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): December 13, 2021
ARIES I ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Cayman Islands | 001-40421 | 98-1578649 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
(Commission
File Number) |
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
23 Lime Tree Bay, P.O. Box 1569
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY-1110
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (630) 386-5288
Not
Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which
registered |
||
Units, each consisting of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant | RAMMU | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share | RAM | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||
Redeemable warrants, each warrant exercisable for one Class A ordinary share, each at an exercise price of $11.50 per share | RAMMW | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
x | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company x
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Merger Agreement
On December 13, 2021, Aries I Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Aries”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Aries, Aries I Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Aries (“Merger Sub”), and Infinite Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Infinite”).
Consideration
In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Closing”), each issued and outstanding share of common stock of Infinite will automatically be converted into a number of shares of Class A common stock of New Infinite (as defined below) equal to an exchange ratio (the “Exchange Ratio”) determined by dividing (A) the quotient of (x) $525,000,000 divided by (y) the number of shares of Class A common stock of Infinite outstanding immediately prior to the Closing (after giving effect to the conversion of certain outstanding promissory notes) by (B) $10.00 per share (the “Merger Consideration”).
In addition, the holders of Class A common stock of Infinite immediately prior to the Closing will have the right to receive a pro-rata share of up to 50,000,000 additional shares of New Infinite Class A common stock upon the occurrence of each of certain earn-out triggering events, as follows: (i) 10,000,000 shares (the “$15.00 Earn Out Shares”) upon the date on which the volume weighted average closing sale price of one share of the Class A common stock of New Infinite as reported on Nasdaq over any twenty (20) consecutive trading day period (as equitably adjusted as appropriate to reflect any stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Class A common stock of New Infinite), extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change or transaction with respect to the Class A common stock of New Infinite) (such price, the “Share Price”) is equal to or greater than $15.00 per share at any time during the period beginning at the Closing and ending on the five-year anniversary of the Closing date (the “Earn Out Period”); (ii) 10,000,000 shares (the “$17.50 Earn Out Shares”) upon the date on which the Share Price is equal to or greater than $17.50 per share during the Earn Out Period; (iii) 10,000,000 shares (the “$20.00 Earn Out Shares”) upon the date on which the Share Price is equal to or greater than $20.00 per share during the Earn Out Period; (iv) 10,000,000 shares (the “$22.50 Earn Out Shares”) upon the date on which the Share Price is equal to or greater than $22.50 per share during the Earn Out Period; and (v) 10,000,000 shares (the “$25.00 Earn Out Shares”) upon the date on which the Share Price is equal to or greater than $25.00 per share during the Earn Out Period.
The Merger
The Merger Agreement provides that, among other things and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the following transactions will occur (together with the other agreements and transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Business Combination”): (i) immediately prior to the Closing, Aries will change its jurisdiction of incorporation by deregistering as an exempted company in the Cayman Islands and continuing and domesticating as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware, upon which Aries will change its name to “InfiniteWorld, Inc.” (“New Infinite”), and (ii) at the Closing, in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the “DGCL”), Merger Sub will merge with and into Infinite with Infinite surviving the merger as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of New Infinite.
The board of directors of Aries (the “Board”) has (i) approved and declared advisable the Merger Agreement, the Business Combination and the other transactions contemplated thereby and (ii) resolved to recommend approval of the Merger Agreement and related matters by the shareholders of Aries. The board of directors of Infinite has also (i) approved and declared advisable the Merger Agreement, the Business Combination and the other transactions contemplated thereby and (ii) resolved to recommend approval of the Merger Agreement and related matters by the stockholders of Infinite.
Conditions to Closing
The obligation of Aries and Infinite to consummate the Business Combination pursuant to the Merger Agreement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, including, among others: (i) expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (the “HSR Act”); (ii) approval of the Business Combination and related agreements and transactions (as more particularly set forth in the Merger Agreement) by the respective shareholders of Aries and Infinite; (iii) the listing or receipt of approval for listing of New Infinite’s shares of Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange; and (iv) the conversion of Infinite’s outstanding convertible notes into Infinite common stock.
Covenants
The Merger Agreement contains certain covenants, including, among others, providing for: (i) the parties to conduct their respective businesses in the ordinary course through the Closing; (ii) Infinite to provide to Aries and its representatives reasonable access through the Closing to Infinite’s properties, books, records and personnel; (iii) Infinite to prepare and deliver certain of its audited financial statements; (iv) the parties to use commercially reasonable best efforts to make all required filings pursuant to the HSR Act and to request early termination of all waiting periods applicable under the HSR Act.; (v) Aries and Infinite to prepare, and Aries to file, a registration statement on Form S-4 and the proxy statement in connection with the Business Combination and Aries to take certain other actions to obtain the requisite approval of Aries shareholders of certain proposals regarding the Business Combination; (vi) Aries to adopt, subject to the approval of its shareholders, the New Infinite Incentive Plan and an employee stock purchase plan; (vii) Aries to use all reasonable best efforts to cause the extensions to be effected, including causing the Sponsor to fund the extensions pursuant to the terms of Aries’ Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (the “A&R Memorandum”) to extend the period of time for Aries to consummate a business combination; and (viii) the parties to not initiate any negotiations or enter into any agreements for certain alternative transactions.
Representations and Warranties
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by Aries, Merger Sub, and Infinite. The representations and warranties of the respective parties to the Merger Agreement will not survive the Closing.
Termination
The Merger Agreement may be terminated under certain limited circumstances prior to the Closing, including, among others, (i) by mutual written consent of Aries and Infinite, (ii) by either Aries or Infinite if there is in effect any law or final, non-appealable order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, ruling, stipulation, determination or award issued, promulgated, made, rendered or entered into by any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction that permanently restrains, enjoins, makes illegal or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the Business Combination, (iii) by either Aries or Infinite if the Closing has not occurred on or before November 21, 2022, (iv) by either Aries or Infinite if certain approvals of Aries’s shareholders are not obtained, (v) by Aries if the amendment to Infinite’s convertible notes and the related note purchase agreement is not executed and delivered by January 13, 2022 and (vi) by Infinite if the date for Aries to complete its business combination is not extended pursuant to the terms of the A&R Memorandum.
Certain Related Agreements
Support Agreement
On December 13, 2021, Infinite’s stockholders entered into a support agreement with Aries (the “Support Agreement”). Under the Support Agreement, Infinite’s stockholders agreed that they will not transfer their shares of Infinite capital stock and will continue to support, and refrain from taking certain actions, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions contemplated by the Support Agreement.
Sponsor Agreement
On December 13, 2021, Aries, Aries Acquisition Partners, Ltd. (the “Sponsor”) and Infinite entered into a sponsor agreement (the “Sponsor Agreement”). Under the Sponsor Agreement, the Sponsor agreed to, among other things, (i) vote in favor of the Business Combination, (ii) waive the anti-dilution protection afforded under Aries’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation in respect of the Class B ordinary shares of Aries held by the Sponsor in connection with the Business Combination, (iii) support the extensions of the period of time for Aries to consummate a business combination, including causing the Sponsor to fund the extensions pursuant to the terms of Aries’ A&R Memorandum, and (iv) not transfer its shares of Aries capital stock and will continue to support, and refrain from taking certain actions that would negatively affect, the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement from occurring, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions contemplated by the Sponsor Agreement. Pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement, Aries agreed to indemnify the Sponsor against certain liabilities it may incur in connection with the Business Combination, subject to certain exceptions.
Lock-up Agreement
On December 13, 2021, Aries, the Sponsor and Infinite’s stockholders entered into a lock-up agreement (the “Lock-up Agreement”), which will be effective as of the Closing. Under the Lock-up Agreement, the Sponsor and the Infinite stockholders agreed to certain restrictions on transfer with respect to the shares of New Infinite Class A common stock and private placement warrants they hold or will receive upon the Closing, which restrictions amend and supersede the restrictions on transfer the Sponsor agreed to in that certain letter agreement, dated May 18, 2021, entered into by and among Aries, the Sponsor and Aries’s officers and directors in connection with Aries’s initial public offering. The restrictions on transfer contained in the Lock-up Agreement apply to both the Sponsor and Infinite’s existing stockholders and end: (i) with respect to New Infinite’s Class A common stock, on the earlier of one year after Closing, provided, however, that the Lock-up Agreement allows for certain early release rights, and the date on which New Infinite completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization, bankruptcy or other similar transaction that results in all of the Class A common stock of New Infinite being converted into cash, securities or other property; and (ii) with respect to New Infinite’s private placement warrants, on the later of thirty days after the Closing and May 31, 2022.
A&R Registration Rights Agreement
The Merger Agreement contemplates that, at the Closing, New Infinite, the Sponsor, and the Infinite Members and certain of their permitted transferees will enter into an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Aries will agree to register for resale, pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), certain shares of New Infinite Class A common stock and other equity securities of Aries that are held by the parties thereto from time to time and the Sponsor and Infinite’s stockholders will be granted certain registration rights.
The foregoing descriptions of the Merger Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement, the Lock-up Agreement, and the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, and the transactions and documents contemplated thereby, are not complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement, the Lock-up Agreement and the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, copies of which are filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 2.1, Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit 10.2, Exhibit 10.3 and Exhibit 10.4, respectively, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference herein.
The Merger Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement, the Lock-up Agreement and the A&R Registration Rights Agreement have been included to provide investors with information regarding their terms. They are not intended to provide any other factual information about Aries, Infinite or their respective affiliates. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in the Merger Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement and the Lock-up Agreement and the other documents related thereto were made only for purposes of the Merger Agreement as of the specific dates therein, were solely for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement and the Lock-up Agreement, may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement, the Support Agreement or the Lock-up Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts, and may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. Investors are not third-party beneficiaries under the Merger Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement or the Lock-up Agreement and should not rely on the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements or any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of the parties thereto or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of representations and warranties may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement or the Lock-up Agreement, as applicable, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in the public disclosures of Aries or Infinite.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On December 13, 2021, Aries and Infinite issued a press release (the “Press Release”) announcing the execution of the Merger Agreement. The Press Release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.
Attached as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated herein by reference is the investor presentation, dated December 13, 2021, that was prepared for use by Aries in connection with Aries’s proposed transaction with Infinite, as described in this Current Report on Form 8-K.
On December 13, 2021, Aries and Infinite will hold a conference call to discuss the Business Combination at 8:00 am Eastern time. A copy of the script is furnished hereto as Exhibit 99.3.
The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, Exhibit 99.2, and Exhibit 99.3 is furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 Aries under the Securities Act 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 of the information contained in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
Aries intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC which will include a proxy statement and a prospectus of Aries, and each party will file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will also be sent to the shareholders of Aries, seeking any required shareholder approval. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of Aries are urged to carefully read the entire Registration Statement and proxy statement/prospectus, when they become available, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Aries shareholders and Infinite shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary Proxy Statement, the definitive Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Aries’s secretary at 90 N. Church Street, P.O. Box 10315, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY-1003.
Participants in Solicitation
Aries and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Aries’s shareholders with respect to the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Aries is contained in Aries’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-253806), which was declared effective by the SEC on May 18, 2021. To the extent such holdings of Aries’s securities may have changed since that time, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Proxy Statement for the proposed Business Combination when available.
Infinite and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Aries’s shareholders with respect to the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed Business Combination will be included in the Proxy Statement for the proposed Business Combination when available.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K other than statements of historical facts, contains certain forward-looking statements that are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “continue,” “may” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean a statement is not forward looking. Indications of, and guidance or outlook on, future earnings, dividends or financial position or performance are also forward looking statements.
These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially, and potentially adversely, from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. 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. Most of these factors are outside Aries’s and Infinite’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Aries and Infinite following the announcement of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (iii) the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination, including due to failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of Aries, certain regulatory approvals, or the satisfaction of other conditions to closing in the Merger Agreement; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction to fail to close; (v) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Infinite’s business and/or the ability of the parties to complete the proposed Business Combination; (vi) the inability to maintain the listing of Aries’s shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market following the proposed Business Combination; (vii) the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (viii) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Infinite to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (ix) costs related to the proposed Business Combination; (x) changes in applicable laws or regulations; and (xi) the possibility that Infinite or Aries may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in Aries’s most recent filings with the SEC, including Aries’s Prospectus, filed with the SEC on May 20, 2021. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained herein. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Aries or Infinite, the transactions described herein or other matters attributable to Aries, Infinite or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Each of Aries or Infinite expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in their expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based, except as required by law.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
† Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ARIES I ACQUISITION CORPORATION | ||
Date: December 13, 2021 | ||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie | |
Name: | Thane Ritchie | |
Title: | Chairman |
Exhibit 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
by and among
aries i Acquisition CorpORATION,
aries i MERGER SUB, INC.,
and
INFINITE ASSETS, INC.
Dated as of December 13, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article I CERTAIN DEFINITIONS | 2 | |
Section 1.01 | Definitions | 2 |
Section 1.02 | Construction | 18 |
Section 1.03 | Knowledge | 19 |
Section 1.04 | Equitable Adjustments | 19 |
Article II THE DOMESTICATION; THE MERGER | 20 | |
Section 2.01 | Domestication | 20 |
Section 2.02 | Bylaws of the Surviving Pubco | 20 |
Section 2.03 | Effect of the Domestication | 20 |
Section 2.04 | Directors and Officers of the Surviving Pubco | 20 |
Section 2.05 | The Merger | 21 |
Section 2.06 | Effective Time | 21 |
Section 2.07 | Effect of the Merger | 21 |
Section 2.08 | Organizational Documents of the Surviving Entity | 21 |
Section 2.09 | Directors and Officers of the Surviving Entity | 21 |
Article III MERGER CONSIDERATION; CLOSING | 21 | |
Section 3.01 | Effect of Merger | 21 |
Section 3.02 | Exchange Procedures | 22 |
Section 3.03 | Earn-Out | 22 |
Section 3.04 | SPAC Closing Statement; Company Closing Statement | 24 |
Section 3.05 | Closing | 25 |
Section 3.06 | Withholding Rights. | 25 |
Section 3.07 | Allocation Schedule | 26 |
Section 3.08 | Dissenting Shares | 26 |
Article IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY | 27 | |
Section 4.01 | Corporate Organization of the Company | 27 |
Section 4.02 | Subsidiaries | 27 |
Section 4.03 | Due Authorization | 27 |
Section 4.04 | No Conflict | 28 |
Section 4.05 | Governmental Authorities; Consents | 28 |
Section 4.06 | Current Capitalization | 29 |
Section 4.07 | Capitalization of Subsidiaries | 29 |
Section 4.08 | Financial Statements | 29 |
Section 4.09 | Undisclosed Liabilities | 30 |
Section 4.10 | Litigation and Proceedings | 30 |
Section 4.11 | Compliance with Laws | 30 |
Section 4.12 | Contracts; No Defaults | 31 |
Section 4.13 | Company Benefit Plans | 33 |
Section 4.14 | Labor Matters | 34 |
Section 4.15 | Taxes | 35 |
Section 4.16 | Insurance | 37 |
Section 4.17 | Equipment and Other Tangible Property | 37 |
Section 4.18 | Real Property | 38 |
Section 4.19 | Intellectual Property and IT Security | 38 |
Section 4.20 | Absence of Changes | 40 |
Section 4.21 | Brokers’ Fees | 40 |
Section 4.22 | Related Party Transactions | 40 |
Section 4.23 | Proxy Statement; Information Provided | 41 |
Section 4.24 | International Trade; Anti-Corruption | 41 |
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Article V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC PARTIES | 41 | |
Section 5.01 | Corporate Organization | 42 |
Section 5.02 | Due Authorization | 42 |
Section 5.03 | No Conflict | 43 |
Section 5.04 | Litigation and Proceedings | 43 |
Section 5.05 | Compliance with Laws | 43 |
Section 5.06 | Governmental Authorities; Consents | 44 |
Section 5.07 | Trust Account | 44 |
Section 5.08 | Brokers’ Fees | 45 |
Section 5.09 | SEC Reports; Financial Statements; Sarbanes-Oxley Act; Undisclosed Liabilities | 45 |
Section 5.10 | Business Activities | 46 |
Section 5.11 | Taxes | 47 |
Section 5.12 | Capitalization | 48 |
Section 5.13 | Nasdaq Stock Market Listing | 49 |
Section 5.14 | Related Party Transactions | 49 |
Section 5.15 | Proxy Statement | 49 |
Section 5.16 | Absence of Changes | 49 |
Section 5.17 | Indebtedness | 50 |
Section 5.18 | Sponsor Agreement | 50 |
Article VI COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY | 50 | |
Section 6.01 | Conduct of Business | 50 |
Section 6.02 | Inspection | 53 |
Section 6.03 | No Claim Against the Trust Account | 54 |
Section 6.04 | Financial Statements | 55 |
Section 6.05 | FIRPTA | 55 |
Section 6.06 | Company Approvals | 55 |
Section 6.07 | Merger Sub Approval | 55 |
Section 6.08 | No SPAC Common Stock Transactions | 59 |
Article VII COVENANTS OF SPAC | 56 | |
Section 7.01 | Indemnification and Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance | 56 |
Section 7.02 | Conduct of SPAC During the Interim Period | 56 |
Section 7.03 | Inspection | 58 |
Section 7.04 | Section 16 Matters | 59 |
Section 7.05 | Post-Closing Directors and Officers | 59 |
Section 7.06 | Incentive Equity Plan; ESPP | 59 |
Section 7.07 | Surviving Pubco Organizational Documents; Domestication | 59 |
Section 7.08 | Pre-Approved Arrangements | 60 |
Section 7.09 | SPAC Public Filings | 60 |
Section 7.10 | Listing | 60 |
Section 7.11 | Non-Transfer of Certain SPAC Intellectual Property | 60 |
Section 7.12 | Trust Account | 60 |
Section 7.13 | Takeover Laws | 61 |
Section 7.14 | Employee Benefit Matters | 61 |
Section 7.15 | Merger Sub Approval | 61 |
Section 7.16 | SPAC Closing Extensions | 62 |
Article VIII JOINT COVENANTS | 62 | |
Section 8.01 | Efforts to Consummate | 62 |
Section 8.02 | Registration Statement; Proxy Statement; Special Meeting | 63 |
Section 8.03 | Exclusivity | 66 |
Section 8.04 | Tax Matters | 66 |
Section 8.05 | Confidentiality; Publicity | 67 |
Section 8.06 | Post-Closing Cooperation; Further Assurances | 68 |
Section 8.07 | Qualification as an Emerging Growth Company | 68 |
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Article IX CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS | 69 | |
Section 9.01 | Conditions to Obligations of All Parties | 69 |
Section 9.02 | Additional Conditions to Obligations of SPAC Parties | 69 |
Section 9.03 | Additional Conditions to the Obligations the Company | 70 |
Article X TERMINATION/EFFECTIVENESS | 71 | |
Section 10.01 | Termination | 71 |
Section 10.02 | Effect of Termination | 73 |
Article XI MISCELLANEOUS | 73 | |
Section 11.01 | Waiver | 73 |
Section 11.02 | Notices | 73 |
Section 11.03 | Assignment | 74 |
Section 11.04 | Rights of Third Parties | 74 |
Section 11.05 | Expenses | 75 |
Section 11.06 | Governing Law | 75 |
Section 11.07 | Captions; Counterparts | 75 |
Section 11.08 | Schedules and Exhibits | 75 |
Section 11.09 | Entire Agreement | 75 |
Section 11.10 | Amendments | 75 |
Section 11.11 | Severability | 76 |
Section 11.12 | Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY | 76 |
Section 11.13 | Enforcement | 76 |
Section 11.14 | Non-Recourse | 76 |
Section 11.15 | Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants | 77 |
Section 11.16 | Acknowledgements | 77 |
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A | – | Form of Sponsor Agreement |
Exhibit B | – | Form of Support Agreement |
Exhibit C | – | Form of Lockup Agreement |
Exhibit D | – | Form of Registration Rights Agreement |
Exhibit E | – | Form of Certificate of Merger |
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of December 13, 2021, by and among Aries I Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), Aries I Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC (“Merger Sub”), and Infinite Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). SPAC, Merger Sub and the Company are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS, SPAC is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company and formed to acquire one or more operating businesses through a Business Combination;
WHEREAS, prior to the Closing (as defined below), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, SPAC shall transfer by way of continuation from the Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware and will domesticate as a Delaware corporation (the “Surviving Pubco”) in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) and the Cayman Islands Companies Act (the “Domestication”);
WHEREAS, concurrent with the Domestication, SPAC shall, subject to obtaining the approval from the SPAC’s shareholders of the Domestication Proposal, file a certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware (the “Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation”) and adopt bylaws (the “Surviving Pubco Bylaws”), each of which will be in form and substance as shall be negotiated in good faith between the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing;
WHEREAS, following the Domestication, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the DGCL and other applicable Laws, (a) Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company being the surviving entity in the Merger and continuing (immediately following the Merger) as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Surviving Pubco (the “Surviving Entity”);
WHEREAS, the Parties intend that, for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local income tax purposes), (i) the Domestication qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, and (ii) the Merger qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (such treatment, the “Intended Tax Treatment”) and (iii) this Agreement constitutes a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a);
WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company has (i) determined that the Merger and the other Transactions are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and (iii) adopted a resolution recommending the Merger be adopted by the stockholders of the Company;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of SPAC (the “SPAC Board”) has (i) determined that the Merger and the other Transactions (including the Domestication) are in the best interests of SPAC and the shareholders of SPAC, and declared it advisable to enter into this Agreement, (ii) approved this Agreement and the other Transactions (including the Domestication), on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and (iii) adopted a resolution recommending to its shareholders the SPAC Shareholder Matters (the “SPAC Board Recommendation”);
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Merger Sub has (i) determined that the Merger and the other Transactions are in the best interests of Merger Sub and SPAC, as its sole stockholder, and declared it advisable to enter into this Agreement, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (iii) adopted a resolution recommending the Merger be adopted by SPAC, as its sole stockholder;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Sponsor, SPAC and the Company have entered into the Sponsor Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Sponsor Agreement”), dated as of the date hereof;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, SPAC, the Company and certain of the Pre-Closing Holders have entered into the Support Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Support Agreement”), dated as of the date hereof;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, in connection with the Merger, the Company, SPAC, certain of the Pre-Closing Holders and Sponsor have entered into that certain Lockup Agreement (collectively, the “Lockup Agreement”), substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit C, each to be effective upon the Closing; and
WHEREAS, at the Closing, Sponsor, Surviving Pubco, the Pre-Closing Holders and the other parties thereto shall enter into the amended and restated registration rights agreement (with such changes as may be agreed in writing by the Surviving Pubco and the Company, the “Registration Rights Agreement”) substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
Article I
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:
“$15.00 Earn Out Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a)(i).
“$17.50 Earn Out Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a)(ii).
“$20.00 Earn Out Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a)(iii).
“$22.50 Earn Out Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a)(iv).
“$25.00 Earn Out Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a)(v).
“Acquisition Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(a).
“Action” means any claim, action, suit, charge, complaint, audit, investigation, arbitration or legal, judicial or administrative proceeding (whether at law or in equity) by or before any Governmental Authority.
“Additional SEC Reports” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.09(a).
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person, through one or more intermediaries or otherwise. The term “control” means the ownership of a majority of the voting securities of the applicable Person or the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the applicable Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlled” and “controlling” have meanings correlative thereto.
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“Aggregate Merger Consideration” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).
“Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Allocation Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07.
“Alternate Business Combination Proposal” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(b).
“Anti-Corruption Laws” means all U.S. and non-U.S. Laws relating to the prevention of corruption, bribery, and money laundering, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and the UK Bribery Act of 2010.
“Audited Combined Company Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.04(a).
“Benefit Plan” means each “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and any equity ownership, equity purchase, equity option, phantom equity, equity or other equity-based incentive award, severance, employment, consulting, retention, change-in-control, fringe benefit, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, vacation, paid time off, health and welfare, pension, supplemental requirement, employee loan and all other benefit or compensation plans, agreements, programs, policies, Contracts or other arrangements, whether or not subject to ERISA.
“Business Combination” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
“Business Combination Proposal” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “SPAC Shareholder Matters”.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by Law to close or unable to open.
“Cayman Islands Companies Act” means the Companies Act (2021 Revision) of the Cayman Islands.
“CBA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.14(a).
“Certificate of Merger” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06.
“Change in Recommendation” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(b).
“Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.
“Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.
“Closing Filing” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.05(c).
“Closing Press Release” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.05(c).
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“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Company” has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Company Benefit Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(a).
“Company Charter” means the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated as of March 10, 2021, as amended from time to time.
“Company Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Company.
“Company Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b).
“Company Employees” means, with respect to the Company, each employee of the Company.
“Company Equity Value” means $525,000,000 (Five Hundred Twenty Five Million Dollars).
“Company Exchange Ratio” means the quotient of (a) the Company Stock Consideration Value divided by (b) $10.00.
“Company Raise” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.
“Company Intellectual Property” means the Owned Intellectual Property and Licensed Intellectual Property.
“Company Material Adverse Effect” means, any change, event, circumstance, occurrence, effect, development or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate, with any other change, event, circumstance, occurrence, effect, development or state of facts has had or would reasonably be expected to either (a) have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations, results of operations or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that in no event shall any of the following be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur: (i) any change in applicable Laws (including COVID-19 Measures) or GAAP or any official or judicial interpretation thereof, (ii) any change in interest rates or economic, political, business, financial, commodity, currency or market conditions generally, or any changes generally affecting the economy, markets or industry in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operate, (iii) the announcement of this Agreement, the pendency or consummation of the Merger or the performance of this Agreement, including the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, licensors, distributors, partners, providers and employees, (iv) any earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, tornado, flood, mudslide, wild fire or other natural disaster, act of nature or other force majeure event or any epidemic, disease, outbreak or pandemic (including COVID-19), (v) any national or international political or social conditions in countries in which, or in the proximate geographic region of which, the Company or its Subsidiaries operate, including the engagement by the United States or such other countries in hostilities or the escalation thereof, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence or the escalation of any military or terrorist attack upon the United States or such other country, or any territories, possessions, or diplomatic or consular offices of the United States or such other countries or upon any United States or such other country military installation, equipment or personnel, (vi) any failure of the Company or its Subsidiaries to meet any projections, forecasts or budgets (provided, that this clause (vi) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any change or effect underlying such failure to meet projections or forecasts has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in or contribute to, a Company Material Adverse Effect (to the extent such change or effect is not otherwise excluded from this definition of Company Material Adverse Effect)), (vii) any action required to be taken, or required not to be taken, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or (viii) any action taken by, or at the request of, the SPAC Parties; provided, that in the case of clauses (i), (ii), (iv), and (v) such changes may be taken into account to the extent (but only to the extent) that such changes have had a disproportionate impact on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other industry participants in the industries or markets in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate.
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“Company Material Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12(a).
“Company Convertible Notes” means those certain Convertible Promissory Notes listed on Schedule 1.01(b).
“Company Note Conversion” means the conversion of the Company Convertible Notes into Company Common Stock prior to the Closing.
“Company Related Party Contract” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.22.
“Company Sale” means, other than the Transactions, (a) any transaction or series of related transactions that results in any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) acquiring equity securities that represent more than 50% of the total voting power of SPAC, or (b) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of SPAC and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, in each case that results in the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock being converted into cash or other consideration (including Equity Securities of another Person) (other than a transaction where the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is converted into Equity Securities of a Person who has substantially similar ownership to the SPAC immediately prior to such transaction).
“Company Specified Representations” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(a)(i).
“Company Stock Consideration Value” means (a) the Company Equity Value, divided by (b) the total number of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, after giving effect to the Company Note Conversion.
“Company Subsidiaries” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.
“Company Transaction Expenses” means (a) all fees, costs and expenses of the Company incurred prior to and through the Closing Date in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions and unpaid as of immediately prior to the Closing (including the fees, costs, expenses and disbursements of counsel, accountants, advisors and consultants to the Company); (b) any “single trigger” stay, retention, transaction, change of control or other similar bonuses, compensation or amounts paid or payable by the Company solely in connection with the consummation of the Transactions (including the employer portion of any employment, withholding, payroll, social security, unemployment or similar Taxes imposed on such amounts, determined assuming (i) such amounts are payable as of the Closing Date and (ii) non-deferral of such Taxes has occurred under any COVID-19 legislation relief program); (c) 50% of all fees in connection with filings with Governmental Authorities, including filings in connection with the HSR Act or other materials contemplated by Section 8.01(a), but expressly excluding fees in connection with filings with the SEC, including the Proxy Statement; and (d) all costs, fees and expenses related to the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage described in Section 7.01(b) with respect to the directors and officers of the Company as of the date of this Agreement and any time prior to the Closing.
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“Confidentiality Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.09.
“Consent” means any Permit, notice, waiver, or clearance to be obtained from, filed with or delivered to, a Governmental Authority.
“Contracts” means any contracts, agreements, licenses, subcontracts, leases, subleases, concessions and purchase orders and other commitments or arrangements, in each case that are legally binding upon a Person or its properties or assets.
“COVID-19” means SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and any evolutions thereof or any other related or associated epidemics, pandemics or disease outbreaks.
“COVID-19 Measures” means any quarantine, “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, social distancing, shutdown, closure, sequester or any other Law, directive, guidelines or recommendations by any Governmental Authority (including the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization) in each case in connection with, related to or in response to COVID-19, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) or any changes thereto.
“Data Security Requirements” means, collectively, all of the following to the extent governing the Processing of Protected Data or otherwise relating to data privacy, security, or security breach notification requirements and directly applicable to the Company or its Subsidiaries: (a) all applicable Laws, (b) applicable industry standards to which the Company or its Subsidiaries are bound, and (c) any obligations on any member of the Company or its Subsidiaries under any Contracts, and (d) all policies and procedures applicable to the Company or its Subsidiaries, including without limitation all website and mobile application privacy policies and internal information security procedures.
“DGCL” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Director Election Proposal” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “SPAC Shareholder Matters”.
“Dissenting Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.08.
“Domestication” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Domestication Proposal” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “SPAC Shareholder Matters”.
“DreamView Asset Acquisition” means the acquisition by the Company of assets of DreamView, Inc. in exchange for shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to that certain asset purchase agreement dated December 12, 2021 between the Company and DreamView, Inc.
“Earn Out Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the fifth (5th) anniversary of such date.
“Earn Out Pro Rata Share” means the pro rata portion of the Earn Out Shares allocated to each Pre-Closing Holder, as set forth on the Allocation Schedule.
“Earn Out Recipients” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a).
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“Earn Out Shares” means 50,000,000 shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock in the aggregate.
“Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06.
“Employment Agreements” means the employment agreements between the Key Employees on the one hand, and the Company or SPAC, as applicable, on the other hand, the form and substance of which shall be negotiated in good faith among each Key Employee, the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing.
“Enforceability Exceptions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.03.
“Environmental Laws” means any and all applicable Laws relating to pollution, human health and safety or protection of the environment (including natural resources), or the use, storage, emission, distribution, transport, handling, disposal or release of, or exposure of any Person to, Hazardous Materials.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any shares of capital or capital stock, partnership, membership, joint venture or similar interest, or other voting securities of, or other ownership interest in, such Person, (b) any securities of such Person convertible into or exchangeable for cash or shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person, (c) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from such Person, or other obligations of such Person to issue, any shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person, (d) any restricted shares, stock appreciation rights, restricted units, performance units, contingent value rights, “phantom” stock or similar securities or rights issued by or with the approval of such Person that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, other ownership interests in, or any business, products or assets of, such Person, and (e) any securities issued or issuable with respect to the securities or interests referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
“ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company, any Person or entity (whether or not incorporated) other than the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company that, together with the Company, is under common control or treated as a single employer under Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA or Section 414(b), (c), (m), or (o) of the Code.
“ESPP” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06.
“ESPP Proposal” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “SPAC Shareholder Matters.”
“Evaluation Material” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.11(a).
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
“Exchange Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).
“Excluded Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).
“FINRA” means Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
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“Foreign Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(j).
“Fraud” means an actual and intentional misrepresentation, omission or concealment of a material fact by a Party with respect to one of its written representations or warranties contained in this Agreement, (a) made with actual knowledge that the applicable representation or warranty was false, (b) made with the intent to induce the other Party to enter into this Agreement and (c) that caused the other Party, in reasonable reliance upon such misrepresentation, omission or concealment of a material fact to (i) enter into this Agreement and (ii) suffer damages as a result of such reasonable reliance. For the avoidance of doubt, “Fraud” expressly excludes any claim based on constructive knowledge, constructive fraud, equitable fraud, promissory fraud, unfair dealing, negligent misrepresentation, recklessness or a similar theory.
“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign government, governmental authority, legislative agency, executive agency, regulatory or administrative agency (including the SEC and state securities agencies or regulatory bodies), self-regulatory organization (including FINRA), governmental commission, department, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, court, arbitral body (public or private) or tribunal.
“Governmental Order” means any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, ruling, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority.
“Hazardous Material” means material, substance or waste that is listed, regulated, or otherwise defined as “hazardous,” “toxic,” or “radioactive,” or as a “pollutant” or “contaminant” (or words of similar intent or meaning) under Environmental Laws, including but not limited to petroleum, petroleum by-products, asbestos or asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, flammable or explosive substances, or pesticides.
“HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Incentive Equity Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06.
“Incentive Equity Plan Proposal” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “SPAC Shareholder Matters”.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person as of any time, without duplication, (a) the outstanding principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on, and other payment obligations for, all indebtedness for borrowed money of such Person or indebtedness issued by such Person in substitution or exchange for borrowed money, (b) all indebtedness evidenced by any note, bond, debenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or debt security, in each case, as of such time of such Person, (c) any contingent obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or other services, including “earn-outs” and “seller notes” (but excluding trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business that are not past due), (d) all obligations as lessee that are required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP, (e) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any line or letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, guarantee or similar credit transaction, in each case, to the extent drawn or claimed against, (f) all interest rate and currency swaps, caps, collars and similar agreements or hedging devices under which payments are obligated to be made by such Person, whether periodically or upon the happening of a contingency, (g) any premiums, prepayment fees or other penalties, fees, costs, expenses or other amounts payable upon the discharge of any Indebtedness of such Person, (h) any amounts owing under any legislation relief program (including, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, any and all liabilities for amounts that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has deferred pursuant to Section 2302 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and all Taxes (including withholding Taxes) deferred pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Notice 2020-65 or any related or similar order or declaration from any Governmental Authority (including without limitation the Presidential Memorandum, dated August 8, 2020, issued by the President of the United States)), and (i) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (a) through (h) of this definition of any other Person, the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor, surety or otherwise, including any guarantee of such obligations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, “Indebtedness” of any Person shall not include any item that would otherwise constitute “Indebtedness” of such Person that is an obligation between such Person and any wholly-owned Subsidiary of such Person or between any two or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
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“Indemnification Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).
“Independent Director” means any director of a corporation who meets the requirements of “independent director” for all purposes under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.
“Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property in any jurisdiction in the world, including: (a) patents, industrial designs, utility models, patent disclosures and improvements and applications for any of the foregoing, including all provisionals, reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, revisions, extensions, requests for continuing examination, reissues, renewals, and reexaminations thereof, (b) trademarks, service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade dress, trade names, corporate names, logos and slogans, designs and Internet domain names, and social media accounts and handles, and any other indicia of source or origin, whether registered or unregistered, and all applications and registration for any of the foregoing, together with all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing, (c) copyrights and rights in works of authorship, mask work rights, and design rights, all whether registered or unregistered, registrations and applications for any of the foregoing, renewals and extensions thereof, and all moral rights associated with the foregoing, (d) rights in Software (including object code and source code), (e) proprietary rights in artificial intelligence algorithms and weighting functions and the unique outputs from machine learning and deep learning processes; (f) data, database, and collections of data, (g) Trade Secrets and know-how and rights in other proprietary and confidential information and data, (h) any other registrations and applications for any item referenced in any of the foregoing clauses and all rights in and to any for any item referenced in any of the foregoing clauses, and (i) any rights recognized under applicable Law in any of the foregoing or that are equivalent or similar to any of the foregoing.
“Intended Tax Treatment” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Interim Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.
“IPO” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03.
“IPO Prospectus” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
“IT Systems” means systems, servers computer firmware or middleware, computer hardware, electronic data processing and telecommunications networks, network equipment, interfaces, platforms, peripherals, computer systems, co-location facilities, including any outsourced systems and processes, and all other information technology equipment, in each case, that are owned, leased, licensed by, used or held for use, or otherwise controlled by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“JOBS Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.07.
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“Key Employee” means those certain Company Employees to be mutually determined by the Company and the SPAC prior to the Closing.
“Law” means any statute, act, code, law (including common law), ordinance, rule, regulation or Governmental Order, in each case, of any Governmental Authority.
“Leased Real Property” means all leasehold or subleasehold estates and other rights to use or occupy any land, buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures or other interest in real property held by the Company or its Subsidiaries.
“Leases” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.18(a).
“Letter of Intent” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.
“Licensed Intellectual Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19(a).
“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, easement, license, option, right of first refusal, security interest or other lien of any kind.
“Memorandum and Articles of Association” means the Memorandum and Articles of Association of SPAC, in each case, as in effect on the date hereof.
“Merger” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.
“Merger Consideration” means, as to any specific Pre-Closing Holder, (a) a number of shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock equal to product of (i) the number of shares of Company Common Stock held by such Pre-Closing Holder and (ii) the Company Exchange Ratio, in each case with fractional shares rounded down to the nearest whole share, and (b) the right to receive a number of Earn Out Shares if and when earned, in each case, as set forth on the Allocation Schedule.
“Merger Sub” has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Merger” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Most Recent Balance Sheet Date” means October 31, 2021.
“Multiemployer Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(g).
“Nasdaq” means the Nasdaq Capital Market.
“OFAC” has the meaning specified in the definition of Sanctions Laws.
“Open Source Code” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19(e).
“Organizational Documents” means (a) with respect to a corporation, the charter, articles or memorandum of association, articles or certificate of incorporation, as applicable, and bylaws thereof, (b) with respect to a limited liability company, the certificate of formation or organization, as applicable, and the operating or limited liability company agreement thereof, (c) with respect to a partnership, the certificate of formation and the partnership agreement, and (d) with respect to any other Person the organizational, constituent and/or governing documents and/or instruments of such Person.
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“Owned Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property that is owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Owned Software” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19(d).
“Parties” has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“Party” has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto.
“PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
“PCI-DSS” means the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard issued by the PCI Security Standards Council, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Permits” means any license, accreditation, bond, franchise, permit, consent, approval, right, privilege, certificate, non-objection, no-action letter, regulatory waiver or exemptive relief, registration, membership, authorization or qualification or other similar authorization issued by, or otherwise granted by, any Governmental Authority.
“Permitted Liens” means (a) statutory or common law Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, landlords, carriers, repairmen, construction contractors and other similar Liens that arise in the ordinary course of business, and that relate to amounts not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions, in each case only to the extent appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (b) Liens arising under original purchase price conditional sales contracts and equipment leases with third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business, (c) Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions and for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (d) Liens, encumbrances and restrictions on real property (including defects or imperfections of title, easements, encroachments, covenants, rights of way, conditions, matters that would be apparent from a physical inspection or current, accurate survey of such real property and similar restrictions of record and other similar charges or encumbrances) that (i) are matters of record and (ii) do not materially interfere with the present uses of such real property, (e) Liens that secure obligations that are reflected as liabilities on the Most Recent Balance Sheet or that are ordinary course liabilities assumed as part of the DreamView Asset Acquistion, (f) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property granted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices, and (g) Liens that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect, or materially disrupt, the ordinary course operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
“Permitted Terminations” means any Owned Intellectual Property that has naturally expired, or that has lapsed, been abandoned, disclaimed, dedicated to the public, cancelled or forfeited, in whole or in part, regardless of whether by action or inaction of the Company, because it is deemed not to be material to the business of the Company or not economically feasible to maintain.
“Person” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind.
“Personal Information” means information that, alone or in combination with other information, identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked with an individual or household, directly or indirectly, including name, address, geolocation information, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, financial information or other information that constitutes “personal information” or “personal data” under applicable Laws.
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“Potential Financing” any equity or debt financing of the SPAC incurred following the date hereof in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including Section 7.02(a).
“Pre-Approved Arrangements” has the meaning set forth on Schedule 1.01(c).
“Pre-Closing Holder” means each Person who holds Company Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time, after giving effect to the Note Conversion.
