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
September 9, 2022
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Cayman Islands | 001-41317 | |||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number)
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY |
10065 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (917) 327-9933
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
x | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Warrants | LBBBW | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||
Rights |
LBBBR | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||
Units | LBBBU | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
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 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. ¨
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the pending transactions among Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. (together with its successors, the “Purchaser”), LBBB Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser (the “Merger Sub”), Nature’s Miracle Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Nature’s Miracle”), Tie (James) Li, as the representative of the stockholders of Nature’s Miracle, and RedOne Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, as the representative of the shareholders of Purchaser, and the transactions contemplated thereby, and the parties’ perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction, including the anticipated initial enterprise value and post-closing equity value, the benefits of the proposed transaction, integration plans, expected synergies and revenue opportunities, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth, the expected management and governance of the combined company, and the expected timing of the transactions. The words “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, assumptions (including assumptions about general economic, market, industry and operational factors), known or unknown, which could cause the actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated.
Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Purchaser’s securities; (ii) the risk that the transaction may not be completed by Purchaser’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by Purchaser; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the approval of the business combination agreement by the stockholders of Purchaser, the satisfaction of the minimum cash amount following any redemptions by Purchaser’s public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (iv) the lack of a third-party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transaction; (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Nature’s Miracle’s business relationships, operating results and business generally; (vii) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Nature’s Miracle; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Nature’s Miracle or Purchaser related to the business combination agreement or the proposed transaction; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of Purchaser’s securities on a national securities exchange; (x) changes in the competitive industry in which Nature’s Miracle operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Nature’s Miracle’s business and changes in the combined capital structure; (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xii) the risk of downturns in the market and Nature’s Miracle’s industry including, but not limited to, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; (xiii) costs related to the transaction and the failure to realize anticipated benefits of the transaction or to realize estimated pro forma results and underlying assumptions, including with respect to estimated stockholder redemptions; (xiv) the inability to complete its convertible debt financing; (xv) the risk of potential future significant dilution to stockholders resulting from lender conversions under the convertible debt financing; and (xvi) risks and uncertainties related to Nature’s Miracle’s business, including, but not limited to, risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Nature’s Miracle; risks related to Nature’s Miracle’s limited operating history, the roll-out of Nature’s Miracle’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to implement its business plan and scale its business; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to develop products and technologies that are more effective or commercially attractive than competitors’ products; Nature's Miracle's ability to maintain accelerate rate of growth recently due to lifestyle changes in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic; risks of increased costs as a result of being a public company; risks relating to Nature’s Miracle’s being unable to renew the leases of their facilities and warehouses; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to grow the size of its organization and management in response of the increase of sales and marketing infrastructure; risks relating to potential tariffs or a global trade war that could increase the cost of Nature’s Miracle’s products; risks relating to product liability lawsuits that could be brought against Nature’s Miracle;; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to formulate, implement and modify as necessary effective sales, marketing, and strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to expand internationally; acceptance by the marketplace of the products and services that Nature’s Miracle markets; and government regulations and Nature’s Miracle’s ability to obtain applicable regulatory approvals and comply with government regulations. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Purchaser’s initial public offering prospectus dated March 8, 2022 and in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by the Purchaser in connection with the proposed transactions, and other documents that the parties may file or furnish with the SEC, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and Purchaser, Merger Sub, Nature’s Miracle, and their subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the transaction described herein, Purchaser will file relevant materials with the SEC, including the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and a proxy statement. The proxy statement and a proxy card will be mailed to shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting at the shareholders’ meeting relating to the proposed transactions. Shareholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement without charge from Purchaser. The Registration Statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement, once available, may also be obtained without charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by writing to Purchaser at 667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF PURCHASER ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS THAT PURCHASER WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASER, NATURE’S MIRACLE AND THE TRANSACTIONS.
Participants in Solicitation
Purchaser, Merger Sub, Nature’s Miracle, certain stockholders of Nature’s Miracle, and their respective directors, executive officers and employees and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Purchaser ordinary shares in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Purchaser’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Purchaser’s ordinary shares is set forth in Purchaser’s initial public offering prospectus dated March 8, 2022 and other filings by the Purchaser filed with the SEC. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation will be included in the proxy statement pertaining to the proposed transaction when it becomes available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
No Offer or Solicitation
This Current Report on Form 8-K is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential business combination or any other matter and will not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Purchaser, Nature’s Miracle or the combined company, nor will there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material definitive Agreement.
On September 9, 2022, Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (together with its successors, including after the Reincorporation (as defined below), the “Purchaser”), LBBB Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser (the “Merger Sub”), Nature’s Miracle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Nature’s Miracle” or the “Company”), Tie (James) Li, as the representative of the stockholders of Nature’s Miracle, and RedOne Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, the Purchaser’s sponsor (the “Sponsor”), acting as the representative of the stockholders of Purchaser, entered into a Merger Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”).
