurance or other arrangement. In the event of a Change in Control subsequent to the date of this Agreement, or the Company’s becoming insolvent (including but not limited to being placed into receivership, an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or entering the federal bankruptcy process), the Company shall use reasonable efforts to maintain in force any and all insurance policies then maintained by the Company for the purpose of providing coverage to the Company’s officers or directors (including but not limited to directors and officers liability, fiduciary and employment practices insurance) for a fixed period of no less than six years thereafter. Such coverage shall be non-cancelable and shall be placed and serviced by the Company’s incumbent insurance broker or a broker selected by a majority of the non-management members of the Board.

 

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6.            Mandatory Advancement of Expenses. If requested by Indemnitee, the Company shall advance, to the fullest extent permitted by law, prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with (including in preparation for) a Proceeding not initiated by Indemnitee (and any Proceeding initiated by Indemnitee to the extent such Proceeding is initiated by Indemnitee in accordance with clauses (i)-(iii) of Section 9(a) of this Agreement) related to an Indemnifiable Event within (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee. The right to advances under this Section shall in all events continue until final disposition of any Proceeding, including any appeal therefrom and/or a final adjudication not subject to further appeal. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay such amounts advanced if, and only if and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company and no additional form of undertaking with respect to such obligation to repay shall be required. Indemnitee’s undertaking to repay any Expenses advanced to Indemnitee hereunder shall be unsecured and shall not be subject to the accrual or payment of any interest thereon. This Section 6 shall not apply to any request for advancement of Expenses made by Indemnitee for which such advancement of Expenses is excluded pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement.

 

7.            Notice and Other Indemnification Procedures.

 

(a)          Notification. Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of or the threat of commencement of any Proceeding, unless the Company is a named co-defendant with Indemnitee (or the Company is the recipient of such threat), Indemnitee shall, if Indemnitee believes the advancement of Expenses or the indemnification of Other Liabilities with respect thereto may be sought from the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company in writing of the commencement or threat of commencement thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include, in reasonable detail, a description of the nature of and facts related to the Proceeding. However, a failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company promptly following Indemnitee’s receipt of such notice shall not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee except to the extent that the Company is materially prejudiced in its defense of such Proceeding as a result of such failure, provided, however, that the Company shall have the burden to prove the existence of such material prejudice by clear and convincing evidence.

 

(b)            Insurance Notice and Other Matters. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of the commencement of a Proceeding pursuant to Section 7(a) above, the Company has director and officer liability insurance and/or any other type of insurance that might provide coverage to Indemnitee in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding on behalf of Indemnitee to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all commercially reasonable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such insurance policies. In addition, the Company will instruct the insurers and the Company’s insurance broker that they may communicate directly with Indemnitee regarding such Proceeding.

 

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(c)          Assumption of Defense. In the event the Company shall be obligated to advance Expenses for any Proceeding against Indemnitee, the Company, if deemed appropriate by the Company, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding as provided herein. Such defense by the Company may include the representation of two or more parties by one attorney or law firm as permitted under the ethical rules and legal requirements related to joint representations. Following delivery of written notice to Indemnitee of the Company’s election to assume the defense of such Proceeding, the approval by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) of counsel designated by the Company, and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees and expenses of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding. If (i) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (ii) Indemnitee shall have notified the Board in writing that Indemnitee or separate counsel for Indemnitee has reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense, (iii) the Company fails to employ counsel to assume the defense of such Proceeding, or (iv) after a Change in Control, the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been approved by Independent Counsel, the Expenses related to work conducted by Indemnitee’s counsel shall be subject to indemnification and/or advancement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Indemnitee agrees that any such separate counsel retained by Indemnitee will be a member of any approved list of panel counsel under the Company’s applicable insurance policies, should the applicable policies provide for a panel of approved counsel. Nothing herein shall prevent Indemnitee from employing counsel for any Proceeding at Indemnitee’s own expense.

 

(d)            Settlement. The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without the Company’s written consent; provided, however, that if a Change in Control has occurred subsequent to the date of this Agreement, the Company shall be liable for indemnification of Indemnitee for amounts paid in settlement if Independent Counsel has approved the settlement. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary or Affiliate shall enter into a settlement of any Proceeding that might result in the imposition of any Expense, Other Liability, penalty, limitation or detriment on Indemnitee, whether indemnifiable under this Agreement or otherwise, without Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold, delay or condition consent from any settlement of any Proceeding. The Company shall promptly notify Indemnitee upon the Company’s receipt of an offer to settle, or if the Company makes an offer to settle, any Proceeding, and provide Indemnitee with a reasonable amount of time to consider such settlement, in the case of any such settlement for which the consent of Indemnitee would be required hereunder. The Company shall not settle any part of any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party with respect to other parties (including the Company) without the written consent of Indemnitee if any portion of the settlement is to be funded from insurance proceeds paid from an insurance policy or policies providing coverage to Indemnitee unless approved by a majority of the Independent Directors, provided that this sentence shall cease to be of any force and effect if it has been determined in accordance with this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification hereunder with respect to such Proceeding or if the Company’s obligations hereunder to Indemnitee with respect to such Proceeding have been fully discharged.

 

8.            Determination of Right to Indemnification.

 

(a)            Success on the Merits or Otherwise. To the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any Proceeding referred to in Section 3(a) above or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter described therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against Expenses incurred in connection therewith.

 

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(b)          Indemnification in Other Situations. In the event that Section 8(a) is inapplicable, the Company shall also indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

(c)          Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification. Indemnitee shall be entitled to select the manner in which the determination of whether or not Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct shall be decided, and such election will be made from among the following:

 

i.            A majority of the Independent Directors even though less than a quorum;

 

ii.           A committee of Independent Directors designated by a majority vote of Independent Directors, even though less than a quorum; or

 

iii.            Independent Counsel, who shall make such determination in a written opinion.

 

iv.            If Indemnitee is an officer or a director of the Company at the time that Indemnitee is selecting the manner in which the determination of whether Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct shall be decided, then Indemnitee shall not select Independent Counsel as the manner for the determination to be made unless (i) there are no Independent Directors, or (ii) a majority of the Independent Directors (even though less than a quorum) approve of the selection of Independent Counsel, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

The party or parties selected in accordance with this Section 8(c) shall be referred to herein as the “Reviewing Party.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, following any Change in Control subsequent to the date of this Agreement, the Reviewing Party shall be Independent Counsel.

 

(d)          Decision Timing. As soon as practicable, and in no event later than thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of written notice of Indemnitee’s choice of the Reviewing Party pursuant to Section 8(c) above, the Company and Indemnitee shall each submit to the Reviewing Party such information as they believe is appropriate for the Reviewing Party to consider. The Reviewing Party shall arrive at its decision within a reasonable period of time following the receipt of all such information from the Company and Indemnitee, but in no event later than thirty (30) days following the receipt of all such information, provided that the time by which the Reviewing Party must reach a decision may be extended by mutual agreement of the Company and Indemnitee. All Expenses associated with the process set forth in this Section 8(d), including but not limited to the Expenses of the Reviewing Party, shall be paid by the Company.

 

(e)          Delaware Court of Chancery. Notwithstanding a final determination by any Reviewing Party that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification with respect to a specific Proceeding, Indemnitee shall have the right to apply to the Delaware Court of Chancery, for the purpose of enforcing Indemnitee’s right to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(f)            Expenses. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any process, hearing or Proceeding under this Section 8 involving Indemnitee and against all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any other Proceeding between the Company and Indemnitee involving the interpretation or enforcement of the rights of Indemnitee under this Agreement unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that each of the material claims of Indemnitee in any such Proceeding was frivolous or made in bad faith.

 

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(g)            Determination of “Good Faith”. For purposes of any determination of whether Indemnitee acted in “good faith” or acted in “bad faith,” Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith or not acted in bad faith if, in taking or failing to take the action in question, Indemnitee relied on the records or books of account of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, including financial statements, or on information, opinions, reports or statements provided to Indemnitee by the officers or other employees of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, or by any other person (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors) as to matters Indemnitee reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has or have been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate. In connection with any determination as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified hereunder, the Reviewing Party or court shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct and is entitled to indemnification, and the burden of proof shall be on the Company to establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that Indemnitee is not so entitled. The provisions of this Section 8(g) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any other person serving the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification hereunder.

 

9.          Exceptions. Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Indemnitee’s rights to indemnification and/or advancement are subject to the following exceptions.

 

(a)            Claims Initiated by Indemnitee. The Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify or advance Expenses to Indemnitee with respect to Proceedings or claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except (i) with respect to Proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement, any other statute or law, as permitted under Section 145, or otherwise, (ii) where the Board has consented to the initiation of such Proceeding, or (iii) with respect to Proceedings brought to discharge Indemnitee’s fiduciary responsibilities, whether under ERISA or otherwise, but such indemnification or advancement of Expenses may be provided by the Company in specific cases if the Board finds it to be appropriate.

 

(b)            Actions Based on Federal Statutes Regarding Profit Recovery and Return of Bonus Payments. The Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee on account of (i) any suit in which judgment is rendered against Indemnitee by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final adjudication not subject to further appeal for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and amendments thereto or similar provisions of any federal, state or local statutory law, (ii) any reimbursement paid to the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act, including but not limited to any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (iii) any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act.

 

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(c)            Unlawful Indemnification. The Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee for Other Liabilities if such indemnification is prohibited by law as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final adjudication not subject to further appeal.

 

(d)            Exception for Amounts Covered by Insurance and Other Sources. The Company shall not be obligated to advance or indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses or Other Liabilities of any type whatsoever, including, but not limited to judgments, fines, penalties, taxes (including excise taxes or penalties related to ERISA or other benefit plans) and amounts paid in settlement, to the extent such have been paid directly to Indemnitee (or paid directly to a third party on Indemnitee’s behalf) by any directors and officers liability insurance or other type of insurance maintained by the Company; provided, however, that payment made to Indemnitee pursuant to an insurance policy purchased and maintained by Indemnitee at his or her own expense of any amounts otherwise indemnifiable or obligated to be made pursuant to this Agreement shall not reduce the Company’s obligations to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement.

 

10.          Non-exclusivity. The provisions for advancement of Expenses and indemnification of Other Liabilities set forth in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights that Indemnitee may have under any provision of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the vote of the Company’s stockholders or disinterested directors, other agreements, or otherwise, both as to acts or omissions in his or her official capacity and to acts or omissions in another capacity while serving the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person.

 

11.          Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

12.          Entire Agreement; Supersession, Modification and Waiver. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior indemnification agreement between the Indemnitee and the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates, provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of Section 145, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any directors and officers liability insurance or other insurance policy providing coverage to Indemnitee maintained by the Company and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder. If the Company and Indemnitee have previously entered into an indemnification agreement providing for the indemnification of Indemnitee by the Company, the entry into this Agreement by both parties hereto shall be deemed to amend and restate such prior agreement to read in its entirety as, and be superseded by, this Agreement. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) and except as expressly provided herein, no such waiver shall constitute a continuing waiver.

 

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1.            Successors and Assigns; Survival of Rights. The terms of this Agreement shall bind, and shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the parties hereto and, as applicable, their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors, administrators and personal and legal representatives (collectively, “Successors”). Indemnitee’s rights hereunder shall continue after Indemnitee has ceased serving the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate as an Indemnifiable Person and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee’s Successors. In addition, the Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

13.            Notice. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (i) if delivered by hand and a receipt is provided by the party to whom such communication is delivered, (ii) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, return receipt requested, on the signing by the recipient of an acknowledgement of receipt form accompanying delivery through the U.S. mail, (iii) by personal service by a process server, (iv) by delivery to the recipient’s address by overnight delivery (e.g., FedEx, UPS or DHL) or other commercial delivery service, or (v) if via electronic mail, upon confirmation of delivery when directed to the relevant electronic mail address, if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, or if not sent during normal business hours of the recipient, then on the recipient’s next business day. The address for notice to the Indemnitee shall be the Indemnitee’s most recent address on file with the Company. Delivery of communications to the Company with respect to this Agreement shall be sent to the attention of the Company’s Chief Legal Officer.

 

14.            No Presumptions. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Proceeding, by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law or otherwise. In addition, neither the failure of the Company or a Reviewing Party to have made a determination as to whether Indemnitee has met any particular standard of conduct or had any particular belief, nor an actual determination by the Company or a Reviewing Party that Indemnitee has not met such standard of conduct or did not have such belief, prior to the commencement of Proceedings by Indemnitee to secure a judicial determination by exercising Indemnitee’s rights under Section 8(e) of this Agreement shall be a defense to Indemnitee’s claim or create a presumption that Indemnitee has failed to meet any particular standard of conduct or did not have any particular belief or is not entitled to indemnification under applicable law or otherwise. Additionally, any admission of liability by the Company in connection with any settlement by the Company with a regulatory agency shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law or otherwise.

 

15.          Subrogation and Contribution.

 

(a)            Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, in the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

(b)            To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee, whether for Expenses or Other Liabilities, in connection with any Proceeding relating to an Indemnifiable Event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

 

  10  

 

 

16.            Specific Performance, Etc. The parties recognize that if any provision of this Agreement is violated by the Company, Indemnitee may be without an adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, in the event of any such violation, Indemnitee shall be entitled, if Indemnitee so elects, to institute Proceedings, either in law or at equity, to obtain damages, to enforce specific performance, to enjoin such violation, or to obtain any relief or any combination of the foregoing as Indemnitee may elect to pursue.

 

17.            Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution of a PDF copy shall have the same force and effect as execution of an original, and a copy of a signature will be admissible in any legal proceeding as if an original.

 

18.            Headings. The headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

19.           Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware, as applied to contracts between Delaware residents entered into and to be performed entirely with Delaware.

 

20.            Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any Proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

  11  

 

 

The parties hereto have entered into this Indemnity Agreement effective as of the date first above written.

 

  ARCHER AVIATION INC.