“Pre-Closing SPAC Holder” means each SPAC equityholder immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than any such equityholder that acquires equity in any Potential Financing.
“Processing” means the collection, use, storage, processing, recording, distribution, transfer, import, export, protection (including security measures), disposal or disclosure or other activity regarding data (whether electronically or in any other form or medium), including Personal Information.
“Protected Data” means data regulated by the PCI-DSS, Personal Information and all data for which the Company or its Subsidiaries are required by Law or privacy policy to safeguard and/or keep confidential or private.
“Proxy Clearance Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a)(i).
“Proxy Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a)(i).
“Public Shareholders” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03.
“Registered Intellectual Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19(a).
“Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a)(i).
“Released Claims” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03.
“Representative” means, as to any Person, any of the officers, directors, managers, employees, counsel, accountants, financial advisors, and consultants of such Person.
“Required Company Stockholder Approval” means the approval of this Agreement and the Transactions by the affirmative vote or written consent of stockholders of the Company holding at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Company Common Stock.
“Required SPAC Shareholder Approval” means the approval of each Required Transaction Proposal by the affirmative vote of the holders of the requisite number of SPAC Ordinary Shares entitled to vote thereon, whether in person or by proxy at the Special Meeting (or any adjournment thereof), in accordance with the SPAC Organizational Documents and applicable Law.
“Required Transaction Proposals” means, collectively, the Domestication Proposal, the Business Combination Proposal, the Share Issuance Proposal, the SPAC Organizational Documents Proposal, the Incentive Equity Plan Proposal, the Director Election Proposal and the ESPP Proposal.
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“Sanctioned Country” means any country or region that is or has in the past five (5) years been the subject or target of a comprehensive embargo under Sanctions Laws (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Sudan, Syria, and the Crimea region of Ukraine).
“Sanctioned Person” means any individual or entity that is the subject or target of sanctions or restrictions under Sanctions Laws, including: (a) any Person listed on any U.S. or non-U.S. sanctions- or export-related restricted or prohibited party list, including OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, OFAC’s Sectoral Sanctions Identification List, the Entity, Denied Persons and Unverified Lists maintained by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the UN Security Council Consolidated List, and the EU Consolidated List; (b) any Person that is, in the aggregate, 50% or greater owned, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controlled by a Person or Persons described in clause (a); or (c) any national of a Sanctioned Country.
“Sanctions Laws” means all U.S. and non-U.S. Laws relating to economic or trade sanctions, including the Laws administered or enforced by the United States (including by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) or the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, and the European Union.
“Schedules” means the disclosure schedules of the Company or SPAC, as applicable.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“SEC Reports” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.09(a).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933.
“Securities Laws” means the securities laws of any state, federal or foreign entity and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Security Breach” means any (i) security breach or breach of Protected Data under applicable Data Security Requirements or any unauthorized access, acquisition, use, disclosure, modification, deletion, or destruction of Protected Data or the Company’s own confidential information; or (ii) unauthorized interference with system operations or security safeguards of the Company’s information technology systems, including any phishing incident or ransomware attack.
“Service Provider” means, with respect to the Company, the Company Employee, officer, director, or other service provider of the Company or its respective Subsidiaries.
“Share Issuance Proposal” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “SPAC Shareholder Matters”.
“Share Price” means, the share price equal to the volume weighted average closing sale price of one share of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock as reported on Nasdaq over any twenty (20) consecutive Trading Day period (as equitably adjusted as appropriate to reflect any stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock), extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change or transaction with respect to Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock).
“Signing Filing” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.05(c).
“Signing Press Release” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.05(c).
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“Software” means software and computer programs, whether in source code or object code form, and including (a) databases and collections of data, and related documentation and materials, (b) software implementations of algorithms, models, and methodologies, firmware, application programming interfaces, user interfaces, architecture, development tools, code repositories, (c) descriptions, schematics, specifications, flow charts and other work product used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, and (d) files and documentation, including user documentation, user manuals, programmers’ notes, foreign language versions, fixes, upgrades, updates, enhancements, current and prior versions and releases, and training materials, files, and records relating to any of the foregoing.
“SPAC” has the meaning specified in the Preamble hereto and, for the avoidance of doubt, refers to the Surviving Pubco following the consummation of the Domestication.
“SPAC Board” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“SPAC Board Recommendation” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares” means the class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of SPAC.
“SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares” means the class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of SPAC.
“SPAC Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(a).
“SPAC Incentive Equity Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06.
“SPAC Marks” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.11(b).
“SPAC Material Adverse Effect” means, any change, event, circumstance, occurrence, effect, development or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate, with any other change, event, circumstance, occurrence, effect, development or state of facts has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of the SPAC Parties or Sponsor to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that in no event shall any of the following be taken into account in determining whether a SPAC Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur: (i) any change in applicable Laws or GAAP or any official or judicial interpretation thereof, (ii) any change in interest rates or economic, political, business, financial, commodity, currency or market conditions generally, or any changes generally affecting special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), (iii) the announcement of this Agreement, the pendency or consummation of the Merger or the performance of this Agreement, including the impact thereof on the SPAC’s stock price or the amount of SPAC Shareholder Redemptions, (iv) any earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, tornado, flood, mudslide, wild fire or other natural disaster, act of nature or other force majeure event or any epidemic, disease, outbreak or pandemic, (v) any national or international political or social conditions in the United States, including the engagement by the United States in hostilities or the escalation thereof, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence or the escalation of any military or terrorist attack upon the United States, or any territories, possessions, or diplomatic or consular offices of the United States or upon any United States military installation, equipment or personnel, (vi) any action required to be taken, or required not to be taken, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or (vii) any action taken by, or at the request of, the Company or its Subsidiaries; provided, that in the case of clauses (i), (ii), (iv) and (v), such changes may be taken into account to the extent (but only to the extent) that such changes have had a disproportionate impact on the SPAC, as compared to other special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).
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“SPAC Ordinary Shares” means the SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares and the SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares.
“SPAC Organizational Documents” means the Memorandum and Articles of Association, as amended and in effect on the date hereof, the SPAC Warrant Agreement and the Trust Agreement.
“SPAC Parties” means, collectively, SPAC and Merger Sub.
“SPAC Preference Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12(a).
“SPAC Private Placement Warrant” means one of the redeemable private placement warrants entitling the holder to purchase shares of SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares which were issued and sold to Sponsor or its Affiliates as part of SPAC’s private placement units.
“SPAC Public Warrant” means one of the redeemable public warrants entitling the holder to purchase shares of SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares which were issued and sold as part of SPAC’s initial public offering.
“SPAC Related Party Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“SPAC Specified Representations” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(a)(i).
“SPAC Shareholder Matters” means (a) the adoption and approval of this Agreement and the Transactions (the “Business Combination Proposal”), (b) the adoption and approval of the issuance of shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock in connection with the Transactions as may be required under the Nasdaq listing requirements (the “Share Issuance Proposal”), (c) the adoption and approval of the Domestication (the “Domestication Proposal”), (d) in connection with the Domestication, the amendment of the Organizational Documents of SPAC and approval of the Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation and Surviving Pubco Bylaws (the “Surviving Pubco Organizational Documents Proposal”), (e) the adoption and approval of the Incentive Equity Plan in accordance with Section 7.06 (the “Incentive Equity Plan Proposal”), (f) the adoption and approval of the ESPP in accordance with Section 7.06 (the “ESPP Proposal”), (g) the election of the members of the SPAC Board as of the Closing in accordance with Section 7.05 (the “Director Election Proposal”), (h) the adoption and approval of each other proposal reasonably agreed to by SPAC and the Company as necessary or appropriate in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements, and (i) the adoption and approval of a proposal for the adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies because there are not sufficient votes to approve and adopt any of the foregoing.
“SPAC Shareholder Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(a)(i).
“SPAC Transaction Expenses” means (a) all fees, costs and expenses of SPAC incurred prior to and through the Closing Date in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions and any Potential Financing, whether paid or unpaid prior to the Closing (including the fees, costs, expenses and disbursements of counsel, accountants, advisors and consultants to SPAC and including any deferred underwriting commissions being held in the Trust Account); (b) any Indebtedness of SPAC owed to Sponsor; (c) 50% of all fees in connection with filings with Governmental Authorities, including filings in connection with the HSR Act or other materials contemplated by Section 8.01(a); (d) all fees in connection with filings with the SEC, including the Proxy Statement, and any related printer fees; and (e) all costs, fees and expenses related to the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage described in Section 7.01(b) with respect to the directors and officers of SPAC as of the date of this Agreement and any time prior to the Closing.
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“SPAC Warrant Agreement” means the Warrant Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2021, by and between SPAC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as may be amended, modified or supplemented.
“SPAC Warrants” means the SPAC Public Warrants and the SPAC Private Placement Warrants.
“Special Meeting” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.02(b).
“Sponsor” means Aries Acquisition Partners, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company.
“Sponsor Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to a Person, any corporation or other organization (including a limited liability company or a partnership), whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which such Person directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization or any organization of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member.
“Support Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Surviving Entity” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Surviving Provisions” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.
“Surviving Pubco” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto and, for the avoidance of doubt, refers to the SPAC following the consummation of the Domestication.
"Surviving Pubco Board" shall mean the board of the directors of the Surviving Pubco.
“Surviving Pubco Bylaws” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock” means the Class A Shares of the Surviving Pubco, as set forth in the Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation.
“Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock” means the Class B Shares of the Surviving Pubco, as set forth in the Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation.
“Surviving Pubco Organizational Documents Proposal” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “SPAC Shareholder Matters”.
“Takeover Law” means any “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination” or any other anti-takeover statute or similar statute enacted under applicable Law, including Section 203 of the DGCL.
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“Tax” means (a) any federal, state, provincial, territorial, local, foreign and other tax, charge, impost, levy, duty, or governmental assessment of any kind in the nature of a tax, including alternative or add-on minimum, net income, franchise, gross income, adjusted gross income, gross receipts, employment related (including employee withholding or employer payroll), ad valorem, transfer, license, sales, use, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, personal property, real property, capital stock, profits, disability, registration, value added, or estimated tax, together with any interest, penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed with respect thereto (or in lieu thereof), (b) any liability for, or in respect of, any item described in clause (a) of this definition as a result of being a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary or other group for Tax purposes, including under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar or corresponding provision of state, local or foreign Law), and (c) any liability for, or in respect of, any item described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition as a transferee or successor.
“Tax Return” means any return, report, statement, refund claim, declaration, information return, estimate or other document filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Authority (or required to be provided to a payee) in respect of Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto and including any amendments thereof.
“Termination Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.01(c).
“Trade Controls” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.24(a).
“Trade Secrets” means, collectively, information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, invention, algorithm, program, device, method, technique, or process, that: derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
“Trading Day” means any day on which shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock are then traded.
“Transaction Agreements” shall mean this Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement, the Support Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Lockup Agreement, the Employment Agreements, the Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation, the Surviving Pubco Bylaws and all the agreements, documents, instruments and certificates entered into in connection herewith or therewith and any and all exhibits and schedules thereto.
“Transaction Litigation” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(e).
“Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger.
“Transfer Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04(e).
“Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under or with respect to the Code.
“Triggering Event I” means if at any time following the Closing but prior to the expiration of the Earn Out Period, the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $15.00.
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“Triggering Event II” means if at any time following the Closing but prior to the expiration of the Earn Out Period, the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $17.50.
“Triggering Event III” means if at any time following the Closing but prior to the expiration of the Earn Out Period, the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $20.00.
“Triggering Event IV” means if at any time following the Closing but prior to the expiration of the Earn Out Period, the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $22.50.
“Triggering Event V” means if at any time following the Closing but prior to the expiration of the Earn Out Period, the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $25.00.
“Triggering Events” shall mean collectively, Triggering Event I, Triggering Event II, Triggering Event III, Triggering Event IV and Triggering Event V, and “Triggering Event” shall mean any one such individual event.
“Trust Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
“Trust Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
“Trust Termination Letter” means the termination letter to the Trustee substantially in the applicable form attached to the Trust Agreement.
“Trustee” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
“Unauthorized Code” means any virus, Trojan horse, worm, or other software routines or hardware components designed to permit unauthorized access to, or to disable without proper authorization, erase, or otherwise harm, Software, hardware or data.
“Updated Company Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b).
“Updated SPAC Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(a).
“WARN Act” means the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar Laws.
“Working Capital Loans” mean any Indebtedness of SPAC from its Affiliates and shareholders to provide working capital to SPAC.
Section 1.02 Construction.
(a) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender, (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (iii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereto” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (iv) the terms “Article”, “Section”, “Schedule”, “Exhibit” and “Annex” refer to the specified Article, Section, Schedule, Exhibit or Annex of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, (v) the word “including” shall mean “including without limitation,” (vi) the word “or” shall be disjunctive but not exclusive, and (vii) the phrase “to the extent” means the degree to which a thing extends (rather than if).
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(b) When used herein, “ordinary course of business” means an action taken, or omitted to be taken, in the ordinary and usual course of business, consistent with past practice.
(c) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, references to Contracts shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto (subject to any restrictions on amendments or modifications set forth in this Agreement).
(d) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, references to statutes shall include all regulations promulgated thereunder and references to Laws shall be construed as including all Laws consolidating, amending or replacing the Law.
(e) The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Party.
(f) Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified. If any action is to be taken or given on or by a particular calendar day, and such calendar day is not a Business Day, then such action may be deferred until the next Business Day.
(g) All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.
(h) The phrases “provided to,” “furnished to,” “made available” and phrases of similar import when used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, means that a copy of the information or material referred to has been provided prior to the execution of this Agreement to the Party to which such information or material is to be provided or furnished (i) in the virtual “data room” maintained on Tresorit under the title “Infinite Assets, Inc._DD Items” or (ii) by delivery to such Party or its legal counsel via electronic mail or hard copy form.
(i) References to “$” or “dollar” or “US$” shall be references to United States dollars unless otherwise specified.
Section 1.03 Knowledge. As used herein, the phrase “to the knowledge of” shall mean the actual knowledge of, (a) with respect to SPAC, the individuals listed on Schedule 1.03(a) and (b) with respect to the Company, the individuals listed on Schedule 1.03(b).
Section 1.04 Equitable Adjustments. If, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing, the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock or SPAC Ordinary Shares shall have been changed into a different number of units or shares or a different class, by reason of any unit or stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization, split, combination or exchange of units or shares, or any similar event shall have occurred, then any number, value (including dollar value) or amount contained herein which is based upon the number of shares of Company Common Stock or SPAC Ordinary Shares, as applicable, will be appropriately adjusted to provide to the holders of shares of Company Common Stock or SPAC Ordinary Shares, as applicable, the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event; provided, however, that this Section 1.04 shall not be construed to permit any SPAC Party or the Company to take any action with respect to their respective securities that is prohibited by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. For clarity, this Section 1.04 shall not apply to the issuance of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock pursuant to the conversion of Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock into Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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Article II
THE DOMESTICATION; THE MERGER
Section 2.01 Domestication. Subject to receipt of the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval, prior to the Effective Time, SPAC shall cause the Domestication to become effective, including by (a) filing with the Delaware Secretary of State a Certificate of Domestication with respect to the Domestication, together with the Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation in form and substance as shall be negotiated in good faith between the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing, in each case, in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable Law and (b) completing and making and procuring all those filings required to be made with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies in connection with the Domestication. The Domestication shall become effective at the time when the Certificate of Domestication has been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later time as may be agreed by SPAC and the Company in writing and specified in the Certificate of Domestication (the “Domestication Effective Time”). In connection with (and as part of) the Domestication, SPAC shall cause SPAC's name to be changed to “InfiniteWorld, Inc.”, provided that if such name is not available in Delaware or SPAC is otherwise unable to change its name to “InfiniteWorld, Inc.” in Delaware, it shall change its name to such other name mutually agreed to by SPAC and the Company (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by either SPAC or the Company).
Section 2.02 Bylaws of the Surviving Pubco. SPAC shall take all actions necessary so that, at the Domestication Effective Time, the bylaws of Surviving Pubco shall be in form and substance as shall be negotiated in good faith between the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing.
Section 2.03 Effect of the Domestication. At the Domestication Effective Time, by virtue of the Domestication and without any action on the part of SPAC or its shareholders:
(a) each then issued and outstanding SPAC Class A Ordinary Share will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock;
(b) each then issued and outstanding SPAC Class B Ordinary Share will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock; and
(c) each then issued and outstanding SPAC Warrant will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a warrant to acquire Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock, in the same form and on the same terms and conditions (including the same “Warrant Price” and number of shares of common stock subject to such warrant) as the converted SPAC Warrant.
Section 2.04 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Pubco. Except as otherwise directed in writing by the Company, and conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing, the Surviving Pubco shall take all actions necessary or appropriate (including securing resignations or removals and making such appointments as are necessary) to cause, effective as of the Closing, the board of directors and officers of Surviving Pubco to consist of the persons contemplated by Section 7.05. On the Closing Date, Surviving Pubco shall enter into customary indemnification agreements in the form to be mutually agreed by Surviving Pubco and the Company (the “Indemnification Agreements”) with such individuals elected as members of the board of directors or appointed officers of Surviving Pubco as of the Closing, which indemnification agreements shall continue to be effective immediately following the Closing.
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Section 2.05 The Merger. At the Effective Time, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL, Merger Sub shall consummate the Merger, pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, whereupon the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue as the Surviving Entity after the Merger as a direct, wholly-owned Subsidiary of Surviving Pubco.
Section 2.06 Effective Time. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, on the Closing Date, the Company and Merger Sub shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a certificate of merger in substantially the form of Exhibit E attached hereto (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL, and the time of such filing, or such later time as may be agreed in writing by the Company and Surviving Pubco and specified in the Certificate of Merger, but in any event immediately following the Domestication Effective Time, will be the effective time of and constitute the consummation of the Merger (the “Effective Time”).
Section 2.07 Effect of the Merger. The effect of the Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, debts, liabilities, duties and obligations of Merger Sub and the Company shall become the property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, debts, liabilities, duties and obligations of the Surviving Entity.
Section 2.08 Organizational Documents of the Surviving Entity. At the Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company shall be amended and restated to be in the forms of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Merger Sub, which shall be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Entity from and after the Effective Time until thereafter amended in accordance with their respective terms and as provided by applicable Law.
Section 2.09 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Entity. The Company shall take all necessary action prior to the Effective Time such that, conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing, the directors and officers of the Surviving Entity shall be those individuals determined by the Company and communicated in writing to Surviving Pubco prior to the Closing Date, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly appointed.
Article III
MERGER CONSIDERATION; CLOSING
Section 3.01 Effect of Merger. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, at the Effective Time (except as otherwise set forth below), by virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the part of any Party or any other Person, the following shall occur:
(a) Company Common Stock. Each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be automatically cancelled and extinguished and converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration. Each share of Company Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Excluded Shares”) shall be cancelled and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto.
(b) Surviving Entity Equity Securities. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, at the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder thereof, each share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to Effective Time shall no longer be outstanding and shall thereupon be converted into and become one (1) validly issued fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Surviving Entity, and such shares, on an aggregate basis, shall constitute the only outstanding shares of capital stock of the Surviving Entity as of immediately following the Effective Time.
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(c) Surviving Pubco Common Stock. Each share of Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock that is issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time will convert automatically into one share of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock. All of the shares of Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall cease to exist, and each holder of shares of Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock.
Section 3.02 Exchange Procedures.
(a) Prior to the Closing, SPAC shall appoint an exchange agent (the “Exchange Agent”) consented to by the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to act as the agent for the purpose of paying the Merger Consideration (other than the Earn Out Shares) to each of the Company’s stockholders (the “Aggregate Merger Consideration”); provided, however, that SPAC shall afford the Company the opportunity to review any proposed Contract with the Exchange Agent prior to execution, and shall accept the Company’s reasonable comments thereto.
(b) At the Effective Time, the Surviving Pubco (acting by the Exchange Agent) will promptly issue and allot, credited as fully paid, or cause to be issued and allotted, credited as fully paid, to the Pre-Closing Holders (and the Company will direct the Exchange Agent to take all necessary action to record and effect the same) the number of shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock equal to Merger Consideration in accordance with the Allocation Schedule, in each case in book-entry form (which shall have a customary Securities Act restrictive legend), unless otherwise reasonably requested by the Company.
(c) If any portion of the Merger Consideration is to be issued to a Person other than the Person in whose name the relevant Company Common Stock was registered on the books and records of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time, it shall be a condition to such delivery that (i) the transfer of such Company Common Stock shall have been permitted in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Organizational Documents, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) if applicable, the certificate representing such Company Common Stock shall be properly endorsed or shall otherwise be in proper form for transfer, (iii) the recipient of such portion of the Merger Consideration, or the Person in whose name such portion of the Merger Consideration is issued, shall have already executed and delivered counterparts to such other documents as are reasonably deemed necessary by the Surviving Entity or the Company, and (iv) the Person requesting such delivery shall pay to the Company any transfer or other Taxes required as a result of such delivery to a Person other than the registered holder of Company Common Stock or establish to the satisfaction of the Surviving Entity and the Company that such Tax has been paid or is not payable.
Section 3.03 Earn-Out.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 3.03, following the Closing, and as additional consideration for the Merger and the other transaction contemplated by this Agreement, within five (5) Business Days after the occurrence of a Triggering Event, Surviving Pubco shall issue to each Pre-Closing Holder identified on the Allocation Schedule (the “Earn Out Recipient”), the following amount of Earn Out Shares (which shall have a customary Securities Act restrictive legend) in accordance with such Pre-Closing Holder’s respective Earn Out Pro Rata Share:
(i) 10,000,000 of the Earn Out Shares upon the occurrence of Triggering Event I (the “$15.00 Earn Out Shares”);
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(ii) 10,000,000 of the Earn Out Shares upon the occurrence of Triggering Event II (the “$17.50 Earn Out Shares”);
(iii) 10,000,000 of the Earn Out Shares upon the occurrence of Triggering Event III (the “$20.00 Earn Out Shares”);
(iv) 10,000,000of the Earn Out Shares upon the occurrence of Triggering Event IV (the “$22.50 Earn Out Shares”); and
(v) 10,000,000 of the Earn Out Shares upon the occurrence of Triggering Event V (the “$25.00 Earn Out Shares”).
For illustrative purposes, if, prior to the expiration of the Earn Out Period:
(vi) the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $15.00, all of the $15.00 Earn Out Shares shall be issued in accordance with this Section 3.03;
(vii) the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $17.50, all of the $17.50 Earn Out Shares shall be issued in accordance with this Section 3.03;
(viii) the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $20.00, all of the $20.00 Earn Out Shares shall be issued in accordance with this Section 3.03;
(ix) the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $22.50, all of the $22.50 Earn Out Shares shall be issued in accordance with this Section 3.03; and
(x) the Share Price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock is greater than or equal to $25.00, all of the $25.00 Earn Out Shares shall be issued in accordance with this Section 3.03.
(b) If during the Earn Out Period, a Company Sale occurs, then immediately prior to the consummation of such Company Sale, any Earn Out Shares that have not previously been distributed to the Earn Out Recipients (whether or not previously earned) shall be deemed earned (and the applicable Triggering Event achieved); provided, however, that such Earn Out Shares shall be deemed earned (and the applicable Triggering Event achieved) only if implied the value per share of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock in the Company Sale at the time of first announcement of the Company Sale (as determined by the Surviving Pubco Board) equals or exceeds $15.00, $17.50, $20.00, $22.50 or $25.00, as applicable, as adjusted pursuant to Section 3.03(c) below.
(c) The price targets included in the definitions of Triggering Event I, Triggering Event II, Triggering Event III, Triggering Event IV and Triggering Event V shall be equitably adjusted as appropriate to reflect any stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock), extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change or transaction with respect to Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock.
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(d) At all times during the Earn Out Period, the Surviving Pubco shall keep available for issuance a sufficient number of shares of unissued Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock to permit the Surviving Pubco to satisfy in full its issuance obligations set forth in this Section 3.03 and shall take all actions reasonably required (including by convening any shareholder meeting) to increase the authorized number of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock if at any time there shall be insufficient unissued Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock to permit such reservation.
(e) During the Earn Out Period, the Surviving Pubco shall use commercially reasonable efforts for the Surviving Pubco to remain listed as a public company on, and for the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock (including, when issued, the Earn Out Shares) to be tradable over the national securities exchange (as defined under Section 6 of the Exchange Act) on which the shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock are then listed.
Section 3.04 SPAC Closing Statement; Company Closing Statement.
(a) At least five Business Days prior to the Closing Date, SPAC shall deliver the Company a written statement (the “SPAC Closing Statement”) setting forth its good faith estimate and calculation of the SPAC Transaction Expenses, including a detailed itemization of the components thereof and reasonable supporting documentation and detail therefor (including invoices), and determined pursuant to the definitions contained in this Agreement. From and after delivery of the SPAC Closing Statement and through the Closing Date, (i) SPAC shall promptly provide the Company any changes to the SPAC Closing Statement (including any component thereof) (the “Updated SPAC Closing Statement”), and (ii) the Company shall have the right to review and comment on such calculations and estimates, SPAC shall consider in good faith any such comments made by the Company, and the Company and SPAC shall cooperate with each other through the Closing Date and use good faith efforts to resolve any differences regarding the calculations and estimates contained in the Updated SPAC Closing Statement (and any updates or revisions as may be agreed by the Company and SPAC shall be included in the Updated SPAC Closing Statement). SPAC shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, (x) reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Representatives to the extent related to the Company’s review of the SPAC Closing Statement and Updated SPAC Closing Statement and the calculations and estimates contained therein (including engaging in good faith discussion related thereto) and (y) provide access to personnel, books, records and other information during normal business hours to the extent related to the preparation of the SPAC Closing Statement and Updated SPAC Closing Statement and reasonably requested by the Company or its Representatives in connection with such review; provided, that the Company shall not, and shall cause its Representatives to not, unreasonably interfere with the business of SPAC and its Subsidiaries in connection with any such access.
(b) At least five Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to SPAC a written statement (the “Company Closing Statement”) setting forth its good faith estimate and calculation of the Company Transaction Expenses, including a detailed itemization of the components thereof and reasonable supporting documentation and detail therefor (including invoices), and determined pursuant to the definitions contained in this Agreement. From and after delivery of the Company Closing Statement and through the Closing Date, (i) Company shall promptly provide the SPAC any changes to the Company Closing Statement (including any component thereof) (the “Updated Company Closing Statement”), and (ii) SPAC shall have the right to review and comment on such calculations and estimates, the Company shall consider in good faith any such comments made by SPAC, and the Company and SPAC shall cooperate with each other through the Closing Date and use good faith efforts to resolve any differences regarding the calculations and estimates contained in the Updated Company Closing Statement (and any updates or revisions as may be agreed by the Company and SPAC shall be included in the Updated Company Closing Statement). The Company shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, (x) reasonably cooperate with SPAC and its Representatives to the extent related to SPAC’s review of the Company Closing Statement and Updated Company Closing Statement and the calculations and estimates contained therein (including engaging in good faith discussion related thereto) and (y) provide access to personnel, books, records and other information during normal business hours to the extent related to the preparation of the Company Closing Statement and Updated Company Closing Statement and reasonably requested by SPAC or its Representatives in connection with such review; provided, that SPAC shall not, and shall cause its Representatives to not, unreasonably interfere with the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with any such access.
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Section 3.05 Closing.
(a) The closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”) shall take place (i) electronically by the mutual exchange of electronic signatures (including portable document format (PDF)) commencing as promptly as practicable (and in any event no later than 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time) on the third Business Day following the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX (other than those conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing; provided, that such conditions are satisfied or (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) waived in writing) or (ii) at such other place, time or date as SPAC and the Company may mutually agree in writing. The date on which the Closing shall occur is referred to herein as the “Closing Date.”
(b) Closing Transactions. Upon the terms and subject to the satisfaction or written waiver of the conditions contained in this Agreement, at the Closing:
(i) Surviving Pubco will deliver to the Company the following:
(A) a certified copy of the Surviving Pubco Bylaws;
(B) evidence of resignation or removal of the persons contemplated by Section 2.04;
(C) the Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by Surviving Pubco and the stockholders of Surviving Pubco party thereto; and
(D) the Indemnification Agreements, duly executed by Surviving Pubco.
(ii) The Company will deliver to Surviving Pubco the following:
(A) the Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by the Company and the Pre-Closing Holders party thereto.
Section 3.06 Withholding Rights. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, SPAC, the Company, Merger Sub and the Surviving Entity and their respective Affiliates and agents shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement, any amounts that are required to be deducted or withheld with respect to the making of such payments under applicable Law. To the extent that any deduction or withholding is to be made from the amounts otherwise payable hereunder (other than any such amounts payable that are subject to withholding because they are properly treated as compensation for applicable Tax purposes), SPAC shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide notice to the applicable Person at least 10 days prior to the day the relevant withholding is to be made (and all Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate to reduce or eliminate any such withholding). To the extent that any amounts are deducted or withheld consistent with the terms of this Section 3.06, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be paid over to the appropriate Governmental Authority and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made. In the case of any such payment payable to employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Merger treated as compensation for applicable Tax purposes, the parties shall cooperate to pay such amounts through SPAC’s or its Affiliate’s payroll to facilitate applicable withholding.
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Section 3.07 Allocation Schedule. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Aggregate Merger Consideration and the Earn Out Shares are being allocated among the Pre-Closing Holders pursuant to the schedule in the form set forth on Schedule 3.07 and delivered by the Company to SPAC at least two Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date (the “Allocation Schedule”) and such allocation (i) is and will be in accordance with the Organizational Documents of the Company and applicable Law, (ii) does and will set forth (A) the mailing addresses and email addresses, for each Pre-Closing Holder, (B) the number and class of Equity Securities owned by each Pre-Closing Holder, (C) the number of shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock allocated to each Pre-Closing Holder, and (D) the portion of the Earn Out Shares allocated to each Pre-Closing Holder and (iii) will otherwise be accurate in all respects (except for de minimis inaccuracies that are not material). For illustrative purposes only, set forth on Schedule 3.07 is the Allocation Schedule as it would have been prepared if the Closing Date were the date hereof (it being understood that such illustrative Allocation Schedule set forth on Schedule 3.07 is illustrative only and not binding in any manner on the Parties); provided that, the Parties agree that such illustrative Allocation Schedule shall not be required to set forth the mailing addresses and email addresses for the Pre-Closing Holders. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, upon delivery, payment, issuance, reserve for issuance or any other treatment of the Aggregate Merger Consideration on the Closing Date in accordance with the Allocation Schedule, subject to Section 3.03, SPAC and its respective Affiliates shall be deemed to have satisfied all obligations with respect to the payment of consideration under this Agreement, and none of them shall have (I) any further obligations to the Company, any Pre-Closing Holder or any other Person with respect to the payment of any consideration under this Agreement (including with respect to the Aggregate Merger Consideration) (other than the Earn Out Shares), or (II) any liability with respect to the allocation of the consideration under this Agreement, and the Company hereby irrevocably waives and releases SPAC and its Affiliates (but excluding, on and after the Closing, the Company and its Affiliates) from all claims arising from or related to such Allocation Schedule and the allocation of the Aggregate Merger Consideration, as the case may be, among each Pre-Closing Holder as set forth in such Allocation Schedule.
Section 3.08 Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shares of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and owned by a holder who is entitled to demand and has properly demanded appraisal of such shares in accordance with, and who complies in all respects with, Section 262 of the DGCL (such shares, “Dissenting Shares”) shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, and shall instead represent the right to receive payment of the fair value of such Dissenting Shares in accordance with and to the extent provided by Section 262 of the DGCL. At the Effective Time, (a) all Dissenting Shares shall be cancelled, extinguished and cease to exist and (b) the holders of Dissenting Shares shall be entitled only to such rights as may be granted to them under the DGCL. If any such holder fails to perfect or otherwise waives, withdraws or loses such holder’s right to appraisal under Section 262 of the DGCL or other applicable Law, then the right of such holder to be paid the fair value of such Dissenting Shares provided by Section 262 of the DGCL shall cease and such Dissenting Shares shall be deemed to have been converted, as of the Effective Time, into the right to receive the Merger Consideration upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The Company shall give SPAC prompt notice (and in any event within two (2) Business Days) of any demands received by the Company for appraisal of shares of Company Common Stock, attempted withdrawals of such demands and any other instruments served pursuant to the DGCL and received by the Company relating to rights to be paid the fair value of Dissenting Shares, and SPAC shall have the right to participate in and, following the Effective Time, direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of SPAC (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld, delayed or denied), make any payment with respect to, or settle or compromise or offer to settle or compromise, any such demands or waive any failure to timely deliver a written demand for appraisal or otherwise comply with the provisions under Section 262 of the DGCL, or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
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Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the Schedules, the Company represents and warrants to the SPAC Parties as follows:
Section 4.01 Corporate Organization of the Company. The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing and is in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, operate and lease its properties, rights and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. The copies of the Organizational Documents of the Company, as in effect on the date hereof, previously made available by the Company to SPAC are (a) true, correct and complete and (b) in full force and effect. The Company is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing as a foreign entity in each jurisdiction in which the ownership of its property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions of its Organizational Documents, except where such violation would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.02 Subsidiaries. The Subsidiaries of the Company, together with their respective jurisdictions of incorporation or organization and names of their respective equityholders and equity ownership, as of the date hereof, are set forth on Schedule 4.02 (the “Company Subsidiaries”). The Company Subsidiaries have been duly formed or organized, are validly existing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of incorporation or organization and have the power and authority to own, operate and lease their properties, rights and assets and to conduct their business as it is now being conducted, except (other than with respect to due organization and valid existence) in each case as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each Company Subsidiary is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing as a foreign or extra-provincial corporation (or other entity, if applicable) in each jurisdiction in which its ownership of tangible property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be in good standing or so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be in good standing or so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.03 Due Authorization. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Transaction Agreement to which it is a party and (subject to the approvals described in Section 4.05 and upon receipt of the Required Company Stockholder Approval) to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions and the transactions contemplated thereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements to which the Company is a party and the consummation of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by the board of directors of the Company and, except for the Required Company Stockholder Approval, no other corporate proceeding on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize this Agreement or any Transaction Agreements or the Company’s performance hereunder or thereunder. This Agreement has been, and each Transaction Agreement to which the Company is a party (when executed and delivered by the Company) will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by each other party hereto and thereto, this Agreement constitutes, and each Transaction Agreement to which the Company is a party will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law (the “Enforceability Exceptions”).
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Section 4.04 No Conflict. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.04, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation by the Company of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated thereby do not and will not, upon receipt of the Required Company Stockholder Approval (a) contravene or conflict with the Organizational Documents of the Company or, in any material respect, its Subsidiaries, (b) subject to the approvals described in Section 4.05, contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any Law, Permit or Governmental Order binding upon or applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties, (c) subject to the approvals described in Section 4.05, violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination or acceleration of, or a right of termination, cancellation, modification, acceleration or amendment under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the acceleration or trigger of any payment, posting of collateral (or right to require the posting of collateral), time of payment, vesting or increase in the amount of any compensation or benefit payable pursuant to, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of their respective assets or properties may be bound or affected or any Permit of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or (d) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset, property or Equity Security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except in the case of each of clauses (b) through (d) as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.05 Governmental Authorities; Consents. Assuming the truth and accuracy of the representations and warranties of the SPAC Parties contained in this Agreement, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company does not, and the performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall not, require the Company or any Subsidiary to obtain any Consent, except (a) for compliance with the applicable requirements, if any, of the HSR Act (and any similar Law enforced by any Governmental Authority regarding acquisition notifications for the purpose of competition reviews), (b) the filing of the (i) Company Certificate of Merger and (ii) any filings required pursuant to the Domestication, (c) for Consents that may be required solely by reason of the SPAC Parties or the Merger Subs’ (as opposed to any other third party’s) participation in the transactions contemplated hereby, (d) the filing with the SEC of (i) the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement (and the expiration of the waiting period in Rule 14a-6(a) under the Exchange Act or, if the preliminary Proxy Statement is reviewed by the SEC, receipt of oral or written notification of the completion of the review by the SEC) and (ii) such reports under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the Transaction Agreements or the Transactions or the transactions contemplated thereby, (e) such filings with and approval of Nasdaq to permit the SPAC Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to be listed on Nasdaq, (f) the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval, (g) as set forth in Schedule 4.05(g) and (h) any Consents the absence of which would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 4.06 Current Capitalization.
(a) Schedule 4.06(a) sets forth as of the date hereof the authorized and outstanding Equity Securities of the Company (including the number and class or series (as applicable)) and the record ownership (including the percentage interests held thereby) thereof, and such Equity Securities have not been issued in violation of preemptive or similar rights. The outstanding Equity Securities of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.06(a), as of the date hereof, there are no outstanding or authorized Equity Securities in the Company and no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which the Company’s members may vote. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.06(b), other than this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company is not party to any shareholders agreement, voting agreement, proxies, registration rights agreement or other agreements or understandings relating to its Equity Securities.
Section 4.07 Capitalization of Subsidiaries.
(a) The outstanding Equity Securities of the Company’s Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. The outstanding Equity Securities in each Company Subsidiary that are owned by the Company, directly or indirectly, are owned free and clear of any Liens (other than Liens arising under applicable securities Laws or the Organizational Documents of the applicable Company Subsidiary or any Permitted Liens) and have not been issued in violation of preemptive or similar rights.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.02, as of the date hereof, there are no outstanding or authorized Equity Securities in any Company Subsidiary. No Person is entitled to any preemptive or similar rights to subscribe for Equity Securities of any Company Subsidiary. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of any Company Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Equity Securities of any Company Subsidiary, except as set forth in the Organizational Documents of the applicable Company Subsidiary. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.07(b), there are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of any Company Subsidiary having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which such Subsidiaries’ stockholders may vote. No Company Subsidiary is a party to any stockholders agreement, voting agreement, proxies, registration rights agreement or other agreements or understandings relating to its Equity Securities.
(c) Except for Equity Securities in any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company or as set forth on Schedule 4.07(c), as of the date hereof, none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Securities in any Person. As of the date hereof, no shares of capital stock are held in treasury by any Company Subsidiary.
Section 4.08 Financial Statements.
(a) Attached as Schedule 4.08(a) hereto are true, correct, accurate and complete copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of October 31, 2021, and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the seven-month period then ended (i.e., from April 1, 2021) (the “Company Financial Statements”).
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(b) The Company Financial Statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods indicated therein in conformity with GAAP during the periods involved (except for the absence of notes thereto).
(c) The Company maintains and, for all periods covered by the Company Financial Statements, has maintained books and records of the Company in the ordinary course of business that are accurate and complete in all material respects and reflect the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries in all material respects.
(d) Except as set forth in the Company Financial Statements, as of the date hereof, the Company has not identified or been made aware of any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees of the Company who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Company.
Section 4.09 Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.09, as of the date hereof, the Company does not have any liability, debt or obligation, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, that would be required to be set forth on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company, as applicable prepared in accordance with GAAP, except for liabilities, debts or obligations (a) reflected or reserved for in the Most Recent Balance Sheet, (b) that have arisen since the Most Recent Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business, (c) arising under this Agreement or the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, including the Company Transaction Expenses, (d) that are ordinary course liabilities assumed as part of the DreamView Asset Acquistion or (e) that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.10 Litigation and Proceedings. As of the date hereof, there is no and has not been any, Action pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing by or against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties, rights or assets that would reasonably be expected to (a) involve an amount in controversy (not counting insurance deductibles) of more than $500,000, or (b) if adversely determined, have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. There is and has not been any Governmental Order imposed upon or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties, rights or assets that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. As of the date hereof, none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to a settlement or similar agreement regarding any of the matters set forth in the two preceding sentences that contains any unsatisfied, ongoing obligations, restrictions or liabilities (of any nature) that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.11 Compliance with Laws.
(a) Except where the failure to be, or to have been, in compliance with such Laws would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws (including applicable Environmental Laws).
(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries hold all Permits necessary for the lawful conduct of its business as it is being conducted as of the date hereof, except where the failure to so hold would not be reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. No event has occurred with respect to any of the Permits which permits, or after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would permit, revocation, cancellation or termination thereof, or would result in any other impairment of the rights of the holder of any such Permit, except where the revocation, cancellation, termination or impairment would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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(c) Schedule 4.11(c) sets forth, as of the date hereof, (i) each jurisdiction in which the Company or its Subsidiaries holds any material Permits (for the avoidance of doubt, a qualification to do business as a foreign entity in a State is not a material Permit) and (ii) each jurisdiction in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has applications pending for any material Permits (“Permit Applications”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has withdrawn any Permit Application.
