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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 17, 2022  

 

MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.

__________________________________________________

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 001-34887 86-3289406
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

1405 Pioneer Street, Brea, California 92821

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (714) 613-1900  

 

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

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

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

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

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 MULN The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (Nasdaq Capital Market)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

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

 

Amended and Restated Secured Convertible Note and Security Agreement

 

On June 17, 2022, Mullen Automotive Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an Amended and Restated Secured Convertible Note and Security Agreement (the “A&R Note”) with Esousa Holdings LLC, a New York limited liability company (“Esousa”). The A&R Note amends and restates that certain promissory note dated July 23, 2020, entered into between the Mullen Technologies, Inc. (“Original Borrower”) and DBI Lease Buyback Servicing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“DBI”) for a principal amount of $23,831,553.98 (the “Original Note”). The Company had previously assumed all of the obligations of the Original Borrower under the Original Note upon the completion of its business combination with Mullen Automotive, Inc. (“Mullen Automotive”), in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 20, 2021, as amended, by and among the Company, Mullen Acquisition, Inc., Mullen Automotive, and the Original Borrower. Esousa purchased rights under the Original Note from DBI immediately prior to entering into the A&R Note.

 

The A&R Note extends the maturity date of the Original Note by two years, from July 23, 2022 to July 23, 2024. In addition, the A&R Note provides that Esousa may elect to convert all or any portion of the then-outstanding principal balance of the A&R Note into that number of shares of the common stock of the Company, as applicable, equal to the number obtained by dividing the outstanding principal balance of the A&R Note to be so converted at a 5% discount to the lowest daily volume-weighted average price in the 10 trading days prior to conversion based on the prevailing market value of shares of the common stock of the Company as reported on Nasdaq at close on the date on which a written notice of conversion is delivered to the Company.

 

The foregoing description of the A&R Note is qualified, in its entirety, by reference to the A&R Note, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 1.01.

 

Letter Agreement

 

In connection with entering into the A&R Note, the Company also entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”), dated June 17, 2022, DBI and Drawbridge Investments LLC (“Drawbridge”), pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained therein, (1) DBI and Drawbridge released the Company from its obligations under the A&R Note and related documents, except for such obligations under the Original Note that were assigned by DBI for the benefit of Esousa, and (2) the Company shall grant Drawbridge (or its designee) an option to purchase up to $25 million worth of shares of a yet to be created Series E Preferred Stock from the Company (the “Series E Purchase Option”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Series E Purchase Option, which shall be evidenced by way of a definitive option agreement, Drawbridge (or its designee) shall be entitled, at its option, to purchase up to $25 million worth of shares of a yet to be created Series E Preferred Stock from the Company. The purchase price per share of Series E Preferred Stock will be the lower of (x) the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the effective date of the Option Agreement for the Series E Preferred Stock and (y) the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date shares of Series E Preferred Stock are issued by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement. Shares of Series E Preferred Stock will be convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock on a 1-to-1 basis, subject to adjustment for stock splits and other events. Shares of Series E Preferred Stock may be purchased in one or more transactions with a minimum of $5, 000,000 per purchase, until December 31, 2024, at which point the Series E Purchase Option shall expire. The Company is obligated to file a registration statement for the resale of the Company’s common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of Series E Preferred Stock and shall use reasonable best efforts to obtain and maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement during the term of the Option Agreement.

 

In connection with the exercise of the Series E Purchase Option, Drawbridge (or its designee) will receive warrants to purchase three shares of common stock for every share of Series E Preferred Stock purchased by Drawbridge (or its designee), which warrants will have terms and conditions, such as registration rights, convertibility, dividends, anti-dilution protection, similar to those included in the purchase of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock. The warrants will have a term of five years from the date of grant and an exercise price equal to the applicable purchase price for the shares of Series E Preferred Stock. The warrants will also permit cashless exercise to be calculated as a function of the warrant’s Black-Scholes value plus an additional $1.25 per warrant exercised.

 

The foregoing description of the Letter Agreement is qualified, in its entirety, by reference to the Letter Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 1.01.

 

 

 

 

Item 7.01. Regulation FD

 

On November 5, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the entry into the A&R Note and the Letter Agreement. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and the information therein is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information contained in this Item 7.01 and in the accompanying Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.
  Description
10.1   Amended and Restated Secured Convertible Note and Security Agreement dated June 17, 2022
10.2   Letter Agreement dated June 17, 2022
99.1   Press Release dated June 21, 2022
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded with the inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

 

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.

 

  MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.
     
Date: June 21, 2022 By: /s/ David Michery
    David Michery
    Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

(MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.)

 

$23,831,553.98      June 17, 2022

 

Recitals

 

WHEREAS, MULLEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a California corporation, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (“Original Borrower”), executed that certain promissory note dated July 23, 2020, in which Borrower promised to pay to the order of DBI LEASE BUYBACK SERVICING LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with any and all of its successors and assigns and/or any other holder of this Note, “Original Lender”) the principal amount of $23,831,553.98 (the “Original Note”).