 

  By:    
       
  Its:    

 

  INDEMNITEE

       
  [INDEMNITEE’S NAME]  

 

  12  

 

 

Exhibit 16.1

 

September 22, 2021

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, DC 20549

 

Commissioners:

 

We have read the statements made by Archer Aviation Inc. (formerly Atlas Crest Investment Corp.) under Item 4.01 of its Form 8-K dated September 16, 2021. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form 8-K; we are not in a position to agree or disagree with other statements of Atlas Crest Investment Corp. contained therein.

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Marcum llp

 

 

Marcum llp

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 21.1

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

List of Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiary   Jurisdiction
Archer Aviation Operating Corp.   Delaware

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Archer Aviation Announces Closing of Business Combination with Atlas Crest Investment Corp. to Become A Publicly Traded Company

 

September 16, 2021 New York - Archer Aviation Inc. announced today that it has closed its business combination with Atlas Crest Investment Corp. (NYSE: ACIC) (“Atlas Crest”), a special purpose acquisition company. Upon the completion of the transaction, Atlas Crest changed its name to “Archer Aviation Inc.” Archer’s common stock and warrants will commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on September 17, 2021, under the ticker symbols “ACHR” and “ACHR WS”, respectively.

 

Brett Adcock, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Archer, said, “Today marks a great moment for the Archer team and we are excited to push forward with additional capital as we pursue our goal of bringing our urban air mobility network vision to life.” Michael Spellacy, CEO of Atlas Crest, added, “We are pleased to have reached this important milestone in closing our transaction with Archer. With the proceeds from this transaction, Archer is entering the public markets from a position of financial and competitive strength to accomplish their mission of revolutionizing the future of urban transportation.”

 

The Business Combination generated approximately $857.6 million of gross proceeds, including $600 million of proceeds from the PIPE which will help fund Archer’s vision of bringing an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) to market and launching an urban air mobility network.

 

Advisors

 

Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive placement agent on the PIPE. Barclays Capital Inc. served as exclusive financial and capital markets advisor to Archer. Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Atlas Crest. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive capital markets advisor to Atlas Crest. Duff & Phelps, LLC provided a fairness opinion in connection with the transaction to the Atlas Crest board of directors. Cooley LLP served as legal advisor to Archer. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Atlas Crest.

 

About Archer

 

Archer’s mission is to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer’s goal is to move people throughout the world’s cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use in urban air mobility. Archer’s team is based in Palo Alto, CA. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

 

About Atlas Crest

 

Atlas Crest Investment Corp. (NYSE: ACIC) is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, stock purchase or similar business combination with one or more businesses and is sponsored by an affiliate of Moelis & Company, a leading global financial advisor to corporate executives, boards, entrepreneurs, financial sponsors and governments. The management team is led by Ken Moelis, Chairman, and Michael Spellacy, Chief Executive Officer, both of whom have had careers centered around identifying, evaluating and implementing organic and inorganic transformational growth and value creation initiatives across a broad range of industries. Atlas Crest priced its $500 million initial public offering on October 27, 2020.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this release, including statements regarding Archer’s future operating results and financial position, business strategy and plans, objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Archer’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause Archer’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding Archer’s business, the economy and other future conditions.

 

 

 

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, without limitation, those factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for Archer’s to predict those events or how they may affect Archer. If a change to the events and circumstances reflected in Archer’s forward-looking statements occurs, Archer’s business, financial condition and operating results may vary materially from those expressed in Archer’s forward-looking statements. If a change to the events and circumstances reflected in Archer’s forward-looking statements occurs, Archer’s business, financial condition and operating results may vary materially from those expressed in Archer’s forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, Archer does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.

 

For Investors

investors@archer.com

 

For Media

Louise Bristow

Archer

C: 818 398 8091

louise.bristow@archer.com

archer@launchsquad.com

Source: Archer

Text: ArcherIR

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

Archer Begins Trading on the New York Stock Exchange Under the Symbol “ACHR”

 

Palo Alto, CA, September 17, 2021 - Archer Aviation Inc. (“Archer”) (NYSE: ACHR), a leading developer of all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft, announced that its Class A common stock and warrants will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “ACHR” and “ACHR WS”, respectively, today.

 

“Completing our go-public transaction and having Archer trade on the New York Stock Exchange is a huge milestone for our business. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the great team we have at Archer, but it is also the beginning of the next phase of our development and growth,” said Brett Adcock, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer.

 

“We are working to build an urban air mobility network that can change the way people travel in and around cities forever. We believe we have the team, the technology and the strategic partners to make our vision a reality,” said Adam Goldstein, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer.

 

The Business Combination generated approximately $857.6 million of gross proceeds, including $600 million of proceeds from the PIPE which will help fund Archer’s vision of bringing an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) to market and launching an urban air mobility network.

 

The PIPE included participation from leading strategic and long-term financial investors including United Airlines, Stellantis and the venture arm of Exor, Baron Capital Group, the Federated Hermes Kaufmann Funds, Mubadala Capital, Putnam Investments and Access Industries. Additionally, Ken Moelis and affiliates, along with early investor Marc Lore and founders Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein, invested $30 million in the PIPE.

 

Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive placement agent on the PIPE. Barclays Capital Inc. served as exclusive financial and capital markets advisor to Archer. Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Atlas Crest. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. served as exclusive capital markets advisor to Atlas Crest. Duff & Phelps, LLC provided a fairness opinion in connection with the transaction to the Atlas Crest board of directors. Cooley LLP served as legal advisor to Archer. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Atlas Crest.

 

About Archer

 

Archer’s mission is to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer’s goal is to move people throughout the world’s cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use in urban air mobility. Archer’s team is based in Palo Alto, CA. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this release, including statements regarding Archer’s future operating results and financial position, business strategy and plans, objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Archer’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause Archer’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding the Archer’s business, the economy and other future conditions.

 

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, without limitation, those factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for Archer’s to predict those events or how they may affect Archer. If a change to the events and circumstances reflected in Archer’s forward-looking statements occurs, Archer’s business, financial condition and operating results may vary materially from those expressed in Archer’s forward-looking statements. If a change to the events and circumstances reflected in Archer’s forward-looking statements occurs, Archer’s business, financial condition and operating results may vary materially from those expressed in Archer’s forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, Archer does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.

 

For Investors

investors@archer.com

 

For Media

Louise Bristow

Archer

louise.bristow@archer.com

archer@launchsquad.com

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

INDEX TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

 

  Page(s)
   
Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 F-2
   
Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 F-3
   
Condensed Statements of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 F-4
   
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 F-6
   
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements F-7

 

 

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Condensed Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    June 30, 2021     December 31, 2020  
    (Unaudited)        
Assets                
Current assets                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 5,937     $ 36,564  
Prepaid expenses     542       762  
Other current assets     199       43  
Total current assets     6,678       37,369  
Property and equipment, net     3,572       1,613  
Intangible assets, net     481       497  
Right-of-use asset     2,687       2,300  
Other long-term assets     235        
Total assets   $ 13,653     $ 41,779  
Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, and Stockholders’ Deficit                
Current liabilities                
Accounts payable   $ 21,710     $ 2,103  
Lease liability     1,329       816  
Notes payable           645  
Other current liabilities     667       279  
Total current liabilities     23,706       3,843  
Notes payable, net of current portion           260  
Lease liability, net of current portion     1,385       1,485  
Other long-term liabilities     215       268  
Total liabilities     25,306       5,856  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)                
Series Seed redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; liquidation value of $6,004; 18,193,515 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, stated at     5,943       5,943  
Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; liquidation value of $55,734; 46,732,728 shares authorized; 46,267,422 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, stated at     55,589       55,589  
                 
Stockholders’ deficit                
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 155,000,000 shares authorized; 52,229,481 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and 143,677,090 shares authorized; 51,321,752 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020     5       5  
Additional paid-in capital     80,408       186  
Accumulated deficit     (153,598 )     (25,800 )
Total stockholders’ deficit     (73,185 )     (25,609 )
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock, and stockholders’ deficit   $ 13,653     $ 41,779  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

  F-2  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Operating expenses                                
Research and development   $ 11,448     $ 4,105     $ 21,514     $ 6,974  
General and administrative     22,409       669       28,987       1,686  
Other warrant expense                 78,208        
Total operating expenses     33,857       4,774       128,709       8,660  
                                 
Loss from operations     (33,857 )     (4,774 )     (128,709 )     (8,660 )
Gain on forgiveness of PPP loan     912             912        
Other expense, net     (3 )                  
Interest income (expense)     3       (128 )     1       (229 )
Loss before income taxes     (32,945 )     (4,902 )     (127,796 )     (8,889 )
Income tax expense                 (2 )      
Net loss and comprehensive loss   $ (32,945 )   $ (4,902 )   $ (127,798 )   $ (8,889 )
                                 
Net loss per share, basic and diluted   $ (0.57 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (2.25 )   $ (0.18 )
Weighted-average common shares, basic and diluted     58,100,977       50,000,000       56,774,344       50,000,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

  F-3  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Condensed Statements of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock           Additional              
    Series Seed     Series A     Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated        
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Total  
Balance as of December 31, 2020     18,193,515     $ 5,943       46,267,422     $ 55,589       51,321,752     $ 5     $ 186     $ (25,800 )   $ (25,609 )
Exercise of stock options     -       -       -       -       667,979       -       40       -       40  
Issuance of warrants     -       -       -       -       -       -       78,242       -       78,242  
Stock-based compensation expense     -       -       -       -       -       -       925       -       925  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (94,853 )     (94,853 )
Balance as of March 31, 2021     18,193,515       5,943       46,267,422       55,589       51,989,731       5       79,393       (120,653 )     (41,255 )
Exercise of stock options     -       -       -       -       239,750       -       22       -       22  
Stock-based compensation expense     -       -       -       -       -       -       993       -       993  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (32,945 )     (32,945 )
Balance as of June 30, 2021     18,193,515     $ 5,943       46,267,422     $ 55,589       52,229,481     $           5     $ 80,408     $ (153,598 )   $ (73,185 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

  F-4  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Condensed Statements of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock           Additional              
    Series Seed     Series A     Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated        
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Total  
Balance as of December 31, 2019     18,193,515     $ 5,943         -     $ -       50,000,000     $ 5     $ -     $ (977 )   $ (972 )
Stock-based compensation expense     -       -       -       -       -       -       3       -       3  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (3,987 )     (3,987 )
Balance as of March 31, 2020     18,193,515       5,943       -       -       50,000,000       5       3       (4,964 )     (4,956 )
Issuance of restricted stock     -       -       -       -       1,134,000       -       -       -       -  
Stock-based compensation expense     -       -       -       -       -       -       8       -       8  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (4,902 )     (4,902 )
Balance as of June 30, 2020     18,193,515     $ 5,943      

-

    $ -       51,134,000     $ 5     $ 11     $ (9,866 )   $ (9,850 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

  F-5  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020  
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net loss   $ (127,798 )   $ (8,889 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     422       39  
Stock-based compensation expense     1,918       11  

Non-cash interest

          248  
Non-cash lease expense     597        
Research and development warrant expense     34        
Other warrant expense     78,208        
Gain on forgiveness of PPP loan     (912 )      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Prepaid expenses     220       (315 )
Other current assets     (156 )     (6 )
Other long-term assets     (235 )      
Accounts payable     19,161       790  
Other current liabilities     343       642  
Operating lease liability     (572 )      
Net cash used in operating activities     (28,770 )     (7,480 )
Cash flows from investing activities                
Purchases of property and equipment     (1,919 )     (315 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,919 )     (315 )
Cash flows from financing activities                
Payments of offering costs           (80 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options     62        
Proceeds from issuance of debt           905  
Net cash provided by financing activities     62       825  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (30,627 )     (6,970 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     36,564       10,149  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 5,937     $ 3,179  
                 
Non-cash investing activities                
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable   $ 446     $  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

  F-6  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

1. Formation and Nature of Business

 

Formation and Nature of Business

 

Archer Aviation Inc. (the “Company” or “Archer”), a Delaware corporation, with its headquarters located in Palo Alto, California, is an aerospace company founded with the mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer's goal is to move people throughout the world's cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Archer is designing and developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft for use in urban air mobility (“UAM”) that can carry passengers while producing minimal noise and zero emissions during operations. Archer's eVTOL aircraft uses advancements in key enabling technologies such as high-energy batteries, high-performance electric motors, an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system, and a lightweight and efficient aircraft structure.

 

Merger with Atlas Crest

 

On September 16, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy Archer”), Atlas Crest Investment Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Atlas”), and Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas (“Merger Sub”), consummated the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, dated February 10, 2021, as amended and restated on July 29, 2021, by and among Atlas, Legacy Archer and Merger Sub (the “Business Combination Agreement”), following approval at a special meeting of the stockholders of Atlas held on September 14, 2021 (the “Special Meeting”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, a business combination of Legacy Archer and Atlas was effected by the merger of Merger Sub with and into Legacy Archer, with Legacy Archer surviving the merger (the “Surviving Entity”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas (the “Merger,” and, collectively with the other transactions described in the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Following the consummation of the Merger on the Closing Date, the Surviving Entity changed its name from Archer Aviation Inc. to Archer Aviation Operating Corp. and Atlas changed its name from Atlas Crest Investment Corp. to Archer Aviation Inc.

 

Additionally, certain investors had agreed to subscribe for and purchase an aggregate of up to $600 million of common stock of the combined company (“PIPE Financing”). The PIPE Investment was consummated substantially concurrent with the closing of the merger.

 

COVID-19 Pandemic

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19,  a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as a pandemic, which continues to spread throughout the world. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused volatility and disruption in financial markets and prompted governments and businesses to take unprecedented measures such as travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, and business shutdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the Company’s ability to design, develop and begin the production of its eVTOL aircraft. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic could limit the ability of suppliers and business partners to perform, including causing third party component and material suppliers to increase the prices they may charge Archer or experience limited or no availability of their components and materials for some period of time.