(d) As of the date hereof, (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of any violations of applicable Laws, Governmental Orders or Permits (other than allegations asserted by providers in connection with requests for claims adjustments by such providers in the ordinary course of business) that remains unresolved and (ii) no assertion or Action of any violation of any Law, Governmental Order or Permit by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is currently threatened in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than allegations asserted by providers in connection with requests for claims adjustments by such providers in the ordinary course of business), in each of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), except as would not be reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. As of the date hereof, no investigation or review by any Governmental Authority with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or threatened in writing, in each case, except as would not be reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.12 Contracts; No Defaults.
(a) Schedule 4.12(a) contains a true and complete listing of all Contracts described in clauses (i) through (ix) of this Section 4.12(a) to which, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of their respective assets is bound (together with all material amendments, waivers or other changes thereto) other than any purchase orders entered into in the ordinary course of business and any Company Benefit Plans (all such Contracts as described in clauses (i) through (ix), collectively, the “Company Material Contracts”) (for the avoidance of doubt, Schedule 4.12(a) is not required to list all amendments, waivers or other changes with respect to the Contracts listed therein). True, correct and complete copies of such Company Material Contracts (together with all material amendments, waivers or other changes thereto) in existence as of the date hereof have been delivered to or made available to SPAC or its agents or Representatives.
(i) Each Contract relating to Indebtedness with a principal amount (including the amount of any undrawn but available commitments thereunder) in excess of $200,000;
(ii) Each Contract that is a purchase and sale or similar agreement for the acquisition of any Person or any business unit thereof or the disposition of any material assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in each case, (A) involving payments in excess of $200,000, or (B) pursuant to which there are any material ongoing obligations;
(iii) Each lease, rental or occupancy agreement, license, installment and conditional sale agreement and each other Contract with outstanding obligations that (A) provides for the ownership of, leasing of, occupancy of, title to, use of, or any leasehold or other interest in any real or personal property and (B) involves aggregate payments in excess of $200,000 in any calendar year, other than sales or purchase agreements in the ordinary course of business and sales of obsolete equipment;
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(iv) Each Contract requiring capital expenditures the Company or its Subsidiaries after the date of this Agreement in an amount in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate in a 12-month period (other than click-wrap, shrink-wrap and off-the-shelf, non-customized software licenses, and any other similar software licenses (including software-as-a-service) that are commercially available on standard terms to the public generally with license, maintenance, support and other fees less than $200,000 per year, and open source software licenses);
(v) Each supervisory Contract with a Governmental Authority and terms of conditional approvals from any Governmental Authority for any Permit;
(vi) Each Contract prohibiting or restricting in any material respect the ability the Company or its Subsidiaries to engage in any business, to solicit any potential customer, to operate in any geographical area or to compete with any Person, in each case, in any material respect, other than customary restrictions with respect to the sale or delivery of products in certain geographical areas and non-solicitation and no-hire provisions, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(vii) Each Contract (excluding (x) non-disclosure agreements and (y) non-exclusive licenses granted in trademarks that are Owned Intellectual Property that are incidental to marketing, printing or advertising Contracts) under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (A) is a licensee with respect to any item of Intellectual Property that is material to the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (excluding non-exclusive licenses in respect of commercially available, unmodified, “off-the-shelf software”) and (B) is a licensor or otherwise grants to a third party any rights to use any item of material Owned Intellectual Property (excluding non-exclusive licenses granted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice);
(viii) Each Contract under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has commissioned the development of Intellectual Property by a third party that is material to the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than pursuant the Company’s standard form employee invention assignment or consulting or independent contractor agreements, copies of which have been provided to SPAC, or any Contract entered into in the ordinary course of business);
(ix) Each employment Contract with any individual that (A) provides for annual base salary in excess of $200,000, or (B) provides for the payment or accelerated vesting of any compensation or benefits in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, including any severance, retention, change of control, transaction, or similar payments; and
(x) Any commitment to enter into agreement of the type described in clauses (i) through (viii) of this Section 4.12(a).
(b) Except for any Contract that has terminated, or will terminate, upon the expiration of the stated term thereof prior to the Closing Date and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, as of the date of this Agreement, each Company Material Contract is (i) in full force and effect and (ii) represents the legal, valid and binding obligations the Company or one of its Subsidiaries that is a party thereto and, to the knowledge the Company, represents the legal, valid and binding obligations of the other parties thereto, in each case, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, as of the date hereof, (w) neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge the Company, any other party thereto is or is alleged to be in breach of or default under any Company Material Contract (x) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written claim or notice of breach of or default under any such Contract that remains unresolved and (y) to the knowledge the Company, no event has occurred which individually or together with other events, would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of or a default under any such Contract (in each case, with or without notice or lapse of time or both).
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Section 4.13 Company Benefit Plans.
(a) Schedule 4.13(a) sets forth a true and complete list of each material Company Benefit Plan. For purposes of this Agreement a “Company Benefit Plan” means each Benefit Plan which is currently contributed to, required to be contributed to, sponsored by or maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any Service Provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or under or with respect to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any actual material liability or obligation, contingent or otherwise, in any case, excluding any Multiemployer Plan.
(b) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan listed on Schedule 4.13(a), the Company has delivered or made available to SPAC copies of (i) the plan document, adoption agreement, and any trust agreement or other funding instrument relating to such plan, or in the event that the Company Benefit Plan is unwritten, a written summary of the material provisions, as applicable, (ii) the most recent summary plan description, if any, required under ERISA with respect to the Company Benefit Plan, (iii) the most recent annual report on Form 5500 and all attachments with respect to the Company Benefit Plan (if applicable), (iv) the most recent actuarial valuation (if applicable) relating to the Company Benefit Plan, (v) the most recent determination or opinion letter, if any, issued by the IRS with respect to any Company Benefit Plan, and (vi) any material or non-routine correspondence with any Governmental Authority within the past three years.
(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Company Benefit Plan has been established, maintained, funded and in compliance with its terms and all applicable Laws, including ERISA and the Code, and (ii) all contributions, premiums or other payments that are due with respect to any Company Benefit Plan have been made and all such amounts due for any period ending on or before the effective date of this Agreement have been made or properly accrued and reflected in the Company Financial Statements to the extent required by GAAP (except that the Company Financial Statements do not reflect any accrual for any contributions, premiums or other payments that relate to Company Benefit Plans assumed by the Company as part of the DreamView Asset Acquistion, none of which are payable by the Company or material in amount).
(d) Each Company Benefit Plan which is intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code (i) has received a favorable determination or opinion letter as to its qualification or (ii) has been established under a standardized master and prototype or volume submitter plan for which a current favorable IRS advisory letter or opinion letter has been obtained by the plan sponsor and is valid as to the adopting employer, and, in either case, to the Company’s knowledge, nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect such qualification.
(e) (i) No event has occurred and no condition exists that would subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, either directly or by reason of their affiliation with an ERISA Affiliate, to any material tax, fine, Lien, penalty or other liability imposed by ERISA or the Code, (ii) there do not exist any pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened Actions (other than routine claims for benefits), audits or investigations with respect to any Company Benefit Plan, (iii) to the Company’s knowledge, there have been no “prohibited transactions” within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Sections 406 or 407 of ERISA and not otherwise exempt under Section 408 of ERISA, and (iv) no breaches of fiduciary duty (as determined under ERISA) with respect to any Company Benefit Plan have occurred that, in each case of subsections (i) through (iv), either individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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(f) Except for coverage that is provided through the end of the calendar month in which a termination of employment occurs or pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code or any similar state Law, no Company Benefit Plan provides any post-employment or post-retirement or post-termination health, medical or life insurance benefits for current, former or retired Service Providers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(g) None of the Company, its Subsidiaries, or its respective ERISA Affiliates currently sponsors, maintains, contributes to, is required to contribute to, or otherwise has or could reasonably be expected to have any current or contingent material liability or obligation under or with respect to: (i) a multiemployer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA or Section 4001(a)(3) of the Code) (a “Multiemployer Plan”), (ii) a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) or any plan that is or was subject to Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 or Section 4971 of the Code, (iii) a “multiple employer plan” (within the meaning of Section 210 of ERISA or 413(c) of the Code), or (iv) a “multiple employer welfare arrangement” (as defined in Section 3(40) of ERISA).
(h) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13(h), neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company nor the consummation of the Merger will result in (i) the acceleration, funding, vesting or creation of any rights of any current or former Service Provider of the Company or its Subsidiaries to any material compensatory payments, severance or benefits or material increases in any compensatory payments, severance or benefits (including any loan forgiveness) under any Company Benefit Plan, (ii) the payment to any current or former Service Provider of the Company or its Subsidiaries of any material severance payments, or any material increase in severance payments or benefits upon any termination of employment or service, or (iii) any “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or corresponding provision of state law) to any Service Provider of the Company or its Subsidiaries who is a “disqualified individual” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.
(i) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries maintains any obligations to gross-up or reimburse any individual for any Tax or related interest or penalties incurred by such individual, including under Sections 409A or 4999 of the Code.
(j) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan that is subject to the Laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States (whether or not United States Law also applies) (a “Foreign Plan”), except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) all employer and employee contributions to each Foreign Plan required by Law or by the terms of such Foreign Plan have been timely made in all material respects, or, if applicable, accrued in accordance with normal accounting practices; (ii) each Foreign Plan required by Law to be registered as of the date hereof has been so registered and has been maintained in good standing in all material respects with applicable Law; and (iii) no Foreign Plan is a defined benefit plan (as defined in ERISA, whether or not subject to ERISA) or has any material unfunded or underfunded liabilities.
Section 4.14 Labor Matters.
(a) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement with any labor union, labor organization or works council representing employees of the Company (each, a “CBA”) and no employees are represented by any labor union, other labor organization or works council with respect to their employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There are, and since January 1, 2019, there have been no pending, and to the knowledge of the Company, as of the date hereof, there are no threatened (i) labor organizing activities or representation or certification proceedings by any labor union, works council or other labor organization to organize any of the Company Employees, and (ii) material labor disputes, labor grievances, labor arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, strikes, lockouts, picketing, hand billing, slowdowns, concerted refusals to work overtime, or work stoppages against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
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(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and have been for the past five (5) years, in material compliance with all applicable Laws regarding labor, employment and employment practices, including all Laws respecting terms and conditions of employment, health and safety, employee classification (including the classification of independent contractors and exempt and non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state or local Laws), discrimination, harassment or retaliation, whistleblowing, wages and hours, classification of individuals as independent contractors or employees, the investigation of sexual harassment or other unlawful discrimination or retaliation claims, immigration (including the completion of Forms I-9 for all U.S. employees and the proper confirmation of employee visas), disability rights or benefits, equal opportunity, plant closures and layoffs (including the WARN Act), affirmative action, workers’ compensation, labor relations, employee leave issues, employee trainings and notices, and unemployment insurance.
(c) No allegations of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct have been made or threatened in writing, or, to the knowledge of the Company, otherwise threatened in writing to be made, against or involving any current or former officer, director or other key employee or above by any current or former officer or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any settlement agreements resolving, in whole or in part, allegations of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct by any current or former officer, director or other key employee.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14(d), no material employee layoff, facility closure or shutdown (whether voluntary or by Governmental Order), reduction-in-force, furlough, temporary layoff, or material work schedule change or reduction in hours, salary or wages affecting Company Employees has occurred since January 1, 2020 as a result of COVID-19 or any COVID-19 Measures.
(e) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has implemented any plant closing or employee layoffs that would trigger notice obligations under the WARN Act or any other similar state Laws.
(f) As of the date hereof, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice that any Key Employee intends to terminate his or her employment with the Company prior to the one-year anniversary of the Closing.
Section 4.15 Taxes.
(a) All material Tax Returns required by Law to be filed by the Company and its Subsidiaries have been duly filed with the appropriate Governmental Authority, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects.
(b) All material amounts of Taxes due and payable by the Company and its Subsidiaries (whether or not reflected on any Tax Return) have been duly paid to the appropriate Governmental Authority.
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(c) The Company and its Subsidiaries have (i) withheld and deducted all material amounts of Taxes required to have been withheld or deducted by it in connection with amounts paid or owed to any employee or independent contractor, (ii) duly and timely remitted such amounts to the appropriate Governmental Authority, and (iii) complied in all material respects with applicable Laws with respect to Tax withholding, including all material reporting and record keeping requirements.
(d) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any audit, administrative proceeding or judicial proceeding, in each case, that is material, with respect to Taxes. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is the subject of any dispute or claim with respect to a material amount of Taxes, other than disputes or claims that have been resolved, and no such claims have been threatened in writing. All material deficiencies for Taxes asserted or assessed in writing against the Company or any Subsidiary have been fully and timely (taking into account applicable extensions) paid, settled or withdrawn. No written claim has been made by any Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or any Subsidiary does not file a Tax Return that such entity is or may be subject to material Taxes or required to file a Tax Return in respect of material Taxes in that jurisdiction. There are no outstanding agreements extending or waiving the statutory period of limitations applicable to any claim for, or the period for the collection or assessment or reassessment of, material Taxes of the Company or any Subsidiary, and no written request for any such waiver or extension is currently pending.
(e) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (or any predecessor thereof) has constituted either a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution of stock qualifying for income tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code (or so much of Section 356 of the Code as relates to Section 355 of the Code).
(f) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has been a party to any “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2) (or any similar or corresponding provision of state, local or foreign Law)
(g) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (i) change in, or use of an improper, method of accounting for a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date and made prior to the Closing; (ii) installment sale or open transaction disposition made prior to the Closing; (iii) prepaid amount or deferred revenue received prior to the Closing outside the ordinary course of business; or (iv) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in the Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state or local applicable Laws). Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will be required to make any material payment after the Closing Date as a result of an election under Section 965(h) of the Code.
(h) There are no Liens with respect to Taxes on any of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any “closing agreement” or similar agreement or arrangement with a Governmental Authority relating to Taxes.
(i) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (i) has been a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary or other group for Tax purposes other than a group that includes only the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, or (ii) has any material liability for or in respect of the Taxes of any Person (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) as a transferee or successor, by Contract, assumption or operation of law, or otherwise (except for liabilities pursuant to contracts not primarily relating to Taxes).
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(j) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is a party to, or bound by, or has any material obligation to any Governmental Authority or other Person under any Tax allocation, Tax sharing, Tax indemnification or similar agreement or arrangement (except, in each case, for liabilities pursuant to (i) contracts not primarily relating to Taxes or (ii) an agreement solely among any of the Company and its Subsidiaries).
(k) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.15(k), neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is organized in a non-U.S. jurisdiction.
(l) The Company is not, and has not been at any time during the five (5) year period ending on the Closing Date, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code.
(m) The Company is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(n) The Company has not taken or failed to take any action that is not contemplated by this Agreement, or is aware of any fact or circumstance, that would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair or impede the Intended Tax Treatment.
(o) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in Sections 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Code.
Section 4.16 Insurance. With respect to all material policies or programs of self-insurance of property, fire and casualty, product liability, workers’ compensation and other forms of insurance held by, or for the benefit of, the Company or its Subsidiaries, except as has not had or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) all premiums due have been paid (other than retroactive or retrospective premium adjustments and adjustments in the respect of self-funded general liability and automobile liability fronting programs, self-funded health programs and self-funded general liability and automobile liability front programs, self-funded health programs and self-funded workers’ compensation programs that are not yet, but may be, required to be paid with respect to any period end prior to the Closing Date), (b) the policy is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms and, except for policies that have expired under their terms in the ordinary course, is in full force and effect, (c) none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in breach or default (including any such breach or default with respect to the payment of premiums or the giving of notice), and, to the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default, or permit termination or modification, under the policy, and to the knowledge of the Company, no such action has been threatened in writing, and (d) as of the date hereof, no written notice of cancellation, non-renewal, disallowance or reduction in coverage or claim or termination has been received other than in connection with ordinary renewals.
Section 4.17 Equipment and Other Tangible Property. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries owns and has good title to all material equipment and other material tangible property and assets reflected on the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries as owned by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, except as would not reasonably be expected to not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 4.18 Real Property.
(a) Schedule 4.18(a) contains a true, correct and complete list, as of the date of this Agreement, of all Leased Real Property including the address of each Leased Real Property. The Company has made available to SPAC true, correct and complete copies of the material Contracts pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries use or occupy (or have been granted an option to use or occupy) the Leased Real Property or is otherwise a party with respect to the Leased Real Property (the “Leases”). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, as of the date hereof, (i) each Lease is valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect against the Company or one of its Subsidiaries and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other party thereto, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions, and each such Lease is in full force and effect, (ii) each Lease has not been amended or modified except as reflected in the modifications, amendments, supplements, waivers and side letters made available to SPAC, (iii) none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received or given any written notice of default or breach under any of the Leases and to the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has received written notice of any default or breach that has not been cured and (iv) to the knowledge of the Company, there does not exist under any Lease any event or condition which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a material default or breach by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or, in each case, to the Company’s knowledge, the other party thereto.
(b) At the Closing, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will own any land, buildings or other real property.
Section 4.19 Intellectual Property and IT Security.
(a) Schedule 4.19(a) sets forth a complete and correct list of all (i) registrations and applications for the registration thereof for the following that are included in the Owned Intellectual Property: (A) trademarks, (B) patents, (C) copyrights, and (D) internet domain names, specifying as to each item, as applicable, the owner(s) of record, jurisdiction of application or registration, the application or registration number and the date of application or registration (“Registered Intellectual Property”). Excluding any pending applications included in the Registered Intellectual Property, each item of material Registered Intellectual Property is subsisting, and, to the knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. No loss or expiration of any material Owned Intellectual Property is threatened in writing, pending, or reasonably foreseeable by the Company or its Subsidiaries, except for expiration of patents and copyrights and non-renewal of trademarks and internet domain names at the end of their statutory or designated (in case of domain names) terms (and not as a result of any act or omission by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay any required maintenance fees) and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company or a Subsidiary of the Company (i) solely owns all right, title and interest in and to the Owned Intellectual Property and (ii) has the right to use pursuant to a written, and to the knowledge of the Company, valid, license all other Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the operation of the business of the Company, as presently conducted (“Licensed Intellectual Property”), in each case, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) There is not, and since January 1, 2020, there has not been any Action pending, received in writing or threatened in writing, against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any Intellectual Property, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, no Person has notified the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in writing that any of such Person’s Intellectual Property rights are infringed, misappropriated, or otherwise violated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries requires an unsolicited license to any of such Person’s Intellectual Property rights, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. None of Company, or of its Subsidiaries or the former or current conduct of their respective businesses infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates, or has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, any Intellectual Property, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, no Person is currently infringing, misappropriating, diluting or otherwise violating, or has infringed, misappropriated, diluted or otherwise violated, any of the Owned Intellectual Property, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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(c) The Company has taken commercially reasonable steps to maintain, preserve and protect all material Owned Intellectual Property. The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of all Trade Secrets and any other material confidential information owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries (and any material confidential information owned by any Person to whom the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has a written confidentiality obligation). No Trade Secrets or other material confidential information included in the Owned Intellectual Property have been disclosed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any Person other than pursuant to a written agreement restricting the disclosure and use of such Trade Secrets or any other confidential information by such Person except to the extent that the disclosure of such Trade Secrets or confidential information would not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each current or former founder, employee, consultant and independent contractor of the Company or its Subsidiaries who has contributed or created, in whole or in part, any material Owned Intellectual Property has executed and delivered to the Company or its Subsidiaries either a (i) written “work-for-hire” agreement under which the Company or its applicable Subsidiaries is deemed to be the owner or author of all such Owned Intellectual Property rights created or developed by such Person, or (ii) a written assignment by such Person (by way of a present grant of assignment) in favor of the Company or one of its applicable Subsidiaries of all right, title and interest in and to such Owned Intellectual Property, and in case of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), that also prohibits such Person, where commercially reasonable or customary, from using or disclosing any Trade Secrets included in the Owned Intellectual Property, except as authorized in the course of performing services for the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, no such current or former founder, employee, consultant and independent contractor of the Company or its Subsidiaries is in violation of any such agreement, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) The Company and its Subsidiaries is in possession of the source code and object code for all Software constituting their material Owned Intellectual Property (“Owned Software”), except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All Owned Software (i) conforms in all material respects with all representations and warranties established by the Company and its Subsidiaries and conveyed thereby to its or their customers or other transferees, (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, is free of any material defects and does not contain any Unauthorized Code and (iii) has been maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries on their own behalf or on behalf of their customers in accordance with their contractual obligations to customers, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company is in possession of or has access to all documentation relating to the Owned Software that is reasonably necessary for the use, maintenance, enhancement, development, and other exploitation of such Owned Software as used in the business of the Company, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not incorporated any “open source” or “copyleft” Software or Software licensed or used under an ”open source” license or analogous license (including any license approved by the Open Source Initiative and listed at http://www.opensource.org/licenses and including the under the GNU General Public License, the GNU Lesser General Public License, the Affero General Public License, any Creative Commons “ShareAlike” license, or the Apache Software License) (“Open Source Code”) into Owned Software, distributed Open Source Code in conjunction with any Owned Software or used Open Source Code, in each case in a manner that requires or conditions the use or distribution of any of the Owned Software on the compulsory disclosure, licensing, or distribution of any source code for any portion of such Owned Software, including requiring any Owned Software to be (A) disclosed or distributed in source code form, (B) licensed for the purpose of making derivative works, or (C) redistributable at no charge or minimal charge.
(f) The Company has taken commercially reasonable efforts consistent with industry standards for companies of the Company’s size that are designed to (i) protect the confidentiality, integrity and security of the IT Systems from any unauthorized use, access, interruption, or modification, and (ii) ensure that all IT Systems (A) operate and run in a reasonable and efficient business manner in all material respects, and (B) are free from any Unauthorized Code. The IT Systems are sufficient for the current needs of the Company, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(g) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Data Security Requirements. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not, and to the Knowledge of the Company any third-party Processing Protected Data on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary have not, experienced any Security Breaches.
(h) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries have sufficient rights to Process all Protected Data to the extent such Protected Data is Processed by or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with the use and/or operation of its products, services and business.
Section 4.20 Absence of Changes. From January 1, 2021 until the date of this Agreement, no Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred and is continuing.
Section 4.21 Brokers’ Fees. Other than as set forth on Schedule 4.21, no broker, finder, financial advisor, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other similar fee, commission or other similar payment in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates.
Section 4.22 Related Party Transactions. Except for the Contracts set forth on Schedule 4.22, there are no Contracts between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any officer, director or holder of Company Common Stock or, to the Company’s knowledge, any Affiliate (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) or family member of any of the foregoing, on the other hand (each, a “Company Related Party Contract”), except in each case, for (a) employment agreements, confidentiality and invention assignment agreements, standard director and officer indemnification agreements, equity or incentive equity documents, fringe benefits and other compensation paid to directors, officers and employees consistent with previously established policies, (b) reimbursements of expenses incurred in connection with their employment or service (excluding from clause (a) and this clause (b) any loans made by the Company or its Subsidiaries to any officer, director, employee, member or stockholder and all related arrangements, including any pledge arrangements), (c) amounts paid pursuant to Company Benefit Plans listed on Schedule 4.13(a), (d) other transactions for services in their capacity as officers, directors or employees and (e) any such contracts entailing payments of less than $50,000 on an annual basis.
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Section 4.23 Proxy Statement; Information Provided. None of the information relating to the Company or its Subsidiaries supplied or to be supplied by the Company, or by any other Person acting on behalf of the Company, in writing specifically for inclusion in the Proxy Statement will, as of the date the Proxy Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto) is first mailed to SPAC’s shareholders, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Proxy Statement (a) that is modified in any material respect by SPAC or any of its Affiliates or Representatives without the Company’s prior written approval which is misleading by virtue of such modification, (b) in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by or on behalf of SPAC or any of its Affiliates specifically for inclusion in the Proxy Statement which is misleading by virtue of such reliance and conformity or (c) with respect to projections or forecasts with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Proxy Statement, insofar as it relates to information supplied by or on behalf of the Company related to the Company or its Subsidiaries for inclusion therein, will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Section 4.24 International Trade; Anti-Corruption.
(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective officers, directors or employees, nor any agents or other third-party representatives acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, is currently or has been in the last five (5) years: (i) a Sanctioned Person; (ii) organized, resident or located in a Sanctioned Country; (iii) knowingly engaging in any dealings or transactions with any Sanctioned Person or in any Sanctioned Country; or (iv) otherwise in violation of applicable Sanctions Laws, or U.S. anti-boycott Laws (collectively, “Trade Controls”).
(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective officers, directors or employees, nor any agents or other third-party representatives acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has made any unlawful payment or given, offered, promised, or authorized or agreed to give, or received, any money or thing of value, directly or indirectly, to or from any officer or employee of a Governmental Authority or other Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws.
(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received from any Governmental Authority or any other Person any notice, inquiry, or internal or external allegation; made any voluntary or involuntary disclosure to a Governmental Authority; or conducted any internal investigation or audit concerning any actual or potential violation or wrongdoing related to Trade Controls or Anti-Corruption Laws.
Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC PARTIES
Except as set forth in the Schedules to this Agreement or in the SEC Reports filed or furnished by SPAC with the SEC prior to the date hereof (to the extent the qualifying nature of such disclosure is readily apparent from the content of such SEC Reports but excluding any disclosures in such SEC Reports under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” or “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and other disclosures that are predictive, cautionary or forward looking in nature), each SPAC Party represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
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Section 5.01 Corporate Organization. Each SPAC Party is duly incorporated or formed and is validly existing as an entity in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction and has the requisite corporate or limited liability company power, as applicable, and authority to own, operate and lease its properties, rights and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. The copies of the Organizational Documents of the SPAC Parties, including the SPAC Organizational Documents, as in effect on the date hereof, which has been made available to the Company via the SEC Reports are (a) true, correct and complete and (b) in full force and effect. Each of the SPAC Parties is, and at all times has been, in compliance in all material respects with all its respective Organizational Documents, including, in the case of the SPAC, the SPAC Organizational Documents. Each of the SPAC Parties is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation or foreign limited liability company, as applicable, in all jurisdictions in which its ownership of property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.02 Due Authorization. Each of the SPAC Parties has all requisite corporate or limited liability company power, as applicable, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Transaction Agreement to which it is a party and, upon receipt of the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions and the transactions contemplated thereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transaction Agreements to which the SPAC Parties are a party and the consummation of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by the board of directors (or, in the case of Merger Sub, the sole member) of the applicable SPAC Party and, except for the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval, no other corporate or equivalent proceeding on the part of any SPAC Party is necessary to authorize this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements to which the SPAC Parties are a party or any SPAC Party’s performance hereunder or thereunder. This Agreement has been, and each Transaction Agreement to which such SPAC Party will be party, duly and validly executed and delivered by such SPAC Party and, assuming due authorization and execution by each other party hereto and thereto, this Agreement constitutes, and such Transaction Agreement to which such SPAC Party will be party, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of such SPAC Party, enforceable against each SPAC Party in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. The SPAC Board has duly (i) determined that the Merger and the other Transactions (including the Domestication) are in the best interests of SPAC and the shareholders of SPAC, and declared it advisable, to enter into this Agreement, (ii) approved this Agreement and the other Transactions (including the Domestication), on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and (iii) adopted a resolution recommending to its shareholders the SPAC Shareholder Matters. With the exception of the Domestication Proposal and the Surviving Pubco Organizational Documents Proposal, the proposals constituting the SPAC Shareholder Matters shall each require an ordinary resolution in accordance with the Organizational Documents of the SPAC requiring the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the issued SPAC Ordinary Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on such matter. With regards to the Domestication Proposal and Surviving Pubco Organizational Documents Proposal, each such proposal shall each require a special resolution in accordance with the Organizational Documents of the SPAC requiring the affirmative vote of at least a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast by the holders of the issued SPAC Ordinary Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on such matter. With regards to the Director Election Proposal, the holders of the issued SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares shall have approved the Director Election Proposal in accordance with the Organizational Documents of the SPAC. The board of directors of Merger Sub has duly (A) determined that the Merger and the other Transactions are in the best interests of Merger Sub and SPAC, as its sole stockholder, and declared it advisable, to enter into this Agreement, (B) approved this Agreement and the Transactions, on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (C) adopted a resolution recommending the Merger be adopted by SPAC, as its sole stockholder.
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Section 5.03 No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and any Transaction Agreement to which any SPAC Party is a party by such SPAC Party and, upon receipt of the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval, the consummation of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by any Transaction Agreement do not and will not (a) contravene or conflict with the Organizational Documents of the SPAC Parties (including the SPAC Organizational Documents), (b) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any Law or Governmental Order binding on or applicable to SPAC, any Subsidiaries of SPAC or any of their respective properties or assets, (c) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination or acceleration of, or a right of termination, cancellation, modification, acceleration or amendment under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the acceleration or trigger of any payment, posting of collateral (or right to require the posting of collateral), time of payment, vesting or increase in the amount of any compensation or benefit payable pursuant to, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to which SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of their respective assets or properties may be bound or affected, or (d) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any asset, property or Equity Security of SPAC or any Subsidiaries of SPAC, except in the case of each of clauses (b) through (d) as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.04 Litigation and Proceedings. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of SPAC, threatened, Actions and, to the knowledge of SPAC, there are no pending or threatened investigations, in each case, against any SPAC Party, or otherwise affecting any SPAC Party or their respective properties, rights or assets, which, if determined adversely, could be, individually or in the aggregate, material to SPAC and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SPAC Material Adverse Effect. There has been no Governmental Order imposed upon or, to the knowledge of the SPAC, threatened in writing against SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties, rights or assets that would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to SPAC and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. There are no material Governmental Orders, settlement agreements or similar agreement regarding any of the matters set forth in the two preceding sentences to which SPAC, its Subsidiaries or any of their assets or properties is bound that contains any ongoing obligations, restrictions or liabilities (of any nature) that would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to SPAC and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Section 5.05 Compliance with Laws. Except where the failure to be, or to have been, in compliance with such Laws as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SPAC Material Adverse Effect, SPAC and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws. To the knowledge of SPAC, (a) neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of any violations of applicable Laws or Governmental Orders and (b) no assertion or Action of any violation of any Law or Governmental Order by SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries is currently threatened against SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case of the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SPAC Material Adverse Effect. No investigation or review by any Governmental Authority with respect to SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or, to the knowledge of SPAC, threatened, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 5.06 Governmental Authorities; Consents. Assuming the truth and accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the SPAC Parties does not, and the performance by the SPAC Parties of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall not, require any SPAC Party to obtain any Consents from any Governmental Authority, except for (a) for compliance with the applicable requirements, if any, of the HSR Act, (b) the filing of (i) the Certificate of Merger and (ii) any filings required in connection with the Domestication, for Consents that may be required solely by reason of the Company or its Subsidiaries’ (as opposed to any other third party’s) participation in the transactions contemplated hereby, (c) the filing with the SEC of (i) the Proxy Statement (and the expiration of the waiting period in Rule 14a-6(a) under the Exchange Act or, if the preliminary Proxy Statement is reviewed by the SEC, receipt of oral or written notification of the completion of the review by the SEC) and (ii) such reports under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the Transaction Agreements or the Transactions or the transactions contemplated thereby, (d) such filings with and approval of Nasdaq to permit the shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to be listed on Nasdaq, (e) the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval, (f) as set forth in Schedule 5.06(f) and (g) any actions, consents, approvals, permits or authorizations, designations, declarations or filings, the absence of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.07 Trust Account. As of the date hereof, there is at least $ 143,750,000 held in a trust account (the “Trust Account”), maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, acting as trustee (the “Trustee”), pursuant to the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2021, by and between SPAC and the Trustee on file with the SEC Reports of SPAC as of the date of this Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”). Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Trust Account may be released except in accordance with the Trust Agreement, SPAC Organizational Documents and SPAC’s final prospectus, dated as of May 18, 2021 and filed with the SEC (File No. 333- 253806) on May 18, 2021 (the “IPO Prospectus”). Amounts in the Trust Account are invested in United States Government securities or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940. SPAC has performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date under, and is not in material default, breach or delinquent in performance or any other respect (claimed or actual) in connection with, the Trust Agreement, and no event has occurred which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default or breach thereunder. The Trust Agreement is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of SPAC and, to the knowledge of SPAC, the Trustee, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. The Trust Agreement has not been terminated, repudiated, rescinded, amended or supplemented or modified, in any respect, and to the knowledge of SPAC, no such termination, repudiation, rescission, amendment, supplement or modification is contemplated. There are no separate Contracts, side letters or other arrangements (whether written or unwritten, express or implied) that would cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the SEC Reports filed or furnished by SPAC to be inaccurate or that would entitle any Person (other than shareholders of SPAC holding SPAC Ordinary Shares sold in SPAC’s initial public offering who shall have elected to redeem their shares of SPAC Ordinary Shares pursuant to the SPAC Organizational Documents and the underwriters of SPAC’s initial public offering with respect to deferred underwriting commissions) to any portion of the proceeds in the Trust Account. As of the date hereof, no SPAC Party has any reason to believe that any of the conditions to the use of funds in the Trust Account will not be satisfied or funds available in the Trust Account will not be available to SPAC on the Closing Date. There are no Actions pending with respect to the Trust Account. Since May 21, 2021, SPAC has not released any money from the Trust Account other than to pay income and franchise Taxes from any interest income earned in the Trust Account in accordance with the Trust Agreement. As of the Effective Time, the obligations of SPAC to dissolve or liquidate pursuant to the SPAC Organizational Documents shall terminate, and, as of the Effective Time, SPAC shall have no obligation whatsoever pursuant to the SPAC Organizational Documents to dissolve and liquidate the assets of SPAC by reason of the consummation of the Transactions. Following the Effective Time, no shareholder of SPAC shall be entitled to receive any amount from the Trust Account except to the extent such shareholder shall have elected to tender its shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock for redemption pursuant to the SPAC Shareholder Redemption or otherwise in compliance with the Surviving Pubco’s Organizational Documents.
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Section 5.08 Brokers’ Fees. Other than as set forth on Schedule 5.08, no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee, underwriting fee, deferred underwriting fee, commission or other similar payment in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by SPAC or any of its Affiliates, including Sponsor.
Section 5.09 SEC Reports; Financial Statements; Sarbanes-Oxley Act; Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a) As of the date hereof, other than SPAC’s late filing of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 filed with the SEC on November 19, 2021, SPAC has filed or furnished in a timely manner all required registration statements, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement (collectively, as they have been amended since the time of their filing and including all exhibits thereto, the “SEC Reports”), and, as of the Closing, will have filed or furnished all other statements, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished with the SEC subsequent to the date of this Agreement (collectively, as they have been amended since the time of their filing and including all exhibits thereto, but excluding the Proxy Statement, the “Additional SEC Reports”). None of the SEC Reports, as of their respective dates (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the Closing Date, then on the date of such filing) and none of the Additional SEC Reports as of their respective dates (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the Closing Date, then on the date of such filing), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The audited financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements (including, in each case, the notes and schedules thereto) included in the SEC Reports (if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the Closing Date, then on the date of such filing) complied as to form in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and fairly present (subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements included therein, to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of complete footnotes) in all material respects the financial position of SPAC as of the respective dates thereof and the results of their operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended. No SPAC Party has any material off-balance sheet arrangements that are not disclosed in the SEC Reports.
(b) Except as not required in reliance on exemptions from various reporting requirements by virtue of SPAC’s status as an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, SPAC has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to SPAC is made known to SPAC’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer.
(c) Other than as set forth on Schedule Section 5.09, SPAC has established and maintains systems of internal accounting controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that (i) all transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization and (ii) all transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of proper and accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for SPAC’s assets. SPAC maintains books and records in the ordinary course of business that are accurate and complete and reflect the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of SPAC in all material respects.
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(d) Other than as set forth on Schedule Section 5.09, as of the date hereof, there is no (i) “significant deficiency” in the internal controls over financial reporting of SPAC, (ii) “material weakness” in the internal controls over financial reporting of SPAC, or (iii) fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees of SPAC who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of SPAC.
(e) To the knowledge of SPAC, as of the date hereof, there are no outstanding SEC comments from the SEC with respect to the SEC Reports. To the knowledge of SPAC, none of the SEC Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof is subject to ongoing SEC review or investigation as of the date hereof.
Section 5.10 Business Activities.
(a) Since its incorporation, SPAC has not conducted any business activities other than activities directed toward the accomplishment of a Business Combination or incidental thereto. Except as set forth in the SPAC Organizational Documents, there is no agreement, commitment, or Governmental Order binding upon SPAC or to which SPAC is a party which has or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing any business practice of SPAC or any acquisition of property by SPAC or the conduct of business by SPAC as currently conducted or as contemplated to be conducted as of the Closing other than such effects, individually or in the aggregate, which would not reasonably be expected to have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect. Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the Transactions, has not conducted any business prior to the date hereof and has no assets, liabilities or obligations of any nature other than those incident to their respective formations and pursuant to this Agreement and any Transaction Agreement to which such entities are a party, as applicable, and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such Transaction Agreements, as applicable. SPAC owns all of the issued and outstanding Equity Securities of Merger Sub.
(b) SPAC does not own or have a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, any interest or investment (whether equity or debt) in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business, trust or other entity. Except for this Agreement and the Transactions, neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has any interests, rights, obligations or liabilities with respect to, or is party to, bound by or has its assets or property subject to, in each case whether directly or indirectly, any Contract or transaction which is, or could reasonably be interpreted as constituting, a Business Combination.
(c) Except for this Agreement and the agreements expressly contemplated hereby, as of the date hereof, no SPAC Party is and at no time has been, party to any Contract with any Person, other than (x) engagement agreements with advisors and consultants in connection with activities directed toward the accomplishment of a Business Combination, (y) Contracts filed as exhibits to the SEC Reports prior to the date hereof or (z) Contracts that would require payments by any SPAC Party more than $50,000 in the aggregate when taken together with all other Contracts.
(d) Other than any officers as described in the SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof, the SPAC Parties do not have any employees.
(e) As of the date hereof, there is no liability, debt or obligation against SPAC or its Subsidiaries, except for liabilities, debts or obligations (i) reflected or reserved for on SPAC’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021 or disclosed in the notes thereto, (ii) that have arisen since the date of SPAC’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021 in the ordinary course of the operation of business of SPAC, or (iii) arising under this Agreement or the performance by a SPAC Party of its obligations hereunder.
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Section 5.11 Taxes.
(a) All material Tax Returns required by Law to be filed by SPAC and its Subsidiaries have been duly filed with the appropriate Governmental Authority, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects.
(b) All material amounts of Taxes due and payable by SPAC and its Subsidiaries (whether or not reflected on any Tax Return) have been duly paid to the appropriate Governmental Authority.
(c) SPAC and each of its Subsidiaries has (i) withheld and deducted all material amounts of Taxes required to have been withheld or deducted by it in connection with amounts paid or owed to any employee or independent contractor, (ii) duly and timely remitted such amounts to the appropriate Governmental Authority, and (iii) complied in all material respects with applicable Laws with respect to Tax withholding, including all reporting and record keeping requirements.
(d) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any audit, administrative proceeding or judicial proceeding, in each case, that is material, with respect to Taxes. Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries is the subject of any dispute or claim with respect to a material amount of Taxes, other than disputes or claims that have been resolved, and no such claims have been threatened in writing. All material deficiencies for Taxes asserted or assessed in writing against SPAC or its Subsidiaries have been fully and timely (taking into account applicable extensions) paid, settled or withdrawn. No written claim has been made by any Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries does not file a Tax Return that such entity is or may be subject to material Taxes or required to file a Tax Return in respect of material Taxes in that jurisdiction. There are no outstanding agreements extending or waiving the statutory period of limitations applicable to any claim for, or the period for the collection or assessment or reassessment of, material Taxes of SPAC or its Subsidiaries, and no written request for any such waiver or extension is currently pending.
(e) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has constituted either a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution of stock qualifying for income tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code (or so much of Section 356 of the Code as relates to Section 355 of the Code).
(f) Neither SPAC nor any Subsidiary of SPAC has been a party to any “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2) (or any similar or corresponding provision of state, local or foreign Law).