 

WHEREAS, the Original Note was amended by that certain Promissory Note Modification Agreement and Allonge, dated as of February 15, 2021 but effective as of July 23, 2020, by and between Original Borrower and Original Lender (the “Amendment”).

 

WHEREAS, on November 5, 2021, Mullen Automotive Inc. (formerly known as Net Element, Inc.) (“Mullen”), completed its business combination with Mullen Automotive, Inc. (“Mullen Automotive”), in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 20, 2021, as amended, by and among Mullen, Mullen Acquisition, Inc., Mullen Automotive, and Original Borrower (the “Merger Agreement”), and, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Mullen assumed all of the obligations of Original Borrower under the Note.

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution hereof, Esousa Holdings LLC, a New York limited liability company (the “Esousa”), purchased all of Original Lender’s rights title and interest in the outstanding principal amount of, and all unpaid interest, fees and penalties under, the Note and all rights under any and all security agreements, security and pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreement, subsidiary guarantees and/or other guarantees.

 

WHEREAS, Esousa and Mullen now desire to execute and deliver this Note as an amendment, restatement and renewal of, and a replacement and substitute for, the entire principal and interest amount currently outstanding under the Original Note, and the changed terms for this Amended and Restated Note as reflected herein and by the Amendment. The indebtedness evidenced by the Original Note is continuing indebtedness, and nothing herein shall be deemed to release or otherwise adversely affect any lien or security interest securing such indebtedness or the rights of the Lender against the Borrower, any guarantor, surety or other party primarily or secondarily liable for such indebtedness. The Original Note shall be of no further force and effect upon the execution of this Note; provided, however, that all outstanding indebtedness, including, without limitation, principal and interest due under the Original Note as of the date of this Note, is hereby deemed indebtedness evidenced by this Note and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

 

 

 

Agreement

 

This Amended and restated secured Promissory Note and Security Agreement (this “Note”) is entered into pursuant to that certain Settlement, Termination, Release and Equity Purchase and Loan Agreement of even date herewith by and among the parties hereto and Drawbridge Investments LLC (the “Agreement”). For value received, MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC., a Delaware corporation, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (“Borrower”), hereby irrevocably and unconditionally promise to pay to the order of Esousa Holdings LLC, a New York limited liability company (together with any and all of its successors and assigns and/or any other holder of this Note, “Lender”), without offset, in immediately available funds in lawful money of the United States of America, at an address to be specified in writing by the Lender to Borrower, the principal sum of TWENTY THREE MILLION, EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY ONE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE DOLLARS AND 98/100 ($23,831,553.98), together with interest on the unpaid principal balance of this Note from day to day outstanding as hereinafter provided (the “Loan”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Loan has an additional accruing, but unpaid, interest of $5,035,633.12 as of the date hereof.

 

Section 1.      Payment and Maturity Date. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Note and the Agreement, Borrower promises to pay the entire unpaid principal amount, together with all accrued and unpaid interest due hereunder, on or before July 23, 2024 (the “Maturity Date”). The period beginning on the date hereof and continuing through the Maturity Date shall be referred to herein as the “Term.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Term, Borrower will pay interest accrued on the outstanding principal balance of this Note monthly in arrears on the first Business Day (as defined below) of each calendar month, commencing on August 4, 2022 (each such date, an “Interest Payment Date”), and continuing until the Maturity Date, when the entire amount of principal and interest owing hereunder will be due and payable in full; provided, that at Borrower’s sole and absolute election, all or a portion of the interest due and payable on each Interest Payment Date may be payable in kind, with such interest amount added to, and made part of, the outstanding principal amount of the Loan on such date.

 

Section 2.      Interest Rate. The unpaid principal balance of this Note from day to day outstanding shall bear interest at the rate per annum beginning on the date hereof, equal to twenty eight percent (28%). Interest hereunder shall be compounded monthly, and shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. Interest on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note shall accrue on the actual number of days any principal balance hereof is outstanding.

 

Section 3.      Prepayments. Borrower may make voluntary prepayments of the principal balance of this Note, in full at any time or in part from time to time, without premium or penalty; provided, however, that Borrower shall be required to prepay the principal balance of this Note with 50% of the net proceeds (which shall be deemed gross proceeds minus direct selling costs, expenses and commissions) received, directly or indirectly by Borrower and/or its subsidiaries from the issuance of any equity or equity-linked financing (including convertible debt), less any selling commissions, will be applied towards the outstanding amounts owed under the this Note (a “Financing”); and provided, further, that in each case, Borrower shall provide to Lender prior written notice of Borrower's: (a) intent to prepay; (b) the amount of such prepayment (including, in the case of any prepayment with the proceeds of a Financing, the aggregate gross and net proceeds of such Financing to be received by Borrower and/or its subsidiaries), and (c) the date on which the prepayment will be made. In the case of a prepayment to be made with the proceeds of a Financing, such prepayment shall be made by Borrower no later than the second Business Day following the closing of the Financing. All payments under this Note, including any prepayments, shall be made by wire transfer or check in accordance with Lender’s instructions, and shall be payable in lawful money of the United States.