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. As such, the full magnitude of the pandemic’s effect on Archer’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations is uncertain. Management continues to actively monitor Archer’s financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce but currently does not anticipate any material impairments as a result of COVID-19 and will continue to evaluate it on an ongoing basis.

 

2. Liquidity and Going Concern

 

Since its formation, the Company has devoted substantial effort and capital resources to the design and development of its planned eVTOL aircraft and urban air mobility (“UAM”) network. Funding of these activities has primarily been through the net proceeds received from the issuance of related and third-party debt (Notes 5 and 6), and the sale of preferred and common stock to related and third parties (Note 8). Since inception of the Company through June 30, 2021, the Company has incurred cumulative losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities, and has an accumulated deficit of $153,598. Additionally, Archer had cash and cash equivalents of $5,937 at June 30, 2021.

 

  F-7  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Company’s audit report for the year ended December 31, 2020 from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm includes an explanatory paragraph stating that the Company’s recurring losses from operations and cash outflows from operating activities raise substantial doubt about Archer’s ability to continue as a going concern. However, after the closing of the business combination on September 16, 2021, the Company received net cash proceeds of $801,826. Management expects that the net cash proceeds from the Business Combination along with its cash balances held prior to the closing date will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan for at least the next 12 months from the date these condensed financial statements were available to be issued.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that the Company’s future capital raises will be sufficient to support its ongoing operations, or that any additional financing will be available in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If events or circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its strategic plans, the Company will be required to reduce discretionary spending, alter or scale back aircraft development programs, be unable to develop new or enhanced production methods, or be unable to fund capital expenditures. Any such events would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve its intended business objectives.

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 set forth elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

The Company has provided a discussion of significant accounting policies, estimates, and judgments in its audited financial statements. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies since December 31, 2020 which are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash consists of cash on deposit with financial institutions. Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid financial instruments that are readily convertible to cash and have maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalent balances were $5,937 and $36,564 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, of which, money market funds were $344 and $34,377 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Money market funds, which are considered as cash equivalents, are recorded at fair value and classified as  Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

  F-8  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurement, which defines a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and expands on required disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820 relate to financial assets and liabilities as well as other assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis. The standard clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the standard establishes a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

  Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 Other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3 Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash, accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Level 1 instruments include investments in money market funds, which are valued based on inputs such as actual trade data, quoted market prices from brokers or other similar sources.

 

Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

Certain financial instruments, including debt, are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheets. The fair value of debt as of December 31, 2020 approximates its carrying value. There was no outstanding debt as of June 30, 2021.

 

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

 

Certain assets and liabilities are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis if there are indicators of impairment or if they are deemed to be impaired as a result of an impairment review.

 

There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the periods presented.

 

  F-9  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Intangible Assets, Net

 

Intangible assets consist solely of domain names and are recorded at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and if applicable, impairment charges. Amortization of domain names is provided over a 15-year estimated useful life on a straight-line basis or based on the pattern in which economic benefits are consumed, if reliably determinable. The Company reviews intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company has analyzed a variety of factors in light of the known impact to date of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business to determine if a circumstance could trigger an impairment loss, and, at this time and based on the information presently known, does not believe that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred.

 

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the gross carrying amount for domain names was $500 with $19 and $3 recorded in accumulated amortization, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recognized amortization expense of $9 and $17, respectively, included within general and administrative expenses on the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company did not recognize any amortization expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

Property and Equipment, Net

 

Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized, while minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs, which do not extend the asset lives, are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts, and any difference between the selling price and net carrying amount is recorded as a gain or loss in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 

   

Useful Life

(in years)

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment   5
Computer hardware   3
Computer software   3
Website design   2
Leasehold improvements   Shorter of lease term or the asset standard life

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Such triggering events or changes in circumstances may include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being or intended to be used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, the impact of competition or other factors that could affect the value of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse deterioration in the amount of revenue or cash flows expected to be generated from an asset group, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of a long-lived asset, current or future operating or cash flow losses that demonstrate continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The Company performs impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets including any cash flows upon their eventual disposition to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the assets exceeds the forecasted undiscounted cash flows, then the assets are written down to their fair value. The Company determined there was no impairment of long-lived assets during all periods presented.

 

  F-10  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Operating Expenses

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed as incurred and are primarily comprised of personnel-related costs (including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees focused on R&D activities, costs associated with building prototype aircraft, other related costs, depreciation and an allocation of general overhead. R&D efforts focus on the design and development of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, including certain of the systems that are used in it.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of personnel-related costs (including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees associated with administrative services such as legal, human resources, information technology, accounting and finance, other related costs, depreciation and an allocation of general overhead.

  

Other Warrant Expense

 

Other warrant expense of $78,208 is related to the vesting of warrants issued in conjunction with the execution of the purchase and warrant arrangements with United Airlines Inc. Refer to Note 9 for additional information.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company’s stock-based compensation awards consist of options granted to employees, directors, and non-employees and restricted stock units granted to employees, directors and non-employees that convert into shares of our Class A common stock upon vesting. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. ASC 718 requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards made to employees, directors, and non-employees to be based on the grant date fair values of the awards.

 

The Company estimates the fair value of share options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The value of the award is recognized as expense over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

 

Determining the grant date fair value of the awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires management to make assumptions and judgments, including but not limited to the following:

 

Expected term - The estimate of the expected term of employee awards is determined in accordance with the simplified method, which estimates the term based on an averaging of the vesting period and contractual term of the option grant. The Company uses the contractual term for non-employee awards.

 

Expected volatility - Since the Company was a private entity without sufficient historical data on the volatility of its common stock, the expected volatility used is based on the volatility of similar entities (referred to as “guideline companies”) for a period consistent with the expected term of the award.

 

Risk-free interest rate - The risk-free interest rate used to value awards is based on the United States Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for a period consistent with the expected term of the award.

 

Dividend yield - The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends and does not presently plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Forfeiture rate – The Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur and will record stock-based compensation expense assuming all option holders will complete the requisite service period. If an employee forfeits an award because they fail to complete the requisite service period, the Company will reverse stock-based compensation expense previously recognized in the period the award is forfeited.

 

  F-11  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Fair value of common stock

 

The Company’s Board of Directors grants stock options with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

 

Because there was no public market for the Company’s common stock, the Company has determined the fair value of its common stock at the time of the grant of stock options in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Accounting and Valuation Guide: Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation (the “AICPA Practice Aid”). The Company determined the fair value of its common stock based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to (i) the results of contemporaneous independent third-party valuations of the Company’s common stock and the prices, rights, preferences and privileges of the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred stock relative to those of its common stock; (ii) the lack of marketability of the Company’s common stock; (iii) actual operating and financial results; (iv) current business conditions and projections; (v) the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event, such as an IPO or sale of the Company, given prevailing market conditions, and (vi) precedent transactions involving the Company’s shares.

 

As provided in the AICPA Practice Aid, there are several approaches for setting the value of an enterprise and various methodologies for allocating the value of an enterprise to its outstanding equity. The Company determined the fair value of equity awards using a combination of the market and income approach. Within the market approach, the guideline public company method was used, which employs the use of ratios developed from the market price of traded shares from publicly traded companies considered reasonably similar to the Company. Under the income approach, the enterprise value was estimated using the discounted cash flow method, which involves estimating the future cash flows of a business for a discrete period and discounting them to their present value. In allocating enterprise value to its outstanding equity, the Company applied a hybrid approach, which consisted of the option pricing method (“OPM”) and probability-weighted expected return method (“PWERM”). The OPM treats securities, including debt, common and preferred stock, as call options on the enterprise’s value, with exercise prices based on the securities’ respective liquidation preferences and conversion values. The PWERM estimates the fair market value of the common stock based on an analysis of future values for the enterprise assuming various exit scenarios, such as IPO, merger or sale, staying private, and liquidation.

 

In conducting the valuations, the Company considered all objective and subjective factors that it believed to be relevant in the valuation conducted, including management’s best estimate of the Company’s business condition, and prospects and operating performance at the valuation dates. There are significant judgments and estimates inherent in these valuations.

 

Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Ordinary Stockholders

 

The Company has one class of participating security (preferred shares) issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021. Losses are not attributed to the participating security as the preferred stockholders are not contractually obligated to share in the Company’s losses. For all periods presented, the calculation of basic net loss per share excludes shares issued upon the early exercise of stock options where the vesting conditions have not been satisfied.

 

Basic net loss attributable to common stockholders per share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

 

Diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary stockholders reflects adjustments to the basic net loss per share attributable to ordinary stockholders and the weighted-average number of shares of ordinary shares outstanding for the potentially dilutive impact of outstanding securities or other contracts to issue common stock if they were to be exercised or converted into common shares, using the treasury stock method.

 

Contingently issuable shares, including equity awards with performance conditions, are considered outstanding common shares and included in basic net loss per share as of the date that all necessary conditions to earn the awards have been satisfied. Prior to the end of the contingency period, the number of contingently issuable shares included in diluted net loss per share is based on the number of shares, if any, that would be issuable under the terms of the arrangement at the end of the reporting period.

 

  F-12  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Because the Company reported net losses for all periods presented, all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents are antidilutive and have been excluded from the calculation of net loss per share.

 

The following table presents the number of antidilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Stock-based compensation awards - employees     11,690,674       3,714,205       11,690,674       3,714,205  
Stock-based compensation awards - non-employees     11,440,789       1,134,000       11,440,789       1,134,000  
Series Seed redeemable convertible preferred stock     18,193,515       18,193,515       18,193,515       18,193,515  
Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock     46,267,422       -       46,267,422       -  
Total     87,592,400       23,041,720       87,592,400       23,041,720  

 

Comprehensive Loss

 

There were no differences between net loss and comprehensive loss presented in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which outlines a comprehensive lease accounting model that supersedes the current lease guidance. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets for all leases with lease terms greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which provides the option of an additional transition method that allows entities to initially apply the new lease guidance at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company entered into its first lease in July of 2020 and applied ASU 2016-02 to this lease and subsequent leases.

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2018-07"). This amendment expands the scope of Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (which only included share-based payments to employees) to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods or services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees is substantially aligned. ASU 2018-07 supersedes Subtopic 505-50, Equity—Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. Early adoption of ASU 2018-07 is permitted and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company began applying ASU 2018-07 during 2020 upon the Company’s first grant of share-based payment awards. No share-based payments were granted prior to 2020.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies, removes, and adds certain disclosure requirements on fair value measurements based on the FASB Concepts Statement, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting—Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements. The ASU is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company has applied ASU 2018-13 to all periods presented.

 

  F-13  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-08, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2019-08”), which requires entities to measure and classify share-based payments to a customer in accordance with the guidance in ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. ASU 2019-08 expanded the scope of Topic 718 to include awards issued to customers for purposes of measurement and classification and amended portions of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to refer to this guidance. The amount that would be recorded as a reduction in revenue would be measured based on the grant date fair value of the share-based payment in accordance with Topic 718. The Company adopted ASU 2019-08 on January 1, 2021 and has applied its provisions to the measurement of the warrants issued to United Airlines. Refer to Note 9 for details.

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12")This amendment was issued to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes, performing intraperiod allocation, and calculating income taxes in interim periods. Further, ASU 2019-12 adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax basis goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. The Company has applied ASU 2019-12 to all periods presented, and there was no adoption date impact to its financial statements.

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The ASU simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by removing certain separation models in ASC 470- 20, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options, for convertible instruments. The ASU updates the guidance on certain embedded conversion features that are not required to be accounted for as derivatives under Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or that do not result in substantial premiums accounted for as paid-in capital, such that those features are no longer required to be separated from the host contract. The convertible debt instruments will be accounted for as a single liability measured at amortized cost. Further, the ASU made amendments to the EPS guidance in Topic 260 for convertible instruments, the most significant impact of which is requiring the use of the if-converted method for diluted EPS calculation, and no longer allowing the net share settlement method. The ASU also made revisions to Topic 815-40, which provides guidance on how an entity must determine whether a contract qualifies for a scope exception from derivative accounting. The amendments to Topic 815-40 change the scope of contracts that are recognized as assets or liabilities. The ASU is effective for public business entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of the ASU can either be on a modified retrospective or full retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

4. Property and Equipment, Net

 

Property and equipment, net, consists of the following:

 

    June 30, 2021     December 31, 2020  
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment   $ 1,379     $ 1,046  
Computer hardware     1,281       524  
Website design     504       128  
Leasehold improvements     764       54  
Construction in progress     189       -  
Property and equipment, gross     4,117       1,752  
Less: Accumulated depreciation     (545 )     (139 )
Property and equipment, net   $ 3,572     $ 1,613  

 

  F-14  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The following table presents depreciation expense included in each respective expense category in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Research and development   $ 91     $ 10     $ 166     $ 16  
General and administrative     167       19       239       19  
Total depreciation expense   $ 258     $ 29     $ 405     $ 35  

 

5. Related Party Transactions

 

The Company has been primarily funded by notes payable and the sale of preferred and common stock to third parties and the Company’s co-founders.

 

Convertible Promissory Notes Issued to Related Parties

 

On October 11, 2019, the Company entered into a Convertible Note Purchase Agreement which permitted the Company to issue and sell two convertible promissory notes to entities beneficially owned or controlled by the founders, named Capri Growth LLC (“Capri”) and Hight Drive Growth LLC (“Hight”), in the aggregate total amount of $601 (the “October Notes”). Interest accrues from the date of the notes on the unpaid principal amount at a rate of 5% per annum. Capri and Hight will have the ability to convert the outstanding principal and (at the Company’s option) any accrued but unpaid interest under the note (the “Conversion Amount”) into shares of the Company’s preferred stock issued and sold at the close of the Company’s next preferred equity financing that yields gross proceeds of at least $1,000 in aggregate. If such financing occurs before maturity of the notes on October 11, 2021, the Company will issue a number of shares equal to the Conversion Amount divided by (i) the capped price (price per share equal to $4,000 divided by the Company Capitalization) or (ii) the discount price (price per share multiplied by the discount rate of 80%).