(g) Neither SPAC nor any Subsidiary will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (i) change in, or use of, an improper method of accounting for a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date and made prior to the Closing; (ii) installment sale or open transaction disposition made prior to the Closing; (iii) prepaid amount or deferred revenue received prior to the Closing outside the ordinary course of business; or (iv) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in the Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state or local applicable Laws). Neither SPAC nor any Subsidiary will be required to make any material payment after the Closing Date as a result of an election under Section 965(h) of the Code.
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(h) There are no Liens with respect to Taxes on any of the assets of SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries, other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable. Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any “closing agreement” or similar agreement or arrangement with a Governmental Authority relating to Taxes.
(i) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has been a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary or other group for Tax purposes other than a group for which SPAC is the common parent, or (ii) has any material liability for or in respect of the Taxes of any Person as a transferee or successor, by Contract, assumption or operation of law, or otherwise (except for liabilities pursuant to contracts not primarily relating to Taxes).
(j) Neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or bound by, or has any material obligation to any Governmental Authority or other Person under any Tax allocation, Tax sharing, Tax indemnification or similar agreement or arrangement (except, in each case, for liabilities pursuant to contracts not primarily relating to Taxes).
(k) Surviving Pubco, at all times since the Domestication and Merger Sub, at all times since its formation, have been treated as corporations that are United States persons for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(l) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(l), neither SPAC nor any of its Subsidiaries is organized in a non-U.S. jurisdiction.
(m) Neither SPAC nor Merger Sub has taken or failed to take any action that is not contemplated by this Agreement, or is aware of any fact or circumstance, that would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair or impede the Intended Tax Treatment.
Section 5.12 Capitalization.
(a) As of the date of this Agreement, (i) the authorized share capital of SPAC is US$50,000 divided into 479,000,000 Class A Ordinary shares of par value US$0.0001 per share, (ii) 20,000,000 Class B Ordinary shares of par value US$0.0001 per share, and (iii) 1,000,000 preference shares of par value US$0.0001 per share (“SPAC Preference Shares”) of which (A) 14,375,000 shares of SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, (B) 3,593,750 shares of SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, and (C) no SPAC Preference Shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement. All of the issued and outstanding shares of SPAC Ordinary Shares (I) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, (II) were issued in compliance with applicable Law, and (III) were not issued in breach or violation of any preemptive rights or Contract. As of the date hereof, SPAC has issued 4,456,250 SPAC Private Placement Warrants that entitle the holder thereof to purchase SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares at an exercise price of $11.50 per share on the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable warrant agreement.
(b) As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of the Merger Sub consists of 10,000 shares of capital stock. As of the date hereof, 10,000 shares of Merger Sub are issued and outstanding. SPAC owns all of the issued and outstanding Equity Securities of Merger Sub. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Merger Sub (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) were issued in compliance with applicable Law, and (iii) were not issued in breach or violation of any preemptive rights or Contract.
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(c) Except for this Agreement, or as set forth in Section 5.12(a), as of the date hereof, there are no Equity Securities of SPAC authorized, reserved, issued or outstanding. Except as set forth in the SPAC Organizational Documents, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of SPAC to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any securities or Equity Securities of SPAC. There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of SPAC having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which SPAC’s shareholders may vote. SPAC is not a party to any shareholders agreement, voting agreement or registration rights agreement relating to SPAC Ordinary Shares or any other Equity Securities of SPAC.
(d) SPAC does not own any Equity Securities in any Person other than Merger Sub.
(e) The Aggregate Merger Consideration and the Earn Out Shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, shall be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to any preemptive rights.
Section 5.13 Nasdaq Stock Market Listing. The issued and outstanding units of SPAC, each such unit comprised of one SPAC Class A Ordinary Share and one-half of one SPAC Warrant, are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “RAMMU”. The issued and outstanding shares of SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “RAM”. The issued and outstanding SPAC Warrants are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “RAMMW”. As of the date of this Agreement, SPAC is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable Nasdaq corporate governance requirements for continued listing of the SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares and SPAC Warrants. There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of SPAC, threatened against SPAC by Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister the SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares or SPAC Warrants on Nasdaq. None of SPAC or its Affiliates has taken any action in an attempt to terminate the registration of the SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares or SPAC Warrants under the Exchange Act except as contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.14 Related Party Transactions. There are no transactions, Contracts, arrangements or understandings between any SPAC Party, on the one hand, and any director, officer, employee, shareholder stockholder, equityholder, warrant holder or Affiliate of such SPAC Party (a “SPAC Related Party Transaction”).
Section 5.15 Proxy Statement. None of the information relating to the SPAC Parties supplied or to be supplied by any SPAC Party, or by any other Person acting on behalf of any SPAC Party, in writing specifically for inclusion in the Proxy Statement will, as of the date the Proxy Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto) is first mailed to SPAC’s shareholders, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that SPAC makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Proxy Statement in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries specifically for inclusion in the Proxy Statement which is misleading by virtue of such reliance and conformity. The Proxy Statement, insofar as it relates to information supplied by or on behalf of any SPAC Party related to any SPAC Party for inclusion therein, will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Section 5.16 Absence of Changes. No SPAC Material Adverse Effect has occurred and is continuing.
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Section 5.17 Indebtedness. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.17, no SPAC Party has any Indebtedness.
Section 5.18 Sponsor Agreement. SPAC has delivered to the Company a true, correct and complete copy of the Sponsor Agreement. The Sponsor Agreement is in full force and effect and has not been withdrawn or terminated, or otherwise amended or modified, in any respect, and no withdrawal, termination, amendment or modification is contemplated by SPAC. The Sponsor Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of SPAC and, to the knowledge of SPAC, each other party thereto and neither the execution or delivery any party thereto, nor the performance of any party’s obligations under, the Sponsor Agreement violates any provision of, or results in the breach of or default under, or require any filing, registration or qualification under, any applicable Law. No event has occurred that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or breach on the part of SPAC under any material term or condition of the Sponsor Agreement.
Section 5.19 Anti-Takeover Laws. The board of directors of SPAC and Merger Sub (including any required committee of the board of directors of SPAC or Merger Sub, as applicable) have taken all appropriate actions so that the restrictions on business combinations contained in Section 203 of the DGCL will not apply with respect to, or as a result of, the execution of this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements or the consummation of the Transaction without any further action on the part of the stockholders of SPAC or the stockholder of Merger Sub or the board of directors of SPAC or Merger Sub. No other “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination” or other anti-takeover statute or Law is applicable to SPAC or Merger Sub or the Transaction or the Transaction Agreements.
Article VI
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 6.01 Conduct of Business.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Closing and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Interim Period”), the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, except as expressly required by this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements, as set forth on Schedule 6.01(a), as consented to in writing by SPAC (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), as required by applicable Law, or to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the health and safety of the employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, use its commercially reasonable efforts to (x) conduct and operate its business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects, and (y) maintain the existing relations and goodwill of the Company and its Subsidiaries with customers, suppliers, joint venture partners, distributors and creditors of the Company and its Subsidiaries in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as required by this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements, as set forth on Schedule 6.01(a), as consented to by SPAC in writing (such consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), as required by applicable Law, or to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the health and safety of the employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, during the Interim Period:
(i) change or amend its Organizational Documents;
(ii) make, declare, set aside, establish a record date for or pay any dividend or distribution, other than any dividends or distributions from any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company either to the Company or any other wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company;
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(iii) except in the ordinary course of business or with respect to Contracts entered into in connection with transactions otherwise permitted by this Section 6.01(a), enter into, materially and adversely modify, materially and adversely amend, waive any material right under, or terminate any Contract of a type required to be listed on Schedule 4.12(a) (including, for clarity, any Contract that, if existing on the date hereof, would have been required to be listed on Schedule 4.12(a));
(iv) (A) issue, deliver, sell, transfer, pledge or dispose of, or place any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on, any Equity Securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) issue any Equity Securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries;
(v) sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease, exclusively license, abandon, allow to lapse or expire, subject to or grant any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on, or otherwise dispose of, any material assets, rights or properties (including material Owned Intellectual Property) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than (A) equipment deemed by the Company in its reasonable business judgment to be obsolete or not worth the costs of maintaining or registering the item, (B) transactions among the Company and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or among its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, (C) in the ordinary course of business, or (D) in relation to material Owned Intellectual Property, Permitted Terminations;
(vi) disclose to any Person any Trade Secrets or any source code constituting Owned Intellectual Property (in each case, other than to a Company Representative, SPAC or its Representatives, or pursuant to a written confidentiality agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, or in connection with the Transactions);
(vii) subject to Section 8.01(e), settle any pending or threatened Action, (1) to the extent such settlement includes an agreement to accept or concede injunctive relief restricting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in a manner materially adverse to the Company or (2) to the extent such settlement involves any alleged criminal wrongdoing;
(viii) except as in the ordinary course of business (which ordinary course of business operations shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, the entry into any employment offer letter with any non-executive level employee that provides for an annual base salary less than $200,000), or required by the terms of any existing Company Benefit Plans set forth on Schedule 4.13(a) or otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, (i) materially increase the compensation or benefits of any current or former executive officer of the Company; (ii) make any grant or promise of any severance, retention or termination payment or arrangement to any executive officer of the Company, except for any severance or termination payments in connection with the termination of any Key Employee in the ordinary course of business; (iii) terminate (other than for “cause” or due to death or disability) the employment of any executive officer of the Company; (iv) take any action to accelerate any payments, severance or benefits, or the funding of any payments, severance or benefits, payable or to become payable to any executive officer of the Company; or (v) establish, adopt, enter into, amend or terminate in any material respect any material Company Benefit Plan or any plan, agreement, program, policy, trust, fund, Contract or other arrangement that would be the Company Benefit Plan if it were in existence as of the date of this Agreement; provided that, it shall not be a violation of this Section 6.01(a)(viii) if the Company executes the Employment Agreements;
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(ix) implement or announce any employee layoffs, furloughs, reductions in force, or similar actions that requires notice under the WARN Act;
(x) (A) negotiate, modify, extend, or enter into any CBA or (B) recognize or certify any labor union, labor organization, works council, or group of employees as the bargaining representative for any Company Employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(xi) waive or release any noncompetition, nonsolicitation, nondisclosure, noninterference, nondisparagement, or other restrictive covenant obligation of any individual who is a Key Employee as of the date hereof in connection with the termination of services thereof;
(xii) directly or indirectly acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing substantially all of the assets of, or by purchasing all of or a substantial equity interest in, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association or other entity or Person or division thereof, in each case, that would be material to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and other than in the ordinary course of business;
(xiii) make any loans or advance any money or other property to any Person, except for (A) advances in the ordinary course of business to employees, officers or independent contractors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for expenses not to exceed $10,000 individually, or $50,000 in the aggregate (B) prepayments and deposits paid to suppliers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (C) trade credit extended to customers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, and (D) loans or advances among the Company and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or among the wholly-owned Subsidiaries;
(xiv) redeem, purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire, or offer to redeem, purchase, repurchase or acquire, any Equity Securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for (A) the acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any Equity Securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with the forfeiture or cancellation of such interests and (B) transactions between the Company and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company or between wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company;
(xv) adjust, split, combine, subdivide, recapitalize or reclassify any change in respect of any Equity Securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for any such transaction by a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company that remains a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company after consummation of such transaction;
(xvi) make any material change in accounting principles or methods of accounting, other than as may be required by GAAP or applicable Law (including to obtain compliance with PCAOB auditing standards);
(xvii) adopt or enter into a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Transactions);
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(xviii) other than in the ordinary course of business, as would not be material or as required by applicable Law, (A) make, change or revoke any Tax election in a manner inconsistent with past practice, (B) adopt, change or revoke any accounting method with respect to Taxes, (C) amend any Tax Return in a manner inconsistent with past practice, (D) settle or compromise any Tax liability or any Action, audit or other similar proceeding related to Taxes, (E) enter into any closing agreement with respect to any Tax, (F) consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any Tax claim or assessment, (G) knowingly surrender any claim for a refund of Taxes, or (H) enter into any Tax allocation, Tax sharing, Tax indemnification or similar agreement or arrangement (other than (I) any agreement not primarily relating to Taxes or (II) an agreement among any of the Company and its Subsidiaries);
(xix) (A) incur, create or assume any Indebtedness, (B) modify the terms of any Indebtedness, or (C) assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any Person for Indebtedness, in each case, other than any (w) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business, (x) Indebtedness incurred between the Company and any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or between any of such wholly-owned Subsidiaries, (y) extensions of credit to customers or (z) guarantees of Indebtedness of a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company otherwise incurred in compliance with this Section 6.01(a)(xix);
(xx) enter into any Company Related Party Contract or amend in any material respect any existing Company Related Party Contract (excluding any ordinary course payments of annual compensation, provision of benefits or reimbursement of expenses in respect of members or stockholders who are officers or directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries in their capacity as an officer or director); or
(xxi) enter into any Contract, or otherwise become obligated, to do any action prohibited under Section 6.01(a).
(b) Any request by the Company for SPAC consent pursuant to Section 6.01(a) shall be made in writing (including via e-mail) to the notice parties for SPAC set forth in Section 11.02, and SPAC shall be deemed to consent to the action described in such request if the Company does not, within two business days after SPAC’s receipt of such request, receive written notice (including via e-mail) of SPAC’s reasonable objection to the proposed action.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.01 or this Agreement to the contrary, nothing shall give SPAC, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing.
Section 6.02 Inspection. Subject to confidentiality obligations and similar restrictions that may be applicable to information furnished to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by third parties that may be in the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ possession from time to time, and except for any information which (a) relates to the negotiation of this Agreement or the Transactions, (b) is prohibited from being disclosed by applicable Law, or (c) upon the advice of legal counsel of the Company would result in the loss of attorney-client privilege or other privilege from disclosure, to the extent permitted by applicable Law (including COVID-19 Measures), the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, afford to SPAC and its Representatives reasonable access during the Interim Period and with reasonable advance written notice, in such manner as to not interfere with the normal operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to all of their properties, books, Contracts, commitments, Tax Returns, records and appropriate officers and employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and shall use its and their commercially reasonably efforts to furnish such Representatives with all financial and operating data and other information concerning the affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries that are in the possession of the Company or its Subsidiaries, in each case, as SPAC and its Representatives may reasonably request solely for purposes of consummating the Transactions. The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make alternative arrangements for such disclosure where the restrictions in the preceding sentence apply. Any request pursuant to this Section 6.02 shall be made in a time and manner so as not to delay the Closing. All information obtained by SPAC and its Representatives under this Agreement shall be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement prior to the Closing.
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Section 6.03 No Claim Against the Trust Account. The Company, on behalf of itself and its Pre-Closing Holders as of the date hereof and other Affiliates, represents and warrants that it has read the IPO Prospectus and other SEC Reports, the SPAC Organizational Documents, and the Trust Agreement and understands that SPAC established the Trust Account containing the proceeds of its initial public offering (the “IPO”) and the overallotment securities acquired by SPAC’s underwriters and from certain private placements occurring simultaneously with the IPO (including interest accrued from time to time thereon) for the benefit of SPAC’s public shareholders (including overallotment shares acquired by SPAC’s underwriters, the “Public Shareholders”), and that, except as otherwise described in the IPO Prospectus, SPAC may disburse monies from the Trust Account only: (a) to the Public Shareholders if they elect to redeem their SPAC shares in connection with the consummation of SPAC’s initial Business Combination or in connection with an extension of SPAC’s deadline to consummate a Business Combination; (b) to the Public Shareholders if SPAC fails to consummate a Business Combination within 18 months after the closing of the IPO, subject to extension by an amendment to the SPAC Organizational Documents; (c) with respect to any interest earned on the amounts held in the Trust Account, amounts necessary to pay for any franchise or income taxes, or (d) to SPAC after or concurrently with the consummation of a Business Combination. The Company, on behalf of itself and its Pre-Closing Holders as of the date hereof and other Affiliates, acknowledges and agrees that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, none of the Company, nor any of such Pre-Closing Holders or Affiliates, do now or shall at any time hereafter have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account or distributions therefrom, or make any claim against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom), regardless of whether such claim arises as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to, this Agreement, any Transaction Agreement or any proposed or actual business relationship between SPAC or its Representatives, on the one hand, and the Company, its Pre-Closing Holders and their Representatives, on the other hand, or any other matter, and regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (collectively, the “Released Claims”). The Company, on behalf of itself and its Pre-Closing Holders as of the date hereof and other Affiliates, (i) hereby irrevocably waives any Released Claims that the Company, such Pre-Closing Holders and their respective Affiliates may have against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) now or in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with SPAC or its Representatives and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) for any reason whatsoever to the extent arising out of the Released Claims (including for an alleged breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with SPAC or its Affiliates), (ii) agrees and acknowledges that such irrevocable waiver is material to this Agreement and the Transactions and specifically relied upon by SPAC to induce SPAC to enter into this Agreement, and (iii) intends and understands such waiver to be valid, binding and enforceable against the Company, such Pre-Closing Holders and their respective Affiliates under applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, nothing in this Section 6.03 shall (x) serve to limit or prohibit the right of the Company, the Pre-Closing Holders or their respective Affiliates to pursue a claim against SPAC or Sponsor pursuant to this Agreement for legal relief against monies or other assets of Sponsor or of SPAC held outside of the Trust Account or for specific performance or other equitable relief in connection with the Transactions or for Fraud in the making of the representations and warranties in Article V, and (y) serve to limit or prohibit any claims that the Company, the Pre-Closing Holders or their respective Affiliates may have in the future pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement against Sponsor or SPAC’s assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Account. This Section 6.03 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.
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Section 6.04 Financial Statements.
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, the Company shall deliver to SPAC true, correct, accurate and complete copies of the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date(s) required for inclusion in the Registration Statement, and the related audited consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year(s) then ended, together with the auditor’s reports thereon (the “Audited Combined Company Financial Statements”).
(b) The Audited Combined Company Financial Statements (A) will fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, and the results of its operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the respective periods then ended, (B) will be prepared in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (subject, in the case of the, to normal year-end audit adjustments), (C) in the case of the Audited Combined Company Financial Statements, will be audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, with respect the Company and (D) will comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and with the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act in effect as of the respective dates thereof (including Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable) for purposes of inclusion in the Registration Statement. The Company shall reasonably cooperate with SPAC in connection with the preparation for inclusion in the Registration Statement of pro forma financial statements that comply with the requirements of Regulation S-X under the rules and regulations of the SEC (as interpreted by the staff of the SEC).
Section 6.05 FIRPTA. At the Closing, the Company shall deliver to SPAC a duly completed and executed certificate and accompanying notice to the IRS (along with authorization for SPAC to provide such documentation to the IRS), dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to SPAC and conforming to the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.897-2(h) and 1.1445-2(c)(3)(i), certifying that no interest in the Company is, or has been during the relevant period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code, a “United States real property interest” (as defined in Section 897(c)(1) of the Code).
Section 6.06 Company Approvals. Upon the terms set forth in this Agreement, the Company shall, at its option, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act, and in any event no later than 24 hours after such effectiveness, seek to obtain the Required Company Stockholder Approval, in the form of an irrevocable written consent.
Section 6.07 No SPAC Ordinary Shares Transactions. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is aware, and that its Representatives are aware or, upon receipt of any material nonpublic information, will be advised of the restrictions imposed by Securities Laws on a Person possessing material nonpublic information about a publicly traded company. The Company hereby agrees that, while it is in possession of such material nonpublic information, it shall not and it will cause its Subsidiaries and direct its directors, officers and its and their respective Affiliates not to purchase or sell any securities of SPAC (other than engaging in the Transactions) or take any other action with respect to SPAC in violation of such Laws, or cause any third party to do any of the foregoing.
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Article VII
COVENANTS OF SPAC
Section 7.01 Indemnification and Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, Surviving Pubco shall, and shall cause the Surviving Entity to, indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director, manager and officer of (x) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, and (y) Surviving Pubco and each of its Subsidiaries, against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any Action, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent that the Company or its Subsidiaries, or Surviving Pubco and each of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, would have been permitted under applicable Law and their respective Organizational Documents in effect on the date of this Agreement to indemnify such Person (including the advancing of expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law). Without limiting the foregoing, Surviving Pubco shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and the Surviving Entity and each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) maintain for a period of not less than six (6) years from the Effective Time provisions in their respective Organizational Documents concerning the indemnification and exoneration (including provisions relating to expense advancement) of officers and directors/managers that are no less favorable to those Persons than the provisions of such Organizational Documents as of the date of this Agreement and (ii) not amend, repeal or otherwise modify such provisions in any respect that would adversely affect the rights of those Persons thereunder, in each case, except as required by Law.
(b) Surviving Pubco shall, or shall cause the Surviving Entity to, maintain, or cause to be maintained, in effect for six (6) years from the Effective Time, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance covering those Persons who currently, or any time after the date hereof and prior to the Closing, are covered by (x) the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ and/or (y) Surviving Pubco’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies (true, correct and complete copies of which have been heretofore made available to SPAC or its representatives) on terms not less favorable than the terms of such current insurance coverage; provided, however, that (i) Surviving Pubco may cause coverage to be extended under the current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance by obtaining a six-year “tail” policy containing terms not materially less favorable than the terms of such current insurance coverage with respect to claims existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time and (ii) if any claim is asserted or made within such six-year period, any insurance required to be maintained under this Section 7.01 shall be continued in respect of such claim until the final disposition thereof.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 7.01 shall survive the consummation of the Merger indefinitely and shall be binding, jointly and severally, on Surviving Pubco, the Surviving Entity and all successors and assigns of Surviving Pubco and the Surviving Entity. If Surviving Pubco or the Surviving Entity or any of their respective successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Surviving Pubco or the Surviving Entity, as the case may be, shall succeed to the obligations set forth in this Section 7.01.
Section 7.02 Conduct of SPAC During the Interim Period.
(a) During the Interim Period, the SPAC Parties shall, except as expressly required by this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements or as consented to in writing by the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed) use its commercially reasonable efforts to conduct and operate its business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during the Interim Period, except as set forth on Schedule 7.02, as required by this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements, as consented to the Company in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed other than with to (clause (vii) and (xii), which consent may be conditioned, withheld or delayed in the Company’s sole discretion), or as required by applicable Law, SPAC shall not and shall not permit Merger Sub to:
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(i) change, modify or amend the Trust Agreement, the SPAC Organizational Documents or enter into or amend any other agreement related to the Trust Account except as contemplated by the Domestication;
(ii) (A) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distribution in respect of any outstanding Equity Securities of SPAC or Merger Sub, (B) split, combine or reclassify any Equity Securities of SPAC or Merger Sub, or (C) other than in connection with the SPAC Shareholder Redemption or as otherwise required by SPAC’s Organizational Documents in order to consummate the Transactions, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or offer to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any Equity Securities of SPAC or Merger Sub;
(iii) (A) make, change or revoke any Tax election in a manner inconsistent with past practice, (B) adopt, change or revoke any accounting method with respect to Taxes, (C) amend any Tax Return in a manner inconsistent with past practice, (D) settle or compromise any Tax liability or any Action, audit or other similar proceeding related to any amount of Taxes, (E) enter into any closing agreement with respect to any Tax, (F) consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any Tax claim or assessment, (G) knowingly surrender any claim for a refund of Taxes, or (H) enter into any Tax allocation, Tax sharing, Tax indemnification or similar agreement or arrangement (other than any commercial agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business and not primarily relating to Taxes);
(iv) enter into, renew or amend in any material respect, any transaction or Contract, other than those that SPAC reasonably believes are necessary to effect the Closing;
(v) subject to Section 8.01(e), waive, release, compromise, settle or satisfy any pending or threatened claim (which shall include, but not be limited to, any pending or threatened Action) or compromise or settle any liability;
(vi) incur or assume any Indebtedness or guarantee any Indebtedness of another Person, issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or other rights to acquire any debt securities of another Person, other than Working Capital Loans up to $600,000;
(vii) (A) hire any employee, (B) make any change in the management structure of any SPAC Party or (C) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, establish, adopt or enter into any Benefit Plan;
(viii) adopt or enter into a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of any SPAC Party (other than the Transactions);
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(ix) adjust, split, combine, subdivide, recapitalize, reclassify or otherwise effect any change in respect of any Equity Securities of any SPAC Party;
(x) directly or indirectly acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing any assets of, or by purchasing any Equity Security in, or by any other manner, any Person;
(xi) other than in connection with any Pre-Approved Arrangements, (A) offer, issue, deliver, grant or sell, or authorize or propose to offer, issue, deliver, grant or sell, any Equity Securities (other than SPAC Warrants to be issued to SPAC’s Affiliates or shareholders in satisfaction of the Working Capital Loans incurred in compliance with this Agreement), (B) amend, modify or waive any of the terms or rights set forth in, any SPAC Warrant or the applicable warrant agreement, including any amendment, modification or reduction of the warrant price set forth therein or (C) acquire any Equity Securities in any Person or form any Subsidiary;
(xii) make any material change in accounting principles or methods of accounting, other than as may be required by GAAP;
(xiii) enter into any SPAC Related Party Transaction;
(xiv) make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures; or
(xv) enter into any agreement, or otherwise become obligated, to do any action prohibited under this Section 7.02(a).
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.02 or this Agreement to the contrary, (i) nothing shall give the Company, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of any SPAC Party and (ii) nothing set forth in this Agreement shall prohibit, or otherwise restrict the ability of, any SPAC Party from using the funds held by SPAC outside the Trust Account to pay any SPAC expenses or liabilities or from otherwise distributing or paying over any funds held by SPAC outside the Trust Account to Sponsor or any of its Affiliates, in each case, prior to the Closing.
(c) During the Interim Period, SPAC shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to use their commercially reasonable efforts to, comply with, and continue performing under, as applicable, material Contracts to which SPAC or its Subsidiaries may be a party.
Section 7.03 Inspection. Subject to confidentiality obligations and similar restrictions that may be applicable to information furnished to SPAC or its Subsidiaries by third parties that may be in SPAC’s or its Subsidiaries’ possession from time to time, and except for any information which in the opinion of legal counsel of SPAC would result in the loss of attorney-client privilege or other privilege from disclosure, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, SPAC shall afford the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives reasonable access during the Interim Period and with reasonable advance notice, to their respective properties, books, Contracts, commitments, Tax Returns, records and appropriate officers and employees of SPAC and its Subsidiaries, and shall furnish such Representatives with all financial and operating data and other information concerning the affairs of SPAC that are in the possession of SPAC, in each case as the Company and its Representatives may reasonably request solely for purposes of consummating the Transactions. The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make alternative arrangements for such disclosure where the restrictions in the preceding sentence apply. All information obtained by the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives under this Agreement shall be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement prior to the Effective Time.
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Section 7.04 Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, SPAC shall take all commercially reasonable steps as may be required (to the extent permitted under applicable Law) to cause any acquisition or disposition of the SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares that occurs or is deemed to occur by reason of or pursuant to the Transactions by each individual who is or will be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to SPAC to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, including adopting resolutions and taking other steps in accordance with the No-Action Letter, dated as of January 12, 1999, issued by the SEC regarding such matters.
Section 7.05 Post-Closing Directors and Officers.
(a) The Surviving Pubco Board shall consist of three (3) classes, designated Class I, II and II, with each Class consisting of the number of directors and individuals listed in Schedule 7.05(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedules and each Party shall take all actions necessary to ensure that the individuals listed on Schedule 7.05(a) are elected and appointed as directors of the Surviving Pubco immediately following the Effective Time.
(b) The committees of the Board at the Effective Time shall be mutually agreed upon by SPAC and the Company prior to the closing.
(c) The initial officers of Surviving Pubco shall be as set forth on Schedule 7.05(c) (which schedule may be modified from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion prior to the Closing), who shall serve in such capacity in accordance with the terms of the Surviving Pubco Organizational Documents following the Effective Time.
Section 7.06 Incentive Equity Plan; ESPP. Prior to the Closing Date, SPAC shall adopt, subject to approval of the Company and the shareholders of SPAC, (a) an equity incentive plan in form and substance as shall be negotiated in good faith between the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing (the “Incentive Equity Plan”) and (b) an employee stock purchase plan, in form and substance as shall be negotiated in good faith between the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing (the “ESPP”), in each case, to be effective as of the Closing or as otherwise set forth in the applicable plan document. Within five Business Days following the expiration of the 60 day period following the date Surviving Pubco has filed current Form 10 information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company, Surviving Pubco shall file an effective registration statement on Form S-8 (or other applicable form) with respect to (i) the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock issuable under the Incentive Equity Plan, and (ii) the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock issuable under the ESPP (collectively, the “SPAC Incentive Equity Registration”), and Surviving Pubco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement(s) (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as awards granted pursuant to the Incentive Equity Plan or options under the ESPP remain outstanding. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in addition to any go-forward awards to be issued under both the Incentive Equity Plan and the ESPP, promptly following the SPAC Incentive Equity Registration, the Surviving Pubco will satisfy the obligations relating to the “Promised Options” (as described on Schedule 7.06) by granting awards to the holders of Promised Options under the Incentive Equity Plan.
Section 7.07 Surviving Pubco Organizational Documents; Domestication. At the Domestication Effective Time, SPAC shall file the Surviving Pubco Certificate of Incorporation and adopt the Surviving Pubco Bylaws and shall take all other steps necessary to consummate the Domestication.
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Section 7.08 Pre-Approved Arrangements. If SPAC desires to seek any Pre-Approved Arrangements in accordance with this Agreement, the Company agrees, and shall cause the appropriate officers and employees thereof, to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate in connection with the arrangement of such Pre-Approved Arrangements as may be reasonably requested by SPAC, including by (a) using commercially reasonable efforts to participate in a reasonable number of meetings, presentations, due diligence sessions, drafting sessions and sessions with rating agencies at mutually agreeable times and locations and upon reasonable advance notice, (b) using commercially reasonable efforts to assist with the preparation of customary materials for actual and potential investors, rating agency presentations, offering documents, private placement memoranda, bank information memoranda, prospectuses and similar documents required in connection with such financing (which shall not include pro forma financial information), and (c) providing the Financial Statements and such other financial information regarding the Company (including the Audited Combined Company Financial Statements) that is readily available or within the Company’s possession and as is reasonably requested in connection with arrangement of such Pre-Approved Arrangements.
Section 7.09 SPAC Public Filings. From the date hereof through the Effective Time, SPAC will keep current and timely file all reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with its reporting obligations under applicable Laws.
Section 7.10 Listing. From the date hereof through the Effective Time, SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that the SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares remain listed on Nasdaq and shall prepare and submit to Nasdaq a listing application, if required under Nasdaq rules, covering the shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock issuable in the Transactions, and shall obtain approval for the listing of such shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock and the Company shall reasonably cooperate with SPAC with respect to such listing.
Section 7.11 Non-Transfer of Certain SPAC Intellectual Property.
(a) The Company acknowledges that SPAC is in possession of certain confidential and proprietary information of third parties received in connection with the SPAC’s evaluation of alternative business combinations, including but not limited to, information concerning the business, financial condition, operations, assets and liabilities, trade secrets, know-how, technology, customers, business plans, Intellectual Property rights, promotional and marketing efforts, the existence and progress of financings, mergers, sales of assets, take-overs or tender offers of third parties, including SPAC’s, Merger Sub’s and their respective Representatives’ internal notes and analysis concerning such information (collectively, “Evaluation Material”), and that the Evaluation Material is or may be subject to confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement. The Company acknowledges it has no right or expectancy in or to the Evaluation Material.
(b) The Company shall have no right or expectancy in or to the ownership or use of the name “Aries I Acquisition Corp.” or any derivation thereof containing the term “Aries”, the trading symbols “RAM”, “RAMMU” or “RAMMW,” SPAC’s internet domain name (https://www.ariescorp.io/), or the Intellectual Property rights therein (collectively, the “SPAC Marks”) as a trademark or other identifier of source. For clarity, nothing in this Agreement, prevents the Company from using the SPAC Marks. (i) in a non-trademark manner permitted as “fair use” under applicable trademark law (e.g., to describe the historical relationship of the parties), or (ii) to the extent required by Law.
Section 7.12 Trust Account. Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX and provision of notice thereof to the Trustee (which notice SPAC shall provide to the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement): (a) in accordance with and pursuant to the Trust Agreement, at the Closing, SPAC (i) shall cause the documents, opinions and notices required to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the Trust Agreement to be so delivered, including providing the Trustee with the Trust Termination Letter; and (ii) shall cause the Trustee to, and the Trustee shall thereupon be obligated to, distribute the Trust Account as directed in the Trust Termination Letter, including all amounts payable (A) to shareholders who have elected to have their Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock converted to cash in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association; (B) for income tax or other tax obligations of SPAC prior to Closing; and (C) for any SPAC Transaction Expenses; and (b) thereafter, the Trust Account shall terminate, except as otherwise provide therein.
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Section 7.13 Takeover Laws. SPAC shall not take any action that would cause the Transactions to be subject to requirements imposed by any Takeover Laws, and SPAC will take all steps to exempt (or ensure the continued exemption of) the Transactions from the Takeover Laws of any state that purport to apply to this Agreement or the Transactions.
Section 7.14 Employee Benefit Matters.
(a) During the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the first (1st) anniversary of the Closing Date, Surviving Pubco shall, or shall cause the Surviving Entity and each of its subsidiaries, as applicable, to provide the employees (including such employees’ dependents) who are employed by the Company or any of its affiliates who remain employed immediately after the Effective Time (the “Continuing Employees”) with annual base compensation, commission and annual bonus opportunities and employee benefits that are no less favorable to such Continuing Employees in the aggregate to the annual base compensation, commission, annual bonus opportunities and employee benefits provided to such Continuing Employees immediately prior to the Closing Date (excluding equity and equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits, change in control bonus or retention bonus). SPAC further agrees that, from and after the Closing Date, Surviving Pubco shall or shall cause the Surviving Entity to credit the Continuing Employees for purposes of eligibility to participate, vesting and determining the level of benefits, as applicable, under any employee benefit plan, program or arrangement established or maintained by the Surviving Entity or any of its subsidiaries (excluding any retiree health plans or programs, or defined benefit retirement plans or programs) for service accrued or deemed accrued prior to the Effective Time with the Company; provided, however, that such crediting of service shall not operate to duplicate any benefit or the funding of any such benefit. In addition, subject to the terms of all governing documents, Surviving Pubco shall (i) cause to be waived any eligibility waiting periods, any evidence of insurability requirements and the application of any pre-existing condition limitations under each of the employee benefit plans established or maintained by the Surviving Entity or any of its subsidiaries that cover the Continuing Employees or their dependents, and (ii) cause any eligible expenses incurred by any Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents, during the portion of the plan year in which the Closing occurs, under those health and welfare benefit plans in which such Continuing Employee currently participates to be taken into account under those health and welfare benefit plans in which such Continuing Employee participates subsequent to the Closing Date for purposes of satisfying all deductible, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket requirements applicable to such Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents for the applicable plan year. Following the Closing, Surviving Entity will honor all accrued but unused vacation and other paid time off of the Continuing Employees that existed immediately prior to the Closing with respect to the calendar year in which the Closing occurs.
(b) The provisions of this Section 7.14 are solely for the benefit of the parties to the Agreement, and nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, shall confer upon any Continuing Employee or legal representative or beneficiary or dependent thereof, or any other person, any rights or remedies of any nature or kind whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, whether as a third-party beneficiary or otherwise, including, without limitation, any right to employment or continued employment for any specified period, or level of compensation or benefits. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, shall constitute an amendment or modification of any Company Benefit Plan or shall require the Company, Surviving Pubco, the Surviving Entity and each of its subsidiaries to continue any Company Benefit Plan or other employee benefit arrangements, or prevent their amendment, modification or termination.
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Section 7.15 Merger Sub Approval. Immediately following the execution of this Agreement, SPAC, as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, will approve and adopt this Agreement, the Transaction Agreements to which Merger Sub is or will be a party and the Transactions.
Section 7.16 SPAC Closing Extensions. SPAC shall use all reasonable best efforts to cause the First SPAC Extension and the Second SPAC Extension to be effected in accordance with the terms of the IPO Prospectus and the SPAC Organizational Documents to the extent the Closing has not occurred as of May 21, 2022 or August 21, 2022, respectively.
Article VIII
JOINT COVENANTS
Section 8.01 Efforts to Consummate.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions herein, each of the Parties shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as reasonably practicable the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the satisfaction of the closing conditions set forth in Article IX). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, file with or deliver to, as applicable, any Consents of any Governmental Authorities necessary to consummate the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreements. SPAC shall promptly inform the Company of any communication between any SPAC Party, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, and the Company shall promptly inform SPAC of any communication between the Company, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, in either case, regarding any of the Transactions or any Transaction Agreement. The Company and SPAC will each pay 50% of all filing fees in connection with the HSR Act or other materials contemplated by this Section 8.01(a).
(b) Each Party shall use (i) its respective commercially reasonable efforts to make all required filings pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the Transactions promptly (and in any event within 10 Business Days) following the date of this Agreement and (ii) shall respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any requests by any Governmental Authority for additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant to the HSR Act. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8.01, (x) the Parties agree to request early termination of all waiting periods applicable to the Transactions under the HSR Act (to the extent early termination is then available), and (y) each Party and its respective Affiliates shall not extend any waiting period, review period or comparable period under the HSR Act or enter into any agreement with any Governmental Authority not to consummate the Transactions, except with the prior written consent of the other Parties.
(c) During the Interim Period, the SPAC Parties, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, shall give counsel for the Company (in the case of any SPAC Party) or SPAC (in the case of the Company), a reasonable opportunity to review in advance, and consider in good faith the views of the other in connection with, any proposed written communication to any Governmental Authority relating to the Transactions or the Transaction Agreements. Each of the Parties agrees not to participate in any substantive meeting or discussion, either in person or by telephone, with any Governmental Authority in connection with the Transactions unless it consults with, in the case of SPAC, the Company, or, in the case of the Company, SPAC, in advance and, to the extent not prohibited by such Governmental Authority, gives, in the case of SPAC, the Company, or, in the case of the Company, SPAC, the opportunity to attend and participate in such meeting or discussion.
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(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, (i) if this Section 8.01 conflicts with any other covenant or agreement in this Agreement that is intended to specifically address any subject matter, then such other covenant or agreement shall govern and control solely to the extent of such conflict and (ii) in no event shall the SPAC Parties or Company be obligated to bear any expense or pay any fee or grant any concession in connection with obtaining any consents, authorizations or approvals pursuant to the terms of any Contract to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party.
(e) During the Interim Period, SPAC, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, shall each notify the other in writing promptly after learning of any shareholder demands or other shareholder proceedings (including derivative claims) relating to this Agreement, any Transaction Agreements or any matters relating thereto (collectively, the “Transaction Litigation”) commenced against, in the case of SPAC, any of the SPAC Parties or any of their respective Representatives (in their capacity as a representative of a SPAC Party) or, in the case of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any of their respective Representatives (in their capacity as a representative of a member of the Company). SPAC and the Company shall each (i) keep the other reasonably informed regarding any Transaction Litigation, (ii) give the other the opportunity to, at its own cost and expense, participate in the defense, settlement and compromise of any such Transaction Litigation and reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with the defense, settlement and compromise of any such Transaction Litigation (subject to a customary joint defense agreement), (iii) consider in good faith the other’s advice with respect to any such Transaction Litigation, and (iv) reasonably cooperate with each other. In no event shall the Company or SPAC settle or compromise any Transaction Litigation without the prior written consent of SPAC or the Company, respectively (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
Section 8.02 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement; Special Meeting.
(a) Registration Statement; Proxy Statement.