 

Section 4.      Security Interest. Borrower hereby pledges and grants to Lender an irrevocable and continuing first-priority security interest in all of its right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral (as such term is defined below), to secure the prompt payment and performance of all of Borrower’s present and future debts, obligations, and liabilities of whatever nature to Lender, including, without limitation, all obligations of Borrower arising from or relating to this Note. Borrower hereby agrees to execute and deliver such further documentation and take such further actions as Lender may request in order to enforce and protect the aforesaid security interest, including, without limitation, one or more account control agreements by and among the Borrower, Lender and any bank where the Borrower maintains any deposit accounts that are subject to Lender’s security interest hereunder. Borrower hereby authorizes Lender to notify any account debtor on any accounts that are the subject of Lender’s security interest hereunder of the existence of Lender’s interest and further, such notices may direct that after an Event of Default, any further payments shall be made directly to Lender. Borrower authorizes Lender to collect and enforce any of the Collateral, with the proceeds to be applied to the indebtedness outstanding hereunder, without liability to Borrower in connection with any such collection or enforcement and provided Borrower shall pay costs incurred by Lender, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, for such collection and enforcement. Borrower hereby authorizes Lender to perfect its security interest in the Collateral including, without limitation, filing, amending, and renewing one or more UCC-1 Financing Statements or continuation statements in respect thereof, and amendments thereto, relating to all or any part of the Collateral without the prior approval or signature of the Borrower where permitted by law and at Borrower’s expense. Without first obtaining Lender’s prior written consent and so long as any amounts under this Note or the Agreement remain owing, Borrower shall not move, sell, transfer, assign, dispose, or encumber the Collateral outside the ordinary course of Borrower’s business. Borrower shall adequately insure the Collateral for full replacement value and in conformity with industry standard practices and shall list Lender as an additional insured.

 

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Section 5.      Collateral.

 

(a) Collateral” shall mean all of Borrower’s right, title and interest in and to all of the assets of Borrower, including without limitation, the following assets (whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired, wherever located):

 

(i)  All present and future income, accounts, accounts receivable, rights to payment and all forms of consideration and obligations owing to Borrower or in which the Borrower may have any interest, however created or arising and whether or not earned by performance;

 

(ii)  All deposit accounts, securities, securities entitlements, securities accounts, investment property and certificates of deposit now owned or hereafter acquired;

 

(iii)  All other real and personal property now owned or hereafter acquired, including, and all accessories, accessions, replacements, substitutions, additions, and improvements to any of the foregoing, wherever located; and

 

(iv)  All other contract rights, intellectual property (including know-how, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, trade and service marks, licenses; issued, pending, or planned; and registered or at common law), and general intangibles now owned or hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, income tax refunds, credits, deposits, payments of insurance and rights to payment of any kind.

 

(b) Exclusions to Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Collateral shall not include (i) any real property owned by Borrower as of the date hereof or (ii) any hereinafter acquired real or personal property (including, without limitation, all other contract rights, intellectual property (including know-how, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, trade and service marks, licenses; issued, pending, or planned; and registered or at common law), and general intangibles) further to which the seller thereof self-finances or provides seller-backed financing.

 

Section 6.      Corporate Guaranty. In the event that Borrower undertakes a merger, acquisition, purchase and sale, change of control, joint venture, or reorganization, any parent, subsidiary or successor company and any of its subsidiaries shall unconditionally guaranty Borrower’s payment and performance under this Note (as this Note may be amended from time to time) as primary obligor and not merely as a surety.

 

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Section 7.      Rights to Collateral. Lender shall have such rights and remedies with respect to the Collateral as are available under the provisions of all applicable laws, including without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code, in addition to all other rights and remedies existing at law, in equity, or by statute, or provided in the Agreement or this Note, which may be exercised without notice to, or consent by, Borrower.

 

Section 8.      Conversion

 

(a)            Optional Conversion. Lender may by written election elect to convert all or any portion of the then-outstanding principal balance of this Note into that number of shares of the common stock of the Borrower, as applicable, equal to the number obtained by dividing the outstanding principal balance of this Note to be so converted at a 5% discount to the lowest daily volume-weighted average price in the 10 trading days prior to conversion based on the prevailing market value of shares of the common stock of Borrower as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market (or such principle market if not traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market) at close on the date on which such Notice of Conversion is delivered to Lender (“Conversion Price”).

 

(b)            Conversion Process. In the event of the conversion of this Note pursuant to this Section 8: (i)  Lender agrees to surrender this Note for conversion and deliver the attached form of notice of conversion and (ii) Borrower shall, at its sole cost and reasonably promptly following such delivery (but in no event later than three business days after delivery of those items referenced in Section 8(b)(i)), issue and deliver certificates representing the requisite number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock and any balance note (to the extent all amounts owing under this Note are not so converted) and shall pay to Holder cash in an amount equal to that portion of the principal balance, if any, that would otherwise convert into a fractional share of common stock pursuant to this Section 8.