 

On November 21, 2019, the Company entered into a Convertible Note Purchase Agreement which permitted the Company to issue and sell an additional three convertible promissory notes in the total amount of $5,000 to three related party investors (the “November Notes”), two of which are the Company’s founders and one of which is a third-party investor. Interest accrues from the date of the notes on the unpaid principal amount at a rate of 10% per annum. The investors will have the ability to either (i) convert the outstanding principal and any accrued but unpaid interest under the note into shares of the Company’s preferred stock at the price per share issued and sold at the close of the Company’s next preferred equity financing that yields gross proceeds of least $25,000 in the aggregate if such financing occurs before maturity of the notes on December 31, 2022 or (ii) be repaid in cash at the initial closing of such $25,000 equity financing event.

 

The Company has not elected the fair value option for either the October or November Notes and does not otherwise account for any convertible promissory notes at fair value under GAAP.

 

On November 21, 2019, the Company closed its Series Seed Preferred Stock round in which the October Notes were cancelled and converted into such shares. On July 22, 2020, the Company issued its Series A Preferred Stock in which the holders of the November Notes elected to cancel their notes and convert into such shares as opposed to being repaid in cash. As the October and November Notes were cancelled and converted into preferred stock in the respective preferred equity financing rounds, there was no outstanding balance on the convertible promissory notes as of June 30, 2021.

 

Partial Recourse Promissory Notes

 

On November 21, 2020, the Company entered into partial recourse promissory note arrangements with each of the Company’s founders which provided each of them with a partial recourse loan as consideration for the issuance of stock, which proceeds were used for the exercise of 2,645,517 shares, per founder, of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the outstanding option agreements issued by the Company to the founders on November 3, 2020. Due to the partial recourse nature of the notes, the promissory note arrangements are considered nonrecourse loans in their entirety for accounting purposes and thus are accounted for as in-substance share options. The purchase price for the shares was $0.15 per share for a total amount of $397 paid by each founder. The notes bear interest at a rate of 0.38% per annum, compounded annually. The promissory notes may be repaid at any time and from time to time and are due upon the earlier of five years from issuance or upon a deemed liquidation event, initial draft registration statement filing, or within 90 days of the respective founder’s termination. Concurrent with the execution of the notes, the founders early exercised their common stock options at the exercise price of $0.15 per share in accordance with the terms of the early exercise agreements. These options are subject to vesting conditions and are subject to forfeiture in the form of a Company repurchase option at the original $0.15 per share price if the founders terminate employment prior to the vesting dates of the original option agreements.

 

  F-15  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Company determined that the stock options exercised by a nonrecourse note are considered unexercised until the nonrecourse note is repaid. Because the loan is deemed nonrecourse for accounting purposes, the principal and interest represent the strike price of the in-substance awards for the purposes of fair valuing the in-substance awards, and the principal and interest on the note and shares underlying the in-substance share options will not be recorded on the Company’s balance sheets or statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

The Company estimated the fair value of the in-substance share options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and compared this fair value to the value of the original awards immediately prior to the issuance of the promissory note. The Company determined that the promissory note terms did not result in incremental fair value of these awards and no incremental compensation cost would be recognized under the promissory note arrangement. The grant date fair value of the original award is recognized as expense over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

 

The partial recourse promissory notes were repaid in full prior to the closing of the Business Combination.

 

6. Paycheck Protection Program Loan

 

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, increased limitations on qualified charitable contributions, and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The CARES Act also appropriated funds for the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans that are forgivable in certain situations to promote continued employment, as well as Economic Injury Disaster Loans to provide liquidity to small businesses harmed by COVID-19.

 

On April 9, 2020, the Company entered into a PPP Loan with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. under the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act and received total proceeds of $905, with interest accruing at a rate of 0.98% per annum. The application for these funds required the Company to, in good faith, certify that the current economic uncertainty made the loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Company and that the Company will use the loan funds to retain workers, maintain payroll, or make mortgage, lease, and utility payments. In accordance with the requirements of the CARES Act, the Company used the proceeds for payroll costs. In June 2021, the Company received notification from the SBA that the loan and accrued interest, totaling $912, was forgiven in full. Accordingly, the Company recorded a gain on forgiveness of PPP loan and interest in the condensed statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases office and storage facilities under various operating lease agreements with lease periods expiring between 2022 and 2023 and generally contain periodic rent increases and various renewal and termination options.

 

The Company’s lease costs were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Operating lease cost   $ 388     $ -     $ 731     $ -  
Short-term lease cost     -       -       25       -  
Total lease cost   $ 388     $ -     $ 756     $ -  

 

  F-16  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The Company’s weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate were as follows:

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020  
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in months)     23.42       -  
Weighted-average discount rate     11.29 %     -  

 

The minimum aggregate future obligations under noncancelable operating leases as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 
Remaining 2021   $ 774  
2022     1,546  
2023     688  
Total future lease payments     3,008  
Less: imputed interest     (294 )
Present value of future lease payments   $ 2,714  

 

Supplemental cash information and non-cash activities related to right-of-use assets and lease liabilities were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Operating cash outflows from operating leases   $ 379     $ -     $ 706     $ -  
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities   $ 165     $ -     $ 984     $ -  

 

Letter of Credit

 

In conjunction with the Company’s operating lease for its headquarters, the Company entered into a standby letter of credit in favor of the Company’s lessor, in lieu of paying cash to the lessor to satisfy the security deposit requirements of the leased property. The standby letter of credit was issued on September 15, 2020 for an amount of $257 and expires on September 30, 2021. The letter of credit automatically renews for additional 12-month periods at each forfeiture date until September 1, 2023, unless cancelled by the Company.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

During the ordinary course of the Company’s business, it may be subject to legal proceedings, various claims, and litigation. Such proceedings can be costly, time consuming, and unpredictable, and therefore, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of such proceedings will not materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

On April 6, 2021, Wisk Aero LLC (“Wisk”) brought a lawsuit against Archer in the United States District Court in the Northern District of California alleging misappropriation of trade secrets and patent infringement. Archer has placed an employee on paid administrative leave in connection with a government investigation and a search warrant issued to the employee, which Archer believes are focused on conduct prior to the employee joining Archer. Archer and three other Archer employees with whom the individual worked have received subpoenas relating to this investigation. Archer is cooperating with the investigation of the employee. On May 19, 2021, Wisk filed a motion for preliminary injunction and expedited discovery. On June 1, 2021, Archer filed a motion to dismiss the trade secret claims and filed counterclaims. On June 15, 2021, Wisk amended its complaint, and the following day Archer filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On June 23, 2021, Archer filed an opposition to the motion for preliminary injunction. On July 13, 2021, Archer filed amended counterclaims for the Wisk legal proceeding. On July 22, 2021, the Court denied Wisk’s motion for preliminary injunction. On July 27, 2021, Wisk filed a motion to strike and dismiss certain of Archer's amended counterclaims. On August 10, 2021, Archer filed a motion to dismiss the motion to strike and dismiss. On August 20, 2021, Wisk filed a notice of appeal of the Court’s denial of the motion for preliminary injunction. On August 24, 2021, the Court denied Archer’s motion to dismiss the trade secret claims. On September 14, 2021, the Court denied Wisk’s motion to strike and dismiss certain of Archer’s amended counterclaims. As of September 22, 2021, the government investigation was ongoing. Archer cannot predict the timing or outcome of the litigation or government investigation or range of reasonably possible loss, if any, from either but a negative result could have a material adverse effect on Archer’s financial position, liquidity, operations, and cash flows.

 

  F-17  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

8. Preferred and Common Stock

 

Preferred Stock

 

There were 18,193,515 shares of Series Seed redeemable convertible preferred stock (“Series Seed Preferred Stock”) authorized, issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. There were 46,732,728 shares of Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) authorized and 46,267,422 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 

Common Stock

 

There were 155,000,000 shares of common stock authorized and 52,229,481 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and 143,677,090 shares of common stock authorized and 51,321,752 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

 

Preferred and Common Stock Rights

 

The rights, privileges, and preferences of the Company’s preferred and common stock as set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated July 16, 2020, are as follows:

 

Voting

 

The holders of preferred and common stock vote together and not as separate classes. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held by such holder. Each holder of preferred stock is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of common stock are not entitled to vote on any amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock. Holders of common stock, exclusively and as a separate class, are entitled to elect three directors of the Company. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock, exclusively and as a separate class, are entitled to elect one director of the Company. Holders of Series Seed Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote for a director. There is no cumulative voting.

 

Dividends

 

The Company may not declare, pay, or set aside any dividends unless the holders of preferred stock have first or simultaneously received a dividend. If declared, the dividend rate for the convertible preferred stock is defined as equal amount per share on an as-converted basis. Any dividends declared are noncumulative, and no dividends on preferred or common stock have been declared by the Board of Directors through June 30, 2021.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

If the Company proposes to offer any equity securities, securities convertible to equity securities, or options or warrants, subject to customary exceptions, any investor who holds at least 4,150,755 shares of registrable securities has the right to purchase their pro rata portion of such securities.

 

  F-18  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Redemption

 

The preferred stock is not redeemable at the option of the holder except in certain circumstances. Mandatory redemption occurs upon a redemption event, which is upon wind-up, dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, declaration of bankruptcy, or change in control. The contingent redemption upon a deemed liquidation event results in mezzanine equity classification (outside of permanent equity) on the Company’s balance sheets. In the event of a deemed liquidation event, if available proceeds are not sufficient to redeem all outstanding shares of preferred stock, the Company may redeem a pro rata portion of each holder’s shares of preferred stock to the extent of such available proceeds.

 

Conversion

 

Each share of Series Seed Preferred Stock and Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into one share of common stock as determined by dividing the applicable original issue price by the applicable conversion price in effect at the time of conversion (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, combination, or other similar recapitalization). The applicable original issue price and the applicable conversion price of each share of Series Seed Preferred Stock is $0.3300. The applicable original issue price and the applicable conversion price of each share of Series A Preferred Stock is $1.2046.

 

The Company will reserve the number of authorized shares of common stock sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding preferred stock, and if necessary, will increase its authorized but unissued shares of common stock to such number of shares sufficient to effect the conversion. All outstanding shares of preferred stock will be automatically converted into shares of common stock upon either a qualified initial public offering or in event of a mandatory conversion. The Series Seed Preferred Stock and Series A Preferred Stock will convert into common stock upon consummation of the Business Combination Agreement with Atlas and Merger Sub. Refer to Note 1 for more detail.

 

Liquidation

 

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or deemed liquidation event such as dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of preferred stock are entitled to receive distribution in an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) the applicable original issue price, plus any declared but unpaid dividend, or (ii) the amount per share had all shares of preferred stock been converted prior to such liquidation event, on a pari passu basis prior and in preference to any distribution to the holders of common stock. If upon any such liquidation event, the assets of the Company available for distribution is insufficient to pay the holders of shares of preferred stock, the amounts will be distributed among the holders of preferred stock pro rata, in proportion to the full amounts they would otherwise be entitled to receive. If the holders of preferred stock are paid in full, the remaining assets of the Company will be distributed pro rata to the holders of common stock based on the number of shares held by each holder.

 

9. Stock-Based Compensation

 

2019 Stock Plan

 

In January 2021, the Company granted 1,269,289 incentive and nonstatutory stock options. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had 543,578 shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Stock Plan.

 

  F-19  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

A summary of our employee stock option activity is as follows:

 

          Weighted     Weighted
Average
       
          Average     Remaining     Aggregate  
    Number of     Exercise     Contractual     Intrinsic  
    Shares     Price     Life (Years)     Value  
Outstanding as of January 1, 2021     11,167,089     $ 0.11       9.61     $ 136,988  
Granted     1,203,981     $ 0.15                  
Exercised     (680,396 )   $ 0.04             $ 9,339  
Outstanding as of June 30, 2021     11,690,674     $ 0.12       9.18     $ 177,315  
Exercisable as of June 30, 2021     2,335,560     $ 0.14       9.28     $ 35,385  
Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2021     11,690,674     $ 0.12       9.18     $ 177,315  

 

A summary of our non-employee stock option activity is as follows:

 

          Weighted     Weighted
Average
       
          Average     Remaining     Aggregate  
    Number of     Exercise     Contractual     Intrinsic  
    Shares     Price     Life (Years)     Value  
Outstanding as of January 1, 2021     1,387,586     $ 0.15       9.84     $ 16,973  
Granted     65,308     $ 0.15                  
Exercised     (227,333 )   $ 0.15             $ 3,129  
Outstanding as of June 30, 2021     1,225,561     $ 0.15       9.35     $ 18,885  
Exercisable as of June 30, 2021     33,900     $ 0.15       9.41     $ 513  
Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2021     1,225,561     $ 0.15       9.35     $ 18,885  

 

  F-20  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

A summary of our restricted stock activity is as follows:

 

          Weighted  
          Average  
    Number of     Grant  
    Shares     Price  
Outstanding as of January 1, 2021     567,000     $ 0.04  
Vested     (567,000 )   $ 0.04  
Outstanding as of June 30, 2021     -     $ -  

 

Determination of Fair Value

 

The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are provided in the following table.

 

    June 30, 2021     December 31, 2020  
Risk-free interest rate:                
Employee stock options     0.62 %     0.52 – 1.52 %
Non-employee stock options     1.08 %     0.79 %
Expected term (in years):                
Employee stock options     6.32       6.02 – 6.32  
Non-employee stock options     10.00       10.00  
Expected volatility:                
Employee stock options     87.94 %     60.00 – 70.00 %
Non-employee stock options     88.03 %     60.00 %
Dividend yield:                
Employee stock options     0.00 %     0.00 %
Non-employee stock options     0.00 %     0.00 %
Grant date fair value per share:                
Employee stock options   $ 13.65       $0.02 - $0.08  
Non-employee stock options   $ 13.68     $ 0.10  

 

The Company records stock-based compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards based on the fair value on the date of grant. The stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the course of the requisite service period.