(i) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, SPAC and the Company shall, in accordance with this Section 8.02(a), jointly prepare, and SPAC shall file with the SEC, in preliminary form, a registration statement on Form S-4 or other applicable form (the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to which shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock issuable in the Merger will be registered under the Securities Act, which shall include a proxy statement in connection with the Transactions (the “Proxy Statement”) to be sent to the shareholders of SPAC in advance of the Special Meeting, for the purpose of, among other things: (A) providing SPAC’s shareholders with the opportunity to redeem SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares by tendering such shares for redemption not later than two Business Days prior to the originally scheduled date of the Special Meeting (the “SPAC Shareholder Redemption”); and (B) soliciting proxies from holders of SPAC Ordinary Shares to vote at the Special Meeting in favor of the SPAC Shareholder Matters, and each Party will reasonably cooperate (including causing each of its Subsidiaries and Representatives to reasonably cooperate) with the other Parties, and provide all information regarding such Party, its Affiliates and its business that is necessary for the preparation and filing of the Proxy Statement. Without the prior written consent of the Company, the SPAC Shareholder Matters shall be the only matters (other than procedural matters) which SPAC shall propose to be acted on by the SPAC’s shareholders at the Special Meeting. The Proxy Statement will comply as to form and substance with the applicable requirements of the SEC and the rules and regulations thereunder and remain effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Transactions. SPAC shall (I) file the definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC and (II) cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to its shareholders of record, as of the record date to be established by the SPAC Board in accordance with Section 8.02(b), as promptly as practicable (but in no event less than five Business Days except as otherwise required by applicable Law) following the earlier to occur of: (x) if the preliminary Proxy Statement is not reviewed by the SEC, the expiration of the waiting period in Rule 14a-6(a) under the Exchange Act; or (y) if the preliminary Proxy Statement is reviewed by the SEC, receipt of oral or written notification of the completion of the review by the SEC (such earlier date, the “Proxy Clearance Date”).
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(ii) Prior to filing with the SEC, SPAC will make available to the Company and its counsel drafts of the Proxy Statement and any other documents to be filed with the SEC, both preliminary and final, and any amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or such other document and will provide the Company and its counsel with a reasonable opportunity to comment on such drafts and shall consider such comments in good faith and, to the extent any such comments are reasonable, SPAC shall incorporate such comments into such document. SPAC shall not file any such documents with the SEC without the prior consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). SPAC will advise the Company promptly after it receives notice thereof, of: (A) the time when the Proxy Statement has been filed; (B) if the preliminary Proxy Statement is not reviewed by the SEC, the expiration of the waiting period in Rule 14a-6(a) under the Exchange Act; (C) if the preliminary Proxy Statement is reviewed by the SEC, receipt of oral or written notification of the completion of the review by the SEC; (D) the filing of any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement; (E) any request by the SEC for amendment of the Proxy Statement; (F) any comments from the SEC relating to the Proxy Statement and responses thereto; (G) requests by the SEC for additional information; and (H) the issuance of any stop order or the suspension of the qualification of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the initiation or written threat of any proceeding for any such purpose. SPAC shall respond to any SEC comments on the Proxy Statement as promptly as practicable (and in any event within 10 Business Days following receipt by SPAC of any such SEC comments except to the extent due to the failure by the Company to timely provide information required to respond to such SEC comments) and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable; provided, that prior to responding to any requests or comments from the SEC, SPAC will make available to the Company and its counsel drafts of any such response and provide the Company and its counsel with a reasonable opportunity to comment on such drafts and shall consider such comments in good faith and, to the extent any such comments are reasonable, SPAC shall incorporate such comments into such response. SPAC shall not respond to any such requests or comments without the prior consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
(iii) If, at any time prior to the Special Meeting, there shall be discovered any information that should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement so that the Proxy Statement would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, SPAC shall promptly file an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement containing such information (subject to the procedures set forth in Section 8.02(a)(ii). If, at any time prior to the Closing, the Company discovers any information, event or circumstance relating to the Company, its business or any of its Affiliates, officers, directors or employees that should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Proxy Statement so that the Proxy Statement would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, then the Company shall promptly inform SPAC of such information, event or circumstance and provide to SPAC all information necessary to correct any such deficiencies.
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(iv) SPAC shall make all necessary filings with respect to the Transactions under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and applicable “blue sky” laws, and any rules and regulations thereunder. The Company agrees to promptly provide SPAC with all information concerning the business, management, operations and financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case, reasonably requested by SPAC for inclusion in the Proxy Statement. Each of SPAC and the Company agrees to furnish to the other party all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, officers, directors, managers, stockholders, shareholders and other equityholders and information regarding such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable or as may be reasonably requested in connection with the Proxy Statement or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of SPAC, the Company, or their respective Affiliates to any regulatory authority (including Nasdaq) in connection with the Transactions.
(b) Special Meeting. SPAC will take, in accordance with applicable Law, Nasdaq rules and its Organizational Documents, all action necessary to duly convene and hold an extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders (as may be adjourned, the “Special Meeting”) as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Proxy Clearance Date (and will establish a record date for, give notice of and commence the mailing of the Proxy Statement to the shareholders of SPAC as promptly as practicable after the Proxy Clearance Date), to (i) consider and vote upon the approval of the SPAC Shareholder Matters and to cause such vote to be taken and (ii) provide shareholders of SPAC with the opportunity to elect to effect a SPAC Shareholder Redemption. SPAC shall adjourn such meeting on each and every occasion if (x) an adjournment is required by Law, (y) as of the time for which the Special Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Proxy Statement) there are insufficient shares of SPAC Ordinary Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) and voting to approve the SPAC Shareholder Matters or to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Special Meeting, or (z) SPAC or the Company determines the payments for the SPAC Shareholder Redemption could reasonably be expected to cause the conditions in Section 9.01 to not be satisfied at the Closing; provided, however, in no event shall SPAC be required to adjourn the Special Meeting more than six weeks from the initial date of the Special Meeting set forth in the Proxy Statement. SPAC shall, following the Proxy Clearance Date, use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from its shareholders proxies in favor of the SPAC Shareholder Matters and shall include in the Proxy Statement the SPAC Board Recommendation. SPAC shall keep the Company reasonably informed regarding all matters relating to the SPAC Shareholder Matters and the Special Meeting, including by promptly furnishing any voting or proxy solicitation reports received by SPAC in respect of such matters and similar updates regarding any redemptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time prior to, but not after, obtaining approval of the SPAC Shareholder Matters, the SPAC Board determines that a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred, the SPAC Board may make a withdrawal of such recommendation or an amendment, qualification or modification of such recommendation if a failure to do so would, upon the advice of counsel, reasonably be expected to constitute a breach of its fiduciary duties to the SPAC under applicable Law (a “Change in Recommendation”). SPAC shall immediately notify the Company in writing of any determination to make such Change in Recommendation. SPAC agrees that its obligations under this Agreement shall not be affected by any Change in Recommendation and, for the avoidance of doubt, it agrees (A) that its obligation to establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Special Meeting for the purpose of seeking approval of the SPAC Shareholder Matters shall not be affected by any Change in Recommendation or other intervening event or circumstance and (B) to establish a record date for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Special Meeting and submit for the approval of its shareholders the SPAC Shareholder Matters, in each case in accordance with this Agreement, regardless of any Change in Recommendation or other intervening event or circumstance.
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Section 8.03 Exclusivity.
(a) During the Interim Period, the Company shall not take, nor shall the Company permit any of its Affiliates or Representatives to take, whether directly or indirectly, (i) any action to solicit, initiate or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or enter into any agreement with, or encourage, or provide information to, any Person (other than SPAC or any of its Affiliates or Representatives) concerning any merger or similar business combination transaction or sale of substantially all of the assets involving the Company or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (other than immaterial assets or assets sold in the ordinary course of business) (each such acquisition transaction, but excluding the Transactions, an “Acquisition Transaction”); provided, that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions shall not be deemed a violation of this Section 8.03(a) or (ii) any action in connection with a public offering of any Equity Securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or any Affiliate or successor of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). The Company shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and Representatives to, immediately cease any and all existing discussions or negotiations with any Person conducted prior to the date hereof with respect to, or which is reasonably likely to give rise to or result in, an Acquisition Transaction.
(b) During the Interim Period, SPAC shall not take, nor shall it permit any of its Affiliates or Representatives to take, whether directly or indirectly, any action to solicit, initiate, continue or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or enter into any agreement with, or encourage, respond, provide information to or commence due diligence with respect to, any Person (other than the Company, its stockholders or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives), concerning, relating to or which is intended or is reasonably likely to give rise to or result in, any offer, inquiry, proposal or indication of interest, written or oral relating to any Business Combination involving SPAC (a “Alternate Business Combination Proposal”) other than with the Company, its shareholders and their respective Affiliates and Representatives; provided, that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions shall not be deemed a violation of this Section 8.03(b). SPAC shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and Representatives to, immediately cease any and all existing discussions or negotiations with any Person conducted prior to the date hereof with respect to, or which is reasonably likely to give rise to or result in, an Alternate Business Combination Proposal.
Section 8.04 Tax Matters.
(a) Tax Opinions and Disclosures. Each of the SPAC Parties and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to reasonably cooperate with one another and their respective Tax advisors in connection with the issuance to SPAC or the Company of any opinion or the preparation of any disclosure relating to the Tax consequences of the Transactions, including using commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to the relevant counsel certificates (dated as of the necessary date and signed by an officer of SPAC or the Company, or their respective Affiliates, as applicable) containing such customary representations as are reasonably necessary or appropriate for such counsel to render such opinion or prepare such disclosure. If the SEC or any other Governmental Authority requests or requires that an opinion or disclosure be provided on or prior to the Closing in respect of the Tax consequences of or related to the Transactions: (i) to the extent such opinion or disclosure relates to SPAC or any Pre-Closing SPAC Holders thereof, SPAC will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its Tax advisors to provide any such opinion or disclosure, subject to customary assumptions and limitations, and (ii) to the extent such opinion or disclosure relates to the Company or any equityholders thereof or is not otherwise addressed in clause (i), the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its Tax advisors to provide any such opinion or disclosure, subject to customary assumptions and limitations.
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(b) Intended Tax Treatment. Each of the SPAC Parties and the Company shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger and the Domestication to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment, and agree not to, and not to permit or cause any Affiliate or any Subsidiary to, take any actions or cause any action to be taken that could reasonably be expected to prevent, impair or impede the Intended Tax Treatment. Each Party shall promptly notify the other Parties in writing if, before the Closing Date, such Party knows or has reason to believe that the Domestication or the Merger may not qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment (and whether the terms of this Agreement could be reasonably amended in order to facilitate the Domestication’s or the Merger’s qualification for the Intended Tax Treatment).
(c) Plan of Reorganization. This Agreement shall constitute and hereby is adopted as a “plan of reorganization” with respect to both the Domestication and the Merger within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(d) Tax Reporting. The Parties shall file all Tax Returns consistent with, and take no position inconsistent with (whether in audits, Tax Returns or otherwise), the Intended Tax Treatment unless required to do so pursuant to a final “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code. Each of the Parties agrees to use reasonable best efforts to promptly notify all other Parties of any challenge to the Intended Tax Treatment by any Governmental Authority.
(e) Transfer Taxes. All transfer, stamp, documentary, sales, use, registration, value-added and other similar Taxes (including all applicable real estate transfer Taxes) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions (“Transfer Taxes”) will be borne and paid by SPAC. The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from any Governmental Authority or any other Person or take any other reasonable action as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Transfer Tax that could be imposed in connection with the Transactions.
(f) Alternative Transaction Structure. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if, after the date hereof but prior to the time at which the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval has been obtained, the Company determines in good faith that the Merger is not reasonably expected to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, the Parties shall, to the extent requested by the Company, restructure the transactions contemplated hereby (such restructured transactions, the “Alternative Transaction Structure”) in a manner that is reasonably expected to cause the Alternative Transaction Structure to so qualify, including by adding a second merger to take place immediately after the Merger whereby (A) the Surviving Entity would merge with and into SPAC or (B) the Surviving Entity would merge with and into a new limited liability company that is a wholly owned Subsidiary of SPAC (the “Alternative Surviving Entity”), with the Alternative Surviving Entity being the surviving company in such merger (such Alternative Transaction Structure, a “Two-Step Merger”); provided, that no Alternative Transaction Structure shall be materially and disproportionately adverse to SPAC (or its direct or indirect owners) or the Company (or its direct or indirect owners), it being understood that a Two-Step Merger shall not be considered materially and disproportionately adverse to SPAC (or its direct or indirect owners) or the Company (or its direct or indirect owners).
Section 8.05 Confidentiality; Publicity.
(a) SPAC acknowledges that the information being provided to it in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions is subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Confidentiality Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall apply to all information furnished thereunder or hereunder and any other activities contemplated thereby. The Company acknowledges that, in connection with any Potential Financing, SPAC shall be entitled to disclose, pursuant to the Exchange Act, any information contained in any presentation to the potential equity investors, which information may include Confidential Information (as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement); provided that, SPAC shall (i) have received the Company’s prior written consent to seek any such Potential Financing prior to disclosing any such Confidential Information in connection with such Potential Financing and (ii) have provided the Company the right to review and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed) any materials prior to their distribution.
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(b) Subject to Section 8.05(c), none of the Parties nor any of their respective Representatives shall issue any press releases or make any public announcements with respect to this Agreement or the Transactions without the prior written consent of the other Parties, prior to the Closing; provided, however, that each Party may make any such announcement or other communication (i) if such announcement or other communication is required by applicable Law or the rules of any stock exchange, in which case the disclosing Party shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, first allow (A) the Company, if the disclosing party is SPAC or (B) SPAC, if the disclosing party is the Company (prior to the Closing), to review such announcement or communication and the opportunity to comment thereon and the disclosing Party shall consider such comments in good faith and, to the extent any such comments are reasonable, the disclosing Party shall incorporate such comments into announcement or other communication, (ii) to the extent such announcements or other communications contain only information previously disclosed in a public statement, press release or other communication previously approved in accordance with this Section 8.05, and (iii) to Governmental Authorities in accordance with Section 8.01.
(c) The initial press release concerning this Agreement and the Transactions shall be a joint press release in the form agreed by the Company and SPAC prior to the execution of this Agreement and such initial press release (the “Signing Press Release”) shall be released as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement (but in any event within four Business Days thereafter). Promptly after the execution of this Agreement (but in any event within four Business Days thereafter), SPAC shall file a current report on Form 8-K (the “Signing Filing”) with the Signing Press Release and a description of this Agreement as required by Securities Laws, which the Company shall have the opportunity to review and comment upon prior to filing and SPAC shall consider such comments in good faith and, to the extent any such comments are reasonable, SPAC shall incorporate such comments into the Signing Filing. The Company and SPAC shall mutually agree upon (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by any of them) and, as promptly as practicable after the Closing (but in any event within four Business Days thereafter), issue a press release announcing the consummation of the Transactions (the “Closing Press Release”). Promptly after the Closing (but in any event within four Business Days after the Closing), SPAC shall file a current report on Form 8-K (the “Closing Filing”) with the Closing Press Release and a description of the Closing as required by Securities Laws. In connection with the preparation of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Press Release or the Closing Filing, each Party shall, upon written request by any other Party, furnish such other Party with all information concerning itself, its directors, officers and equityholders, and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary for such press release or filing.
Section 8.06 Post-Closing Cooperation; Further Assurances. Following the Closing, each Party shall, on the request of any other Party, execute such further documents, and perform such further acts, as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to give full effect to the allocation of rights, benefits, obligations and liabilities contemplated by this Agreement and the Transactions.
Section 8.07 Qualification as an Emerging Growth Company. SPAC shall, at all times during the period from the date hereof until the Closing: (a) take all actions necessary to continue to qualify as an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (“JOBS Act”) and (b) not take any action that would cause SPAC to not qualify as an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the JOBS Act.
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Section 8.08 Employment Agreements. Each of SPAC and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Employment Agreements to be entered into by the Company or SPAC, as applicable, on the one hand, and each of the Key Employees, on the other hand, such Employment Agreements to be effective as of, and conditioned upon, the Closing.
Article IX
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS
Section 9.01 Conditions to Obligations of All Parties. The obligations of the SPAC and the Company to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Transactions are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived (if legally permitted) in writing by all of such Parties:
(a) HSR Approval. All applicable waiting periods (and any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act in respect of the Transactions shall have expired or been terminated.
(b) Other Approvals. The approvals and consents set forth on Schedule 9.01(b) shall have been duly obtained, made or given and shall be in full force and effect.
(c) No Prohibition. There shall not be in force any Law or Governmental Order by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction and having jurisdiction over the Parties with respect to the Transactions enjoining, prohibiting, or making illegal the consummation of the Transactions.
(d) Stockholder and Shareholder Approval. Each of the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval and the Required Company Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained.
(e) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act, no stop order shall have been issued by the SEC that remains in effect with respect to the Registration Statement, and no proceeding seeking such a stop order shall have been threatened or initiated by the SEC that remains pending.
(f) Listing. The Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock shall be listed or have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, subject only to official notice of issuance thereof.
(g) Domestication. The Domestication shall have been consummated.
Section 9.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of SPAC Parties. The obligations of the SPAC Parties to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Transactions are subject to the satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by SPAC:
(a) Representations and Warranties.
(i) Each of the representations and warranties the Company contained in Section 4.01 (Corporate Organization of the Company), the second sentence of Section 4.02 (Subsidiaries), Section 4.03 (Due Authorization), Section 4.06 (Current Capitalization) and Section 4.21 (Brokers’ Fees) (collectively, the “Company Specified Representations”) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, which in such case, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date).
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(ii) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.20 (Absence of Changes) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Closing.
(iii) Each of the representations and warranties contained in Article IV (other than the Company Specified Representations and Section 4.20 (Absence of Changes)) shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein) as of the Closing as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, which in such case, shall be true and correct on and as of such earlier date), except, in either case, where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The covenants and agreements of the Company in this Agreement to be performed as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects; provided, that for purposes of this Section 9.02(b), a covenant or agreement of the Company shall only be deemed to have not been performed if the Company has materially breached such covenant or agreement and such material breach is incapable of being cured, or the Company has failed to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach has been delivered the Company (or if earlier, the Termination Date).
(c) Officer’s Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to SPAC a certificate signed by an officer the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that, to the knowledge and belief of such officer, the conditions specified in Section 9.02(a) and Section 9.02(b) have been fulfilled.
(d) Company Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, no Company Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred which is continuing and uncured.
(e) Closing Deliveries. The Company shall have delivered (or will deliver at Closing) to SPAC the documents and deliveries set forth in Section 3.05(b)(ii).
(f) Convertible Notes. Each Company Convertible Note shall have converted into shares of Company Common Stock prior to the Closing in accordance with the terms of the Company Convertible Notes.
Section 9.03 Additional Conditions to the Obligations the Company. The obligation the Company to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Transactions is subject to the satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing the Company:
(a) Representations and Warranties.
(i) Each of the representations and warranties of the SPAC Parties contained in Article V (other than the representations and warranties of the SPAC Parties contained in Section 5.01 (Corporate Organization), Section 5.02 (Due Authorization), Section 5.08 (Brokers’ Fees), Section 5.10 (Business Activities) and Section 5.12 (Capitalization) (collectively, the “SPAC Specified Representations”), and Section 5.16 (Absence of Changes)) shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein) as of the Closing as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, which in such case, shall be true and correct on and as of such earlier date), except, in either case, where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.
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(ii) Each of the SPAC Specified Representations shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or any similar limitation set forth therein) in all material respects as of the Closing as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, which in such case, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date).
(iii) The representations and warranties of the SPAC Parties contained in Section 5.16 (Absence of Changes) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Closing.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The covenants and agreements of the SPAC Parties in this Agreement to be performed as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects; provided, that for purposes of this Section 9.03(b), a covenant or agreement of the SPAC Parties shall only be deemed to have not been performed if the SPAC Parties have materially breached such covenant or agreement and such material breach is incapable of being cured, or the SPAC Parties have failed to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach has been delivered to SPAC (or if earlier, the Termination Date).
(c) Officer’s Certificate. SPAC shall have delivered the Company a certificate signed by an officer of SPAC, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that, to the knowledge and belief of such officer, the conditions specified in Section 9.03(a) and Section 9.03(b) have been fulfilled.
(d) Trust Account. SPAC shall have made appropriate arrangements to have the Trust Account, less amounts paid and to be pursuant to Section 7.12, available to SPAC at the Closing.
(e) Closing Deliveries. SPAC shall have delivered (or will deliver at Closing) to the Company the documents and deliveries set forth in Section 3.05(b)(i).
(f) SPAC Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, no SPAC Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred which is continuing and uncured.
Article X
TERMINATION/EFFECTIVENESS
Section 10.01 Termination. This Agreement may be validly terminated and the Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing only as follows:
(a) by mutual written agreement of SPAC and the Company;
(b) by either SPAC or the Company, if there shall be in effect any (i) Law in any jurisdiction of competent authority or (ii) Governmental Order issued, promulgated, made, rendered or entered into by any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, that, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), permanently restrains, enjoins, makes illegal or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the Merger and in the case of any such Governmental Order, such Governmental Order shall have become final and non-appealable;
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(c) by either SPAC or the Company, if the Effective Time has not occurred by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 21, 2022 (the “Termination Date”); provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(c) will not be available to any Party whose breach of any provision of this Agreement primarily causes or results in the failure of the Merger to be consummated by such time;
(d) by either SPAC or the Company, if SPAC fails to obtain the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval upon vote taken thereon at the Special Meeting (or at a meeting of its shareholders following any adjournment or postponement thereof); provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(d) will not be available to SPAC if it breaches any of its obligations under Section 8.02;
(e) by SPAC, if the Company has breached or failed to perform any of its (i) representations or warranties or (ii) covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (A) would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.02(a) or Section 9.02(b) to be satisfied and (B) is not capable of being cured or, if capable of being cured, is not cured the Company before the earlier of (I) the third Business Day immediately prior to the Termination Date and (II) the 30th day following receipt of written notice from SPAC of such breach or failure to perform; provided, that SPAC shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(e) if it is then in material breach of any representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement that would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.03(a) or Section 9.03(b) to be satisfied;
(f) by SPAC, if an amendment to the Convertible Notes and the related note purchase agreement, by and among the Company and the holders of the Convertibles Notes, pursuant to which each Convertible Note will be made automatically convertible into Company Common Stock immediately prior to the Closing, is not executed and delivered to SPAC by January 13, 2022;
(g) by SPAC if the Required Company Stockholder Approval has not been obtained within 24 hours after the date hereof; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(h) will not be available to SPAC upon the Company’s delivery to SPAC of evidence of the Required Company Stockholder Approval; or
(h) the Company, if any SPAC Party has breached or failed to perform any of its respective representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (A) would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.03(a) or Section 9.03(b) to be satisfied and (B) is not capable of being cured or, if capable of being cured, is not cured by such SPAC Party, as applicable, before the earlier of (I) the third Business Day immediately prior to the Termination Date and (II) the 30th day following receipt of written notice from the Company of such breach or failure to perform; provided, that the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(h) if it is then in material breach of any representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement that would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.02(a) or Section 9.02(b) to be satisfied.
(i) the Company, if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to May 21, 2022 and either SPAC or Sponsor fails to extend the deadline for SPAC to consummate its initial business combination to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 22, 2022 in accordance with the IPO Prospectus and the SPAC Organizational Documents (the “First SPAC Extension”).
(j) the Company, if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to August 21, 2022 and either SPAC or Sponsor fails to extend the deadline for the SPAC to consummate its initial business combination to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 21, 2022 in accordance with the IPO Prospectus and the SPAC Organizational Documents (the “Second SPAC Extension”).
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Section 10.02 Effect of Termination. Any termination of this Agreement under Section 10.1 above will be effective immediately upon the delivery of written notice of the terminating Party to the other Parties, except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 10.01(e) or Section 10.01(g) with respect to a notice of termination due to a breach by a Party of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, which shall be subject to any applicable cure period set forth in such Section. Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 10.02, if this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 10.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any Party or its respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, shareholders or stockholders, other than liability of any Party for any Fraud by such Party occurring prior to such termination. The provisions of Section 6.03 (No Claim Against the Trust Account), Section 8.05 (Confidentiality; Publicity), this Section 10.02 (Effect of Termination) and Article XI (collectively, the “Surviving Provisions”) and the Confidentiality Agreement, and any other Section or Article of this Agreement referenced in the Surviving Provisions which are required to survive in order to give appropriate effect to the Surviving Provisions, shall in each case survive any termination of this Agreement.
Article XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.01 Waiver. At any time and from time to time prior to the Effective Time, SPAC and the Company may, to the extent legally allowed and except as otherwise set forth herein, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Party, as applicable, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (c) subject to the requirements of applicable Law, waive compliance by the other Party with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein applicable to such Party (it being understood that each SPAC Party shall be deemed a single Party for purposes of this Section 11.01). Any agreement on the part of SPAC or the Company to any such extension or waiver will be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by such Party. Any delay in exercising any right pursuant to this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such right. Notwithstanding anything in the Transaction Agreements or the Letter of Intent (as defined below) to the contrary, each SPAC Party further agrees and acknowledges that the Company’s financing of up to $20,000,000 contemplated by the Form D filed with the SEC and dated as of November 9, 2021 (the “Company Raise”) and any actions taken by the Company, documents entered into by the Company, or proceeds received by the Company in connection with the Company Raise shall not be deemed to be a breach of any of the provisions of the Letter of Intent, dated October 3, 2021 between the Company and the SPAC (the “Letter of Intent”), and each SPAC Party hereby waives any and all claims and causes of action arising under the Letter of Intent with respect to the Company Raise.
Section 11.02 Notices. All notices and other communications among the Parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day), addressed as follows:
(a) If to any SPAC Party prior to the Closing, or to SPAC after the Effective Time:
Aries I Acquisition Corporation
90 N. Church Street, P.O. Box 10315
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY-1003
Attention: Sam Collins
Telephone: (647) 964-9643
E-mail: scollins@ariescorp.io
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with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Winston & Strawn LLP
35 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601-9703
Attention: Jason Osborn, Ben Liss and David Sakowitz
Facsimile: 312-558-5700
Email: josborn@winston.com; bliss@winston.com; dsakowitz@winston.com
(b) If the Company prior to the Closing, or to the Surviving Entity after the Effective Time, to:
Infinite Assets, Inc.
3250 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 305
Miami, Florida 33137
Attn: CEO
E-mail: yonathan@infiniteworld.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Reed Smith LLP
599 Lexington Avenue, 22nd Floor
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Jennifer W. Cheng, Esq.
Email: jcheng@reedsmith.com
or to such other address or addresses as the Parties may from time to time designate in writing. Without limiting the foregoing, any Party may give any notice, request, instruction, demand, document or other communication hereunder using any other means (including personal delivery, expedited courier, messenger service, ordinary mail or electronic mail), but no such notice, request, instruction, demand, document or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly given unless and until it actually is received by the Party for whom it is intended.
Section 11.03 Assignment. No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 11.03 shall be null and void, ab initio.
Section 11.04 Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing (a) if the Closing occurs, the present and former officers and directors of the Company and SPAC (and their successors, heirs and representatives) are intended third-party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, Section 7.01, and (b) the past, present and future directors, officers, employees, incorporators, members, partners, shareholders, stockholders, Affiliates, agents, attorneys, advisors and representatives of the Parties, and any Affiliate of any of the foregoing (and their successors, heirs and representatives), are intended third-party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, Section 11.14.
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Section 11.05 Expenses. If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, each of the Parties shall bear its own expenses in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the Transactions, including, all fees and expenses of its legal counsel, investment bankers, financial advisors, accountants and other advisors, except as otherwise set forth in Section 10.02. If the Transactions are consummated, the expenses of the parties shall be borne by the SPAC or the Surviving Entity.
Section 11.06 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the Transactions, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal substantive Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed solely within such state, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.
Section 11.07 Captions; Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 11.08 Schedules and Exhibits. The Schedules and Exhibits referenced herein are a part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. All references herein to Schedules and Exhibits shall be deemed references to such parts of this Agreement, unless the context shall otherwise require. Any disclosure made by a Party in the Schedules with reference to any section or schedule of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a disclosure with respect to all other sections or schedules to which such disclosure may apply solely to the extent the relevance of such disclosure is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure in such Schedule. Certain information set forth in the Schedules is included solely for informational purposes. The disclosure of any information shall not be deemed to constitute an acknowledgement that such information is required to be disclosed in connection with the representations and warranties made in this Agreement, nor shall such information be deemed to establish a standard of materiality.
Section 11.09 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement), the Transaction Agreements (together with the Schedules and Exhibits thereto), the Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2021, by and between the Company and SPAC (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Confidentiality Agreement”), constitute the entire agreement among the Parties relating to the Transactions and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the Transactions. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the Transactions exist between the Parties except as expressly set forth or referenced in this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement.
Section 11.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed by each of the Parties in the same manner as this Agreement and which makes reference to this Agreement. The approval of this Agreement by the stockholders or shareholders of any of the Parties shall not restrict the ability of the board of directors or managers (or other body performing similar functions) of any of the Parties to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01 or to cause such Party to enter into an amendment to this Agreement pursuant to this Section 11.10.
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Section 11.11 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties.
Section 11.12 Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. Any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the Transactions may be brought in federal and state courts located in the State of Delaware, and each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Action, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Transactions in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any Party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other Party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action brought pursuant to this Section 11.12. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS.
Section 11.13 Enforcement. The Parties agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur if the Parties do not perform their obligations under the provisions of this Agreement (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Agreement) in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) SPAC and the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief, to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement, and (b) the right of specific enforcement is an integral part of the Transactions and without that right, none of the Parties would have entered into this Agreement. Each Party agrees that it will not oppose the granting of specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that the other Parties have an adequate remedy at Law or that an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. The Parties acknowledge and agree that neither of SPAC nor the Company, in seeking an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 11.13, shall be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such injunction.
Section 11.14 Non-Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the Transactions may only be brought against, the entities that are expressly named as Parties and then only with respect to the specific obligations set forth herein with respect to such Party. Except to the extent a Party (and then only to the extent of the specific obligations undertaken by such Party in this Agreement), (a) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, shareholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any Party and (b) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, shareholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any of the foregoing shall have any liability (whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise) for any one or more of the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or other obligations or liabilities of any one or more of the SPAC Parties or Company under this Agreement of or for any claim based on, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the Transactions.
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Section 11.15 Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. None of the representations, warranties, covenants, obligations or other agreements in this Agreement or in any certificate, statement or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants, obligations, agreements and other provisions, shall survive the Closing and shall terminate and expire upon the occurrence of the Effective Time (and there shall be no liability after the Closing in respect thereof), except for (a) those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms apply in whole or in part at or after the Closing and then only with respect to any breaches occurring at or after the Closing and (b) this Article XI.
Section 11.16 Acknowledgements. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees (on its own behalf and on behalf of its respective Affiliates and its and their respective Representatives) that (a) it has conducted its own independent investigation of the financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties and projected operations of the other Parties (and their respective Subsidiaries) and has been afforded satisfactory access to the books and records, facilities and personnel of the other Parties (and their respective Subsidiaries) for purposes of conducting such investigation; (b) the representations and warranties in Article IV constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of the Company in connection with the Transactions; (c) the representations and warranties in Article V constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of the SPAC Parties; (d) except for the representations and warranties in Article IV by the Company and the representations and warranties in Article V by the SPAC Parties, none of the Parties or any other Person makes, or has made, any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to any Party (or any Party’s Subsidiaries), including any implied warranty or representation as to condition, merchantability, suitability or fitness for a particular purpose or trade as to any of the assets of the such Party or its Subsidiaries or the Transactions and all other representations and warranties of any kind or nature expressed or implied (including (i) regarding the completeness or accuracy of, or any omission to state or to disclose, any information, including in the estimates, projections or forecasts or any other information, document or material provided to or made available to any Party or their respective Affiliates or Representatives in certain “data rooms,” management presentations or in any other form in expectation of the Transactions, including meetings, calls or correspondence with management of any Party (or any Party’s Subsidiaries), and (ii) any relating to the future or historical business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, prospects, assets or liabilities of any Party (or its Subsidiaries), or the quality, quantity or condition of any Party’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets) are specifically disclaimed by all Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and all other Persons (including the Representatives and Affiliates of any Party or its Subsidiaries); and (e) each Party and its respective Affiliates are not relying on any representations and warranties in connection with the Transactions except the representations and warranties in Article IV by the Company and the representations and warranties in Article V by the SPAC Parties. The foregoing does not limit any rights of any Party pursuant to any other Transaction Agreement against any other Party pursuant to such Transaction Agreement to which it is a party or an express third-party beneficiary thereof. Nothing in this Section 11.16 shall relieve any Party of liability in the case of Fraud committed by such Party.
[Signature pages follow.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement and Plan of Merger to be duly executed as of the date hereof.
ARIES I ACQUISITION CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie |
Name: | Thane Ritchie | |
Title: | Chairman |
ARIES I MERGER SUB, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie |
Name: | Thane Ritchie | |
Title: | President |
Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger
INFINITE ASSETS, INC. |
By: | /s/ Yonathan Lapchik | ||
Name: | Yonathan Lapchik | ||
Title: | CEO |
Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger
Exhibit 10.1
SUPPORT AGREEMENT
This SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of December 13, 2021, is entered into by and among Aries I Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), Infinite Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and each of the Pre-Closing Holders set forth on Schedule A hereto (the “Supporting Holders”). SPAC, the Company and the Supporting Holders shall be referred to herein from time to time collectively as the “Parties.” Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, SPAC, Aries I Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC (“Merger Sub”), and the Company, are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), a copy of which has been made available to each Supporting Holder, pursuant to which, among other things, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company being the surviving entity in the Merger and continuing (immediately following the Merger) as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Supporting Holder is the record owner and “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of such number of shares of Company Common Stock as are indicated opposite such Supporting Holder’s name on Schedule A (all such shares of Company Common Stock, together with any shares of Company Common Stock of which ownership of record or the power to vote (including, without limitation, by proxy or power of attorney) and any other shares of Company Common Stock such Supporting Holder may hereafter acquire prior to the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.1 shall be referred to herein collectively as such Supporting Holder’s “Subject Shares”); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to SPAC’s and the Company’s willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, and as an inducement and in consideration for SPAC and the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement, each Supporting Holder has agreed to enter into this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE
1
MERGER AGREEMENT
1.1 Agreement to Vote.
(a) Supporting Holder, solely in its capacity as a stockholder or proxy holder of the Company, irrevocably and unconditionally agrees (until the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms), and agrees to cause any other holder of record of any of the Subject Shares, to validly execute and deliver to the Company in respect of all of the Subject Shares, on or as promptly as reasonably practicable (and in any event within 24 hours) following the time at which (i) the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act and (ii) the Company requests such delivery, a written consent in respect of all of the Subject Shares approving the Merger, the Merger Agreement, the other transactions contemplated thereby and any other matters necessary or reasonably requested by the Company to implement the foregoing. In addition, the Supporting Holder, in its capacity as a stockholder or proxy holder of the Company, irrevocably and unconditionally agrees (until the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms) that, at any other meeting of the Company stockholders (whether annual or special and whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting, however called and including any adjournment or postponement thereof) and in connection with any written consent of Company stockholders, such Supporting Holder shall, and shall cause any other holder of record of any of such Subject Shares to:
(i) when such meeting is held, appear at such meeting or otherwise cause the Subject Shares to be counted as present thereat for the purpose of establishing a quorum;
(ii) vote (or execute and return an action by written consent), or cause to be voted at such meeting (or validly execute and return and cause such consent to be granted with respect to), all of such Subject Shares owned as of the record date for such meeting (or the date that any written consent is executed by such Supporting Holder) in favor of the Merger, the Merger Agreement, the other transactions contemplated thereby and any other matters necessary or reasonably requested by the Company to implement the foregoing;
(iii) in any other circumstances upon which a consent or other approval is required under the Company Organizational Documents or otherwise sought, in each case, with respect to the Merger, the Merger Agreement or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, vote, consent or approve (or cause to be voted, consented or approved) all of such Subject Shares held at such time in favor thereof; and
(iv) vote (or execute and return an action by written consent), or cause to be voted at such meeting (or validly cause such consent to be granted with respect to), all of such Subject Shares against (i) any merger agreement or merger, consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or by the Company (other than the Merger Agreement); and (ii) any proposal, action or agreement that would be reasonably expected to impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify any provision of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the Merger.
(b) The obligations of the Supporting Holder specified in this Section 1 shall apply whether or not the Merger, or any action described above is recommended by the board of directors of the Company or the board of directors of the Company has previously recommended the Merger be withdrawn, withheld, amended, qualified or modified, or (privately or publicly) proposed to change, withdrawn, withhold, amend, qualify or modify such recommendation; provided that nothing herein shall amend, limit or otherwise modify any obligation contained in the Merger Agreement.
1.2 Other Covenants and Agreements. Each Supporting Holder agrees not to, directly or indirectly, take any action that would violate Section 8.03(a) (Exclusivity) of the Merger Agreement (and any relevant definitions contained in any such Sections) as if such Supporting Holder was deemed an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions.
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Each Supporting Holder agrees not to, directly or indirectly, take any action that would violate Section 8.05(b) (Confidentiality; Publicity) of the Merger Agreement (and any relevant definitions contained in any such Sections) as if such Supporting Holder was deemed an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) such Supporting Holder shall not be responsible for the actions of the Company or the board of directors of the Company (or any committee thereof), any subsidiary of the Company, or any officers, directors (in their capacity as such), employees and professional advisors of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Company Related Parties”), (ii) such Supporting Holder makes no representations or warranties with respect to the actions of any of the Company Related Parties, and (iii) any breach by the Company of its obligations under Section 8.03(a) or Section 8.05(b) of the Merger Agreement shall not be considered a breach of this Section 1.1 (it being understood that, for the avoidance of doubt, such Supporting Holder or its Representatives (other than any such Representative that is a Company Related Party) shall remain responsible for any breach by such Supporting Holder or its Representatives of this Section 1.1).
1.3 Fiduciary Duties. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) each Supporting Holder makes no agreement or understanding herein in any capacity other than in such Supporting Holder’s capacity as a holder of the Subject Shares, and not in such Supporting Holder’s capacity as a director, officer or employee of the Company, and (b) nothing herein will be construed to limit or affect any action or inaction by such Supporting Holder serving as a member of the board of directors of the Company acting in such person’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary of the Company.
ARTICLE
2
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH SUPPORTING HOLDER
Each Supporting Holder on its own behalf represents and warrants to SPAC and the Company, severally and not jointly, with respect to such Supporting Holder’s ownership of its Subject Shares set forth on Schedule A hereto that:
2.1 Authorization; Binding Agreement.
(a) Such Supporting Holder, if not a natural person, is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (where such concept is recognized) under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, formed, organized or constituted and has all corporate, limited liability company or other similar requisite power and authority and has taken all action necessary to enter into this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Supporting Holder and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by SPAC and the Company, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Supporting Holder, enforceable against such Supporting Holder in accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability (a) may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of general applicability affecting or relating to creditors’ rights generally and (b) is subject to general principles of equity (the “Enforceability Limitations”).
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2.2 Non-Contravention. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Supporting Holder nor performance by such Supporting Holder of the obligations herein nor the compliance by such Supporting Holder with any provisions herein will (a) violate the certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other governing documents of such Supporting Holder (if the Supporting Holder is not a natural person), (b) require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person on the part of such Supporting Holder, except as provided in the (i) Organizational Documents of the Company, (c) result (or, with the giving of notice, the passage of time or otherwise, would result) in the creation or imposition of any Lien on the Subject Shares, other than any Permitted Encumbrance (as defined below), or (d) violate any Law applicable to such Supporting Holder or by which any of such Supporting Holder’s Subject Shares are bound, except, in the case of each of clauses (b), (c) and (d), as would not reasonably be expected to materially impair such Supporting Holder’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.
2.3 Ownership of Shares; Total Shares. As of the date hereof, such Supporting Holder is the record and beneficial owner of all of such Supporting Holder’s Subject Shares and has good and marketable title to all of such Supporting Holder’s Subject Shares, free and clear of any Liens, except for any such Lien that may be imposed pursuant to (i) this Agreement, (ii) any Lockup Agreement entered into by and between such Supporting Holder, SPAC and the Company, (iii) any applicable restrictions on transfer under applicable securities Laws and (iv) the Organizational Documents of the Company (collectively, “Permitted Encumbrances”). As of the date hereof, the Subject Shares listed on Schedule A opposite such Supporting Holder’s name (collectively, the “Securities”) constitute all of the shares of Company Common Stock, and any other Equity Securities of the Company owned of record or beneficially owned by such Supporting Holder, and such Supporting Holder does not beneficially own or have the power to vote any other shares of capital stock or other Equity Securities of the Company.
2.4 Reliance. Such Supporting Holder understands and acknowledges that each of SPAC and the Company is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such Supporting Holder’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.