 

(c)            Authorization of Shares. Borrower shall take all action necessary and appropriate to designate and authorize a sufficient number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of this Note, provided that the number of designated shares shall not be less than 28,000,000 shares. In the event that the reserved shares are insufficient to issue all of the shares underlying the conversion of this Note, Borrower shall also take all action necessary and appropriate to designate and authorize a sufficient number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of all convertible securities, including this Note, held by Lender.

 

(d)            Limitations on Conversion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this Note shall not be convertible by a holder to the extent (but only to the extent) that the holder or any of its affiliates would beneficially own in excess of 9.99% (the “Maximum Percentage”) of the common stock of the Borrower. To the extent the above limitation applies, the determination of whether the Note shall be convertible (vis-à-vis other convertible securities owned by the holder or any of its affiliates) and of which such securities shall be convertible (as among all such securities owned by the holder) shall, subject to such Maximum Percentage limitation, be determined on the basis of the first submission to the corporation for conversion. No prior inability to convert the Note pursuant to this paragraph shall have any effect on the applicability of the provisions of this paragraph with respect to any subsequent determination of convertibility. For the purposes of this paragraph, beneficial ownership and all determinations and calculations (including, without limitation, with respect to calculations of percentage ownership) shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The provisions of this paragraph shall be implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this paragraph to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Maximum Percentage beneficial ownership limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such Maximum Percentage limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of the Note. The holders of common stock of the Borrower shall be third party beneficiaries of this paragraph and the Borrower may not amend or waive this paragraph without the consent of holders of a majority of its common stock. For any reason at any time, upon the written or oral request of the holder, the Borrower shall within one (1) Business Day confirm orally and in writing to the holder the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, including by virtue of any prior conversion of convertible securities into common stock, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Note. By written notice to the Borrower, any holder may increase or decrease the Maximum Percentage to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99% specified in such notice; provided that (i) any such increase will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Borrower, and (ii) any such increase or decrease will apply only to such holder sending such notice and not to any other holder.

 

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Section 9.      Events of Default. The occurrence of any one or more of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” under this Note:

 

(a)         Borrower fails to pay when and as due and payable any amounts payable by Borrower to Lender under the terms of this Note and such failure is not cured within five (5) Business Days following written notice thereof from the Lender;

 

(b)         Borrower fails to use reasonable care to protect and preserve any Collateral or fails to keep accurate books and records with respect to the Collateral, and such failure is not reasonably cured within ten (10) Business Days following written notice thereof from the Lender;

 

(c)         Selling, transferring, encumbering, or suffering any material damage or loss of the Collateral outside the ordinary course of Borrower’s business;

 

(d)         Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep or observe any term, provision or agreement contained in the Agreement or this Note (inclusive of Borrower’s warranties, representations, and covenants), other than as provided in Section 9(a) above, and such failure is not reasonably cured within ten (10) Business Days following written notice thereof from the Lender;

 

(e)         Borrower becomes unable to pay its debts as they generally become due or Borrower ceases operations in the normal course; or

 

(f)          The institution by Borrower of proceedings to be adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent, or the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it that are not dismissed within sixty (60) days of filing, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or release under the federal Bankruptcy Act, or any other applicable federal or state law, or the consent by it to the filing of any such petition or the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee or other similar official of Borrower, or of any substantial part of its property, or the making of an assignment for the benefit of creditors (any of the foregoing, a “Bankruptcy Proceeding”), or the taking of corporate action by Borrower in furtherance of any such action.

 

Section 10.    Representations and Warranties. Borrower hereby represents, warrants, and covenants to Lender that:

 

(a)         Borrower is duly incorporated, validly existing, legally competent and has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Note and has duly executed and delivered this Note;

 

(b)         This Note is the legal, valid and binding obligation of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms;

 

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(c)         Borrower’s books and records with respect to the Collateral are true and accurate in all material respects;

 

(d)         Borrower has the present ability to perform its obligations and make the requisite payments under this Note;

 

(e)         During the Term, Borrower shall comply with all applicable laws; and

 

(f)          The execution and delivery of this Note and the borrowing evidenced hereby do not require the consent or approval of any other party (including any governmental or regulatory party), and do not violate any law, regulation or agreement to which Borrower is a party or to which Borrower or any of its assets may be subject.

 

Section 11.    Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Lender may at any time thereafter exercise any one or more of the following rights, powers and remedies:

 

(a)         In the case of an Event of Default specified in clauses (a), (b) or (c) of Section 9, Lender may accelerate the Maturity Date and declare the unpaid principal balance and accrued but unpaid interest on this Note, and all other amounts payable hereunder, at once due and payable, and upon such declaration the same shall at once be due and payable; and

 

(b)         In the case of a Bankruptcy Proceeding, the unpaid principal balance and accrued but unpaid interest on this Note, and all other amounts payable hereunder, shall at once become and be due and payable; and

 

(c)         Lender may exercise any of its other rights, powers and remedies at law or in equity, including foreclosing on the Collateral in accordance with the remedies provided to a lender under the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

Section 12.    Remedies Cumulative. All of the rights and remedies of Lender under this Note are cumulative of each other and of any and all other rights at law or in equity, and the exercise by Lender of any one or more of such rights and remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by Lender of any or all such other rights and remedies. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy shall exhaust it or preclude any other or further exercise thereof, and every right and remedy may be exercised at any time and from time to time. No failure by Lender to exercise, nor delay in exercising, any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of such right or remedy or as a waiver of any Event of Default.