 

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $861 and $123 for employee and non-employees, respectively, for stock options and $9 for non-employees for restricted stock awards for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,658 and $240 for employees and non-employees, respectively, for stock options and $20 for non-employees for restricted stock awards for the six months ended June 30, 2021. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $5 and $8, respectively, related to stock options for employees. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $3 related to restricted stock awards for non-employees.

 

  F-21  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

As of June 30, 2021, the total remaining stock-based compensation expense for unvested stock options was $15,342 and $788 for employees and non-employees, respectively, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 and 1.1 years, for employee and non-employees, respectively.

 

The Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur and will record stock-based compensation expense assuming all stockholders will complete the requisite service period. If an employee forfeits an award because they fail to complete the requisite service period, the Company will reverse stock-based compensation expense previously recognized in the period the award is forfeited.

 

The following table presents stock-based compensation expense included in each respective expense category in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Research and development   $ 735     $ 5     $ 1,416     $ 8  
General and administrative     258       3       502       3  
Total stock-based compensation expense   $ 993     $ 8     $ 1,918     $ 11  

 

Collaboration and Warrant Agreements

 

United Airlines

 

On January 29, 2021, the Company entered into a purchase agreement and warrant agreement with United Airlines Inc. (“United”). Under the terms of the purchase agreement, United has a conditional purchase order for up to 200 Archer aircraft, with an option to purchase an additional 100 aircraft. The purchase agreement between Archer and United is subject to conditions that include, but are not limited to, the certification of Archer’s aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and further negotiation and reaching mutual agreement on certain material terms. Archer issued 14,645,614 warrants to United to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Each warrant provides United with the right to purchase one share of Archer common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The warrants will vest in accordance with four milestones including the issuance of the warrant in conjunction with the execution of the purchase and collaboration arrangements, completion of a SPAC transaction by Archer, the certification of the aircraft by the FAA, and the sale of aircraft to United.

 

On January 29, 2021, a valuation of the Company’s common stock was performed, valuing the Company’s common stock at $13.35 per share. The value of the common stock was determined using a hybrid approach of the OPM and PWERM, with the PWERM weighted at 80% primarily based on management’s expectation of the planned merger as described in Note 1 and the OPM weighted at 20% due to uncertainties in the timing of other possible scenarios. The Company used the OPM to allocate value in a stay private scenario. Given the $0.01 exercise price, each warrant also had a fair value of $13.35 at the grant date.

 

The Company determined that as a result of signing the purchase agreement, United is a customer with the intention of obtaining the output of the Company’s ordinary activities (design and production of aircraft). United has not contracted to share in the risks and benefits of development of the aircraft, and United is not involved in the development of the aircraft. As a result, the Company accounts for the collaboration and purchase agreement under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company identified the sale of each aircraft ordered by United as a separate performance obligation in the contract. As the performance obligations have not been satisfied, the Company has not recognized any revenue as of June 30, 2021.

 

With respect to the four milestones outlined above, the Company accounts for them as consideration payable to a customer under ASC 606 related to the future purchase of aircraft by United. Pursuant to ASC 718, the Company measured the grant date fair value of the warrants to be recognized upon the achievement of each of the four milestones and the vesting of the related warrants. The Company determined that the warrants will be classified as equity awards based on the criteria of ASC 480 and ASC 718.

 

  F-22  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Pursuant to ASC 606, consideration payable to the customer is generally accounted for as a reduction to revenue and recorded at the later of when (i) the entity recognizes revenue for the transfer of related goods, or (ii) the entity pays the consideration. Due to the nature of the four milestones, and the Company’s unique circumstances upon the actual or anticipated vesting dates as described below, the recognition pattern and cost presentation of each will differ. For the first milestone, issuance of the warrant in conjunction with the execution of the purchase and collaboration arrangements, the Company has recorded the grant date fair value of the respective warrant tranche at the vesting date upon satisfaction of the milestone. The Company does not believe that the consideration payable for the first milestone was provided in exchange for a distinct good or service. Rather, the consideration was to induce United to commit to a contingent purchase agreement for an aircraft from the Company. The related costs for this milestone were recorded in other warrant expense in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss due to the absence of historical or probable future revenue. For the second milestone, the completion of the SPAC transaction by Archer, as it is not considered probable that certain events will occur, the Company will record the grant date fair value of the respective warrant tranche at the vesting date upon satisfaction of the milestone. The related costs for this milestone will be recorded in other warrant expense in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss due to the absence of historical or probable future revenue. For the third milestone, the certification of the aircraft by the FAA, the Company will assess whether it is probable that the award will vest at the end of every reporting period. If and when the award is deemed probable of vesting, the Company will begin capitalizing the grant date fair value of the associated warrant as an asset through the vesting date and subsequently amortize the asset as a reduction to revenue as it sells the new aircraft to United. For the fourth milestone, the sale of aircraft to United, the Company will record the cost associated with the vesting of each portion of warrants within this milestone as a reduction of the transaction price as revenue is recognized for each sale of the aircraft. As of June 30, 2021, the first milestone of execution of the collaboration agreement had been achieved, and the Company recorded the associated expense of $78,208 related to 5,858,246 warrants that vested.

 

FCA US LLC

 

On November 6, 2020, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with FCA US LLC (“FCA”), in which both parties agreed to work together to complete a series of fixed duration collaboration projects to develop a prototype aircraft for Archer. In exchange for services to be provided by FCA under the collaboration agreement, the Company issued a warrant to FCA on November 6, 2020, in which FCA will have the right to purchase up to 1,660,302 shares of Archer’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, combination, or other similar recapitalization). In September 2020, a valuation of the Company’s common and preferred stock was performed, valuing the Company’s common stock and Series A Preferred Stock at $0.15 and $1.20 per share, respectively. The warrant expires on November 6, 2025. Shares under the warrant are vested and earned based on the completion of specific aircraft development milestones identified under the collaboration agreement which are expected to be achieved through December 2022.

 

As the Company is currently in pre-revenue stage and is not generating any revenue from the collaboration agreement, all costs incurred with third parties are recorded based on the nature of the cost incurred. The Company accounts for the warrant in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. The Company will assess whether it is probable that the award will vest for each of the seven milestones at the end of every reporting period. If and when the award is deemed probable of vesting, the Company will recognize compensation expense for the portion of the grant determined probable of vesting on a straight-line basis over the duration of each milestone. If services had been provided by FCA prior to management determining the milestone is probable of being achieved, a cumulative catch-up adjustment will be recorded for services performed in prior periods. Costs incurred under the collaboration agreement and warrant are associated with the research, design, and production and testing for the aircraft prototype and are recorded in R&D expense in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. As services began in January 2021, no expense was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded $34 of expense related to the completion of two milestones, amounting to 232,442 shares that have vested.

 

10. Income Taxes

 

The Company recognized zero and an immaterial amount of income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, resulting in an effective tax rate of 0%. The Company did not recognize an income tax benefit/(expense) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. The effective tax rate is different from the federal statutory tax rate primarily due to a full valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based upon the analysis of federal and state deferred tax balances, future tax projections, and the Company’s lack of taxable income in the carryback period, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against the federal and state deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

  F-23  

 

 

Archer Aviation Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

11. 401(k) Savings Plan

 

The Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan for the benefit of its employees. The Company makes matching contributions equal to 50% of each employee contribution, subject to the maximum amount established by the Internal Revenue Service. All current employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. The Company’s matching contributions were approximately $123 and $252 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $67 and $126 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

 

12. Subsequent Events

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date of the issuance of these financial statements. Other than as described below, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the condensed financial statements.

 

Silicon Valley Bank Loan and Security Agreement

 

On July 9, 2021, Archer, as the borrower, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) and SVB Innovation Credit Fund VIII, L.P. (“SVB Innovation”) as the lenders, and SVB as the collateral agent. The total principal amount of the loans is $20,000 (the “Term Loans”), and all obligations due under the Term Loans are collateralized by all of Archer’s right, title, and interest in and to its specified personal property in favor of the collateral agent. The interest rate on the loans is a floating rate per annum equal to the greater of (1) 8.5% and (2) the Prime Rate plus the Prime Rate Margin, which increases by 2% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default. The proceeds are to be used solely for the working capital or to fund the Company’s general business purpose. The Term Loans are subject to a final payment fee ranging between zero and 5.5% of the original aggregate principal amount depending on the timing of repayment and whether the closing of the Business Combination transaction occurs.

 

Additionally, in conjunction with the issuance of the Term Loans, the Company agreed to issue 211,641 warrants to SVB and 211,641 warrants to SVB Innovation, totaling 423,282 warrants. Each warrant provides SVB and SVB Innovation with the right to purchase one share of Archer common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $17.30 per share and expire on the 10th anniversary of the issuance date. The number and exercise price of the warrants are subject to adjustment if the Atlas merger closing occurs on or before October 10, 2021. As of the date of the merger with Atlas, the warrants were exchanged into public warrants and became 732,280 shares at the exercise price of $11.50. The Company accounts for the warrants in accordance with the guidance contained in ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity, under which the warrants do not meet the criteria for equity treatment and must be recorded as liabilities. Accordingly, the Company classifies the warrants as liabilities at their fair value and adjusts the warrants to fair value at each reporting period. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised, and any change in fair value is recognized as a gain or loss in the Company’s statement of operations.

 

FCA Italy S.p.A. Manufacturing Consulting and Warrant Agreements

 

On July 19, 2021, Archer entered into a manufacturing consulting agreement with an affiliate of FCA, FCA Italy S.p.A. (“FCA Italy”), in which both parties agreed to work together to complete a series of fixed duration projects to develop manufacturing and production processes for the sale of the Company’s aircraft. In conjunction with the manufacturing consulting agreement, the Company issued a warrant to FCA Italy, in which FCA Italy will have the right to purchase up to 1,070,000 shares of Archer’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. Shares under the warrant will vest in accordance with two events, including the execution of the manufacturing consulting agreement and 12 months from the effective date of the agreement.

 

  F-24  

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Defined terms included below have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in the Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Form 8-K”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 21, 2021. Unless the context otherwise requires, “Legacy Archer” refers to Archer Aviation Inc. prior to the Closing Date, the “Company” refers to Archer Aviation Inc. (“Archer”) (f/k/a Atlas Crest Investment Corp.) after the Closing, and Atlas Crest Investment Corp. (“Atlas”) prior to the Closing Date.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses,” and presents the combination of the historical financial information of Atlas and Archer adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination and related transactions.

 

Atlas is a blank check company formed for the purpose of acquiring, through a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, recapitalization, or other similar business transaction, one or more operating businesses or entities.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 combines the historical balance sheet of Atlas and the historical balance sheet of Legacy Archer on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination and the related transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, summarized below, had been consummated on June 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020, combines the historical statements of operations of Atlas and Legacy Archer for such periods on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination and the related transactions, summarized below, had been consummated on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

The pro forma condensed combined financial information may not be useful in predicting the future financial condition and results of operations of Archer. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors.

 

The historical financial information of Atlas was derived from the unaudited condensed financial statements of Atlas as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the audited financial statements for the period from August 26, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020. The historical financial information of Legacy Archer was derived from the unaudited condensed financial statements of Legacy Archer as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. This information should be read together with Atlas’ and Archer’s audited financial statements and related notes, the sections titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Atlas,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Archer” contained in Atlas’ Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed on August 10, 2021, the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Form 8-K.

 

Accounting for the Business Combination

 

The Business Combination has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded, in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Atlas has been treated as the “accounting acquiree” and Archer as the “accounting acquirer” for financial reporting purposes. Archer was determined to be the accounting acquirer primarily because Legacy Archer stakeholders collectively own a majority of the outstanding shares of the combined company as of the closing of the merger, they have nominated six of the seven board of directors as of the closing of the merger, and Legacy Archer’s management continue to manage the combined company. Additionally, Legacy Archer’s business comprises the ongoing operations of the combined company immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Business Combination has been treated as the equivalent of Archer issuing shares for the net assets of Atlas, followed by a recapitalization. Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities, and results of operations of Archer is the historical financial statements of the surviving corporation, and Atlas’ assets, liabilities and results of operations has been consolidated with Archer beginning on the acquisition date.

 

These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are for informational purposes only. They do not purport to indicate the results that would have been obtained had the Business Combination and related transactions actually been completed on the assumed date or for the periods presented, or which may be realized in the future. The pro forma adjustments are based on the information currently available and the assumptions and estimates underlying the pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ materially from the assumptions within the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

The Business Combination and Related Transactions

 

On February 10, 2021, Atlas entered into the Business Combination Agreement (as amended and restated on July 29, 2021), by and among Atlas, Merger Sub, and Legacy Archer.

 

In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Business Combination Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, (i) outstanding shares of common stock and preferred stock of Legacy Archer have been converted into a right to receive a number of Archer Class B Shares determined on the basis of an implied Legacy Archer equity value of $1,480 million (the “Implied Equity Value”), (ii) all stock awards (whether vested or unvested) to purchase Legacy Archer common stock have been converted into stock awards with respect to a number of Archer Class B Shares based on the final exchange ratio and (iii) outstanding warrants (whether vested or unvested) to purchase Legacy Archer common stock have been converted into warrants to purchase a number of Archer Class A Shares or Archer Class B Shares, as applicable, determined on the basis of the Implied Equity Value. The Legacy Archer equityholders have the right to convert their Archer Class B Shares into Archer Class A Shares pursuant to the terms of the Archer Charter.