2.5 Brokers. Other than as expressly contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the disclosure schedules thereto, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of such Supporting Holder (in their capacities as such) for which the Company or any of its Affiliates may become liable.
2.6 Investment. Such Supporting Holder is an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Regulation D of Securities Act and will acquire its portion of the Merger Consideration for its own account and not with a view to a sale or distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, any state blue sky Laws or any other securities Laws.
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ARTICLE
3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC
SPAC represents and warrants to each Supporting Holder and the Company that:
3.1 Organization and Qualification. SPAC is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands and prior to the Closing Date, SPAC will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, consummate the Domestication.
3.2 Authority for this Agreement. SPAC has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to comply with any provisions herein. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by SPAC has been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of SPAC, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of SPAC are necessary to authorize this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by SPAC and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Supporting Holders, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of SPAC and Merger Sub, enforceable against SPAC in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Limitations.
ARTICLE
4
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE SUPPORTING HOLDERS
Each Supporting Holder hereby covenants and agrees that:
4.1 No Transfer; No Inconsistent Arrangements.
(a) Subject to Section 4.1(b), each Supporting Holder agrees that it shall not, directly or indirectly, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the Expiration Time (the “Interim Period”), (i) sell, assign, transfer (including by operation of Law), gift, pledge, dispose of or otherwise encumber any of the Subject Shares or otherwise agree to do any of the foregoing, (ii) deposit any Subject Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement or grant any proxy or power of attorney with respect thereto that is inconsistent with this Agreement, or (iii) enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or undertaking with respect to the direct or indirect acquisition or sale, assignment, transfer (including by operation of Law) or other disposition of any Subject Shares. Any action taken in violation of the foregoing sentence shall be null and void ab initio.
(b) Section 4.1(a) shall not prohibit a transfer of Subject Shares by a Supporting Holder made: (i) in the case of a Supporting Holder that is an individual, (A) by gift to a member of one of such Supporting Holder’s Immediate Family Member, an estate planning vehicle or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such Supporting Holder’s Immediate Family Member, an affiliate of such person or to a charitable organization, (B) by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such Supporting Holder or (C) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (ii) by pro rata distributions from such Supporting Holder to its members, partners, or shareholders pursuant to such Supporting Holder’s organizational documents; (iii) by virtue of applicable law or such Supporting Holder’s organizational documents upon liquidation or dissolution of such Supporting Holder; (iv) to any employees, officers, directors or members of the Supporting Holder or any Affiliates of the Supporting Holder, (v) to any other Supporting Holder or (vi) with the prior written consent of the SPAC (such consent to be provided in SPAC’s sole discretion); provided, however, that a transfer referred to in this sentence shall be permitted only if, in the case of the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv), as a precondition to such transfer, the transferee agrees in a written document, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to SPAC, to be bound by all of the terms of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “Immediate Family Member” means any Person that is related by blood or current or former marriage or domestic partnership or adoption, in each case that is not more remote than a first cousin.
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4.2 No Legal Action. Each Supporting Holder shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to and shall direct its Representatives not to, bring, commence, institute, maintain, or prosecute any claim, appeal or proceeding which (a) challenges the validity of or seeks to enjoin the operation of any provision of this Agreement, or (b) alleges that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Supporting Holder breaches any duty that such Supporting Holder has (or may be alleged to have) to the Company or to the other holders of Subject Shares; provided that the foregoing shall not limit or restrict in any manner the rights of the Company under the Merger Agreement or otherwise or the rights of a Supporting Holder to enforce the terms of this Agreement. Each Supporting Holder hereby waives and agrees not to exercise any rights of appraisal or rights to dissent from the Transactions that such Supporting Holder may have with respect to the Subject Shares under applicable Law.
4.3 Cooperation. Each Supporting Holder shall provide any information reasonably requested by SPAC or the Company reasonably necessary for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the SEC).
4.4 Adjustments. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend or distribution, merger, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or the like of the capital stock of the Company affecting a Supporting Holder’s Subject Shares, the terms of this Agreement shall apply to the resulting securities to the same extent as if such securities constituted the Subject Shares owned by such Supporting Holder as of the date hereof.
4.5 Registration Rights Agreement. Each Supporting Holder will deliver, substantially simultaneously with the Effective Time, a duly executed copy of the Registration Rights Agreement.
4.6 Further Assurances. Each Supporting Holder agrees that if any further agreements, deeds, assignments, assurances or other instruments are reasonably necessary to effectuate the covenants in this Agreement, such Supporting Holder shall, upon reasonable written request of such Supporting Holder by SPAC and at SPAC’s cost and expense, execute and deliver all such proper agreements, deeds, assignments, assurances and other instruments and take other reasonable action as permissible to do all other things reasonably necessary to effectuate the covenants in this Agreement and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
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4.7 Waiver and Release of Claims. Each Supporting Holder covenants and agrees, severally with respect to such Supporting Holder only and not with respect to any other Supporting Holder, as follows:
(a) Effective upon the Closing, in consideration for the undersigned Supporting Holder’s portion of the Merger Consideration, such Supporting Holder, on behalf of himself, herself or itself, and his, her or its Affiliates and equityholders (if the Supporting Holder is an entity) and each of their respective successors and assigns, hereby fully, unconditionally and irrevocably waives, releases, acquits and forever discharges the SPAC Parties and the Company, and each Subsidiary and Affiliate of the foregoing and their respective Representatives and equityholders, and each of their respective successors and assigns (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any claims, suits, demands, debts, accounts, covenants, contracts, arrangements, promises, obligations, damages, judgments, debts, dues, or liabilities of any kind, actions, and causes of action of every kind and nature, or otherwise (including claims for damages, costs, expenses, and attorneys’, brokers’ and accountants’ fees and expenses), in law or equity (“Action”), which the Supporting Holder has or may have against any Released Party, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, determined or determinable, and that now exist or may hereafter exist (collectively, “Claims”) solely to the extent such Claims arise or relate to the Supporting Holder’s capacity as an equityholder of the Company prior to the Closing (collectively, the “Released Claims”); provided, however, that this Section 4.7 shall not limit (i) the Supporting Holder’s rights under the Merger Agreement, any other Transaction Agreements or other business, commercial relationships or transactions between the parties, (ii) the obligations of SPAC, Merger Sub or the Surviving Entity under the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Agreements, or (iii) the obligations of the Company to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the directors and officers of the Company and, if applicable, Supporting Holders under the Merger Agreement, the Organizational Documents of the Company or the Surviving Entity, any indemnification agreement and applicable law. The Supporting Holder shall refrain from directly or indirectly asserting any claim or commencing (or causing to be commenced) any Action of any kind before any Governmental Authority against any Released Party based upon any Released Claim. The release contained herein is effective without regard to the legal nature of the claims raised and without regard to whether any such claims are based upon tort, equity, law, implied or express contract, discrimination of any sort or any other grounds. To the extent permitted by applicable Law, the undersigned Supporting Holder expressly waives the benefit of any Law, which, if applied to the release set forth herein, would otherwise exclude from its binding effect any claim not known on the date hereof to exist.
(b) The Supporting Holder represents and acknowledges that: (i) he, she or it has read this release and understands its terms and has been given an opportunity to ask questions of the Company’s Representatives and (ii) in signing this release he, she or it does not rely, and has not relied, on any representation or statement not set forth in this release made by any Representative of the Company or anyone else with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this release or otherwise. The Supporting Holder further represents and acknowledges that he, she or it may hereafter discover facts in addition to or different from those which he, she or it now knows or believes to be true with respect to the subject matter herein, and that he, she or it may hereafter come to have a different understanding of the Law that may apply to potential claims which the undersigned is releasing hereunder, but the undersigned affirms that, except as is otherwise specifically provided above, it is his, her or its intention to fully, finally and forever settle and release any and all Released Claims. In furtherance of this intention, the Supporting Holder acknowledges that the releases contained herein shall be and remain in effect as full and complete general releases notwithstanding the discovery or existence of any such additional facts or different understandings of Law.
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(c) The Supporting Holder acknowledges that he, she or it may execute, and may have executed, additional releases in connection with the Merger, and for the avoidance of doubt, the Supporting Holder will be bound by each release to which he, she or it is a party and such releases will be cumulative and not exclusive to one another.
ARTICLE
5
MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Termination. This Agreement, the covenants and agreements contained herein and any proxy granted hereunder shall terminate automatically with respect to a Supporting Holder, without any notice or other action by any person, upon the first to occur of (a) the Effective Time, (b) the valid termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms and (c) a written agreement of SPAC, the Company and such Supporting Holder (the “Expiration Time”). Upon termination of this Agreement, no Party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Agreement; provided, however, that the provisions of this Article 5 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
5.2 Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived if the waiver is set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. Any delay in exercising any right pursuant to this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such right.
5.3 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day); provided that the notice or other communication is sent to the address or email address set forth in Section 11.02 of the Merger Agreement, and, if to a Supporting Holder, to such Supporting Holder’s address or email address set forth on a signature page hereto, or to such other address or email address as a Party may hereafter specify in writing for the purpose by notice to each other party hereto.
5.4 Assignment. No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 5.4 shall be null and void, ab initio.
5.5 Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
5.6 Expenses. All fees and expenses incurred by a Party in connection herewith shall be paid by such Party, whether or not the Merger is consummated, except as expressly provided otherwise herein or in the Merger Agreement.
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5.7 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal substantive Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed solely within such state, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.
5.8 Captions; Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
5.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with Schedule A, the Merger Agreement and the documents referenced herein and therein constitute the entire agreement among the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the subject matter hereof. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the subject matter hereof exist between the Parties except as expressly set forth or referenced in this Agreement.
5.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed by each of the Parties in the same manner as this Agreement and which makes reference to this Agreement.
5.11 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties.
5.12 Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. Any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement may be brought in federal and state courts located in the State of Delaware, and each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Action, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any Party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other Party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action brought pursuant to this Section 5.12. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT
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5.13 Enforcement of the Agreement. The Parties agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur if the Parties do not perform their obligations under the provisions of this Agreement (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Agreement) in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) SPAC and the Company shall be entitled to seek an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief, to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 5.1, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement, and (b) the right of specific enforcement is an integral part of the Transactions and without that right, none of the Parties would have entered into this Agreement. Each Party agrees that it will not oppose the granting of specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that the other Parties have an adequate remedy at Law or that an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. The Parties acknowledge and agree that neither of SPAC nor the Company, in seeking an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 5.13, shall be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such injunction.
5.14 Supporting Holder Obligation Several and Not Joint. The obligations of each Supporting Holder hereunder shall be several and not joint and several, and no Supporting Holder shall be liable for any breach of the terms of this Agreement by any other Supporting Holder.
5.15 No Agreement as Director or Officer. Each Supporting Holder is entering into this Agreement solely in such Supporting Holder’s capacity as record and/or beneficial owner of Subject Shares and nothing herein is intended to or shall limit, restrict or otherwise affect any votes or other actions taken by such Supporting Holder, or any employee, officer, director (or person performing similar functions), partner or other Affiliate of such Supporting Holder (including, for this purpose, any appointee or representative of such Supporting Holder to the board of directors of the Company), in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company (or a subsidiary of the Company) or other fiduciary capacity for the stockholders of the Company or the Company.
[Signature Pages Follow.]
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The parties are executing this Agreement on the date set forth in the introductory clause above.
Aries I Acquisition Corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie | |
Name: Thane Ritchie | ||
Title: Chairman |
Signature page to Stockholder Support Agreement
The parties are executing this Agreement on the date set forth in the introductory clause above.
COMPANY | ||
INFINITE ASSETS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Yonathan Lapchik | |
Name: Yonathan Lapchik | ||
Title: CEO |
Signature page to Stockholder Support Agreement
The parties are executing this Agreement on the date set forth in the introductory clause above.
SUPPORTING HOLDER | ||
CITIZENS RESERVE, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Addison McKenzie | |
Name: Addison McKenzie | ||
Title: Director |
Signature page to Stockholder Support Agreement
The parties are executing this Agreement on the date set forth in the introductory clause above.
SUPPORTING HOLDER | ||
DREAMVIEW, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Nathaniel Hunter | |
Name: Nathaniel Hunter | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
Signature page to Stockholder Support Agreement
Schedule A
Name of Supporting Holder | Shares of Common Stock | |||
Citizens Reserve, Inc. | 10,000,000 | |||
DreamView, Inc. | 1,111,111 | |||
Total | 11,111,111 |
Exhibit 10.2
SPONSOR AGREEMENT
This SPONSOR AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of December 13, 2021, is made by and among Aries Acquisition Partners, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Sponsor”), Aries I Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), and Infinite Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Sponsor, SPAC and the Company shall be referred to herein from time to time collectively as the “Parties.” Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, SPAC, Aries I Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC (“Merger Sub”), and the Company, are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), a copy of which has been made available to Sponsor;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Sponsor is a holder of record and the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 3,593,750 SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares and 4,456,250 SPAC Warrants, all of which are SPAC Private Placement Warrants;
WHEREAS, the Merger Agreement contemplates that the Parties will enter into this Agreement concurrently therewith, pursuant to which, among other things, Sponsor will (a) vote in favor of approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and (b) agree to waive any adjustment to the conversion ratio set forth in the SPAC Organizational Documents with respect to the SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares related to the issuance of SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares; and
WHEREAS, as a condition to SPAC’s and the Company’s willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, and as an inducement and in consideration for SPAC and the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Sponsor has agreed to enter into this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. Binding Effect of Merger Agreement. Sponsor hereby acknowledges that it has read the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and has had the opportunity to consult with its tax and legal advisors. Sponsor agrees not to, directly or indirectly, take any action that would violate Section 8.03(a) and (b) (Exclusivity) of the Merger Agreement as if Sponsor was deemed an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions. Sponsor agrees not to, directly or indirectly, take any action that would violate Section 8.05(b) (Confidentiality; Publicity) of the Merger Agreement as if Sponsor was deemed an original signatory to the Merger Agreement with respect to such provisions. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) Sponsor makes no agreement or understanding herein in any capacity other than in Sponsor’s capacity as a stockholder of the SPAC, and (b) nothing herein will be construed to limit or affect any action or inaction by an designee of Sponsor serving as a member of the board of directors of the SPAC acting in such person’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary of the SPAC.
2. Registration Rights Agreement. At the Closing, Sponsor shall deliver to the Company a duly executed copy of the Registration Rights Agreement.
3. Agreement to Vote. Sponsor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that from the date hereof until the earlier of (a) the Closing, and (b) the valid termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with Article X thereof or the termination of this Agreement, (i) to vote (or cause to be voted) or execute and deliver a written consent (or cause a written consent to be executed and delivered) at any meeting of the shareholders of SPAC, however called, or at any adjournment thereof, or in any other circumstance in which the vote, consent or other approval of the shareholders of SPAC is sought (and appear at any such meeting, in person or by proxy, or otherwise cause all of such holder’s Subject SPAC Equity Securities to be counted as present thereat for purposes of establishing a quorum), all of Sponsor’s SPAC Ordinary Shares and SPAC Warrants (together with any other Equity Securities of SPAC that Sponsor holds of record or beneficially as of the date of this Agreement or acquires record or beneficial ownership of after the date hereof, collectively, the “Subject SPAC Equity Securities”), regardless of whether or not the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement or of the following actions is recommended by the SPAC Board, (A) in favor of the SPAC Shareholder Matters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any proposal to adjourn or postpone the applicable stockholder meeting to a later date if there are not sufficient votes for the approval of the SPAC Shareholder Matters) and any other matters necessary or reasonably requested by the Company for the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (B) against any merger agreement or merger, consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or by SPAC (other than the Merger Agreement and the Transactions) or any Alternate Business Combination Proposal or any proposal relating to an Alternate Business Combination Proposal, (C) against any proposal in opposition to the approval of the Merger Agreement or in competition with or inconsistent with the Merger Agreement or the Transactions, (D) against any change in the business of SPAC or the SPAC Board (other than in connection with the SPAC Shareholder Matters), and (E) against any proposal, action or agreement that would (1) impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify any provision of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the Transactions, (2) result in a breach in any respect of any covenant, representation, warranty or any other obligation or agreement of any SPAC Party under the Merger Agreement, (3) result in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX of the Merger Agreement not being fulfilled or (4) change in any manner the dividend policy or capitalization of, including the voting rights of any class of capital stock of, SPAC, (ii) not to redeem, elect to redeem or tender or submit any of its Subject SPAC Equity Securities for redemption in connection with the Merger Agreement or the Transactions, (iii) not to commit or agree to take any action inconsistent with the foregoing, (iv) to comply with, and fully perform all of its obligations, covenants and agreements set forth in, that certain Letter Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2021, by and among SPAC, its officers, its directors and Sponsor (the “Voting Letter Agreement”), including the obligations of Sponsor pursuant to Section 1 therein not to redeem any SPAC Ordinary Shares owned by Sponsor in connection with the Transactions, (v) not to modify or amend any Contract between or among Sponsor and any Affiliate of Sponsor (other than SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries), on the one hand, and SPAC or any of SPAC’s Subsidiaries, on the other hand, related to the Transactions, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Voting Letter Agreement, (vi) to comply with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Voting Letter Agreement irrespective of any release or waiver thereof, as if such transfer restrictions remain in effect until the valid termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with Article X thereof or the termination of this Agreement (regardless of any earlier termination of such transfer restrictions set forth in the Voting Letter Agreement), and (vii) if SPAC seeks to consummate an Alternate Business Combination Proposal by engaging in a tender offer, not to sell or tender any Subject SPAC Equity Securities in connection therewith.
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4. No Transfer. Sponsor agrees that it shall not, directly or indirectly, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the expiration of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10, (i) sell, assign, transfer (including by operation of Law), gift, pledge, dispose of or otherwise encumber any of the Subject SPAC Equity Securities or otherwise agree to do any of the foregoing, (ii) deposit any Subject SPAC Equity Securities into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement or grant any proxy or power of attorney with respect thereto that is inconsistent with this Agreement, or (iii) enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or undertaking with respect to the direct or indirect acquisition or sale, assignment, transfer (including by operation of Law) or other disposition of any Subject SPAC Equity Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sponsor may transfer the Subject SPAC Equity Securities (a) to the SPAC’s officers or directors, any Affiliate or Immediate Family Member of any of the SPAC’s officers or directors, any Affiliate of the Sponsor or to any members of the Sponsor or any of their Affiliates; (b) in the case of an individual, by gift to an Immediate Family Member or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is such individual’s Immediate Family Member, an Affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization; (c) in the case of an individual, by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such individual; (d) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; or (e) by private sales or transfers made in connection with any backstop arrangements, non-redemption agreements, or other financing arrangements made in compliance with the Merger Agreement; provided that in the case of clauses (a) through (e), these permitted transferees must enter into a written agreement with SPAC and the Company agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement applicable to Sponsor. For purposes of this Agreement, “Immediate Family Member” means any Person that is related by blood or current or former marriage or domestic partnership or adoption, in each case that is not more remote than a first cousin. Any action taken in violation of this Section 4 shall be null and void ab initio.
5. Adjustments. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend or distribution, merger, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or the like of the capital stock of SPAC affecting Sponsor’s Subject SPAC Equity Securities, the terms of this Agreement shall apply to the resulting securities to the same extent as if such securities constituted the Subject SPAC Equity Securities owned by Sponsor as of the date hereof.
6. Waiver of Redemption Rights. The Sponsor agrees during the term of this Agreement not to (a) demand that SPAC redeem the Subject SPAC Equity Securities held by the Sponsor or (b) otherwise participate in any such redemption by tendering or submitting any of the Subject SPAC Equity Securities held by the Sponsor for redemption.
7. Waiver of Anti-dilution Protection. Sponsor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) waives and agrees not to exercise any rights of appraisal or rights to dissent from the Transactions that Sponsor may have with respect to the Subject SPAC Equity Shares, subject to and conditioned upon, the occurrence of the Closing, to the fullest extent permitted by Law and the SPAC Organizational Documents and (b) agrees not to assert or perfect any rights to adjustment or other anti-dilution protections with respect to the rate that the SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares held by it converts into SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares pursuant to Article 37 of SPAC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Association or any other adjustment or anti-dilution protections that arise in connection with the issuance of SPAC Class A Ordinary Shares. Sponsor hereby consents to the conversion of its SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares (and any shares into or for which such shares are converted or exchanged in connection with the Domestication) into shares of Surviving Pubco Class B Common Stock on a one-for-one basis after giving effect to the automatic conversion contemplated in the SPAC Organizational Documents upon the Closing.
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8. Representations and Warranties. Sponsor represents and warrants to SPAC and the Company as follows:
(a) Sponsor is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, formed, organized or constituted, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within Sponsor’s limited liability company or corporate powers, as applicable, and have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company or corporate actions on the part of Sponsor, as applicable. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Sponsor and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Parties, this Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of Sponsor, enforceable against Sponsor in accordance with the terms hereof (except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy Laws, other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies).
(b) Sponsor is the record and beneficial owner (as defined in the Securities Act) of, and has good and marketable title to, all of Sponsor’s SPAC Ordinary Shares and SPAC Warrants, and there exist no Liens or any other limitation or restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such SPAC Ordinary Shares or SPAC Warrants (other than transfer restrictions under the Securities Act)) affecting any such SPAC Ordinary Shares or SPAC Warrants, other than Liens pursuant to (i) this Agreement, (ii) the SPAC Organizational Documents, (iii) the Merger Agreement, (iv) the Voting Letter Agreement or (v) any applicable securities Laws. As of the date hereof, the Sponsor is the holder of record and the beneficial owner of 3,593,750 SPAC Class B Ordinary Shares and 4,456,250 SPAC Warrants, all of which are SPAC Private Placement Warrants, and such SPAC Ordinary Shares and SPAC Warrants are the only equity securities in SPAC owned of record or beneficially by Sponsor on the date of this Agreement. Other than the SPAC Warrants, Sponsor does not hold or own any rights to acquire (directly or indirectly) any equity securities of SPAC or any equity securities convertible into, or which can be exchanged for, equity securities of SPAC.
(c) Sponsor has full voting power with respect to all of the Subject SPAC Equity Securities and full power to agree to all of the matters set forth in this Agreement, in each case with respect to all Subject SPAC Equity Securities. None of the Subject SPAC Equity Securities are subject to any stockholders’ agreement, proxy, voting trust or other agreement, arrangement or restriction of any kind or nature with respect to the voting of the Subject SPAC Equity Securities, except for the SPAC Organizational Documents and the Voting Letter Agreement.
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(d) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Sponsor does not, and the performance by Sponsor of its obligations hereunder will not, (i) conflict with or result in a violation of the organizational documents of Sponsor, (ii) require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person, (iii) result (or, with the giving of notice, the passage of time or otherwise, would result) in the creation or imposition of any Lien on the Subject SPAC Equity Securities or (iv) violate any Law applicable to Sponsor or by which any of the Subject SPAC Equity Securities are bound, except, in the case of each of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), as would not reasonably be expected to materially impair Sponsor’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.
(e) There are no Actions pending against Sponsor or, to Sponsor’s knowledge, threatened against Sponsor, before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that would be before) any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by Sponsor of its obligations under this Agreement.
(f) Except as described on Schedule 5.08 to the Merger Agreement, no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee, underwriting fee, deferred underwriting fee, commission or other similar payment in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by Sponsor, for which SPAC or any of its Affiliates may become liable.
(g) Except as set forth in the SPAC’s final prospectus, dated as of May 18, 2021 and filed with the SEC (File No. 333-253806) on May 18, 2021 and subsequently filed Schedule 13Gs, neither Sponsor nor, to the knowledge of Sponsor, any Person in which Sponsor has a direct or indirect legal, contractual or beneficial ownership of 5% or greater is party to, or has any rights with respect to or arising from, any Contract with SPAC or its Subsidiaries.
(h) Sponsor understands and acknowledges that each of SPAC and each Company Party is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Sponsor’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.
9. Indemnification.
(a) For a period of six (6) years after the Closing Date, SPAC will indemnify, exonerate and hold harmless the Sponsor from and against all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, liabilities, losses, damages and costs and out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith (“Indemnified Liabilities”) incurred by the Sponsor, on or after the date of this Agreement, arising out of any third party action, cause of action, suit, litigation, investigation, inquiry, arbitration or claim directly relating to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement which names the Sponsor as a defendant (or co-defendant) arising from the Sponsor’s ownership of equity securities of SPAC, or its control or ability to influence SPAC; provided, that the foregoing shall not apply to (i) any Indemnified Liabilities to the extent arising out of or relating to any actual or alleged breach by the Sponsor of this Agreement or any other agreement to which the Sponsor is a party or (ii) the actual or alleged willful misconduct, recklessness, gross negligence or fraud of the Sponsor.
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(b) Promptly after Sponsor becomes aware of any potential action, suit or claim that may give rise to a claim for any Indemnified Liabilities, Sponsor shall promptly notify SPAC and specify in such notice, in reasonable detail, the nature of the claim and an estimated computation of Indemnified Liabilities, as well as other material documents in possession of Sponsor with respect to such claim, provided, that any failure or delay by the Sponsor to notify SPAC shall not relieve SPAC from its obligations hereunder (except to the extent that SPAC has been actually and materially prejudiced by such failure to promptly notify). SPAC shall have full control of the defense of any action, claim or suit with respect to the Indemnified Liabilities, including any compromise or settlement thereof; provided, that SPAC shall not consent to the entry of any order or enter into any settlement agreement without the prior written consent of Sponsor; provided, further, that such consent shall not be required if such order or settlement agreement contains a full and final release by the third party asserting the claim for the benefit of Sponsor, and such order or settlement agreement does not contain any criminal liability or admission of guilt by or impose any other non-monetary injunctive or equitable relief against Sponsor. Sponsor shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution of such claim, including by retaining and providing to SPAC all records and information which are reasonably relevant to such claim, making employees available to provide additional information and explanation of any materials provided hereunder and executing any documents necessary in connection with any settlement or order entered into in compliance with this Section 9(b). Sponsor shall retain all of its documents and records relating to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and its ownership of equity securities of SPAC for a period of six (6) years following the Closing.
(c) Sponsor shall have the right to employ separate counsel reasonably satisfactory to the SPAC to represent it in any such claim with respect to Indemnified Liabilities and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of any such separate counsel shall be at the expense of Sponsor; provided, that, the fees and expenses of any such separate counsel shall be at the expense of SPAC if (i) the claim seeks equitable relief against Sponsor; (ii) Sponsor shall have been advised by counsel in writing, with a copy delivered to SPAC, that the representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential conflicts of interest between them, including a situation in which one or more legal defenses may be available to Sponsor that are inconsistent with those available to SPAC; or (iii) SPAC authorizes Sponsor in writing to employ separate counsel at SPAC’s expense.
(d) Sponsor shall cooperate fully to assist SPAC in seeking insurance recoveries first in respect of any Indemnified Liabilities.
10. Termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without any notice or other action by any Party, and be void ab initio upon the earlier of (a) the Effective Time and (b) the valid termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms. Upon termination of this Agreement as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, none of the Parties shall have any further obligations or liabilities under, or with respect to, this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) the termination of this Agreement shall not affect any liability on the part of any Party for Fraud (as defined in the Merger Agreement), (ii) Sections 10 and 11 shall each survive the termination of this Agreement, and (iii) Sections 12 through 27 shall each survive the termination of this Agreement solely to the extent related to any surviving sections.
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11. Fiduciary Duties. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) Sponsor makes no agreement or understanding herein in any capacity other than in Sponsor’s capacity as a record holder and beneficial owner of the Subject SPAC Equity Securities and (b) nothing herein will be construed to limit or affect any action or inaction expressly permitted under the Merger Agreement by any representative of Sponsor in such representative’s capacity as a member of the board of directors (or other similar governing body) of any SPAC Party or as an officer, employee or fiduciary of any SPAC Party or an Affiliate of SPAC, in each case, acting in such person’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary of such SPAC Party.
12. Additional Sponsor Obligations. In furtherance, and not in limitation, of the obligations of SPAC pursuant to Sections 7.15 and 10.02 of the Merger Agreement, Sponsor hereby agrees to take any and all actions reasonably necessary or convenient to extend the period of time that SPAC has to consummate a business combination if the Closing has not been consummated prior to the latest applicable deadline for SPAC to complete a business combination pursuant to the SPAC Organizational Documents, including without limitation, to request such an extension from the Board of Directors of SPAC and to deposit additional funds in the Trust Account, all as prescribed and in accordance with the SPAC Organizational Documents.
13. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the Company’s request and without further consideration, each Party shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary or reasonably requested to effect the actions and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
14. No Legal Action. Sponsor shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to and shall direct its Representatives not to, bring, commence, institute, maintain, or prosecute any claim, appeal or proceeding which (a) challenges the validity of or seeks to enjoin the operation of any provision of this Agreement, or (b) alleges that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Sponsor breaches any duty that Sponsor has (or may be alleged to have) to SPAC or to the other stockholders of SPAC; provided that the foregoing shall not limit or restrict in any manner the rights of SPAC under the Merger Agreement or of Sponsor to enforce the terms of this Agreement.
15. Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived if the waiver is set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. Any delay in exercising any right pursuant to this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such right.
16. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day); provided that the notice or other communication is sent to the address or email address set forth in Section 11.02 of the Merger Agreement, and, if to a Sponsor, to Sponsor’s address or email address set forth on a signature page hereto, or to such other address or email address as a Party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to each other party hereto.
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17. Assignment. No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 17 shall be null and void, ab initio.
18. Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
19. Expenses. All fees and expenses incurred by a Party in connection herewith shall be paid by such Party, whether or not the Merger is consummated, except as expressly provided otherwise herein or in the Merger Agreement.
20. Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal substantive Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed solely within such state, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.
21. Captions; Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the subject matter hereof. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the subject matter hereof exist between the Parties except as expressly set forth or referenced in this Agreement.
23. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed by each of the Parties in the same manner as this Agreement and which makes reference to this Agreement.
24. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties.
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25. Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. Any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement may be brought in federal and state courts located in the State of Delaware, and each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Action, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any Party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other Party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action brought pursuant to this Section 25. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.
26. Non-Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement may only be brought against, the entities that are expressly named as Parties and then only with respect to the specific obligations set forth herein with respect to such Party. Except to the extent a Party (and then only to the extent of the specific obligations undertaken by such Party in this Agreement), (a) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any Party and (b) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any of the foregoing, shall have any liability (whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise) for any one or more of the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or other obligations under this Agreement of or for any claim based on, arising out of, or related to this Agreement.
27. Enforcement of the Agreement. The Parties agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur if the Parties do not perform their obligations under the provisions of this Agreement (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Agreement) in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) SPAC and the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief, to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement, and (b) the right of specific enforcement is an integral part of the Transactions and without that right, none of the Parties would have entered into this Agreement. Each Party agrees that it will not oppose the granting of specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that the other Parties have an adequate remedy at Law or that an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. The Parties acknowledge and agree that neither of SPAC nor the Company, in seeking an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 27, shall be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such injunction.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf as of the day and year first above written.
Aries acquisition partners, ltd. | |||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie | ||
Name: | Thane Ritchie | ||
Title: | Manager | ||
Aries I Acquisition Corporation | |||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie | ||
Name: | Thane Ritchie | ||
Title: | Chairman |
Signature Page to Sponsor Agreement
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf as of the day and year first above written.
INFINITE ASSETS, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Yonathan Lapchik | ||
Name: | Yonathan Lapchik | ||
Title: | CEO |
Signature Page to Sponsor Agreement
Exhibit 10.3
LOCKUP AGREEMENT
This LOCKUP AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of December 13, 2021, is entered into by and among Aries I Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), Aries Acquisition Partners, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Sponsor”), and each of the parties identified on the signature pages hereto and the other Persons who enter into a joinder to this Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto with the SPAC (a “Joinder”) pursuant to Section 2.2 in order to become a “Stockholder Party” for purposes of this Agreement (collectively, the “Stockholder Parties”). SPAC, Sponsor and the Stockholder Parties shall be referred to herein from time to time collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS, SPAC, Aries I Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC (“Merger Sub”), and Infinite Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), a copy of which has been made available to each Stockholder Party;
WHEREAS, prior to the Closing, SPAC will redomicile from the Cayman Islands into Delaware;
WHEREAS, the Stockholder Parties own equity interests in the Company, and will, following the Merger, own equity interests in SPAC; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the Merger and effective upon the consummation thereof, and as inducement for the Company and SPAC to enter into the Merger Agreement, the parties hereto wish to set forth herein certain understandings between such parties with respect to restrictions on transfer of equity interests in SPAC.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement. The following terms have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:
“Change of Control” means any transaction or series of transactions (A) following which a Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of Persons (other than SPAC, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective Subsidiaries), has direct or indirect beneficial ownership of securities (or rights convertible or exchangeable into securities) representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting power of or economic rights or interests in SPAC, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective Subsidiaries, (B) constituting a merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination, however effected, following which either (1) the members of the Board of Directors of SPAC or the Surviving Entity immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination do not constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the company surviving the combination or, if the Surviving Entity is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof or (2) the voting securities of SPAC, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective Subsidiaries immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination do not continue to represent or are not converted into fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such combination or, if the Surviving Entity is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (C) the result of which is a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of SPAC or the Surviving Entity (as appearing in its most recent balance sheet) to any Person.
“Immediate Family Member” means, with respect to any natural person, any Person that is related by blood or current or former marriage or domestic partnership or adoption, in each case that is not more remote than a first cousin.
“Lock-up Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
“Lock-up Shares” means with respect to Sponsor, any Stockholder Party and their respective Permitted Transferees, the shares of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock held by such Person immediately following the closing of the Merger.
“Lock-up Shares Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending one (1) year after (and excluding) the Closing Date; provided, that if, during the period beginning six (6) months after the Closing Date and ending on the one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date, (A) the closing price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Closing Date, then the Lock-up Shares Period shall end with respect to 10% of the Lock-up Shares held by the Sponsor, each Stockholder Party and any Permitted Transferees, (B) the closing price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds $15.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Closing Date, then the Lock-up Shares Period shall end with respect to an additional 15% of the Lock-up Shares held by the Sponsor, each Stockholder Party and any Permitted Transferees, (C) the closing price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Closing Date, then the Lock-up Shares Period shall end with respect to an additional 10% of the Lock-up Shares held by the Sponsor, each Stockholder Party and any Permitted Transferees and (D) the closing price of the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds $20.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Closing Date, then the Lock-up Shares Period shall end with respect to an additional 15% of the Lock-up Shares held by the Sponsor, each Stockholder Party and any Permitted Transferees; provided, further, that at any time subsequent to the Closing Date, the Lock-up Shares Period shall end on the date on which SPAC completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization, bankruptcy or other similar transaction that results in all of the outstanding Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock being converted into cash, securities or other property.
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“Lock-up Warrants” means with respect to Sponsor, any Stockholder Party and their respective Permitted Transferees, (A) the SPAC Warrants held by such Person immediately following the closing of the Merger and (B) the Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock issuable to such Person upon the exercise of the SPAC Warrants.
“Lock-up Warrants Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on later of (A) 30 days after (and excluding) the Closing Date and (B) May 21, 2022.
“Permitted Transferees” means, prior to the expiration of the applicable Lock-up Period, any Person to whom such Sponsor or Stockholder Party or any other Permitted Transferee of such Sponsor or Stockholder Party is permitted to transfer such Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.1(b).
“Transfer” means the (A) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecation or pledge of, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, in each case, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any security, (B) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (C) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (A) or (B).
ARTICLE II
LOCKUP
2.1 Lockup.
(a) Subject to the exclusions in Section 2.1(b), Sponsor and each Stockholder Party agrees that it, he or she shall not Transfer (i) any Lock-up Shares until the end of the Lock-Up Shares Period, and (ii) any Lock-up Warrants until the end of the Lock-up Warrants Period (collectively, the “Lock-up Period”). For avoidance of doubt, the occurrence of any event listed in subsection (B) in the definition of Lock-Up Shares Period shall terminate this Agreement as of the final date or closing of such event, and all Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock and SPAC Warrants restricted pursuant to this Agreement shall be released from all restrictions set forth herein.
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(b) Notwithstanding Section 2.1(a) above, Sponsor and each Stockholder Party or any of their respective Permitted Transferees may Transfer any Lock-up Shares it holds during the applicable Lock-up Period: (i) to other Stockholder Parties or any direct or indirect partners, members or equity holders of such Stockholder Party, any Affiliate of such Stockholder Party or any related investment funds or vehicles controlled or managed by such Stockholder Party or its Affiliates; (ii) by bona fide gift or gifts, including 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) to any trust, partnership, limited liability company or other entity for the direct or indirect benefit of such Stockholder Party or the Immediate Family Member of such Stockholder Party; (v) in the case of an individual, to any Immediate Family Member or other dependent; (vi) to a nominee or custodian of a person to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (ii) through (v) above; (vii) by operation of law or pursuant to an order or decree of a Governmental Authority, including any qualified domestic relations order, divorce, decree or separation agreement; (viii) in the case of a trust, the trustor or beneficiary of such trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust; (ix) to SPAC, the Surviving Entity or one of its Subsidiaries upon death, disability or termination of employment, in each case, of such holder; (x) pursuant to a tender offer, liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization, bankruptcy or other similar transaction, in each case made to all holders of Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock, involving a Change of Control (including negotiating and entering into an agreement providing for any such transaction); provided, however, that in the event that such transaction is not completed, such Sponsor or Stockholder Party’s Lock-up Shares shall remain subject to the provisions of this Section 2.1; (xi) to SPAC, (1) pursuant to the exercise, in each case on a “cashless” or “net exercise” basis, of any option to purchase shares granted by SPAC pursuant to any employee benefit plans or arrangements which are set to expire during the applicable Lock-up Period, where any shares received by such Sponsor or Stockholder Party upon any such exercise will be subject to the terms of this Section 2.1, or (2) for the purpose of satisfying any withholding taxes (including estimated taxes) due as a result of the exercise of any option to purchase shares or the vesting of any restricted stock awards granted by SPAC pursuant to employee benefit plans or arrangements which are set to expire or automatically vest during the applicable Lock-up Period, in each case on a “cashless” or “net exercise” basis, where any shares received by such Sponsor or Stockholder Party upon any such exercise or vesting will be subject to the terms of this Section 2.1; or (xii) in any transaction relating to Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock acquired by such Stockholder Party or Sponsor in open market transactions; or (xiii) with the prior written consent of SPAC; provided, that:
(i) in the case of each transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (i) through (viii) above, (a) each Permitted Transferee agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth in this Section 2.1; and (b) any such transfer or distribution shall not involve a disposition for value, other than with respect to any such transfer or distribution for which the transferor or distributor receives (x) equity interests of such transferee or (y) such transferee’s interests in the transferor; and
(ii) in the case of each transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (ii) through (viii) above, if any public reports or filings (including filings under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act) reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the applicable Lock-up Period (x) such Stockholder Party or Sponsor shall provide SPAC prior written notice informing them of such report or filing and (y) such report or filing shall disclose that such Permitted Transferee agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein.
(c) Sponsor and each Stockholder Party shall be permitted to enter into a trading plan established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act during the applicable Lock-up Period so long as no Transfers of such Sponsor’s and Stockholder Party’s Surviving Pubco Class A Common Stock in contravention of this Section 2.1 are effected prior to the expiration of the applicable Lock-up Period.
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(d) Sponsor and each Stockholder Party also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with SPAC’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of any Lock-up Shares except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions and to the addition of a legend to such Sponsor’s and Stockholder Party’s Lock-up Shares describing the foregoing restrictions.
(e) For the avoidance of doubt, Sponsor and each Stockholder Party shall retain all of its rights as a stockholder of SPAC with respect to the Lock-up Shares during the applicable Lock-up Period, including the right to exercise any voting rights with respect to any Lock-up Shares it holds.
2.2 SPAC Directors. SPAC and Sponsor shall cause each of the director nominees to the SPAC Board designated by SPAC pursuant to Sections 7.05(a)(iii) of the Merger Agreement to enter into a Joinder prior to the Closing in order to become a “Stockholder Party” for purposes of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
3.1 Termination. This Agreement shall be binding upon Sponsor and each Stockholder Party upon Sponsor’s or such Stockholder Party’s execution and delivery of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall only become effective immediately following the Closing (including after the settlement of any backstop arrangements, non-redemption agreements, or other financing arrangements made in compliance with the Merger Agreement). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the Closing, this Agreement and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect and obligations of certain of the parties under the Prior Letter Agreement (as defined below) shall survive pursuant to the terms of the Prior Letter Agreement.