 

Section 13.    Commitment Amount. For the avoidance of doubt, in accordance with Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2022, by and between Mullen Automotive and the buyers listed on the signature pages thereto (the “Series D Preferred Agreement”), in the event there is a Fundamental Transaction as defined in the “Warrants” issued in connection with the Series D Preferred Agreement, the Commitment Amount referenced in Section 8(b) of the Series D Preferred Agreement shall be immediately due.

 

Section 14.    Notices. All notices or elections required or permitted under this Note will be in writing and will be delivered in person, by facsimile, electronic mail or equivalent form of written telecommunication (with confirmation of delivery), or sent by certified or registered mail via the U.S. Postal service, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or by Federal Express, DHL or UPS, to the address for each party set forth on the signature page to the Agreement or such other address as a party may designate in a written notice served upon the other party in the manner provided for herein. All notices required or permitted hereunder will be deemed duly given and received (a) on the date received, if personally delivered or sent by facsimile or electronic mail, (b) two (2) business days after being sent by Federal Express, DHL or UPS, and (c) five (5) business days after deposit with the U.S. Postal Service, if sent by registered or certified mail.

 

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Section 15.    Costs and Expenses of Enforcement. Borrower agrees to pay to Lender on demand all costs and expenses incurred by Lender in seeking to collect this Note or enforce or collect upon any of the Collateral, including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, whether or not suit is filed hereon, or whether in connection with bankruptcy, insolvency or appeal.

 

Section 16.    Service of Process. Borrower hereby consents to process being served in any suit, action, or proceeding instituted in connection with this Note by the mailing of a copy thereof by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to Borrower. Borrower irrevocably agrees that such service shall be deemed to be service of process upon Borrower in any such suit, action, or proceeding. Nothing in this Note shall affect the right of Lender to serve process in any manner otherwise permitted by law, and nothing in this Note will limit the right of Lender otherwise to bring proceedings against Borrower in the courts of any jurisdiction or jurisdictions.

 

Section 17.    Heirs, Successors and Assigns. The terms of this Note shall bind and inure to the benefit of the heirs, devisees, representatives, successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Borrower may not assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Lender. Lender may freely assign all or a portion of this Note.

 

Section 18.    General Provisions Time is of the essence with respect to Borrower's obligations under this Note. Borrower hereby (a) waives demand, presentment for payment, notice of dishonor and of nonpayment, protest, notice of protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration and all other notices (except any notices which are specifically required by this Note), filing of suit and diligence in collecting this Note, and (b) consents to any extensions or postponements of time of payment of this Note for any period or periods of time and to any partial payments, before or after maturity, and to any other indulgences with respect hereto, without notice thereof to any of them. A determination that any provision of this Note is unenforceable or invalid shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision and the determination that the application of any provision of this Note to any person or circumstance is illegal or unenforceable shall not affect the enforceability or validity of such provision as it may apply to other persons or circumstances. This Note may not be amended except in a writing specifically intended for such purpose and executed by the party against whom enforcement of the amendment is sought. Captions and headings in this Note are for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing it. This Note and its validity, enforcement and interpretation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without regard to any principles of conflicts of laws) and applicable United States federal law. Whenever a time of day is referred to herein, unless otherwise specified such time shall be the local time of the place where payment of this Note is to be made. The term “Business Day” shall mean a day on which Lender is open for the conduct of substantially all of its business at its office in the city in which this Note is payable (excluding Saturdays and Sundays). The words “include” and “including” shall be interpreted as if followed by the words “without limitation.”

 

 7 

 

 