 

 

 

 

Concurrently with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, Atlas entered into the Subscription Agreements with certain investors, pursuant to which, on the Closing Date (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), and concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination, investors purchased an aggregate of 60,000,000 Atlas Class A Shares at a price of $10.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $600.0 million (the “PIPE Financing”). The Subscription Agreements provide that Atlas have granted the investors in the PIPE Financing certain customary registration rights.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, and subject to their continued employment through immediately prior to Closing, Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein (the “Archer Founders”) were allocated 40,018,450 restricted stock units (the “Archer Founder Grants”) immediately prior to Closing. The Archer Founder Grants have been issued under the Archer Aviation Inc. 2019 Stock Plan, as amended, and are a size that, when taken together with their existing equity ownership, resulted in each of the Archer Founders owning up to 18% of the “Total Outstanding Capitalization”, which is defined as all outstanding shares of capital stock of Archer following Closing (assuming the exercise, exchange or conversion in full of all outstanding exercisable, exchangeable or convertible securities, including options, restricted stock units, or warrants, in each case of Archer outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing), but not including any (1) shares reserved for issuance under equity incentive or similar plans or (2) shares underlying (or shares subsequently issued in respect of) any warrants or other exercisable, exchangeable or convertible securities of Atlas that are outstanding immediately prior to the Closing and following the Closing, are subject to certain vesting conditions. One-quarter of each Archer Founder Grant will vest upon the achievement (within seven years following the Closing) of the earlier to occur of (i) a price-based milestone or (ii) a performance-based milestone, with a different set of such price and performance-based milestones applying to each quarter of the Archer Founder Grant. The vesting is generally subject to the Founder’s continued employment with Archer through the vesting date. However, if the Archer Founder’s employment is terminated by Archer without “cause” or by the Archer Founder for “good reason” (with such terms as defined in the employment agreements to be entered into with each Archer Founder) the Archer Founder Grants will remain outstanding and eligible to vest for a period of 15 months following such termination of employment.

 

Of the 12,500,000 Founder Shares held by Atlas Crest Investment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), 1,875,000 Founder Shares are subject to vesting and forfeiture provisions (the “Sponsor Earn Out Shares”) beginning on the Closing Date and ending on and including the date of the three-year anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Sponsor Earn Out Period”) based on the Sponsor Earn Out Trigger Event. The “Sponsor Earn Out Trigger Event” means the first date on which the Atlas VWAP over any 10 Trading Days within the preceding 20 Trading Day period during the Sponsor Earn Out Period is greater than or equal to $12.00. If the Sponsor Earn Out Trigger Event does not occur during the Sponsor Earn Out Period, the Sponsor Earn Out Shares that were eligible to vest shall not vest and shall be deemed transferred by the forfeiting holder to Atlas and shall be canceled by Atlas and cease to exist. The accounting treatment of the Founder Shares subject to the Sponsor Earn Out Trigger Event is expected to be recognized at fair value upon the closing of the Business Combination and classified in stockholders' equity. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect pro forma adjustments related to the recognition of these shares because there is no net impact on additional paid-in capital on a pro forma combined basis.

 

The pro forma adjustments giving effect to the Business Combination and related transactions are summarized below, and are discussed further in the footnotes to these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements:

 

the consummation of the Business Combination and reclassification of cash held in Atlas’ Trust Account to cash and cash equivalents, net of redemptions (see below);

 

the consummation of the PIPE Financing;

 

the accounting for deferred offering costs and transaction costs incurred by both Atlas and Legacy Archer; and

 

the accounting for the issuance of restricted stock units in connection with the Archer Founder Grants as stipulated in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects Atlas stockholders’ approval of the Business Combination on September 14, 2021, and that Atlas’ public stockholders holding 24,239,307 shares have elected to redeem their shares prior to the Closing Date.

 

 

 

 

The following summarizes the pro forma Archer ownership immediately after the Business Combination:

 

    Class A
Shares
    Class B
Shares
    Percentage
of
Outstanding
Shares
 
Former holders of Legacy Archer common and preferred stock (4)     57,218,767       73,636,982       55 %
Atlas Founder Shares (1)     10,625,000             4 %
Legacy Archer Founder Grants (3)           10,004,613       4 %
Atlas public stockholders     25,760,693             11 %
PIPE and other investors (2)     61,512,500             26 %
Pro forma ownership at June 30, 2021     155,116,960       83,641,595       100 %

 

(1) The Atlas Class B Shares will automatically convert into Atlas Class A Shares upon the consummation of a Business Combination on a one-for-one basis, and each Atlas Class A Share will be reclassified, on a one for one basis, as one New Archer Class A Share. Excludes 1,875,000 Sponsor Earn Out Shares as the earnout contingency has not yet been met.
(2) Investors in the PIPE Financing have purchased an aggregate of 60,000,000 New Archer Class A Shares for a purchase price of $10.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $600.0 million. Includes 1,512,500 Class A common stock (based on the assumed price of $10.00 per share of common stock) to be issued to satisfy fees related to the Business Combination and PIPE Financing.
(3) This number represents 25% of the New Archer Class B Shares underlying the Archer Founder Grants to be issued to the Archer Founders in conjunction with the Business Combination, representing the Archer Founder Grants expected to vest upon the achievement of a performance-based milestone at the closing of the Business Combination.
(4) Excludes the impact of 4,319,093 options to purchase a number of New Archer Class B Shares and 12,772,625 warrants to purchase a number of New Archer Class A Shares or New Archer Class B shares, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of such warrants; determined on the basis of the Implied Equity Value. The warrants exclude 732,280 warrants that upon close of the Business Combination were exchanged for public warrants.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021, and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020 are based on the historical financial statements of Atlas and Legacy Archer. The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on information currently available, assumptions, and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ materially from the assumptions used to present the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JUNE 30, 2021

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

Legacy Archer

(Historical)

   

Atlas Crest
Investment Corp.

(Historical)

    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
      Pro Forma
Combined
 
Assets                                    
Current assets:                                    
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 5,937     $ 297     $ 500,143     3A   $ 828,016  
                      (242,421 )   3B        
                      600,000     3D        
                      (55,640 )   3G        
                      20,000     3J        
                      (300 )   3L        
Prepaid expenses     542       252                 794  
Other current assets     199                       199  
Total current assets     6,678       549       821,782           829,009  
Property and equipment, net     3,572                       3,572  
Intangible assets, net     481                       481  
Right of use asset     2,687                       2,687  
Investments held in Trust Account           500,143       (500,143 )   3A      
Other long-term assets     235       79                 314  
Total assets   $ 13,653     $ 500,771     $ 321,639         $ 836,063  
Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock, and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)                                    
Current liabilities:                                    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 21,710     $ 7,454     $ (8,361 )   3G   $ 20,803  
Lease liability     1,329                       1,329  
Promissory note - related party           300       (300 )   3L      
Other current liabilities     667       103       2,500     3J     3,270  
Total current liabilities     23,706       7,857       (6,161 )         25,402  
Notes payable, net of current portion                            
Lease liability, net of current portion     1,385                       1,385  
Other long-term liabilities     215             16,925     3J     17,140  
Warrant liabilities           38,227       575     3J     38,802  
Total liabilities     25,306       46,084       11,339           82,729  
Commitments and contingencies                                    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock                                    
Series Seed redeemable convertible preferred stock     5,943             (5,943 )   3E      
Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock     55,589             (55,589 )   3E      
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption           500,143       (500,143 )   3C      
Stockholders' equity (deficit)                                    
Preferred stock                            
Class A common stock                 (2 )   3B     15  
                      5     3C        
                      6     3D        
                      5     3E        
                      1     3H        
Class B common stock           1       7     3E     8  
                      (1 )   3H        
                      1     3I        
Common stock     5             (5 )   3E      
Additional paid-in capital     80,408       24       (242,419 )   3B     1,061,062  
                      500,138     3C        
                      599,994     3D        
                      61,525     3E        
                      (45,481 )   3F        
                      (42,176 )   3G        
                      99,245     3I        
                      39,104     3K        
                      10,700     3M        
Accumulated deficit     (153,598 )     (45,481 )     45,481     3F     (307,751 )
                      (5,103 )   3G        
                      (99,246 )   3I        
                      (39,104 )   3K        
                      (10,700 )   3M        
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     (73,185 )     (45,456 )     871,975           753,334  
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit)   $ 13,653     $ 500,771     $ 321,639         $ 836,063  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

Legacy Archer

(Historical)

   

Atlas Crest
Investment Corp.

(Historical)

    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
      Pro Forma
Combined
 
Operating expenses                                    
Operating and formation costs   $     $ 8,490     $         $ 8,490  
Research and development     21,514                       21,514  
General and administrative     28,987             72,077     3CC     101,064  
Other warrant expense     78,208                       78,208  
Franchise tax expense           100                 100  
Total operating expenses     128,709       8,590       72,077           209,376  
Loss from operations     (128,709 )     (8,590 )     (72,077 )         (209,376 )
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities           9,280                 9,280  
Interest expense, net     1       9                 10  
Unrealized gain on investments held in Trust Account           135       (135 )   3AA      
Other income, net     912                       912  
Loss before income taxes     (127,796 )     834       (72,212 )         (199,174 )
Income tax expense     (2 )                     (2 )
Net loss   $ (127,798 )   $ 834     $ (72,212 )       $ (199,176 )
Net loss per share                                    
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A common stock             50,000,000                      
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A common stock           $ 0.00                      
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class B common stock             12,500,000                      
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class B common stock           $ 0.06                      
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Archer Aviation Inc. common stock     56,774,344                              
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Archer Aviation Inc. common stock   $ (2.25 )                            
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, New Archer common stock                                 238,758,555  
Basic and diluted net loss per share, New Archer common stock                               $ (0.83 )

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Legacy Archer
(Historical)
    Atlas Crest
Investment Corp.
(Historical as
Restated)
    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
          Pro Forma
Combined
 
Operating expenses                                      
Operating and formation costs   $     $ 160     $           $ 160  
Research and development     21,097             10,700     3EE     31,797  
General and administrative     3,491             14,814     3BB     300,008  
                      281,703     3CC        
Other warrant expense                 39,104     3DD     39,104  
Franchise tax expense           70                   70  
Total operating expenses     24,588       230       346,321             371,139  
Loss from operations     (24,588 )     (230 )     (346,321 )           (371,139 )
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities           (9,933 )                 (9,933 )
Interest expense, net     (232 )                       (232 )
Loss on sale of private placement warrants           (240 )                 (240 )
Expensed offering costs           (546 )                 (546 )
Unrealized gain on investments held in Trust Account           99       (99 )   3AA      
Other expense, net     (2 )                       (2 )
Loss before income taxes     (24,822 )     (10,850 )     (346,420 )           (382,092 )
Income tax expense     (1 )                       (1 )
Net loss   $ (24,823 )   $ (10,850 )   $ (346,420 )         $ (382,093 )
Net loss per share                                      
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A common stock             44,885,287                        
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A common stock           $ 0.00                        
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class B common stock             17,614,713                        
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class B common stock           $ (0.62 )                      
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Archer Aviation Inc. common stock     50,164,360                                
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Archer Aviation Inc. common stock   $ (0.49 )                              
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, New Archer common stock                                   238,758,555  
Basic and diluted net loss per share, New Archer common stock                                 $ (1.60 )

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The Business Combination has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded, in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Atlas has been treated as the “accounting acquiree” and Archer as the “accounting acquirer” for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Business Combination has been treated as the equivalent of Archer issuing shares for the net assets of Atlas, followed by a recapitalization. The net assets of Legacy Atlas will be stated at historical cost. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of Legacy Archer.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 assumes that the Business Combination and related transactions occurred on June 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination as if it had been completed on January 1, 2020. These periods are presented on the basis that Archer is the acquirer for accounting purposes.

 

The pro forma adjustments reflecting the consummation of the Business Combination and related transactions are based on certain currently available information and certain assumptions and methodologies that Archer believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited condensed pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. Archer believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Business Combination and related transactions based on information available to management at the time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings, or cost savings that may be associated with the Business Combination. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the Business Combination and related transactions taken place on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the post-combination company. They should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto of Atlas and Legacy Archer, included in the Form 8-K, and other financial information included elsewhere.

 

NOTE 2 — ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Upon consummation of the Business Combination, management is performing a comprehensive review of the two entities’ accounting policies. As a result of the review, management may identify differences between the accounting policies of the two entities which, when conformed, could have a material impact on the financial statements of the post-combination company. Based on its initial analysis, management did not identify any differences that would have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. As a result, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not assume any differences in accounting policies.

 

As part of the preparation of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, certain reclassifications were made to align Atlas’ financial statement presentation with that of Archer.

 

NOTE 3 — ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared to illustrate the effect of the Business Combination and related transactions and has been prepared for informational purposes only.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses.” Release No. 33-10786 replaces the existing pro forma adjustment criteria with simplified requirements to depict the accounting for the transaction (“Transaction Accounting Adjustments”) and present the reasonably estimable synergies and other transaction effects that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur (“Management’s Adjustments”). Atlas has elected not to present Management’s Adjustments and will only be presenting Transaction Accounting Adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. Archer and Atlas have not had any historical relationship prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.

 

The pro forma combined provision for income taxes does not necessarily reflect the amounts that would have resulted had the post-combination company filed consolidated income tax returns during the periods presented. The pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share amounts presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations are based upon the number of Archer’s shares outstanding, assuming the Business Combination and related transactions occurred as of the beginning of the period presented.

 

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

 

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 are as follows:

 

(A) Reflects the reclassification of $500.1 million held in the Trust Account to cash and cash equivalents.

 

(B) Reflects the redemption of 24.2 million Atlas Class A shares for $242.4 million allocated to Atlas Class A Shares and additional paid-in capital using par value $0.0001 per share at a redemption price of $10.00 per share.

 

(C) Reflects the reclassification of Atlas’ common stock subject to possible redemption into permanent equity.

 

 

 

 

(D) Reflects cash proceeds from the concurrent PIPE Financing in the amount of $600.0 million and corresponding offset to additional-paid-in-capital.

 

(E) Reflects the conversion of the shares of Legacy Archer stock into Archer Class B Shares upon consummation of the Business Combination in accordance with the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(F) Reflects the reclassification of Atlas’ historical accumulated deficit.