3.2 Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived if the waiver is set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. Any delay in exercising any right pursuant to this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such right.
3.3 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day); provided that the notice or other communication is sent to the address or email address set forth in Section 11.02 of the Merger Agreement, and, if to a Stockholder Party or Sponsor, to such Stockholder Party’s or Sponsor’s address or email address set forth on a signature page hereto, or to such other address or email address as a Party may hereafter specify in writing for the purpose by notice to each other party hereto.
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3.4 Assignment. No Party shall assign, delegate or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 3.4 shall be null and void, ab initio.
3.5 Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
3.6 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal substantive Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed solely within such state, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.
3.7 Captions; Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
3.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with Exhibit A, constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the subject matter hereof (including, for the avoidance of doubt, that certain Letter Agreement, dated May 18, 2021, by and among SPAC, its executive officers, its directors and Sponsor (the “Prior Letter Agreement”)). No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the subject matter hereof exist between the Parties except as expressly set forth or referenced in this Agreement.
3.9 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed by each of the Parties in the same manner as this Agreement and which makes reference to this Agreement.
3.10 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties.
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3.11 Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. Any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement may be brought in federal and state courts located in the State of Delaware, and each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Action, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any Party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other Party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action brought pursuant to this Section 3.11. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT
3.12 Enforcement of the Agreement. The Parties agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur if the Parties do not perform their obligations under the provisions of this Agreement (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Agreement) in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (a) SPAC shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief, to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, without proof of damages, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement, and (b) the right of specific enforcement is an integral part of the Transactions and without that right, none of the Parties would have entered into this Agreement. Each Party agrees that it will not oppose the granting of specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that the other Parties have an adequate remedy at Law or that an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. The Parties acknowledge and agree that SPAC, in seeking an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 3.12, shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such injunction.
3.13 Sponsor and Stockholder Party Obligation Several and Not Joint. The obligations of Sponsor and each Stockholder Party hereunder shall be several and not joint and several, and neither Sponsor nor any Stockholder Party shall be liable for any breach of the terms of this Agreement by any other Party hereto.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Lockup Agreement on the day and year first above written.
Aries I Acquisition Corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie | |
Name: Thane Ritchie | ||
Title: Chairman |
ARIES ACQUISITION PARTNERS, LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ Thane Ritchie | |
Name: Thane Ritchie | ||
Title: Manager |
[Signature Page to Lock-up Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Lockup Agreement on the day and year first above written.
Citizens Reserve, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Addison McKenzie | |
Name: | Addison McKenzie | |
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page to Lock-up Agreement]
DREAMVIEW, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Nathaniel Hunter | |
Name: Nathaniel Hunter | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Lock-up Agreement]
Exhibit A
FORM OF JOINDER TO LOCKUP AGREEMENT
[______], 20__
Reference is made to the Lockup Agreement, dated as of [•], 2021, by and among Aries I Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), Aries Acquisition Partners, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Sponsor”) and the other Stockholder Parties (as defined therein) from time to time party thereto (as amended from time to time, the “Lockup Agreement”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Lockup Agreement.
SPAC and the undersigned holder of the equity interests of SPAC (each, a “New Stockholder Party”) agrees that this Joinder to the Lockup Agreement (this “Joinder”) is being executed and delivered for good and valuable consideration.
The undersigned New Stockholder Party hereby agrees to and does become party to the Lockup Agreement as a Stockholder Party. This Joinder shall serve as a counterpart signature page to the Lockup Agreement and by executing below each undersigned New Stockholder Party is deemed to have executed the Lockup Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named a party thereto.
This Joinder may be executed in multiple counterparts, including by means of facsimile or electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute the same instrument.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Joinder as of the date first set forth above.
[NEW STOCKHOLDER PARTY] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title |
Aries I Acquisition Corporation | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Joinder to Lock-up Agreement]
Exhibit 10.4
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [●], 2021, is made and entered into by and among Aries I Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), Aries Acquisition Partners, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Sponsor”), the shareholders of the Sponsor identified on the signature pages hereto and the undersigned parties listed on the signature page hereto under “Holders” (each such party, together with the Sponsor and any person or entity who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement, a “Holder” and collectively the “Holders”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company and the Sponsor entered into that certain Securities Subscription Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2021, pursuant to which the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 3,593,750 Class B ordinary shares of the Company (the “Founder Shares”), par value $0.0001 per share;
WHEREAS, on May 18, 2021, the Company, the Sponsor and certain other security holders named therein (the “Existing Holders”) entered into that certain Registration Rights Agreement (the “Existing Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company granted the Sponsor and such other Existing Holders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of the Company;
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2021, Infinite Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Company, and Aries I Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties to the Merger Agreement will undertake the transactions described therein (the “Business Combination”);
WHEREAS, prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the Company transferred by way of continuation from the Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware and domesticated as a Delaware corporation (the “Domestication”) and any references herein to the Company shall refer to the Company following the consummation of the Domestication;
WHEREAS, after the closing of the Business Combination, the Holders will own Class A common stock of the Company, par value $[∙] per share (the “Common Stock”), and the Sponsor will own certain warrants of the Company, each such warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “Warrants”); and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Existing Holders desire to terminate the Existing Registration Rights Agreement and enter into this Agreement with the Holders, pursuant to which the Company shall grant the Holders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of the Company, as set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, covenants and agreements contained herein, and certain other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
Article I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions. The terms defined in this Article I shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, have the respective meanings set forth below:
“Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.
“Block Trade” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.1.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Business Combination” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Stock” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Company” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.
“Demanding Holder” shall mean any Holder or group of Holders that together elects to dispose of Registrable Securities having an aggregate value of at least $15 million, at the time of the Underwritten Demand, under a Registration Statement pursuant to an Underwritten Offering.
“Effectiveness Period” shall have the meaning given in subsection 3.1.1.
“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Existing Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Existing Registration Rights Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Financial Counterparty” shall have meaning given in subsection 2.3.1.
“Form S-1” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1(a).
“Form S-3” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1(b).
“Founder Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Holder Indemnified Persons” shall have the meaning given in subsection 4.1.1.
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“Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.
“Maximum Number of Securities” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.
“Merger Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Misstatement” shall mean an untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
“Other Coordinated Offering” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.1.
“Piggyback Registration” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.1.
“Pro Rata” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.
“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.
“Registrable Security” shall mean (a) Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of the Founder Shares, (b) the Warrants (including any Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants), (c) any outstanding Common Stock or any other equity security (including Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company held by a Holder as of the date of this Agreement, and (d) any other equity security of the Company issued or issuable with respect to any such Common Stock referred in the forgoing clauses (a) through (c) by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization; 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 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 or limitations); 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 is declared effective by, or becomes effective pursuant to rules promulgated by, the Commission.
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“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 Common Stock are 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;
(e) reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration; and
(f) reasonable fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority-in-interest of Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Holders initiating an Underwritten Demand to be registered for offer and sale in the applicable Underwritten Offering, not to exceed $75,000 without the consent of the Company.
“Registration Statement” shall mean any registration statement under the Securities Act 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.
“Requesting Holder” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.
“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
“Shelf Registration” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1(b).
“Sponsor” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto.
“Suspension Event” shall have the meaning given in Section 3.4.
“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 Demand” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.3.
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“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.
“Warrants” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
Article II
REGISTRATIONS
Section 2.1 Registration.
2.1.1 Shelf Registration. (a) The Company agrees that, within thirty (30) days after the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company will file with the Commission (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) a Registration Statement registering the resale of all Registrable Securities permitted to be registered for resale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i) on a Registration Statement on Form S-1 or any similar long-form registration statement that may be available at such time (“Form S-1”). The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the initial filing of the Registration Statement in accordance with Section 3.1 of this Agreement.
(b) The Company agrees that, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company is eligible to register Registrable Securities on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration statement that may be available at such time (“Form S-3”) (but in any event not less than sixty (60) days thereafter), the Company will file with the Commission (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) a Registration Statement registering the resale of all Registrable Securities not included on Registration Statement required to be filed pursuant to subsection 2.1.1(a) (collectively, the “Shelf Registrations”). The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the initial filing of the Registration Statement in accordance with Section 3.1 of this Agreement.
2.1.2 [Reserved].
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2.1.3 Underwritten Offering. Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.1.4 and 2.3 of this Agreement, any Demanding Holder may make a written demand to the Company for an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in accordance with subsection 2.1.1 of this Agreement or a new Registration Statement if such Demanding Holders’ Registrable Securities are not then registered by a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in accordance with subsection 2.1.1 or permitted to be offered in an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in accordance with subsection 2.1.1 (an “Underwritten Demand”). The Company shall, within ten (10) days of the Company’s receipt of the Underwritten Demand, notify, in writing, all other Holders of such demand, and each Holder who thereafter wishes to include all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering pursuant to an Underwritten Demand (each such Holder that includes all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering, a “Requesting Holder”) shall so notify the Company, in writing, within two (2) business days (one (1) business day if such offering is an overnight or bought Underwritten Offering) after the receipt by the Holder of the notice from the Company. Upon receipt by the Company of any such written notification from a Requesting Holder(s), such Requesting Holder(s) shall be entitled to have their Registrable Securities included in the Underwritten Offering pursuant to an Underwritten Demand. 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 Company in consultation with the Demanding Holders initiating the Underwritten Offering. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is not obligated to effect (i) more than an aggregate of three (3) Underwritten Offerings in total pursuant to this subsection 2.1.3, and (ii) an Underwritten Offering pursuant to this subsection 2.1.3 within ninety (90) days after the closing of an Underwritten Offering (or such shorter period if permitted by applicable lock-up agreements). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Underwritten Demand will be effective hereunder unless the aggregate net proceeds (net of underwriting fees and commissions) to the Holders from the sale of the Registrable Securities included in such request are reasonably expected to exceed $15,000,000 (the “Minimum Amount”).
2.1.4 Reduction of Underwritten Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering pursuant to an Underwritten Demand, in good faith, advises the Company, the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and the 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 Common Stock, if any, as to which an Underwritten Offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by any other shareholders 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 Requesting Holders (if any) (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder and Requesting Holder (if any) has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and Requesting Holders have requested be included in such Underwritten Registration (such proportion is referred to herein as “Pro Rata”)) 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 of the Company that the Company desires to sell and that 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 the Company held by other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to include pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons or entities and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.
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2.1.5 Registration Withdrawal. The Demanding Holders initiating an Underwritten Offering pursuant to subsection 2.1.3 of this Agreement shall have the right to withdraw from such Underwritten Offering for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company of their intention to withdraw from such Underwritten Offering prior to the launch of such Underwritten Offering or, if applicable, the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to the Underwritten Offering; provided, however, that upon the withdrawal of an amount of Registrable Securities that results in the remaining amount of Registrable Securities included by the Demanding Holders and participating Holders in such Underwritten Offering being less than the Minimum Amount, the Company may cease all efforts to complete the Underwritten Offering. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with an Underwritten Demand prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.1.5.
Section 2.2 Piggyback Registration.
2.2.1 Piggyback Rights. If the Company proposes to (a) file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of equity securities of the Company, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into equity securities of the Company, for its own account or for the account of shareholders of the Company (or by the Company and the shareholders 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 shareholders, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity securities of the Company or (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan, or (b) consummate an Underwritten Offering for its own account or for the account of shareholders of the Company, then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed action to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable (but in the case of filing a Registration Statement, not less than ten (10) days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement), which notice shall (x) describe the amount and type of securities to be included, the intended method(s) of distribution and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, and (y) 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) business days in the case of filing a Registration Statement and (2) two business days in the case of an Underwritten Offering (unless such offering is an overnight or bought Underwritten Offering, then one (1) business day), in each case 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 commercially reasonable 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 Piggyback 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 include Registrable Securities in 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. For the avoidance of doubt, if no written request for inclusion from a Holder is received within the specified time, each such Holder shall have no further right to participate in such Piggyback Registration.
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2.2.2 Reduction of Piggyback Registration. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of the equity securities of the Company that the Company desires to sell, taken together with (a) the shares of equity securities of the Company, if any, as to which Registration or Underwritten Offering has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, (b) the Registrable Securities as to which Registration or Underwritten Offering has been requested pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, and (c) the shares of equity securities of the Company, if any, as to which Registration or Underwritten Offering has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other shareholders of the Company, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:
(a) If the Registration or Underwritten Offering is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration or Underwritten Offering (A) first, Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company 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, 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 or other equity securities of the Company, if any, as to which Registration or Underwritten Offering has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other shareholders of the Company, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; or
(b) If the Registration or Underwritten Offering 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 or Underwritten Offering (A) first, Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company, if any, of such requesting persons or entities and the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1 of this Agreement, Pro Rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities, Common Stock or other equity securities that each requesting persons, entities and Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities, Common Stock or other equity securities that such persons, entities and Holders have requested be included in such Underwritten Offering; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company that the Company desires to sell, 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 or other equity securities of the Company 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.
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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, as applicable, the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Piggyback Registration or the launch of the Underwritten Offering 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 or entities 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 or abandon an Underwritten Offering in connection with a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the launch of such Underwritten Offering. 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 or Underwritten Offering effected pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Agreement shall not be counted as an Underwritten Offering pursuant to an Underwritten Demand effected under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.
Section 2.3 Block Trades; Other Coordinated Offerings.
2.3.1 Block Trade and Other Coordinated Offering Rights. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article II, but subject to Section 3.4, at any time and from time to time when an effective Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.1 or subsequent Shelf Registration Statement is on file with the Commission, if a Demanding Holder wishes to engage in (a) an underwritten registered offering not involving a “roadshow,” an offer commonly known as a “block trade” (a “Block Trade”) or (b) an “at the market” or similar registered offering through a broker, sales agent or distribution agent, whether as agent or principal, (an “Other Coordinated Offering”), in each case, (x) with a total offering price reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, $15 million or (y) for all remaining Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Holder, then such Demanding Holder shall notify the Company of the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering at least ten (10) days prior to the day such offering is to commence and the Company shall as expeditiously as possible use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering; provided that the Demanding Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Securities wishing to engage in the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall use reasonable best efforts to work with the Company and any Underwriters or brokers, sales agents or placement agents (each, a “Financial Counterparty”) prior to making such request in order to facilitate preparation of the prospectus and other offering documentation and any related due diligence, comfort and other customary procedures related to the Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering.
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2.3.2 Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering Withdrawal. Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering, a majority-in interest of the Demanding Holders initiating such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall have the right to withdraw from such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and Financial Counterparty (if any). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, The Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.3.2.
2.3.3 Piggyback Registration. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 2.2 shall not apply to a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering initiated by a Demanding Holder pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement.
2.3.4 Underwriters and Financial Counterparty. The Demanding Holder in a Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering shall have the right to select the Financial Counterparty (if any) for such Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering (in each case, which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks); provided that the Company shall have the right to consent to such Financial Counterparty, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
2.3.5 Maximum Demands. Any Block Trade or Other Coordinated Offering effected pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall be counted as a demand for an Underwritten Offering pursuant to subsection 2.1.2 hereof.
Section 2.4 Restrictions on Registration Rights. If (a) the Holders have requested an Underwritten Offering pursuant to an Underwritten Demand and the Company and the Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of underwriters to firmly underwrite the offer; or (b) the Holders have requested an Underwritten Offering pursuant to an Underwritten Demand and in the good faith judgment of the Board that such Underwritten Offering 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 or the undertaking of such Underwritten Offering 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 or to undertake such Underwritten Offering in the near future and that it is therefore essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement or undertaking of such Underwritten Offering. In such event, the Company shall have the right to defer such filing or offering 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 twelve (12)-month period.
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Article III
COMPANY PROCEDURES
Section 3.1 General Procedures. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable 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 and to the extent applicable:
3.1.1 prepare and file with the Commission, within the time frame required by subsection 2.1.1, a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective, including filing a replacement Registration Statement, if necessary, until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or are no longer outstanding (such period, the “Effectiveness Period”);
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 Demanding Holders or any Underwriter 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 or are no longer outstanding;
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 or Underwritten Offering, 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 reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders; provided, that the Company will not have any obligation to provide any document pursuant to this clause that is available on the Commission’s EDGAR system;
3.1.4 prior to any Registration of Registrable Securities, use its commercially reasonable efforts to (a) 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 (b) 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;
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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;
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 commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;
3.1.8 during the Effectiveness Period, furnish a conformed copy of each filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any document that is to be incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement or Prospectus, promptly after such filing of such documents with the Commission to each seller of such Registrable Securities or its counsel; provided, that the Company will not have any obligation to provide any document pursuant to this clause that is available on the Commission’s EDGAR system;
3.1.9 notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act;
3.1.10 subject to the provisions of this Agreement, notify the Holders of the happening of any event as a result of which a Misstatement exists, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.4 of this Agreement;
3.1.11 permit a representative of the Holders (such representative to be selected by a majority of the participating 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 or the Prospectus, 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 comfort letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Offering, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by comfort letters as the managing Underwriter may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority-in-interest of the participating Holders;
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3.1.13 on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, obtain an opinion, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the placement agent or sales agent, if any, and the Underwriters, if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the placement agent, sales agent, or Underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, and reasonably satisfactory to such placement agent, sales agent or 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);
3.1.16 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. 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.
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Section 3.4 Suspension of Sales. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to (a) delay or postpone the (i) initial effectiveness of any Registration Statement or (ii) launch of any Underwritten Offering, in each case, filed or requested pursuant to this Agreement, and (b) from time to time to require the Holders not to sell under any Registration Statement or Prospectus 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 applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus 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 or Prospectus would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Board, upon the advice of legal counsel, to cause the Registration Statement or Prospectus 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, Prospectus or Underwritten Offering on more than two occasions, 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 a Suspension Event while a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement is effective or if as a result of a Suspension Event a Misstatement exists, each Holder agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of Registrable Securities under each Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement until the Holder receives copies of a supplemental or amended Prospectus (which the Company agrees to promptly prepare) that corrects the relevant misstatements or omissions 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) it will maintain the confidentiality of 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 Holders’ sole discretion destroy, all copies of each Prospectus covering Registrable Securities in Holders’ possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy shall not apply (A) to the extent the Holders are required to retain a copy of such Prospectus (x) to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (y) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (B) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up.
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 Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. 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 Registrable Securities 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.
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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 and directors and each person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) (collectively, the “Holder Indemnified Persons”) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and inclusive of all reasonable attorneys’ fees arising out of the enforcement of each such persons’ rights under this Section 4.1) resulting from 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, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder Indemnified Person specifically for use therein.
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, severally and not jointly, 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 reasonable attorneys’ fees and inclusive of all reasonable attorneys’ fees arising out of the enforcement of each such persons’ rights under this Section 4.1) resulting from 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, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, but only to the extent that the same are made in reliance on and in conformity with information relating to the Holder so furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for use therein. In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
4.1.3 Any person entitled to indemnification herein shall (a) 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 (b) 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 or there may be reasonable defenses available to the indemnified party that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, 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.
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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.
4.1.5 If the indemnification provided under Section 4.1 of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to 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 to the extent permitted by law 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 a court of law by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such indemnifying party or such 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 of this Agreement, 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.
Article V
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.1 Notices. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be in writing and given by (i) deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, (ii) delivery in person or by courier service providing evidence of delivery, or (iii) transmission by hand delivery, electronic mail, telecopy, telegram or facsimile. Each notice or communication that is mailed, delivered, or transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, and received, in the case of mailed notices, on the third business day following the date on which it is mailed and, in the case of notices delivered by courier service, hand delivery, electronic mail, telecopy, telegram or facsimile, at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the delivery receipt or the affidavit of messenger) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be addressed, if to the Company or the Sponsor prior to the closing of the Business Combination or to the Sponsor after the closing of the Business Combination, to: [ ], if to the Company after the closing of the Business Combination, to: [ ], and, if to any Holder, at such Holder’s address or contact information as designated in writing by such Holder and as set forth in the Company’s books and records. Any party may change its address for notice at any time and from time to time by written notice to the other parties hereto, and such change of address shall become effective thirty (30) days after delivery of such notice as provided in this Section 5.1.
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Section 5.2 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries.
5.2.1 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.
5.2.2 This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and its successors.
5.2.3 This Agreement shall not confer any rights or benefits on any persons that are not parties hereto or do not hereafter become a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement.
5.2.4 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 (a) written notice provided in accordance with Section 5.1 of this Agreement and (b) 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). Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in this Section 5.2 shall be null and void.
Section 5.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including facsimile or PDF counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute the same instrument, but only one of which need be produced.
Section 5.4 Governing Law; Venue. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PLACE WHERE THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXECUTED BY ANY OF THE PARTIES HERETO, THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AS APPLIED TO AGREEMENTS AMONG NEW YORK RESIDENTS ENTERED INTO AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.
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Section 5.5 Amendments and Modifications. Upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders of at least a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities at the time in question, compliance with any of the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement may be waived, or any of such provisions, covenants or conditions may be amended or modified; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that 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. No course of dealing between any Holder or the Company and any other party hereto or any failure or delay on the part of a Holder or the Company in exercising any rights or remedies under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies of any Holder or the Company. No single or partial exercise of any rights or remedies under this Agreement by a party shall operate as a waiver or preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder by such party.
Section 5.6 Other Registration Rights. The Company represents and warrants that no person, other than (a) a Holder of Registrable Securities and (b) the holders of the Company’s warrants pursuant to that certain Warrant Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2021, by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, has any right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company for sale or to include such securities of the Company in any Registration filed by the Company for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other person. Further, the Company represents and warrants that this Agreement supersedes any other registration rights agreement or agreement with similar terms and conditions and in the event of a conflict between any such agreement or agreements and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.
Section 5.7 Term. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (a) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of this Agreement and (b) with respect to any Holder, the date as of which such Holder ceases to hold any Registrable Securities. The provisions of Article V shall survive any termination.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
ARIES I ACQUISITION CORPORATION | ||
By: | ||
Name: Thane Tokerud | ||
Title: Chairman | ||
ARIES ACQUISITION PARTNERS, LTD. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: Manager |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
HOLDERS: | |
Name: Gonzalo Suarez | |
Date: December ___, 2021 | |
Name: Daniel Schuman | |
Date: December ___, 2021 | |
Name: Matthew Le Merle | |
Date: December __, 2021 | |
Name: Michael Bower | |
Date: December __, 2021 |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
Kiser Consulting, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: Timothy Kiser | ||
Title: Owner/Member | ||
Email:Tim@kiser-consulting.com | ||
Address: 1446 Southland Circle, Ste 100 | ||
Atlanta, GA 30318 | ||
Island Capital, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: Jay Zarkovacki | ||
Title: Managing Member | ||
Email:jz@island99capital.com | ||
Address: 4950 McCormick Drive | ||
Richland, OH 44286 | ||
Hard Yaka, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Jun Hirag | ||
Title: Chief Operating Officer | ||
Email:jun@hardyaka.com | ||
Address: 26 State Route 28 #1186 | ||
Crystal Bay, NV 89402 |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
CITIZENS RESERVE, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Email: | ||
Address: | ||
dreamview, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Email: | ||
Address: | ||
[CONVERTIBLE NOTE HOLDERS] |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
Exhibit 99.1
InfiniteWorld, a Leading Metaverse Infrastructure Platform for Brands, Announces Plans to Become a Publicly Traded Company via a Merger with Aries I Acquisition Corporation
InfiniteWorld empowers brands and creators with the engine and technologies they need to engage customers and fans in the Metaverse
InfiniteWorld’s platform provides a bridge between the physical and digital worlds, with leading infrastructure and marketplace solutions, as well as world-class content production platforms for digital content, including digital assets and NFTs
The transaction represents a pro forma equity value of the combined company of approximately $700 million based on current assumptions
InfiniteWorld’s stockholders will roll 100% of their existing equity into the transaction and, assuming no redemptions, will own approximately 74.5% of the combined company upon consummation of the transaction, and up to a maximum of 81% if certain share price milestones are achieved between $15.00 and $25.00 per share after closing of the transaction
Transaction is expected to enable InfiniteWorld to accelerate its platform development, expand brand partnerships, and drive sustainable growth
MIAMI, Florida – December 13, 2021 – Infinite Assets, Inc. (“InfiniteWorld” or "the Company”), a leading Metaverse infrastructure platform that enables brands to create, monetize and drive consumer engagement with digital content, and Aries I Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: RAM) (“Aries”), a special purpose acquisition company, announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination (the “Business Combination”) that upon consummation is expected to result in InfiniteWorld becoming a publicly traded company with a pro forma equity value of approximately $700 million, assuming no redemptions by Aries’ public shareholders. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “JPG”.
InfiniteWorld serves as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds. The Company empowers leading global brands, creators and Web3 companies with the infrastructure they need to create digital assets and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and engage with customers and fans in the Metaverse, allowing them to support and foster stronger relationships with consumers. InfiniteWorld currently has 130 employees globally and has partnered with over 75 brands and creators since its founding. Current investors in InfiniteWorld include Morgan Creek Digital, GSR, Wintermute, Blockchain Coinvestors, Bill Shihara, among others.
InfiniteWorld recently combined with one of its key strategic partners, DreamView, Inc. (“DreamView”), a globally scalable technology company bringing creative strategy and content solutions to brands around the world. Founded in 2016 by the same visionaries who pioneered computer-generated imagery (“CGI”) technologies at Lucasfilm and Disney, DreamView’s visual effects and 3D artforms have been leveraged in major blockbuster films, major brand campaigns, sporting events, and other major consumer engagement events. DreamView continues to drive innovative solutions for the creation, management, distribution, licensing and monetization of clients’ products as clients transition into the digital world.
Leading the combined company will be Chief Executive Officer Yonathan Lapchik, a Deloitte Blockchain Lab veteran and co-creator of SUKU, and Chief Operating Officer Nathaniel Hunter, a visionary leader and creator in the CGI and 3D content production space and former CEO of DreamView.
“With the unique combination of our infrastructure and next-gen content production, InfiniteWorld is one of the ultimate partners for brands and the future of their digital content in the Metaverse,” said Yonathan Lapchik, Chief Executive Officer of InfiniteWorld. “We look forward to accelerating our platform development, building more brand partnerships and driving sustainable growth and value creation for our stakeholders.”
InfiniteWorld’s comprehensive and fully digital platform provides a full-service suite of end-to-end solutions that enable brands and creators to engage with consumers in the Metaverse, a shared online space that converges physical, augmented, and virtual reality. Capabilities include:
● | Asset Creation: InfiniteWorld’s next-gen content production capabilities are powered by a team of CGI and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) visionaries, who provide the technical capabilities to create high-quality digital assets and content, including NFTs. InfiniteWorld is driving the future of product visualization by creating reusable digital content at scale for manufacturers and brand owners worldwide, with the assurance of complete digital authentication. InfiniteWorld works with leading and global brands including Amazon, Disney, Wayfair, Ashley Furniture, Bissell, Mattel, Target, Warner Brothers, Bleacher Report and other well-known enterprises. |
● | Infrastructure: InfiniteWorld’s team of blockchain experts has built an at-scale infrastructure platform alongside hosted white-label digital asset marketplace solutions designed to provide brands with the power to create, authenticate and distribute their unique digital assets and content. InfiniteWorld’s NFT infrastructure was built on top of the SUKU protocol and enables the secure transfer of ownership of these digital assets by providing an irreplicable digital watermark fully authenticated and single-sourced on the blockchain. Connecting the physical and digital world, InfiniteWorld is also working with leading influencers across entertainment, sports and media realms such as Deepak Chopra’s Seva.Love, Spencer Dinwiddie’s Calaxy and Aria Exchange, with many more signed deals expected to be rolled out in 2022. |
● | Engagement: InfiniteWorld helps brands create fully immersive and reconfigurable digital environments for brands to engage with consumers through rich Metaverse experiences, including through gaming and VR/AR worlds. InfiniteWorld’s gamification brings greater value to NFT assets by introducing earning dynamics and utility tools like messaging and content creation apps to drive engagement. |
“Branded content will be king in the Metaverse, and we are proud to partner with some of the world’s most notable companies to engage with their consumers in this growing digital environment,” said Nathaniel Hunter, Chief Operating Officer of InfiniteWorld. “Through decades of experience, we’ve been able to build capabilities that offer an average increase in conversion at a lower cost than our competitors and we are able to deploy our technology at a much faster rate.”
Aries is a blank check company that was formed for the purpose of effecting a business combination with a target with a disruptive technology in the blockchain and digital currency, aerospace, satellites and space exploration, quantum computing and chemistry, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity sectors. Its management team brings deep sector, investment and operational expertise. Aries completed its approximately $145 million initial public offering in May 2021.
“With up to $15 trillion of wealth expected to flow into digital assets over the next 10 years, we are witnessing the birth of a new global asset class and economic system with significant implications for brands aiming to capture mind and wallet share of consumers,” said Thane Ritchie, Chairman of Aries. “InfiniteWorld’s unparalleled technology infrastructure underscores the transition of commerce to the digital world. We look forward to working closely with Yonathan, Nat and the rest of the InfiniteWorld management team as they build out their platform and content creation capabilities.”
Key Transaction Terms
The Business Combination values the combined company at approximately $700 million on an estimated pro forma equity value basis, assuming no redemptions by Aries’ public shareholders. The transaction will provide up to $171 million of cash to the combined company (before transaction expenses and assuming no redemptions by Aries’ public shareholders) from the approximately $145 million of cash in trust at Aries as well as cash on hand at InfiniteWorld. In addition, InfiniteWorld owns cryptocurrencies valued at approximately $93 million based on recent prices on Coinbase. All InfiniteWorld stockholders will roll 100% of their equity holdings into the combined company.
Existing InfiniteWorld stockholders will be eligible for an earn out of up to an additional 50 million shares if the combined company share price attains certain per share price levels between $15.00 and $25.00 after closing of the transaction. In addition, InfiniteWorld stockholders and the Aries sponsor have agreed to customary lock-up terms.
“We believe that the combination of an attractive entry point and a robust earnout that heavily motivates the team to focus on shareholder value creation, represents an ideal transaction structure that sets up InfiniteWorld for long-term success in the public markets,” added Ritchie. “We are pleased to be democratizing everyday investor access to disruptive and decentralized technologies as part of bringing InfiniteWorld to the public markets.”
Assuming no trust account redemptions by Aries’ public shareholders, existing InfiniteWorld stockholders will represent 74.5% of the pro forma ownership of the combined company at close and up to 81% based on achievement of the maximum earn-out.
The proposed Business Combination has been approved by the Boards of Directors of InfiniteWorld and Aries, and is subject to, among other things, approval by Aries’ shareholders, regulatory approvals, satisfaction or waiver of the conditions stated in the merger agreement, and other customary closing conditions, including a registration statement being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and approval by Nasdaq to list the securities of the combined company. The business combination is expected to close in the first half of 2022.
A more detailed description of the Business Combination terms and a copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger will be included in a current report on Form 8-K to be filed by Aries with the SEC. Aries will file a registration statement (which will contain a proxy statement/prospectus) with the SEC in connection with the business combination.
Advisors
Solomon Partners Securities, LLC is serving as exclusive financial and capital markets advisor and Winston & Strawn LLP is serving as legal advisor to Aries.
Exos Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor and Reed Smith LLP is serving as legal advisor to InfiniteWorld.
Management Presentation
The management teams of InfiniteWorld and Aries will host an investor call on December 13, 2021 at 8:00 AM ET to discuss the proposed Business Combination and review an investor presentation. The webcast can be accessed by visiting: https://services.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=xwxuVuwC. A replay will be available.
For materials and information, visit https://www.infiniteworld.com/ for InfiniteWorld and https://www.ariescorp.io/ for Aries. Aries will also file the presentation with the SEC as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K, which can be viewed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
Aries intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC which will include a proxy statement and a prospectus of Aries, and each party will file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will also be sent to the shareholders of Aries, seeking any required shareholder approval. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of Aries are urged to carefully read the entire Registration Statement and proxy statement/prospectus, when they become available, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Aries shareholders and InfiniteWorld stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary Proxy Statement, the definitive Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Aries’s secretary at 90 N. Church Street, P.O. Box 10315, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY-1003.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication and any oral statements made in connection with this communication are for informational purposes only and shall not constitute a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the transaction, and are not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.
Participants in Solicitation
Aries and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Aries’s shareholders with respect to the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Aries is contained in Aries’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-253806), which was declared effective by the SEC on May 18, 2021. To the extent such holdings of Aries’s securities may have changed since that time, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Proxy Statement for the proposed Business Combination when available.