Section 19.    Mandatory Binding Arbitration; Consent to Jurisdiction. Except as set forth in this Section 19, the sole remedy for any claim, controversy or other dispute between or among the parties, or any of them, regarding any matter relating to this Note or any breach or interpretation of this Note (each a “Dispute”), shall be settled and resolved by binding arbitration in New York, New York, before a panel of three arbitrators at Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”). Each party shall select one arbitrator and those two arbitrators together shall select the third arbitrator. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with JAMS’s rules and procedures, including JAMS’s Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures, except as expressly modified by this paragraph. In reaching a decision on any Dispute, the arbitrators shall be bound by the provisions of this Note and by the law that the parties have selected to govern the enforcement and interpretation of this Note. The arbitrators shall be required to render their decision in writing. The arbitrators‘ decision on the Dispute shall be a final and binding determination, and such decision may be confirmed and shall be fully enforceable as an arbitration award in any court having jurisdiction and venue over the parties. The arbitrators shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any questions of arbitrability and any such question shall be governed by the New York civil practice laws and rules. The arbitrators shall also award the prevailing party or parties such party’s or parties’ reasonable attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses in accordance with Section 20 below, and shall order the non-prevailing party or parties to pay the prevailing party’s or parties’ arbitrator’s fees and expenses as part of the arbitration award. For such purpose, the arbitrators shall determine the prevailing party or parties. Each party agrees to accept service of process for all arbitration proceedings in accordance with JAMS’s rules. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent any party from (a) seeking and obtaining injunctive or other equitable relief through an action in court; (b) joining any party as a defendant in any action brought by or against a third party; (c) bringing an action in court to effect any attachment or garnishment; or (d) bringing an action in court to compel arbitration as required by this paragraph. The parties agree that in the event the arbitrators decide that a Dispute is not subject to arbitration, all actions or proceedings arising directly or indirectly from this Note shall be litigated in courts having a situs within New York County, New York, and hereby consent to the jurisdiction of any federal court in which such an action is commenced that is located in New York County, New York and agree not to disturb such choice of forum.

 

Section 20.    Attorneys’ Fees. If an action (including arbitration) is brought to interpret, apply or enforce any of the terms of this Note, or because of a party’s breach of any provision of this Note, the losing party shall pay the prevailing party’s or parties’ attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses, court costs and other costs of action incurred in connection with the prosecution or defense of such action, whether or not the action is prosecuted to a final judgment. In addition to the foregoing award of attorneys’ fees, the prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to such party’s or parties’ attorneys’ fees incurred in any post-judgment proceeding to enforce any award or judgment arising out of an action in connection with this Note.

 

Section 21.    No Usury. It is expressly stipulated and agreed to be the intent of Borrower and Lender at all times to comply with applicable state law or applicable United States federal law (to the extent that it permits Lender to contract for, charge, take, reserve, or receive a greater amount of interest than under state law), including but not limited to pursuant to New York General Obligations Law § 5-501(6)(a) and (6)(b), and that this Section 21 shall control every other covenant and agreement in this Note. If applicable state or federal law should at any time be judicially interpreted so as to render usurious any amount called for under this Note, or contracted for, charged, taken, reserved, or received with respect to the Loan, or if Lender's exercise of the option to accelerate the Maturity Date, or if any prepayment by Borrower results in Borrower having paid any interest in excess of that permitted by applicable law, then it is Lender's express intent that all excess amounts theretofore collected by Lender shall be credited on the principal balance of this Note, and the provisions of this Note shall immediately be deemed reformed and the amounts thereafter collectible hereunder and thereunder reduced, without the necessity of the execution of any new documents, so as to comply with the applicable law, but so as to permit the recovery of the fullest amount otherwise called for hereunder or thereunder. All sums paid or agreed to be paid to Lender for the use or forbearance of the Loan shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated, and spread throughout the full stated Term of the Loan until payment in full so that the rate or amount of interest on account of the Loan does not exceed the maximum lawful rate from time to time in effect and applicable to the Loan for so long as the Loan is outstanding.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

 8 

 

 

Intending to be bound, the authorized representatives of Borrower and Lender have duly executed this Note as of the date first above written.

 

  BORROWER:
   
  MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.,
  a Delaware corporation
   
  By: /s/ David Michery
  Name: David Michery
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  LENDER:
   
  Esousa Holdings LLC,
  a New York limited liability company
   
  By: /s/ Michael Wachs
  Name: Michael Wachs
  Title: Managing Member

 

 9 

 

 

FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION OF SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE

 

(To be executed only upon conversion

of the Secured Convertible Promissory Note in whole or in part)

 

To Mullen Technologies, Inc.

 

The undersigned registered holder of the accompanying Secured Convertible Promissory Note, hereby gives notice of its election to convert _______________________ Dollars of the Note into Common Stock at the Conversion Price ($____ , which represents the greater of (i) $10.00 or (ii) 70% of the lowest closing sales price on the Nasdaq Capital Market (or such principle market if not traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market) of shares of the common stock of Mullen during the three consecutive trading days prior to the date of conversion). The undersigned requests that the certificates for such shares of Common Stock (and, if applicable, a new note evidencing the balance of the unconverted portion of the Note) be issued in the name of, and delivered to,                                                                                 , whose address is _________________________________________.

 

Dated:  

 

 

  (Name must conform to name of holder as specified
  on the face of Note)
   
  By:             

  Name:      
  Title:      
   
  Address of holder:
   
   
   
   

 

 10 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

DBI Lease Buyback Servicing LLC ▪ Drawbridge Investments LLC

311 Boulevard of the Americas, Suite 403, Lakewood, NJ 08701

 

June 17, 2022

 

Mullen Automotive Inc.
1405 Pioneer Street
Brea, CA 92821

 

Re:Sale of Note

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Secured Convertible Promissory Note and Security Agreement (the “Note”), dated as of July 23, 2020, by Mullen Automotive Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), as successor to Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation, in favor of DBI Lease Buyback Servicing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“DBI”) and an affiliate of Drawbridge Investments LLC (“Drawbridge”).