 

(G) Reflects an adjustment of $71.8 million for transaction costs expected to be incurred by Atlas and Archer in relation to the Business Combination, marketing agreement in connection with the Business Combination and PIPE Financing, including advisory, banking, printing, legal and accounting services. $4.3 million was expensed and not yet recognized, and $9.4 million was accrued for in by Atlas and Legacy Archer as part of the Business Combination and recorded in accumulated deficit netted against $1.1 million to be paid subsequent to Closing by Archer, and the remaining approximately $42.0 million was determined to be equity issuance costs and offset to additional-paid-in-capital. 1,512,500 shares of Class A common stock will be issued in lieu of cash ($15.1 million) to satisfy fees related to the Business Combination and PIPE Financing resulting in a net cash adjustment of $55.6 million for transaction costs and a net zero impact to additional-paid-in-capital.

 

(H) Reflects the conversion of Atlas Class B Shares into Atlas Class A Shares upon the consummation of the Business Combination on a one-for-one basis. Each Atlas Class A Share has been reclassified, on a one for one basis, as one New Archer Class A Share.

 

(I) Reflects compensation expense of $99.2 million recorded in additional-paid-in-capital and offset to accumulated deficit, related to the Archer Founder Grant restricted stock units subject to vesting upon closing (which for purposes of the pro forma balance sheet is assumed to have occurred on the balance sheet date of June 30, 2021) due to the acceptance of the G-1 Issue Paper by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) performance milestone. A 20% increase or decrease in the stock price would change compensation expense by $19.8 million. The actual fair values of these awards and the related compensation expense are subject to change as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed, such changes could be material once the final valuation is determined at the Closing.

 

(J) Reflects the issuance of a note payable by Archer to Silicon Valley Bank as executed on July 9, 2021. The principal amount of the note is $20.0 million. Upon closing of the Business Combination, warrants issued in conjunction with the note payable were exchanged for public warrants, which will share the terms of the public warrants. As such, the value of the warrants were bifurcated from the debt resulting in a debt discount and an increase in the pro forma combined warrant liabilities. The related interest expense is not included within the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as it was not considered material.

 

(K) Reflects an adjustment to include the vesting of a portion of the United Airline Venture ("United") warrant issued by Archer on January 29, 2021 in which one of the four milestones is achieved upon the consummation of the Merger. The Company determined that the warrant will be classified as an equity award based on the criteria of ASC 480 and ASC 718 and this milestone has a fair value of $39.1 million at its grant date. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet, the $39.1 million of other warrant expense is recorded in additional-paid-in-capital with an offset in accumulated deficit.

 

(L) Represents the repayment of outstanding related party promissory note.

 

(M) Reflects an adjustment to include estimated warrant expense of $10.7 million recorded in additional paid-in-capital associated with the warrant issued to FCA Italy S.p.A. ("FCA Italy"), an affiliate of FCA US LLC, in conjunction with the manufacturing consulting agreement entered into by Archer and FCA Italy in July 2021. Warrant expense related to this arrangement assumes the arrangement was entered into on January 1, 2020 and represents the cost for the warrants that fully vested during the year ended December 31, 2020 recorded in research and development expense with an offset to additional paid-in-capital.

 

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

 

The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

(AA) Elimination of unrealized gain on investments held in Trust Account.

 

(BB) Reflects a portion of the estimated transaction costs of approximately $14.8 million as if incurred on January 1, 2020, the date the Business Combination occurred for the purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations. This is a non-recurring item.

 

(CC) Reflects estimated Archer Founder Grant restricted stock unit compensation expense of $72.1 million and $281.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. Compensation expense in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations assume the Business Combination occurred on January 1, 2020 and includes the restricted stock units expected to vest upon closing as described in adjustment (I) above and the vesting of restricted stock units with market conditions (price based milestones) that vest over a derived service period, which is assumed to begin on January 1, 2020, the first day of the fiscal period presented. Management notes that with exception of the assumed achievement of the acceptance of the G-1 Issue Paper by the FAA performance milestone in (I) above Management assumes the remaining performance milestones were not considered probable of being met during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 pro forma periods, and as a result, the compensation expense during these periods reflects the assumed vesting of the aforementioned market conditions. Of the $281.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, $99.2 million relates to performance milestone vesting and $182.5 million relates to market condition vesting. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, expenses relate entirely to market condition vesting, as the performance milestone is expected to have been achieved at the assumed business combination on January 1, 2020. A 20% increase or decrease in the stock price would change compensation expense by $14.4 million and $56.3 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. The actual fair values of these awards and the related compensation expense are subject to change as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed, such changes could be material once the final valuation is determined at the Closing.

 

 

 

 

(DD) Reflects an adjustment to include the United other warrant expense of $39.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Other warrant expense in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations assumes the Business Combination occurred on January 1, 2020 and includes the expense related to the vesting of the portion of the warrant for one of the four milestones that will be achieved upon the consummation of the Merger. The other three milestones include the issuance of the warrant in conjunction with the execution of the purchase and collaboration arrangements, the certification of the aircraft by the FAA, and the sale of aircraft to United. The expense for the portion of the warrant that vests upon achievement of the milestone associated with the execution of the purchase and collaboration arrangement is recorded as the $78.2 million in other warrant expense in Archer's statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The Company determined that the warrant will be classified as an equity award based on the criteria of ASC 480 and ASC 718 and this milestone has a fair value of $39.1 million at its grant date.

 

(EE) Reflects an adjustment to include estimated warrant expense of $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 related to the warrant issued to FCA Italy in conjunction with the manufacturing consulting agreement entered into by Archer and FCA Italy in July 2021. Warrant expense related to this agreement assumes the agreement was entered into on January 1, 2020, and represents expense incurred for the warrants that are fully vested by the end of the reporting period.

 

NOTE 4 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Represents the net earnings per share calculated under the two-class method using the historical weighted average outstanding shares and the issuance of additional shares in connection with the Business Combination and PIPE Financing, assuming the shares were outstanding since January l, 2020. The Company used the two-class method to compute net income per common share, because it had issued multiple classes of common stock. The two-class method requires earnings for the period to be allocated between multiple classes of common stock based upon their respective rights to receive distributed and undistributed earnings. As the Business Combination and PIPE Financing are being reflected as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2020, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the shares issued in connection with the Business Combination and PIPE Financing have been outstanding for the entire periods presented.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on the following information:

 

    For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021     For the Year Ended December 31, 2020  
    Class A Shares     Class B Shares     Class A Shares     Class B Shares  
                         
    (in thousands, except share data)  
Numerator                                
Net loss allocated to each class (in thousands)   $ (129,401 )   $ (69,775 )   $ (248,239 )   $ (133,854 )
Former holders of Legacy Archer common and preferred stock (1)     57,218,767       73,636,982       57,218,767       73,636,982  
Atlas Founder Shares (2)     10,625,000             10,625,000        
Legacy Archer Founder Grants (3)           10,004,613             10,004,613  
Atlas public stockholders     25,760,693             25,760,693        
PIPE and other investors     61,512,500             61,512,500        
      155,116,960       83,641,595       155,116,960       83,641,595  
Net income (loss) per share                                
Basic and diluted   $ (0.83 )   $ (0.83 )   $ (1.60 )   $ (1.60 )

 

(1) The combined pro forma net loss per share excludes the impact of 4,319,093 options to purchase a number of New Archer Class B Shares and 12,772,625 warrants to purchase a number of New Archer Class A Shares or New Archer Class B shares, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of such warrants. The warrants exclude 732,280 warrants that upon close of the Business Combination were exchanged for public warrants.
 
(2) The combined pro forma net loss per share excludes the impact of 1,875,000 Sponsor Earn Out Shares as the earnout contingency has not been met.
 
(3) Reflects 25% of the restricted stock units management expects to vest upon closing based on the achievement of the associated performance-based milestone.

 

There are 16,666,667 Public Warrants and 8,000,000 Private Placement Warrants issued. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at $11.50 per one share. These warrants are exercisable 30 days after the consummation of the Business Combination. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information assumes that the Business Combination and related transactions occurred on June 30, 2021, therefore the warrants were not exercisable as of the pro forma combined balance sheet date. Additionally, as the combined company is in a net loss position for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, any shares issued upon exercise of these warrants would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and, therefore, have not been considered in the calculation of pro forma net loss per common share.

 

 

 

 

In addition to the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants, Archer has issued 13,504,905 warrants. A portion of the warrants issued to United are not exercisable until completion of specific aircraft development milestones identified under the Purchase Agreement and Collaboration Agreement which are expected to be achieved through December 2022, therefore not all of the warrants were exercisable as of the pro forma combined balance sheet date. Upon closing of the Business Combination 732,280 warrants were exchanged for Public Warrants. Additionally, as the combined company is in a net loss position for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the six months ended June 30, 2021, any shares issued upon exercise of these warrants would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and, therefore, have not been considered in the calculation of pro forma net loss per common share.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.5

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF ARCHER

 

The following discussion and analysis of Archer’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Archer’s condensed financial statements and related notes and other information included elsewhere in this Form 8-K and our final prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on August 10, 2021 (the “Prospectus”). In addition to historical data, this discussion contains forward-looking statements about Archer’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and prospects based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Archer’s actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those identified in this Form 8-K and those discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included in the Prospectus. Additionally, Archer’s historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future.

 

Overview

 

Archer was founded with the mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer’s goal is to move people throughout the world's cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Archer is designing and developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft for use in urban air mobility (“UAM”) that can carry passengers while producing minimal noise and zero emissions during operations.

 

Archer’s eVTOL aircraft uses advancements in key enabling technologies such as high-energy batteries, high-performance electric motors, an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system, and a lightweight and efficient aircraft structure. As a fully electric vehicle, the aircraft will have zero emissions during operations. The goal of the Archer eVTOL design is to maximize safety and convenience while minimizing noise and time spent traveling. Archer looks to accomplish that through the use of a distributed electric propulsion system with inherent redundancy and far fewer parts than a typical internal combustion propulsion system found in similarly sized aircraft or rotorcraft today. The reduced number of parts not only translates into fewer critical parts on the aircraft from a safety perspective, but will also significantly reduce the maintenance requirements compared to the internal combustion propulsion systems found in similarly sized aircraft or rotorcraft today.

 

The development of an eVTOL aircraft that meets Archer’s business requirements demands significant design and development efforts on all facets of the aircraft. Archer believes that by bringing together a mix of talent with both eVTOL and traditional commercial aerospace backgrounds it is building a team that will allow it to move through the design, development and certification of its eVTOL aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) in an efficient manner, thus allowing it to achieve its end goal of producing eVTOL aircraft for sale and operating a UAM network.

 

Archer’s Business Model

 

Archer intends to operate its own UAM network in select cities (“Archer UAM”) and to sell its eVTOL aircraft to third parties ("Archer Direct"). Archer believes that these dual revenue streams have the potential to reinforce each other and catalyze the full ecosystem. Archer has entered into a purchase agreement with United Airlines Inc. (“United Airlines”) for the conditional purchase of up to $1 billion worth of aircraft, with an option for another $500 million worth of aircraft. Archer plans to build its UAM business using the eVTOL aircraft fleet that it will manufacture. Archer projects that the cost to manufacture and operate its aircraft will be such that it will be able to enter the UAM ride-sharing market at a price point that is competitive with vehicular ride sharing services. Upon receipt of all necessary FAA certifications and any other government approvals necessary for it to manufacture and operate its aircraft, Archer expects to initially begin its UAM network operations in certain major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles and Miami. Archer will continue to evaluate its go-to-market strategy based on, among other things, estimated demand, readiness of the required infrastructure and the scale of its UAM aircraft fleet.

 

 

 

 

To date, Archer has not generated any revenue, as it continues to design and develop its eVTOL aircraft. The Business Combination generated gross proceeds of $857.6 million as described below, and Archer will use the net proceeds to design and develop its eVTOL aircraft and fund operations for the foreseeable future. The amount and timing of future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the pace and results of the design and development of Archer’s aircraft and manufacturing operations, as well as Archer’s progress in obtaining necessary FAA certifications and other government approvals. Any significant delays in that regard will likely require Archer to raise additional capital above its existing cash on hand and delay Archer’s generation of revenues.

 

Impact of COVID-19 on Archer’s Business

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as a pandemic, which continues to spread throughout the world. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused volatility and disruption in financial markets and prompted governments and businesses to take unprecedented measures such as travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, and business shutdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the Company’s ability to design, develop and begin the production of its eVTOL aircraft. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic could limit the ability of suppliers and business partners to perform, including causing third party component and material suppliers to increase the prices they may charge Archer or experience limited or no availability of their components and materials for some period of time.

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. As such, the full magnitude of the pandemic’s effect on Archer’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations is uncertain. Management continues to actively monitor Archer’s financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce but currently does not anticipate any material impairments as a result of COVID-19 and will continue to evaluate it on an ongoing basis.

 

Business Combination

 

On September 16, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), Archer Aviation Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy Archer”), Atlas Crest Investment Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Atlas”), and Artemis Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas (“Merger Sub”), consummated the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, dated February 10, 2021, as amended and restated on July 29, 2021, by and among Atlas, Legacy Archer and Merger Sub (the “Business Combination Agreement”), following approval at a special meeting of the stockholders of Atlas held on September 14, 2021 (the “Special Meeting”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, a business combination of Legacy Archer and Atlas was effected by the merger of Merger Sub with and into Legacy Archer, with Legacy Archer surviving the merger (the “Surviving Entity”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas (the “Merger,” and, collectively with the other transactions described in the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Following the consummation of the Merger on the Closing Date, the Surviving Entity changed its name from Archer Aviation Inc. to Archer Aviation Operating Corp. and Atlas changed its name from Atlas Crest Investment Corp. to Archer Aviation Inc.

 

While the legal acquirer in the Business Combination Agreement is Atlas, for financial accounting and reporting purposes under GAAP, Archer will be the accounting acquirer and the Business Combination will be accounted for as a “reverse recapitalization.” A reverse recapitalization does not result in a new basis of accounting, and the financial statements of the combined entity represent the continuation of the financial statements of Archer in many respects. Under this method of accounting, Atlas will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. For accounting purposes, Archer will be deemed to be the accounting acquirer in the transaction and, consequently, the transaction will be treated as a recapitalization of Archer (i.e., a capital transaction involving the issuance of stock by Atlas for the stock of Archer). Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations of Archer will become the historical financial statements of New Archer, and Atlas’ assets, liabilities and results of operations will be consolidated with Archer beginning on the acquisition date. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be presented as those of Archer in future reports. The net assets of Atlas will be recognized at historical cost (which is expected to be consistent with carrying value), with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.