InfiniteWorld and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Aries’s shareholders with respect to the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed Business Combination will be included in the Proxy Statement for the proposed Business Combination when available.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Aries and InfiniteWorld are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements regarding the proposed business combination and expectations regarding the combined business are “forward-looking statements.” In addition, words such as “estimates,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “future,” “propose,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the control of the parties, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include: the inability of the parties to complete the proposed Business Combination; the risk that the approval of the shareholders of Aries for the proposed Business Combination is not obtained; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, the amount of funds available in Aries’ trust account following any redemptions by Aries’ shareholders; the ability to meet the NASDAQ’s listing standards following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the proposed Business Combination; costs related to the proposed Business Combination; and those factors discussed in the registration statement and final prospectus relating to Aries’ initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 18, 2021, Item 1A. Risk Factors of the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 filed with the SEC on November 22, 2021 and other documents of Aries filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. Aries and InfiniteWorld do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Contacts
Media
Edelman for Aries and InfiniteWorld
InfiniteWorld@edelman.com
Investors
Sam Collins
Aries I Acquisition Corporation
(647) 964-9643
scollins@ariescorp.io
Exhibit 99.2
Disclaimer For the purposes of this notice, the “presentation” that follows shall mean and include the slides that follow, the oral pres ent ation of the slides by members of management of Aries I Acquisition Corporation (“SPAC” or “Aries”), Infinite Assets, Inc. (the “Company” or “InfiniteWorld”) or any person on their behalf, the que stion - and - answer session that follows that oral presentation, hard copies of this document and any materials distributed at, or in connection with, that presentation. By attending the meeting where the prese nta tion is made, or by reading the presentation slides, you will be deemed to have (i) agreed to the following limitations and notifications and made the following undertakings and (ii) acknowledged t hat you understand the legal and regulatory sanctions attached to the misuse, disclosure or improper circulation of this presentation. Confidentiality: This presentation is preliminary in nature and provided solely for informational and discussion purposes onl y a nd must not be relied upon for any other purposes. This presentation is intended solely for investors that are qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 193 3, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and eligible institutional investors outside the United States and has been prepared for the purposes of familiarizing such investors with the potential business combination bet ween InfiniteWorld and SPAC (the “Business Combination,” and the resulting combined company, the “Combined Company”) and related transactions, including the proposed private offering of publ ic equity (the “PIPE Offering, and collectively, the “Proposed Transactions”) and for no other purpose. The release, reproduction, publication or distribution of this presentation, in whol e o r in part, or the disclosure of its contents, without the prior consent of the Company and SPAC is unlawful and prohibited. Persons whom possess this document should inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. By accepting this presentation, each recipient agrees: (i) that the information included in this presentation is confidential and may constitute material non - public informatio n, (ii) to maintain the confidentiality of all information that is contained in this presentation and not already in the public domain, and (iii) to use this presentation for the sole purpose of evaluating th e Company, SPAC, the Combined Company and the Proposed Transactions. No Offer or Solicitation: This presentation and any oral statements made in connection with this presentation do not constitu te an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase, any securities in any jurisdiction, or the solicitation of any proxy, consent or approval in any jurisdiction in co nnection with the Proposed Transactions, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of any securities in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, such offer, solicitation or sale may be unlaw ful under the laws of such jurisdiction. This presentation does not constitute either advice or a recommendation regarding any securities. Any offer to sell securities pursuant to the PIPE Offering will b e m ade only pursuant to a definitive subscription agreement and will be made in reliance on an exemption from registration under the Securities Act for offers and sales of securities that do not involve a public offering. SPAC and the Company reserve the right to withdraw or amend for any reason any offering and to reject any subscription agreement for any reason. The communication of this presenta tio n is restricted by law; in addition to any prohibitions on distribution otherwise provided for herein, this presentation is not intended for distribution to, or use by any person in, any jurisdicti on where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. The contents of this presentation have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction. Participants in Solicitation: Aries and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation o f p roxies from Aries’s shareholders with respect to the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Aries is c ont ained in Aries’s registration statement on Form S - 1 (File No. 333 - 253806), which was declared effective by the SEC on May 18, 2021. To the extent such holdings of Aries’s securities may have changed since t hat time, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be co ntained in the proxy statement for the proposed Business Combination when available. The Company and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies fro m A ries’s shareholders with respect to the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed Business Co mbination will be included in the proxy statement for the proposed Business Combination when available. 2
Disclaimer (Cont’d) No Representations or Warranties: No representations or warranties, express or implied are given in, or in respect of, this p res entation or as to the accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the information contained in or incorporated by reference herein. To the fullest extent permitted by law, in no circumstances wil l S PAC, the Company or any of their respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees, members, partners, shareholders, advisors or agents be responsible or liable for any direct, indirect or consequen tia l loss or loss of profit arising from the use of this presentation, its contents (including the internal economic models), its omissions, reliance on the information contained within it, or on opinions comm uni cated in relation thereto or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Certain information contained herein has been derived from sources prepared by third parties. While such information is belie ved to be reliable for the purposes used herein, none of the Company, SPAC or any of their respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees, members, partners, shareholders, advisors or agents ha s i ndependently verified the data obtained from these sources or makes any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy of such information. Any data on past performance or modelling contai ned herein is not an indication as to future performance. Recipients of this presentation are not to construe its contents, or any prior or subsequent communications from or with SPAC, the Company or th eir respective representatives as investment, legal or tax advice. In addition, this presentation does not purport to be all - inclusive or to contain all of the information that may be required to ma ke a full analysis of the Company, SPAC, the Combined Company or the Proposed Transactions. Recipients of this presentation should each make their own evaluation of the Company, SPAC, the Combin ed Company or the Proposed Transactions and of the relevance and adequacy of the information and should make such other investigations as they deem necessary. Recipients are not entitled to rel y on the accuracy or completeness of this presentation and are entitled to rely solely on only those particular representations and warranties, if any, which may be made by SPAC or the Company to a re cipient of this presentation or other third party in a definitive written agreement, when, and if executed, and subject to the limitations and restrictions as may be specified therein. The informatio n c ontained herein and the parties involved in the Proposed Transactions, any representations, warranties, agreements or covenants between the recipient and any parties involved in the Proposed Transacti ons will be set forth in definitive agreements by and among such persons. The Company and SPAC disclaim any duty to update the information contained in this presentation. Forward - Looking Statements: This presentation includes “forward - looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to opinions and projections prepared by the Company’s and SPAC’s management. The recipient can identify forward - looking statements because they typically contain wor ds such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “ will,” “ projected,” “continue,” “ increase,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “trends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipat es” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words and/or similar expressions that concern the Company’s or SPAC’s strategy, plans or intentions, but the absence of these words does not mean tha t a statement is not forward - looking. Forward - looking statements, opinions and projections are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on t he Company’s and SPAC’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of their business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward - looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company’s or SPAC’s control. Actual results and condition (financial or otherwise) may differ materially from those indicated in the forward - looking statements. 3
Disclaimer (Cont’d) These forward - looking statements also involve significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond control of the Compa ny or SPAC, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the outcome of any legal p roc eedings that may be instituted in connection with the Proposed Transactions; (2) the inability to complete the Proposed Transactions; (3) delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or complete regulatory reviews required to complete the Proposed Transactions; (4) the risk that the Proposed Transactions disrupt curren t p lans and operations; (5) the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Combined Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain key employees; (6) costs related to the Proposed Transactions; (7) changes in the applicab le laws or regulations as well as ability to obtain any regulatory approvals; (8) the possibility that the Company or the Combined Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or compet iti ve factors; (9) the impact of the global COVID 19 pandemic and; (10) other risks and uncertainties set forth in this presentation or separately provided to you and indicated from time to time de scr ibed in filings and potential filings by the Company, SPAC and the Combined Company with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company and SPAC caution that the foregoing lis t of factors is not exclusive and not to place undue reliance upon any forward looking statements, including projections, which speak only as of the date made. The Company and SPAC undertake n o o bligation to and accepts no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, con dit ions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Financial Information: The financial and operating forecasts and projections contained in this presentation represent certain es timates of InfiniteWorld as of the date thereof. InfiniteWorld’s independent public accountants have not examined, reviewed or compiled the forecasts or projections and, accordingly, do not express an o pin ion or other form of assurance with respect thereto. These projections should not be relied upon as being indicative of future results. Furthermore, none of InfiniteWorld or its management team ca n g ive any assurance that the forecasts or projections contained herein accurately represents InfiniteWorld’s future operations or financial condition. The assumptions and estimates underlying such fi nancial forecast information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic, competitive and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the prospective results are indicative of the future performance of Inf initeWorld or that actual results will not differ materially from those presented in these materials. Some of the assumptions upon which the projections are based inevitably will not materialize an d u nanticipated events may occur that could affect results. Therefore, actual results achieved during the periods covered by the projections may vary and may vary materially from the projected results. I ncl usion of the prospective financial information in this presentation should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information are ind ica tive of future results or will be achieved. Any “pro forma” financial data included in this presentation has not been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulatio n S - X of the SEC, is presented for informational purposes only and may differ materially from the Regulation S - X compliant pro forma financial statements of InfiniteWorld to be included any filings with the SEC. 4
Disclaimer (Cont’d) Non - GAAP Financial Measures: This presentation includes certain non - GAAP financial measures on a forward - looking basis such as E BITDA and gross profit. These non - GAAP measures are an addition, and not a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be co nsidered as an alternative to any performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that these non - GAAP measures of future financial results provide useful supplemental information to investors about the Company and its management uses such forward - looking non - GAAP measures to evaluate the Company's projected financials and operating performance. However, t here are a number of limitations related to the use of these non - GAAP measures and their nearest GAAP equivalents and other companies may calculate non - GAAP measures differently, or may use oth er measures to calculate their financial similarly titled measures of other companies. Additionally, the forward - looking non - GAAP financial measures provided are presented on a non - GAAP basis without reconciliations of such measures because not all of the information necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these non - GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is avai lable without unreasonable efforts at this time and due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliations. You should be aware th at presentation of these non - GAAP measures in this presentation may not be comparable to similarly - titled measures used by other companies which may be defined and calculated differently. The inclusion o f financial projections, estimates and targets in this presentation should not be regarded as an indication that SPAC or InfiniteWorld, or their representatives, considered or consider the financial p roj ections, estimates and targets to be a reliable prediction of future events. Trademarks: This presentation may contain trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of other companies, which are th e property of their respective owners, and the Company’s and SPAC’s use thereof does not imply an affiliation with, or endorsement by, the owners of such trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights. Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights referred to in this presentation may be listed without the TM, © or ® symbols, but the Comp any , SPAC and their affiliates will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the rights of the applicable owners, if any, to these trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights. Important Information About the Proposed Transactions and Where to Find It: In connection with the Proposed Transactions, SPA C i ntends to file a proxy statement/registration statement on Form S - 4 with the SEC, which will be used at the meeting of SPAC shareholders to approve the Proposed Transactions. Investors and secu rit y holders of SPAC and the Company are urged to read the proxy statement/registration statement, any amendments thereto and other relevant documents that will be filed with the SEC careful ly and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about the Company, SPAC and the Proposed Transactions. The definitive proxy statement will be m ail ed to stockholders of SPAC as of a record date to be established for voting on the Proposed Transactions. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the proxy statement /pr ospectus on Form S - 4 and other documents containing important information. Documents are filed with the SEC and accessible, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.Investment in any securities described herein has not been approved or is approved by the SEC or any other regulatory authority not has any authority passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering or the acc uracy or adequacy of the information contained herein. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. 5
Transaction Overview Infinite Assets (“InfiniteWorld”) represents the combination of digital asset infrastructure with leading digital asset content creation capabilities Aries I Acquisition Corporation (“Aries”) is a technology focused SPAC with $145M cash in trust InfiniteWorld and Aries are combining to capitalize on deep secular trends at play in the way leading brands use digital assets, marketing and engagement strategies, and cutting - edge technology to drive digital engagement commerce incrementality in the metaverse Overview Capital Structure Valuation InfiniteWorld shareholders are rolling 100% of their equity with all transaction proceeds (after transaction expenses) being retained in the business Current investors in InfiniteWorld include Morgan Creek Digital, GSR, Wintermute, Blockchain Coinvestors, Bill Shihara, among others Pro Forma for the business combination (assuming no redemptions), we expect: ● InfiniteWorld will have $151M of cash to fund the acceleration initiatives ($145M cash in trust and $26M cash balance of Infinite, less $20M of estimated transaction expenses) (1) ● Existing InfiniteWorld shareholders will represent 75% of the Pro Forma ownership at close with up to 50M of additional earnout potential (2) Pro Forma Enterprise Value of $554M, representing 7.8x and 3.2x 2023E and 2024E Revenue, respectively Represents attractive entry point compared to peer trading multiples 6 1) Assumes no Aries shareholder redemptions 2) Pro Forma ownership does not include the potential earnout consideration of up to 50M additional shares issued in equal in cre ments upon the share price achieving $15.00, $25.00 for 20 consecutive trading days between closing and the fifth anniversary of closing
Pro Forma Ownership ($ in millions, except per share data) Sources Aries I Cash Held in Trust (1) $145 Shares Issued to InfiniteWorld Shareholders (2) $525 InfiniteWorld Cash on Hand $26 Total Sources $696 Transaction Overview (Cont’d) Uses Stock Consideration to InfiniteWorld Shareholders (2) $525 Estimated Transaction Expenses $20 Cash to Balance Sheet (1) $151 Total Sources $696 Pro Forma Valuation Share Price (2) $10.00 Pro Forma Shares Outstanding (3), (4) 70.5 Equity Value $705 (+) Debt – ( - ) Cash $151 Enterprise Value $554 7 1. Assumes no Aries shareholder redemptions 2. Shares issued is based on $10.00 per share 3. Pro Forma ownership does not include the potential earnout consideration of up to 50M additional shares issued in equal increments upon the share price achieving $15.00, $17.50, $20.00, $22.50 and $25.00 for 20 consecutive trading days between closing and the fifth anniversary of closing 4. Does not include the impact of warrants exercisable at $11.50
Aries I Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: RAM) raised $144M in its initial public offering on May 18, 2021, to merge with a target in the blockchain, digital currencies, and quantum computing sectors Aries I Acquisition Corp. Acquisition Criteria High growth sector with large addressable market Early - stage curve with ability to take advantage of structural next generation evolution Differentiated approach to secure market position against competitors Clear roadmap that can be turbocharged in conjunction with a strategic capital raise and access to the public markets Uniquely positioned technology infrastructure to underscore transition of commerce to digital world Strong and committed management team with proven track record of innovative growth 8 Our Partners
130 Employees +75 Customers to date Decades Collective experience in digital assets space 9
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The Digital Economy
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4) Crypto.com, as of Jun. 2021 5) Roundhill Investments, as of Jun. 2021 6) Coin Desk, as of Q3 2021 1) DataReportal, as of Oct. 2021 2) UNCTAD, as of May 2021 3) PubMatic, 2020 Global Digital Ad Trends Report Everything Is Being Digitized 4.9B Global Internet Users (1) ~$27T Global E - Commerce Volume in 2019 (2) $479B Global Digital Ad Spend (3) 221M Global Cryptocurrency Users (4) $40B+ Annualized NFT Volumes (6) $2.5T Metaverse Market Size by 2030 (5) 16
1) eMarketer US Generation Z Technology & Media Use, as of Nov. 2021 2) Time spent with select apps (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook) among US iPhone users 3) DataReportal, Cybersecurity Ventures, International Telecommunication Union, Top Design Firms 80% Aged 9 - 17 are daily viewers on Youtube in US (1) 38% Aged 12 - 34 watch live stream gaming in US (1) 43% Aged 18 - 24 that use AR features on social media (1) 29hrs Aged 18 - 25 avg. time per week spent on social media (1) (2) 71% Small businesses are online (3) 42% Aged 13 - 17 that own or intend to own a VR headset (1) 17 (3) (1)
Source: 2019 data from UNCTAD, as of May 2021. 2030 data from GMD Research, as of Jul. 2020 18
1) PubMatic, 2020 Global Digital Ad Trends Report. 2) 2018 - 2022 data from Pubmatic, 2020 Global Digital Ad Trends Report. 2026 estimates from ReportLinker, as of Oct. 2021 19 (1) (1) (2)
1) Crypto.com, as of Jun. 2021 2) NORC, as of Jul. 2021 3) Historical data from CoinMarketCap.com. 2025 estimate from Hayden Capital as of Nov. 2021 20 (1) (2) (3)
1) Roundhill Investments, as of Jun. 2021 2) Reuters, as of Nov. 2021 21 (1) (2)
1) Jefferies Research, as of Oct. 2021 2) Reuters, as of Jul. 2021 3) Business Insider, as of Aug. 2021 22 (1) (2) (4) (3) (5) 4) Christies, as of Dec. 2020 5) Business Insider, as of Nov. 2021
InfiniteWorld Overview
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Capabilities
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Our Offerings Only peer with a full - service suite NFT Marketplace White - Label NFT tools Physical to digital integration Branded content creator partnerships Digital content creation platform Asset Management and Certification Creative agency solutions AI powered physical stand - ins Custom 3D physical environment renderings Brand Licensing 33
Asset Creation The future of product visualization Comprehensive digital product creation Infinitely reusable digital content at scale for manufacturers and brand owners worldwide. Fully standards compliant or bespoke services for one to thousands of products. Producing thousands of real world, physical branded products per month using CGI, PRDKT eliminates the need for photo and video shoots PRDKT Pholio Fantascope Creative agency solutions studio for short - form commercials and NFTs with videos and animation Creative agency solutions focused solely on long - form animated productions , utilizing the same techniques, workflows, and assets from PRDKT and Pholio 34
Asset Creation PRDKT - Digitizing brands and products 35
Asset Creation Pholio - Short - form creative solutions 36
Fantascope - Long - form animated productions Asset Creation 37
Artificial Intelligence layer with deepfake technology can reproduce, in still or animated form, a completely photorealistic likeness of any celebrity, sports star, or real - world person Dubls Takes AI technology one step further by using scans of hundreds of real - world people to generate hundreds of thousands of digital synthespians that have never existed in the real world These photo - real humans can be used by brands as ambassadors, models, and even spokespersons Huemns World Leading CGI Capabilities Asset Creation 38 38
NFTs for the most historic cultural moments Supercar’s digital marketplace for new experiences, management channels and community engagement Hosted, White Label NFT Marketplaces The world’s first NFT goodness exchange Infrastructure 39
The first NFT linked to a physically redeemable collectible, NBA Game - worn sneaker designed by Washington Wizards Star, Spencer Dinwiddie Physical to Digital InfiniteWorld has built the infrastructure for the transfer of ownership in the future by providing a digital watermark, a breadcrumb of provenance that doesn't exist outside the world of NFTs Infrastructure 40 40
Cloud native, microservice platform. 1 of only a handful of companies with access to Google’s ultra - secure core infrastructure Global multi exabyte, 10Gbps data lake, and on - demand VDI solution connects our creators and accelerates content creation by 400% Browser - based SaaS collaboration & rendering Global marketplace for content and product creation that connects brands’ requests for content with the crowdsourced gig economy, creating a scalable source of digital asset creation Scalable production of 3D assets NVIDIA GPUs on Google’s AI infrastructure power next - level CGI real - time creation, deep fake technology for Dubls and Huemns NVIDIA integration technology enables interoperability between global scale content CGI tools, protocols and creators 24/7/365 NVIDIA partnership accelerates AI Infrastructure Category leading asset management platform 41 41
Our gamification vertical allows NFT owners to do more than just be a part of the resale loop. ● We bring greater value to NFT assets by introducing earning dynamics ● Utility tools like messaging and content creation apps are offered to drive engagement ● Common gaming themes have been adopted such as ranking and leaderboards to encourage engagement and healthy competition ● Value is created via rewards in the form of points, virtual currency, and crypto redeemable opportunities for physical and virtual products, and so much more. Mecanique Engagement 42 42
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Product Roadmap Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022 Q4 2022 Dreamview Client Interface Custom client dashboards for content creation, delivery and distribution DreamView Creator Interface Hardware agnostic creator tools that allow certified artists to build branded products anywhere in the world v Dubls Product Launch Photorealistic digital twins of ANY individual, as images or video Huemns Product Launch Unique to digital only, photorealistic humans that can portray branded products in any situation PRDKT Platform Our SaaS based technology, open to the world, for content creation and much, much more... InfiniteWorld v2.0 Streamlined UX and core platform upgrade InfiniteWorld v2.1 Blockchain interoperability, payment, and admin portal Digital Art Infrastructure (TROPE) Safe and secure marketplace for artists to sell truly unique and one of a kind digital art NFTs over SMS Enable sharing of NFTs via SMS Infinite App 2.0 (Physical) Bring together NFC tags with Digital Assets InfiniteWorld v2.2 User generated content (UGC) to enable independent artists InfiniteWorld v2.3 Introduce advanced reporting, analytics, and gamification InfiniteWorld v2.4 Bring additional music capabilities to the marketplace 44 44
Financials
How we Generate Revenue NFT Activity Fees Platform & Subscription Fees Content & Production Fees 1 2 3 ● Percentage of gross sales for every NFT on the InfiniteWorld & partner marketplace(s) ● Percentage of gross sales for all content created via Pholio ● Sales of physical tags ● We charge users of our white - label NFT marketplaces ● We plan to charge fees to users of our CGI digital content creation platform ● We create digital content and assets for clients and charge front and back - end fees 46
Compelling Projected Financial Profile 130%+ Revenue CAGR (2023E - 2025E) ~$384M Consolidated Revenue (2025E) 45% EBITDA Margin (2025E) 13% Average Fee Charged on all NFT Transactions Across Hosted Platforms (2025E) 58 Average Active White Label NFT Hosted Storefronts (2025E) 40,000+ Average Active Subscribers of Content Creation Platforms (2025E) 47
Multiple multi - million dollar deals With large global brands to build white label marketplaces, gamification sites, and high quality digital assets and NFTs ● Multiple key influential leaders ● One of the biggest art galleries and museums in the world ● One of the biggest artists in the world ● Several sports influencers ● Multiple leading automotive brands ● Leading music industry brands and agencies ● Leading consumer product brands ● Multiple artists, and athletes ● Pipeline of +80 deals across brands, artists, sports Deals InfiniteWorld is well positioned to be a strong player in the infrastructure market for the Metaverse 48 48
Marketplace Activity Fees Content & Production Fees Platform & Subscription Fees Note: Assumes no Aries shareholder redemptions and closing in 1H22. 49 $1
$ in millions 2021E 2022E 2023E 2024E 2025E 2026E Consolidated Revenue NFT Activity Fees $0 $4 $22 $70 $186 $463 Platform & Subscription fees 0 4 10 25 67 143 Content & Production Fees 1 11 39 77 131 219 Total Revenue $1 $19 $71 $173 $384 $824 % YoY Growth NM NM 283% 143% 122% 114% Gross Profit $0 $12 $48 $118 $261 $543 % of Revenue 64% 65% 68% 68% 68% 66% % YoY Growth NM NM 300% 145% 122% 108% Operating Expenses $8 $28 $43 $63 $97 $158 % of Revenue NM 149% 61% 36% 25% 19% % YoY Growth NM NM 56% 45% 54% 64% EBITDA ($7) ($15) $8 $61 $172 $394 % of Revenue NM NM 11% 35% 45% 48% % YoY Growth NM NM NM 648% 184% 129% Projected Financial Statements Note: Assumes no Aries shareholder redemptions and closing in 1H22. 50
Valuation & Benchmarking
Peer Benchmarking Sources: Public filings and Capital IQ (for market data and consensus analyst estimates) as of December 10, 2021. NA denotes “No t Available”. 52
Exhibit 99.3
Aries I Acquisition Corporation and InfiniteWorld Transaction
Call Script
Chorus Call Operator
Slide 1: Title Slide
Welcome to the Aries I Acquisition Corporation and InfiniteWorld Transaction Call.
All participants will be in listen-only mode.
I would now like to turn the conference over to Your Hosts.
‘Please go ahead.”
Sam Collins
Slide 2: Disclaimer
Thank you.
I would like to note that this call may contain forward-looking statements, including Aries’ and InfiniteWorld’s expectations of future financial and business performance and conditions, the industry outlook, and the timing and completion of the transaction.
Slide 3: Disclaimer (cont’d)
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and they are not guarantees of performance.
Slide 4: Disclaimer (cont’d)
You are encouraged to read Aries’ current report on Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC today, including the press release and the accompanying presentation, for a discussion of the risks that can affect the business combination and the business of InfiniteWorld after completion of the proposed transaction.
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Slide 5: Disclaimer (cont’d)
In addition, this call includes discussion of financial metrics that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which will be the accounting standards under which the financial statements of InfiniteWorld will be prepared.
For a discussion of these non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to their most comparable financial measures that are calculated in accordance with GAAP, please refer to the investor presentation that is filed as an exhibit to Aries’s current report on Form 8-K that is filed in connection with this transaction.
Please note that management will not be taking any questions on today’s call.
I will now turn it over to Thane Ritchie, Chairman & Founder of Aries I Acquisition Corporation. Thane -
Thane Ritchie
Slide 6: Transaction Overview
Thank you, Sam.
We’re very excited to announce our business combination with InfiniteWorld, a leading Metaverse infrastructure platform for brands.
We see this transaction as an exciting opportunity to democratize the everyday investor’s access to disruptive and decentralized technologies.
We believe we are just at the beginning of a deep secular trend at play in the way leading brands use digital assets, marketing and engagement strategies, and cutting-edge technology to drive digital engagement and commerce incrementality in the Metaverse, also known as Web 3.0.
To that point, in the third quarter of 2021, Web 3.0 outpaced every venture capital category. Out of $6 billion total venture capital investment in emerging technology, Web 3.0 technology reached $1.9 billion in Q3 2021.
It's been written about quite a bit recently – and now seems like it’s almost everywhere.
It’s often framed as a land rush – like buying 5th ave real estate 200 years ago or building Rodeo Drive 100 years ago.
Let me now run you through a quick overview of the deal…
At the close of this transaction, the combined company expects to have up to $171 million in cash on hand before transaction expenses and assuming no redemptions by Aries’ public shareholders.
All InfiniteWorld stockholders will roll 100% of their equity holdings into the combined company.
Slide 7: Transaction Overview (Cont’d)
On slide 7, you can see additional details on the combined company’s capital structure.
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The Business Combination values the combined company at approximately $700 million on an estimated pro forma equity value basis, assuming no redemptions by Aries’ public shareholders.
Existing InfiniteWorld stockholders will represent 74.5% of the pro forma ownership of the combined company at close and up to 81% based on achievement of the maximum earn-out.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022. Upon closing, the combined company is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol JPG.
We believe that the combination of an attractive entry point and a robust earnout that heavily motivates the team to focus on shareholder value creation, this represents an ideal transaction structure that sets up InfiniteWorld for long-term success in the public markets.
Slide 8: Aries I Acquisition Corp.
Now, let me explain how we got here.
Aries is a blank check company that was formed for the purpose of effecting a business combination with a target with a disruptive technology in the blockchain and digital asset ecosystem, aerospace and satellites, quantum computing, AI, machine learning or cybersecurity sectors.
This deal came through our team’s extensive proprietary network. We identified and evaluated and met with nearly one hundred targets that fit the acquisition criteria you see on slide 8. All companies with attractive, disruptive technologies.
This led us to InfiniteWorld.
InfiniteWorld serves as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds. It empowers leading global brands, creators and Web 3.0 companies, with the infrastructure they need to create digital assets and NFTs and engage with customers and fans in the Metaverse.
Further strengthening the company’s capabilities, InfiniteWorld recently combined with one of its key strategic partners, DreamView, Inc., a globally scalable technology company bringing creative strategy and content solutions to brands around the world.
Slide 9: Management Team
We’re very excited for the opportunity to introduce you to the team and this incredible business that they have built.
InfiniteWorld’s management team is a strong group of blockchain, production, visual design and finance experts with deep experience working with large brands and bringing them into the new digital age.
Speaking with you today will be InfiniteWorld CEO, Yonathan Lapchik and COO Nathaniel Hunter.
It is great to work with a team of such high caliber operators in an incredibly fast-growing ecosystem.
I’ll pass the call off to Yonathan.
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Yonathan Lapchik
Slide 10: The opportunity
Thank you, Thane. I'm very grateful for your partnership.
I’m excited to be on the call today and introduce you to InfiniteWorld.
We aim to become one of the biggest players for infrastructure and brokers of digital products for brands in the Metaverse.
We believe we will accomplish this by bringing brands into the digital world and partnering with them to build the digital infrastructure to best engage with their customers.
We are doing this in a very disruptive and scalable fashion, where we can deliver high quality products in a cost-effective way that enable brands to succeed in the digital environment.
Slide 11: The Digital Economy
Turning to slide 11…
In order to understand the digital infrastructure and the capabilities that we are building, it's important to understand how we got here.
So first I’ll talk about the digital economy, how it evolved, and how we are now in an incredible time to finally create this virtual world that we call the Metaverse.
Slide 12: Digital Revolution
Global brands are recognizing that investing in digital strategies in the Metaverse is a new way to engage the consumers of the future.
Gen Z are spending more and more time in the virtual world and gaming ecosystems. This digital revolution created a need for new digital assets, and as a result, NFTs are gaining mainstream acceptance.
Slide 13: The Evolution of the Digital Experience
Looking at the evolution of the digital experience. We started with Web 1.0, which included read-only, static-content sites like Wikipedia or Yahoo.
Then we moved into what we call the social web or Web. 2.0, where platforms like Facebook and Twitter created a new way to engage with brands via social media. Consumers were not only able to read, but now also write.
Today we are seeing what we call the Web 3.0, where instead of having single entities owning the web, we are all owners in “the decentralized web.” In Web3, consumers can own digital assets that they create. That’s the key to understanding the need for new consumer engagement strategies.
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Slide 14: Consumer Engagement Strategies
Brands used to engage consumers through physical marketing and static imagery. Today consumers are engaging with brands in an entirely new digital environment, which is defined as the Metaverse. This creates a unique opportunity to leverage AI to deliver highly personalized experiences that transform how consumers interact with brands and products.
Slide 15: NFTs are unlocking a New Digital Economy
The Metaverse and Web3 give users a way to own the web for the first time, pushing the value from centralized entities to decentralized ecosystems, and NFTs have transformed the concept of ownership, enabling that. For example, a video or a movie that I can buy on iTunes, I can only watch it and own it in the iTunes ecosystem. NFTs allow us to move that asset, be able to play it and interact with it on other systems, and truly own it for the first time.
NFTs provide the opportunity to own assets and to verify their authenticity. This in return creates an enormous business opportunity for creators and brands to customize real and digital assets within the Metaverse. This applies to multiple verticals from art, music, video games, to collectibles.
This creates new use cases for brands to go from the static physical world into the digital world. It allows creators for the first time to create a continuous verifiable royalty stream, among other use cases.
Slide 16: Everything Is Being Digitized
As you can see on slide 16, this evolution is digitizing everything – from the number of internet users to e-commerce volumes, to digital ad spend and cryptocurrency users.
Slide 17: Global Internet Usage
We are seeing global internet users as a percent of the population growing, with expectations that this will reach 90% of the population by 2030, or approximately 7.5 billion users.
Slide 18: E-commerce At A Glance
Turning to slide 18, as user internet adoption continues to grow, this will have significant implications on e-commerce engagement, which is expected to reach approximately $67 trillion by 2030.
Slide 19: Global Total Media Ad Spend Share
These secular trends are driving a significant change in how brands are using digital channels to interact with consumers.
The Metaverse introduces a new way for brands to be able to leverage ad spend to interact with their customers.
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Slide 20: Crypto At A Glance
The decentralized web has also created the need for a channel to transfer value. Crypto enabled all these decentralized ecosystems to talk to each other by creating assets that can transfer value through Web3.
Crypto has exploded in the last few years, reaching 221 million users as of June 2021. As Web3 and the Metaverse grow, we expect these trends to continue to expand.
Slide 21: The Emergence of the Metaverse
And that brings us here, into the Metaverse – a convergence of physical, augmented and virtual reality for the shared online space.
Consumers are increasingly looking for virtual experiences and spending their time in the Metaverse. Social digital identities are going to become much stronger and more important to consumers, and brands will need to be able to interact with those users in the virtual space – from having meetings, to launching products to playing games.
We believe every single thing that we see today in the physical world is going to get replicated into the Metaverse, representing a $2.5 trillion market size opportunity by 2030.
Slide 22: NFTs bring it all together
NFTs are really the asset that connects all these components. Here on slide 22, you can see the tremendous growth of NFTs.
For instance, OpenSea, one of the leading digital marketplaces, recorded $10.4 billion in volume since inception. For a comparison, Christie's, one of the biggest auction houses in the world selling physical assets, saw $4.4 billion in global sales in 2020.
Slide 23: InfiniteWorld overview
In order to enable engagement in the Metaverse, we need infrastructure. Brands need the tools to get into this new digital world. And that's what we’ve built at InfiniteWorld.
Slide 24: Comprehensive platform for creating, selling and driving engagement with digital content
We provide that infrastructure for brands to create next generation content for all these ecosystems – going from E-commerce to entertainment to multi-channel marketing and to NFTs.
Slide 25: End to end solutions for brands
As you see on slide 25, we do this across three main pillars.
The first one is asset creation - how you create assets, replicating this physical world, in the digital world. Our next-gen content production capabilities are powered by a team of Computer Generated Imagery and Artificial Intelligence visionaries, who provide the technical capabilities to create high-quality digital assets and content, including NFTs.
Next is creating the infrastructure for these digital assets. We create white-label NFT marketplaces and tools to be able to deliver and issue these experiences. Our team of blockchain experts has built an at-scale multi-chain interoperable infrastructure platform alongside hosted white-label digital asset marketplace solutions designed to provide brands with the power to create, authenticate and distribute their unique digital assets and content.
The third bucket is engagement - how we use these assets in the Metaverse, connecting users to gaming, being interoperable with different ecosystems and creating real utility for digital assets. We help brands create fully immersive and reconfigurable digital environments to engage with consumers through rich Metaverse experiences.
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Slide 26: [Flywheel Chart]
We are able to deliver tremendous value for leading global brands by helping them deploy digital content and create ecosystems for their assets to live in the Metaverse. In return, we are allowing brands to evolve with their customers and stay highly relevant.
Now I’ll turn it over to Nathaniel Hunter, our COO, who is going to take us through how exactly we do that.
Nathaniel Hunter
Slide 27: We are the bridge
Thank you, Yonathan. Content is becoming a critical part of how brands are representing their products as we move from the physical to the digital world. And our focus is helping those brands navigate how they’re bringing their content into the digital future.
At InfiniteWorld, we’ve built an amazing array of technology and experience for the creation, management, licensing and distribution of branded products.
Our focus is to bridge the gap, from the physical world into the digital for our brand clients.
From eCommerce to NFTs, static content through fully immersive, all brands will need to have digital representations, and InfiniteWorld is here to help empower our clients strategies across their businesses.
Slide 28: Our technology is supporting the movement to Web3
Content…. how it’s produced, and how it’s delivered, and how it’s used, is driving a major transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0….
Integrating brands across all of their representations is becoming increasingly important for their future success with their customers.
With the adoption of crypto technology, NFT's have really broken the mold and allowed us to move digital content with verifiable provenance across this completely new world.
Slide 29: Why choose 2.0
For brands, this poses a complex problem: How do they compete in this new space?
There’s a popular saying you might’ve heard from many providers of services and solutions: To deliver your products and projects, you can have good, fast, and cheap, but, you can only choose two.
This is an issue for brands worldwide, and it’s only being compounded by introducing the digital revolution of the MetaVerse.
At InfiniteWorld, we’ve shattered this stigma, and have built solutions for our clients that allow us to deliver all three, while adding a fourth dimension – scale.
Not only can we deliver quality that is best in class, we do it at a price that’s much cheaper than traditional content, delivering it at breakneck speeds, getting our brands products into the hands of their consumers at global scale.
Slide 30: Partnership slide
Over the last four years, we’ve worked with some incredible brands across multiple industry verticals.
This is just a small snapshot of our clients that span from furniture, consumer products, apparel, art, sports, media and entertainment.
As we move into 2022 and onwards, we believe we have built on our technology and brands solutions to scale into hundreds and thousands of new clients going forward.
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Slide 31: Capabilities
Now, we’ve gone through the size of the market... the shifting from web 2.0 to 3.0... and talked through the business challenges.... but what is our Product Market fit? How does InfiniteWorld provide these offerings to brands across the globe?
Slide 32: Our solutions offer a full suite of tools for brands eager to engage digitally
As Yonathan showed earlier, InfiniteWorld has broken down our solution into three main categories.
· | Asset Creation... |
· | Infrastructure... |
· | and Engagement…. |
Each of these is paramount in crafting a solution that fits the needs of any, and all of our clients.
Slide 32 is a high-level summary of our business unit and product approach to solving this complex problem.
Slide 33: Our Offerings
How do we compare ourselves, though, to our competitors? It’s a bit tricky, as no one company offers the connected solutions InfiniteWorld does, but we can compare our capabilities against the competition we do have.
Not only do we feel we compete and outperform in the areas we do share with our competitors, we set ourselves apart with:
· | Physical to digital integrations |
· | Asset management and certification |
· | AI powered physical stand-ins |
· | Custom 3D physical environment renderings, and |
· | Brand licensing |
Slide 34: The future of product visualization
From NFT marketplaces, to white label tools, physical to digital integration, all the way through the amazing content creation platform that supports them, and the technology that powers it all, we feel we are very well positioned to compete in this space.
Let’s take a closer look at content creation, where we've broken it into three separate business units.
Slide 35: PRDKT
PRDKT, the first of our three distinct content creation units, can deliver thousands of real world branded products and assets per month, typically used for E-commerce and marketing.
On slide 35, you see a number of videos and images that we have built with PRDKT.
Suddenly, brands around the world, of any size, have access to our technology, where we can deliver content that's photo-realistic, or stylized, as images, video, and immersive augmented and virtual reality, at a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the time.
This isn’t photoshop trickery – everything you see here is completely fabricated using our amazing tools, technology and certified artists around the globe.
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Slide 36: Pholio
Next up is Pholio, our short-form, creative content studio, focusing on NFT design and implementation, linear and streaming commercial content, as well as for ads for Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and more.
Pholio, empowered by our Emmy award-winning creative staff and technology, works with brands of all sizes to evolve and expand their creative reach, helping them connect with audiences both young and old.
Slide 37: Fantascope
And last, but by no means least, is our Fantascope division, which is a creative agency solution for long-form animated products.
With decades of feature film, television, and episodic experience in the Fantascope team, we are helping brands tell their stories in a rich and rewarding way.
From Mattel to Bleacher Report, and a number up-and-coming series in the works, Fantascope is delivering engaging content to our brands’ consumers.
Slide 38: World leading CGI
Moving forward as we get into 2022 and 2023, we have built two new products that are going to be released this coming year.
Our Dubls product represents individuals – real-world celebrities, athletes, and stars, using a mixture of custom Computer Generated Imagery, or CGI, and our proprietary deep fake technology that we've developed here at InfiniteWorld.
Take a look at slide 38. This isn’t a photo, that’s a Dubl of Steph Curry from the Golden State Warriors. 100% generated by InfiniteWorld.
We can now take Steph and put him on a boat in Monaco, wearing an Armani suit, and a Tag Heur watch, as an image, or full video, without needing his physical presence.
This means we can deliver photorealistic content of any individual, doing anything, anywhere in the world, or in our imagination. The possibilities, are, dare I say, Infinite.
Our Huemns technology takes that one step further. It allows InfiniteWorld to create digital representations of people that have never existed. These photorealistic Huemns can become champions, ambassadors, or models for companies like Lululemon, Nike, Gucci, The Gap. They never age, they never sleep, and they certainly don’t create a media firestorm at three a.m. in the morning on socials by saying, or doing the wrong thing.
Slide 39: Hosted, White label NFT
Stepping away from our content creation, we get into our hosted white label marketplaces, where we give brands a place in Web 3.0 to bring all of their different products.
Using a brand's visual language to convey a feeling, rather than selling on OpenSea or any of the other fairly generic open markets, each white label marketplace is custom designed to fit the brand's needs, look, and feel to make their products shine.
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Slide 40: Physical to Digital
Connected to marketplaces is our amazing technology that allows us to move physical products into the digital world with NFC tags.
These tags can either be placed on as a sticker, woven into fabric, or integrated into products in a variety of ways.
For example: We can take a shoe that Spencer Dinwiddie wore in an NBA game, put a tag inside of those shoes, and then verify the physical to digital provenance on the blockchain.
When someone buys that NFT through an InfiniteWorld Marketplace, we can then verify that product through our InfiniteWorld mobile application using the NFC trigger inside. This allows us to track physical products into the digital future.
Slide 41: Infrastructure Slide - Google / NVIDIA
All of this is powered by some pretty incredible infrastructure. We have partnered with Google and NVIDIA to build our cloud-native, micro service-based platform that powers all of our different artists and engineers across the globe.
This gives us a market-leading advantage when it comes to creating a scalable infrastructure to allow us to grow to our brand’s needs.
We believe this means that we can deliver tens of millions of assets as we build these products, utilizing them across all of our different business units. Brands can manage every representation of their product from one centralized and secured platform. All supported by NVIDIA GPUs, machine learning and artificial intelligence technology that we're building under the hood.
Slide 42: Mecanique
Mecanique, our gamification vertical, ties into the metaverse itself. From the content that we build in asset creation, to the delivery of these digital items through our Marketplaces, Mecanique delivers true value through utility and engagement.
With our custom game infrastructure, and award-winning game design, our brands have the hooks that incentivize users through different crypto tokens inside of gameplay.
Instead of NFTs being valued only for their rarity, or brand relationship, Mecanique gives these NFT's more utility, and value throughout their evergreen lifecycle.
Slide 43: Here is what we built
Now slide 43 might seem daunting at first glance, but if you look closer, you’ll see how our cloud native foundation, and our service layer, support all of our business units and products. This architecture and technology is the core of everything we do, skyrocketing us past our competitors, and bringing incredible resources and value to our customers.
Slide 44: Product Roadmap
We have releases through all of the different business units through Q4 of 2022. As we've described, each one of these is an intrinsic part of building the future of InfiniteWorld, and the navigation brands’ need for the Metaverse.
Slide 45: Financials
With that, I’ll hand it over back to Yonathan, to provide a financial overview.
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Yonathan Lapchik
Slide 46: How We Generate Revenue
Thank you, Nat. Let’s first start with an overview of how we generate revenue.
We think about our business in three distinct revenue streams.
The first being the NFT activity fees. This revenue stream is directly correlated to the gross transaction values on the various platforms. Within this revenue stream, we have two different offerings - our core InfiniteWorld platform where we have a 100% take on all of the primary sale activities and our white label platform, where we project to have an average take of 15% across all volumes.
The second revenue stream is our subscription services. For white label solutions, we charge our customers a monthly platform fee for utilizing our infrastructure. On the CGI side of the business, DV SaS is our core technology layer we are launching in early 2023. Our open APIs allow external companies to utilize the same software and solutions we have built for ourselves.
The third revenue stream is production services fees. We create digital content for our customers and charge them based on each work order for some projects in the NFT space. We may also charge a royalty type-fee based on the sales price of those digital assets.
Slide 47: Compelling Projected Financial Profile
Today you’ve heard a lot about the attractive dynamics of the digital economy and the increased demand over the last decade for companies to undergo significant digital transformation.
This ongoing transformation has been accelerated over the last two years due to the effects of the pandemic, but it is important to understand that this is not a deviation from prior trends. It is an acceleration in changes to consumer behavior, which brands need to respond to.
We’ve also talked about the incredible platform and full-service suite of end-to-end solutions that InfiniteWorld has created, and our roadmap to continue accelerating our platform development.
All of these factors create a compelling growth opportunity for our company, including a projected revenue CAGR of approximately 130% between 2023 and 2025, reaching approximately $384 million of consolidated revenue in 2025, and estimated EBITDA margins of 45% by 2025.
Slide 48: Multiple multi-million dollar deals
Turning to slide 48, we currently have a pipeline of over 80 brands and artists who want to capitalize on the first-mover advantage.
In order for brands to grow their respective digital footprints, they understand that they need to drive and grow their consumer engagement.
First movers will benefit from increased brand recognition and customer loyalty and are effectively re-allocating overall marketing budget to capture this increased consumer engagement opportunity.
Slide 49: [Pie and bar charts slide]
The company is uniquely positioned with our diverse revenue mix across the market segments. As you saw earlier in our presentation, we have a strong, aggressive roadmap for our product development, which will enable us to achieve our vision of becoming the leading Metaverse offering and growing our three revenue buckets as you see here on slide 49.
We will complement our organic growth strategy with aggressive, strategic M&A, as highlighted by our recent acquisition of DreamView, and we will focus on acquisition opportunities that enhance and expand our platforms and technology.
Slide 50: Projected Financial Statements
Turning to our projected financial statements on the next slide.
InfiniteWorld is a high growth business. We are targeting approximately $19 million in revenue next year and approximately 283% revenue growth in 2023. In addition to growing our topline, we are also focused on driving EBITDA growth, and expect to be EBITDA positive by 2023.
Slide 51: Valuation & Benchmarking
I would like to now pass the call back over to Thane Ritchie to discuss valuation and benchmarking.
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Thane Ritchie
Slide 52: Peer Benchmarking
Thank you, Yonathan.
InfiniteWorld has an attractive revenue growth and EBITDA margin profile compared to peers in the Metaverse, digitization and commerce enablement space.
As you’ve heard from InfiniteWorld’s talented team, we strongly feel the business is on the brink of something special and as a result, that, we at Aries, have an extremely compelling partnership on our hands. We are very excited about the transaction and I’m going to take you through how we believe this transaction, and the business, stacks up against other peers in the public markets.
As Nat and Yonathan have described, InfiniteWorld works with brands and partners to help them create, host and distribute their digital assets and reach consumers in the Metaverse. This is where the world is headed.
InfiniteWorld is a platform, a marketplace, an ecosystem, and a content creation machine. InfiniteWorld addresses both brands and consumers and InfiniteWorld’s model will benefit from a series of diverse revenue sources in a variety of ways. In effect, this is the operating system and a one-stop-shop for the new digital age.
We believe the world is at an inflection point and many companies in both public and private markets, but particularly public markets, are just beginning to address the ways the consumers and brands will engage and conduct commerce within the Metaverse.
The companies you see on this slide reflect a collection of businesses which, in one way or another, address different parts of all the trends we’ve talked about today – those same ones InfiniteWorld will benefit from.
Some businesses on this slide provide infrastructure or host environments for the Metaverse experiences, while others more directly monetize digital assets or provide software that underpins and facilitates the type of inclusion we reference. We believe InfiniteWorld is unique for the reasons we’ve discussed and that the business is poised to address all of the critical segments of this new world we’re all just beginning to enter.
As Yonathan took you through, revenue is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, at a CAGR of 132% vs. the median of 25% of this peer group. We’re confident in our revenue profile, and our growth reflects a bottoms-up build based on contracts signed, or expected to be signed, on a partner-by-partner basis.
We are especially enthusiastic about the growth ahead of us and have a high degree of confidence we’re going to get there. The pipeline is extremely compelling.
InfiniteWorld’s projected margin profile is expected to be particularly strong, especially on the marketplace side of the business, which is an asset-light business model, volume driven or SaaS oriented. The blend of all this is that InfiniteWorld expects to generate high double-digit EBITDA margins in the years to come of 40-50%.
The summary of all this, is that we feel that we’re partnering with a very attractive business at a very attractive valuation – that’s why there’s an earnout in this transaction that reflects the future earnings power of this company. And I want to take a minute to mention this point – this point, that we’re really excited about. The fact that we at Aries are helping to bring a business like this to the public markets; typically, this would be reserved for the exclusive VC community or super high net worth investors.
We look forward to working closely with Yonathan, Nat, and the rest of the InfiniteWorld team to accelerate its platform development, build more brand partnerships, and drive sustainable growth and value creation for its stakeholders.
With that, we will conclude today’s call. Thank you for your time and we look forward to discussing this transaction with you in the future.
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