 

The undersigned has been advised by Borrower that it has received documentation from Esousa Holdings LLC, a New York limited liability company (the “Buyer”), to purchase all rights, title and interest in the Note on or about June 17, 2022. The purchase price for the Note on such date shall be $25,367,187.10, which represents aggregate outstanding principal and accrued interest of $28,867,187.10, less a discount of $3,500,000 (the “Discount”). If a purchase does not occur on or before 3:30 pm (ET) on June 17, 2022, Borrower shall remain liable to DBI in full for all amounts due under the Note on the Maturity Date (as defined in the Note). Upon DBI’s receipt of (i) a countersigned copy of this letter agreement (this “Agreement”), which shall be deemed an agreement by Borrower to all the terms hereof, including, without limitation, the terms of Schedule B with respect to the option granted by Borrower to Drawbridge (or its designee) to purchase shares of newly-issued Series E Preferred Stock from Borrower (the “Series E Purchase Option”), and (ii) payment and assignment of the Note as provided above (clauses (i) and (ii), together, the “Satisfaction Conditions”), Borrower shall thereafter no longer have obligations under the Note and related documents to Drawbridge, which obligations shall have been assigned for the benefit of Buyer.

 

In consideration of the covenants, agreements and undertakings of the parties under this Agreement, effective upon the full satisfaction of the Satisfaction Conditions and subject to the following paragraph, each party, on behalf of itself and its respective present and former, direct and indirect, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, members, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Releasors") hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the other party and its respective present and former, direct and indirect, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, officers, directors, shareholders, members, agents, representatives, permitted successors, and permitted assigns (collectively, "Releasees") of and from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities, rights, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, obligations, costs, expenses, liens, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, claims, and demands, of every kind and nature whatsoever, whether now known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, matured or unmatured, suspected or unsuspected, in law or equity (collectively, "Claims"), which any of such Releasors ever had, now have, or hereafter can, shall, or may have against any of such Releasees for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever from the beginning of time through the date of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Note and any sums due thereunder. For clarity, the foregoing release shall not extinguish the obligations of Borrower under the Note and related documents, all of which such obligations¸ upon full satisfaction of the Satisfaction Conditions, shall have been assigned to Buyer.

 

 

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge and agree that Drawbridge is accepting the Discount in reasonable reliance on this Agreement and the Borrower’s obligation to execute and deliver definitive transaction documents providing for Drawbridge’s Series E Purchase Option consistent, in all material respects, with Schedule B. The parties also acknowledge and agree that (i) the release by DBI and Drawbridge as Releasors of Claims that each may have against Borrower and its Releasees in the foregoing paragraph is conditioned upon full satisfaction of all obligations included within or related to the Satisfaction Conditions, which include, without limitation, Borrower’s delivery of executed definitive transaction documents providing for Drawbridge’s Series E Purchase Option consistent, in all material respects, with Schedule B. and (ii) Borrower shall provide all necessary information and assistance, including the delivery of a legal opinion of counsel, as reasonably requested by Drawbridge from time to time, in connection with the removal of any restrictive legends from the shares of common stock issued to Drawbridge and/or its affiliates following the conversion of shares of Borrower’s Series A Preferred Stock.

 

The parties agree that in the event that Borrower does not comply with its obligation to consummate the Series E Purchase Option transaction in accordance with the terms of Schedule B, Borrower shall pay Drawbridge the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) as incurred by Drawbridge or any of its affiliates in connection with the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, this Agreement in advance of disposition of such proceeding.

 

The parties shall, and shall cause their respective affiliates to, furnish the other party such further information or assurances, execute and deliver such additional documents, instruments and conveyances, and take such other actions and do such other things, as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and give effect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

This Agreement is the sole and entire agreement of the parties regarding the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings or agreements regarding such subject matter. This Agreement is governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of this Agreement must be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America or the courts of the State of New York, in each case located in New York County, and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action, or proceeding. This Agreement may only be amended, modified, waived, or supplemented by an agreement in writing signed by each party. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts and by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

 

 2 

 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  DBI LEASE BUYBACK SERVICING LLC
   
  By: /s/ Tzvi Davis
  Name: Tzvi Davis
  Title: Authorized Person

 

  DRAWBRIDGE INVESTMENTS LLC
   
  By: /s/ Tzvi Davis
  Name: Tzvi Davis
  Title: Authorized Person

 

Agreed to by:

 

MULLEN AUTOMOTIVE INC.  
   