The Merger and Merger Consideration
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Nature’s Miracle will merge with Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Nature’s Miracle surviving and the Purchaser acquiring 100% of the equity securities of Nature’s Miracle. In exchange for their equity securities, the stockholders of Nature’s Miracle (the “Company Stockholders”) will receive an aggregate number of shares of common stock (the “Purchaser Common Stock”) of the Purchaser (the “Merger Consideration”) with an aggregate value equal to: (a) two hundred thirty million U.S. dollars ($230,000,000), minus (b) any Closing Net Indebtedness (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
At the effective time, each share of the Company’s Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (other than the dissenting shares to be canceled) will be canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive, without interest, the applicable pro rata portion of the Closing Payment Shares (as defined below) for such number of shares of Company Common Stock. Under the Merger Agreement, “Closing Payment Shares” means such number of Purchaser Common Stock equal to $230,000,000, divided by $10.00.
The Merger Consideration otherwise payable to Company Stockholders is subject to the withholding of a number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock equal to three percent (3.0%) of the Merger Consideration to be placed in escrow for post-closing adjustments (if any) to the Merger Consideration, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement following the Closing.
The parties agreed that immediately following the Closing, Purchaser’s board of directors will consist of seven (7) individuals, with the identity of six of those individuals and allocation of all individuals among the staggered tiers of the post-business combination company’s board of directors (and the appointment of such persons to committees of the board) to be determined by Nature’s Miracle’s current board of directors, and the remaining individual to be appointed by the Sponsor, subject to Nature’s Miracle’s approval (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld).
Reincorporation of the Purchaser
Immediately prior to the Merger, the Purchaser will reincorporate into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger of Purchaser with and into a newly formed Delaware corporation (the “Reincorporation”), and subject to the receipt of the approval of the shareholders of the Purchaser to the Reincorporation terms, the Purchaser will adopt Delaware organizational documents, which will provide, among other things, that the name of the Purchaser will be amended to be “Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc.”
Immediately prior to the effective time of the Reincorporation, every issued and outstanding unit of the Purchaser (“Purchaser Unit”) will separate into their individual components of one ordinary share of the Purchaser (the “Purchaser Ordinary Share”), one-half of one warrant of the Purchaser entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Purchaser Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per share (the “Purchaser Warrants”) and one right of the Purchaser entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth of one Purchaser Ordinary Share (the “Purchaser Rights”), and all Purchaser Units will cease to be outstanding and will automatically be canceled and retired and cease to exist. At the Reincorporation effective time, each Purchaser Ordinary Share will be converted into one share of Purchaser Common Stock and each Purchaser Warrant will remain outstanding but will be automatically adjusted to become one Purchaser Warrant under Delaware law. At the Closing, all Purchaser Rights will cease to be outstanding and will automatically be canceled and retired and will cease to exist. The holders of Purchaser Rights instead will receive one-tenth of one share of Purchaser Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of each Purchaser Right; provided that no fractional shares will be issued and all fractional shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.
Representations and Warranties
In the Merger Agreement, Nature’s Miracle makes certain representations and warranties (with certain exceptions set forth in the disclosure schedules to the Merger Agreement) relating to, among other things: (a) proper corporate organization of Nature’s Miracle and its subsidiaries and similar corporate matters; (b) authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of the Merger Agreement and other transaction documents; (c) absence of conflicts; (d) capital structure; (e) accuracy of charter documents and corporate records; (f) required consents and approvals; (g) financial information; (h) absence of certain changes or events; (i) title to assets and properties; (j) material contracts; (k) ownership of real property; (l) licenses and permits; (m) compliance with laws, including those relating to foreign corrupt practices and money laundering; (n) ownership of intellectual property; (o) customers and suppliers; (p) employment and labor matters; (q) taxes and audits; (r) brokers and finders; (s) that Nature’s Miracle is not an investment company; (t) absence of litigation; and (u) other customary representations and warranties.
In the Merger Agreement, Purchaser and Merger Sub make certain representations and warranties relating to, among other things: (a) proper corporate organization and similar corporate matters; (b) authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of the Merger Agreement and other transaction documents; (c) litigation; (d) brokers and finders; (e) capital structure; (f) validity of share issuance; (g) validity of Nasdaq listing; (h) SEC filing requirements and financial statements; (i) that Purchaser is not an investment company; and (j) compliance with laws, including those relating to money laundering.