 

 

 

 

The Business Combination generated gross cash proceeds of $857.6 million, including $600.0 million proceeds from the PIPE Financing. Total direct and incremental transaction costs of Atlas and Archer were $71.8 million, a portion of which was paid in Class A common stock, of which $14.5 million was expensed as part of the Business Combination and recorded in accumulated deficit, and the remaining $57.3 million was an offset to additional paid-in capital as costs related to the reverse recapitalization, which excludes the $15.1 million in Class A common stock issued to satisfy fees related to the Business Combination and PIPE Financing.

 

As a result of the Business Combination, Archer Aviation Inc. became the successor registrant with the SEC and listed on the NYSE. Archer intends to continue to hire personnel and implement additional processes and procedures to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. Archer also expects to incur additional expenses customary for a publicly-traded company, such as directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, and additional internal and external accounting and legal fees and expenses.

 

Components of Results of Operations

 

Revenue

 

Archer is a development stage company and has not generated any revenues from its planned Archer Direct and Archer UAM business lines. Archer does not expect to begin generating significant revenues until it is able to complete development and manufacturing of its eVTOL aircraft and obtain the FAA certifications and other government approvals necessary to allow it to sell its eVTOL aircraft to third parties and utilize such aircraft as a part of its UAM network.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development activities represent a significant part of Archer’s business. Archer’s research and development efforts focus on the design and development of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, including certain of the systems that are used in it. As part of those activities, Archer continues to work closely with the FAA towards its goal of achieving Type Certification of its eVTOL aircraft on an efficient timeline. Research and development expenses consist of personnel-related costs (including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees focused on research and development activities, costs associated with building prototype aircraft, other related costs, depreciation, and an allocation of general overhead. Archer expects research and development expenses to increase significantly as it progresses towards the launch of its first eVTOL aircraft.

 

Archer cannot determine with certainty the timing, duration or the costs necessary to complete the design, development and certification of its first eVTOL aircraft due to the inherently unpredictable nature of its research and development activities. Development timelines, the probability of success, and development costs may differ materially from expectations.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs (including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees associated with administrative services such as legal, human resources, information technology, accounting and finance, other related costs, depreciation and an allocation of Archer’s general overhead. These expenses also include certain third-party consulting services, certain facilities costs, and any corporate overhead costs not allocated to other expense categories. Archer expects its general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute dollars as a result of operating as a publicly-traded company, including expenses to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on a national securities exchange, expenses related to compliance and reporting obligations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, as well as additional expenses customary for a publicly-traded company, such as directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, and additional internal and external accounting and legal fees and expenses.

 

 

 

At this time, Archer is unable to estimate the costs of defending the Wisk Aero LLC (“Wisk”) litigation or any related settlement or award of damages and thus, Archer has not established any related legal reserves. Through June 30, 2021, Archer estimates that it has incurred legal expense associated with the Wisk litigation of approximately $10 million.

 

Other Warrant Expense

 

Other warrant expense consists entirely of non-cash expense related to the vesting of warrants issued in conjunction with the execution of the purchase and warrant agreements with United Airlines, Inc. (“United”). Archer expects to incur additional expense as these warrants vest upon satisfaction of the second milestone outlined in the applicable agreements.

 

Other Expense, Net

 

Other expense, net primarily consists of miscellaneous income and expense items. Interest expense primarily consists of interest on notes payable net of interest income from money market accounts.

 

Archer's net loss was driven primarily by expenses associated with research and development and general and administrative for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and a non-cash expense of $78.2 million related to the vesting of warrants issued in connection with the execution of the purchase and warrant agreements with United for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth Archer’s consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020     Change $     2021     2020     Change $  
                                     
    (in thousands)     (in thousands)  
Operating expenses:                                                
Research and development   $ 11,448     $ 4,105     $ 7,343     $ 21,514     $ 6,974     $ 14,540  
General and administrative     22,409       669       21,740       28,987       1,686       27,301  
Other warrant expense                       78,208             78,208  
Total operating expenses     33,857       4,774       29,083       128,709       8,660       120,049  
Loss from operations     (33,857 )     (4,774 )     (29,083 )     (128,709 )     (8,660 )     (120,049 )
Gain on forgiveness of PPP loan     912             912       912             912  
Other expense, net           (128 )     128       1       (229 )     230  
Loss before income taxes     (32,945 )     (4,902 )     (28,043 )     (127,796 )     (8,889 )     (118,907 )
Income tax expense                       (2 )           (2 )
Net loss   $ (32,945 )   $ (4,902 )   $ (28,043 )   $ (127,798 )   $ (8,889 )   $ (118,909 )

 

 

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses increased by $7.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $4.2 million in personnel-related expenses and allocated facilities expenses due to significantly increasing our workforce from the prior period. The increase was also due to increases of $2.5 million and $0.6 million pertaining to third-party consultant expenses and tools and materials, respectively, to support our increased research and development activities.

 

Research and development expenses increased by $14.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $6.9 million in personnel-related expenses and allocated facilities expenses due to significantly increasing our workforce in the first six months of 2021. The increase was also due to increases of $5.9 million and $1.7 million pertaining to third-party consultant expenses and tools and materials, respectively, to support our increased research and development activities.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $21.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to increased legal and professional service expenses of $15.3 million pertaining to costs associated with the Business Combination and company readiness for going public, as well as legal costs related to the Wisk litigation, as described in detail in Note 7 of the footnotes to the financial statements. An increase of $3.7 million was due to advertising and marketing expenses, and the remaining increase of approximately $2.7 million resulted from an increase in personnel-related expenses and allocated facilities costs due to a significant increase in our workforce.

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $27.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to increased legal and professional service expenses of $18.8 million pertaining to costs associated with the Business Combination and company readiness for going public, as well as legal costs related to the Wisk litigation. An increase of $4.3 million was due to advertising and marketing expenses, and the remaining increase of approximately $4.2 million resulted from personnel-related expenses and allocated facilities costs due to a significant increase in our workforce.

 

Other Warrant Expense

 

Other warrant expense increased by $78.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period ended June 30, 2020. This increase was due to $78.2 million of non-cash expense in the first quarter of 2021 related to the vesting of warrants associated with the execution of the purchase and warrant agreements with United, in satisfaction of a specific milestone.

 

 

 

Gain on Forgiveness of PPP Loan

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same periods ended June 30, 2020, our Paycheck Protection Program loan and interest was forgiven, resulting in an increase of $0.9 million in gain on extinguishment of the loan and interest.

 

Other Expense, Net

 

Other expense, net, decreased by $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the same periods ended June 30, 2020. The decrease in both of these periods primarily was due to decreased interest expense related to convertible notes, which were cancelled and converted into preferred stock.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 30, 2021, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $5.9 million. As of that date, Archer had funded its operations primarily through the private placement of convertible promissory notes and preferred stock and has raised gross proceeds of $61.4 million from such activities. Archer has incurred net losses since its inception and to date has not generated any revenues. Archer expects to incur additional losses and higher operating expenses for the foreseeable future.

 

The Business Combination generated gross cash proceeds of $857.6 million. Archer expects that the net cash proceeds from the Business Combination along with its cash balances held prior to the closing date will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan for at least the next 12 months from the date the condensed financial statements were available to be issued.

 

Archer’s future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

 

the level of research and development expenses it incurs as it continues to develop its eVTOL aircraft;

 

capital expenditures needed to bring up its aircraft manufacturing capabilities, including for both the build out of its manufacturing facilities and component purchases necessary to build its aircraft;

 

capital expenditures needed to support the infrastructure required to launch its UAM network;

 

general and administrative expenses as Archer scales its operations;

 

interest expense from any remaining debt financing; and

 

sales, marketing and distribution expenses as Archer builds, brands and markets its eVTOL aircraft and UAM network.

 

Until such time as Archer can generate significant revenue from Archer Direct or Archer UAM, it expects to finance its cash needs primarily through existing cash on hand, public or private equity or debt financings or other capital sources, including potential collaborations and other similar commercial arrangements. However, Archer may be unable to raise additional capital or enter into such other commercial arrangements when needed, on favorable terms or at all. To the extent that Archer raises additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of its stockholders will be or could be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of Archer’s current stockholders. Debt financing and equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting its ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, or declaring dividends. If Archer raises funds through collaborations or other similar commercial arrangements with third parties, it may have to relinquish valuable rights to its eVTOL aircraft or UAM network which in turn may reduce the value of its common stock. If Archer is unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings or commercial arrangements when needed, it may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate its research and development efforts.

 

 

 

On July 9, 2021, Archer, as the borrower, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) and SVB Innovation Credit Fund VIII, L.P. (“SVB Innovation”) as the lenders, and SVB as the collateral agent. The total principal amount of the loans is $20 million (the “Term Loans”), and all obligations due under the Term Loans are collateralized by all of Archer’s right, title and interest in and to its specified personal property in favor of the Collateral Agent. The interest rate on the loans is a floating rate per annum equal to the greater of (1) 8.5% and (2) the Prime Rate plus the Prime Rate Margin, which increases by 2% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default. The proceeds are to be used solely for the working capital or to fund the Company’s general business purpose. The Term Loans are subject to a final payment fee ranging between zero and 5.5% of the original aggregate principal amount depending on the timing of repayment and whether the closing of the Business Combination transaction occurs.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table summarizes Archer’s cash flows for the period indicated:

 

  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2021     2020  
             
  (in thousands)  
Net cash used in operating activities   $ (28,770 )   $ (7,480 )
Net cash used in investing activities   $ (1,919 )   $ (315 )
Net cash provided by financing activities   $ 62     $ 825  

 

Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities

 

Archer continues to experience negative cash flows from operations as it designs and develops its eVTOL aircraft and builds its infrastructure necessary to support those efforts in the United States. Archer’s cash flows from operating activities are significantly affected by its cash investments to support the growth of its research and development activities related to its eVTOL aircraft, as well as the general and administrative functions necessary to support those activities and operations as a publicly traded company. Archer’s operating cash flows are also impacted by the working capital requirements to support growth and fluctuations in personnel-related expenditures, accounts payable, accrued interest and other current liabilities, and other current assets.

 

Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $28.8 million, resulting from net loss of $127.8 million, adjusted for non-cash items consisting mainly of $78.2 million in other warrant expense and $1.9 million in stock-based compensation. The net cash provided by changes in our net operating assets and liabilities of $18.8 million was primarily related to a $19.2 million increase in accounts payable. Cash used in operating activities was primarily used to fund our current expenses related to research and development activities and administrative changes.

 

Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $7.5 million, resulting from net loss of $8.9 million, adjusted for non-cash items consisting of primarily $0.2 million in non-cash interest. The net cash provided by changes in Archer’s net operating assets and liabilities of $1.1 million was primarily related to a $0.6 million increase in other current liabilities related to accrual of payroll costs and a $0.8 million increase in accounts payable. Cash used in operating activities was primarily used to fund our current expenses related to research and development activities and administrative changes.

 

 

 

Cash Flows Used by Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $1.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively, driven by purchases of property and equipment within those respective periods.

 

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $0.1 million, consisting of the net proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $0.8 million, consisting primarily of proceeds received from the Paycheck Protection Program loan.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

The following table summarizes Archer’s contractual obligations and commitments as of June 30, 2021:

 

  Payments Due by Period  
  Total     Less than
1 year
    1 to 3
years
 
                   
  (in thousands)  
Operating lease obligation (1)   $ 3,008     $ 1,554     $ 1,454  

 

(1) For further information, refer to Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies to condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

The commitment amounts in the table above are associated with contracts that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum services to be used, fixed, minimum or variable price provisions, and the approximate timing of the actions under the contracts. The table does not include obligations under agreements that Archer can cancel without a significant penalty.

 

Paycheck Protection Program

 

In April 2020, Archer obtained a loan of approximately $0.9 million pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under Division A, Title I of the CARES Act (the “PPP Loan”), with interest accruing on the PPP Loan at a rate of 0.98% per annum. The Paycheck Protection Program was established as part of the CARES Act and provides for loans to qualifying businesses for amounts up to 2.5 times the average monthly payroll expenses of the business, subject to certain limitations. The loan and accrued interest are forgivable after 24 weeks so long as the borrower uses the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including payroll, benefits, rent, and utilities. Archer applied for loan forgiveness under the CARES Act and received forgiveness of the loan and accrued interest in full from the Small Business Administration in June 2021.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2021, Archer did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our condensed financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these condensed financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses, and related disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and our actual results, our future financial statements will be affected.

 

For additional information about our critical accounting policies and estimates, see the disclosure included in our Prospectus as well as Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to the condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 8-K for a discussion about accounting pronouncements recently adopted and recently issued not yet adopted.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Archer is exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of its business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact Archer’s financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Archer’s market risk exposure is primarily the result of fluctuations in interest rates.

 

As of June 30, 2021, Archer did not have any debt or notes outstanding in which fluctuations in the interest rates would affect Archer.

 

Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments, which subjects Archer to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and deposits. Archer’s cash and cash equivalents are held at major financial institutions located in the United States of America. At times, cash account balances with any one financial institution may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits ($250,000 per depositor per institution). Management believes the financial institutions that hold Archer’s cash and cash equivalents are financially sound and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to cash and cash equivalents.

 

Emerging Growth Company Status

 

In April 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. Atlas initially elected, and now Archer has elected to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards and to adopt certain of the reduced disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies. As a result of the accounting standards election, Archer will not be subject to the same implementation timeline for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies which may make comparison of Archer’s financials to those of other public companies more difficult.

 

Archer has also elected to take advantage of some of the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements of emerging growth companies pursuant to the JOBS Act so long as it qualifies as an emerging growth company, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and exemptions from the requirements of holding non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute payments.