By: /s/ David Michery  
Name: David Michery  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

 3 

 

 

Schedule A

 

[RESERVED]

 

  

 

Schedule B

 

Principal Terms of Series E Purchase Option

 

Drawbridge or its designee will have the option (but not the obligation), evidenced by way of an option agreement (which option agreement shall include as an exhibit the applicable certificate of designation and form of warrant, among other items (the “Option Agreement”)) to purchase up to $25 million worth of shares of Borrower’s newly-issued Series E Convertible Preferred Stock from Borrower (the “Series E Preferred Shares”), which shall be convertible into shares of Borrower’s common stock on a 1-to-1 basis, subject to adjustment for stock splits and other events

 

Purchase price per Series E Preferred Shares shall be the lower of (x) the closing market price of Borrower’s common stock on the effective date of the Option Agreement for the Series E Preferred Stock and (y) the closing market price of Borrower’s common stock on the date Series E Preferred Shares are issued by Borrower in accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement.

 

oSeries E Preferred Shares may be purchased, subject to reasonable and customary closing conditions (including without limitation absence of material adverse change) waivable by purchaser, in one or more transactions (min. $5M per purchase)

 

oDeadline to purchase is 12/31/24

 

Drawbridge shall receive 3 warrants for each Series E Preferred Share purchased

 

oExercise price is purchase price of applicable Series E Preferred Share purchase

 

oTerm is 5 years from issuance of applicable warrant

 

oCashless exercise permitted – value determined similarly to Borrower’s Series C Preferred Stock terms (i.e., adjusted Black-Scholes function in Bloomberg; to reflect min value modified on 2/10/22 for current Series C holders – Black-Scholes value plus $1.25/warrant)

 

Series E Preferred Shares and warrants will generally be similar to purchase of Series D Preferred Stock, including with respect to registration rights, convertibility, dividends, anti-dilution protection, etc.

 

Initial draft Option Agreement documenting the Series E transaction reflecting the foregoing terms, including the terms of the Series E Preferred Shares, must be provided within 1 month of the purchase of the Note pursuant to the Agreement, and such Option Agreements shall include Borrower’s obligation upon the execution of the Option Agreement and prior to the sale and purchase of any Series E Preferred Shares to file a registration statement for the resale of such securities (provided that to the extent it is not legally permissible to file such registration statement upon signing, Borrower shall have an obligation to file such registration statement upon receipt of a notice of purchase from Drawbridge), to use reasonable best efforts to obtain and maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement during the term of the Option Agreement, and that the SEC declaring such registration statement effective shall be a condition to Drawbridge’s payment for the purchase of any Series E Preferred Shares, consistent with the terms of the Series D

 

Any terms not described above shall be no less favorable than the terms of the current Series C or Series D, whichever is most favorable to Drawbridge

 

 5 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Mullen Extends Maturity of Senior Secured Convertible Note

 

Company extends maturity of $28 million note, due in July 2022, by two years

 

BREA, Calif., June 21, 2022 -- via InvestorWire -- Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, announces today that it has extended the maturity of a senior secured convertible note of $28 million, originally due in July 2022, by two years.

 

The Company originally entered into a secured convertible promissory note (the “Note”) on July 23, 2020, with DBI Lease Buyback Servicing LLC, an affiliate of Drawbridge Investments LLC ("Drawbridge"). Esousa Holdings, LLC, an existing Mullen shareholder, has acquired the Note from Drawbridge and entered into an agreement with Mullen to extend the maturity date of the Note by two years. The original Note was scheduled to mature on July 28, 2022, and the Note is now extended to July 2024.

 

“This note extension with Esousa is important for us, as it preserves our cash flow at a time when the economy appears to be hitting some headwinds, and it provides the Company with a strengthened cash position, allowing us to execute on our EV plans,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive.

 

Further details on this transaction can be found on Mullen Automotive’s most recently filed 8-K, found here.

 

Mullen recently announced the “Strikingly Different” U.S. Test Drive Tour for the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover, covering 19 cities across the U.S. The tour will begin this fall in Southern California and work its way throughout the U.S. Further details can be found here, or place your Mullen FIVE reservation here.

 

About Mullen

 

Mullen is a Southern California-based automotive company that owns and partners with several synergistic businesses working toward the unified goal of creating clean and scalable energy solutions. Mullen has evolved over the past decade in sync with consumers and technology trends. Today, the Company is working diligently to provide exciting EV options built entirely in the United States and made to fit perfectly into the American consumer’s life. Mullen strives to make EVs more accessible than ever by building an end-to-end ecosystem that takes care of all aspects of EV ownership.

 

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Mullen and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, whether the maturity date extension of the Note will be beneficial to the Company and whether the Company’s cash position will be sufficient to achieve its objectives. Additional examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (i) Mullen’s ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Mullen's ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (iii) Mullen’s ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Mullen’s ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Mullen’s business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Mullen’s business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Mullen’s business; (x) Mullen’s ability to protect its intellectual property; and (xi) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mullen anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Mullen assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Mullen’s plans and expectations as of any subsequent date.

 

Contact:

Mullen Automotive, Inc.

+1 (714) 613-1900

www.MullenUSA.com

 

Wire Service Contact:

InvestorWire (IW)

Los Angeles, California

www.InvestorWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

Editor@InvestorWire.com