Conduct Prior to Closing; Covenants
Each of Nature’s Miracle and Purchaser has agreed to, and cause its subsidiaries to, operate the business in the ordinary course, consistent with past practices, prior to the Closing (with certain exceptions) and not to take certain specified actions without the prior written consent of the other party.
The Merger Agreement also contains, among other things, covenants providing for:
● | Each party providing access to their books and records and providing information relating to their respective business to the other party, its legal counsel and other representatives; |
● | Nature’s Miracle delivering the financial statements required by Purchaser to make applicable filings with the SEC; |
● | Purchaser timely filing all of its public filings with the SEC and otherwise complying with applicable securities laws and using its reasonable best efforts prior to the Closing to maintain the listing of Purchaser Units, Purchaser Ordinary Shares, Purchaser Rights and Purchaser Warrants on The Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”); |
● | The parties will not solicit, initiate, encourage or continue discussions with any third party with respect to any transaction other than the transactions contemplated or permitted by the Merger Agreement; and |
● | The Purchaser, with the reasonable assistance of Nature’s Miracle, will file and cause to become effective a registration statement on S-4 (the “Form S-4”) registering the Purchaser Common Stock, which will also contain a proxy statement of Purchaser for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Purchaser’s shareholders for approval of certain matters related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. |
Conditions to Closing
General Conditions
Consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement is conditioned on, among other things, (i) the absence of any order or provisions of any applicable law prohibiting the transactions or preventing the transactions; (ii) Purchaser and Nature’s Miracle receiving approval from their respective stockholders to the transactions; (iii) the Purchaser Common Stock having been approved for listing on Nasdaq, and (iv) the SEC having declared the Form S-4 effective.
Nature’s Miracle’s Conditions to Closing
The obligations of Nature’s Miracle to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in addition to the conditions described above, are conditioned upon each of the following, among other things:
● | The Purchaser complying with all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement in all material respects; |
● | the representations and warranties of the Purchaser being true on and as of the Closing, other than as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement); and |
● | there having been no Material Adverse Effect to Purchaser. |
Purchaser’s Conditions to Closing
The obligations of Purchaser and Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, in addition to the conditions described above in the first paragraph of this section, are conditioned upon each of the following, among other things:
● | the representations and warranties of Nature’s Miracle being true on and as of the Closing, other than as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; |
● | Nature’s Miracle complying with all of the obligations under the Merger Agreement in all material respects; and |
● | there having been no Material Adverse Effect to Nature’s Miracle’s business. |
Termination
The Merger Agreement may be terminated and/or abandoned at any time prior to the Closing, whether before or after approval of the proposals being presented to Purchaser’s stockholders, upon mutual agreement of the parties or by:
● | either Purchaser or Nature’s Miracle, if the Closing has not occurred by June 11, 2023 (the “Outside Date”), provided that no material breach of the Merger Agreement by the party seeking to terminate the Merger Agreement will have occurred or have been made; | |
● | either Purchaser or Nature’s Miracle, if a Governmental Authority (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of competent jurisdiction will have issued an order or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and such order or other action has become final and non-appealable; |
● | Purchaser, if Nature’s Miracle has breached any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant contained in the Merger Agreement, such that the conditions to Purchaser’s obligations to close would not be met, and such breach has not been cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days following the receipt by Nature’s Miracle of a notice describing such breach and (B) the Outside Date; |
● | Nature’s Miracle, if Purchaser has breached any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant contained in the Merger Agreement, such that the conditions to Nature’s Miracle’s obligations to close would not be met, and such breach has not been cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days following the receipt by Purchaser a notice describing such breach and (B) the Outside Date; | |
● | Purchaser, if there will have been a Material Adverse Effect on Nature’s Miracle’s business taken as a whole following the date of the Merger Agreement which is uncured for at least ten (10) business days after written notice of such Material Adverse Effect is provided by Purchaser to Nature’s Miracle; |
● | either Nature’s Miracle or Purchaser, if the Merger Agreement, the plan of merger or the transactions fail to be authorized or approved by Purchaser shareholders; or |
● | Purchaser, if the stockholders of Nature’s Miracle do not approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder; or | |
● | Purchaser, if the closing conditions under the Merger Agreement have been satisfied or waived and the Purchaser has confirmed by written notice that it is willing and able to consummate the Closing, and Nature’s Miracle will have failed to consummate such transactions within ten (10) business days after such notice. |
Indemnification
The Merger Agreement does not provide for indemnification obligations for any party. All representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement will terminate as of the closing date.
The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the actual agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
Stock Exchange Listing
Purchaser will take commercially reasonable actions to cause the Purchaser Common Stock issued in connection with the Merger Agreement to be approved for listing on The Nasdaq Global Market at Closing. During the period from the date of the Merger Agreement until the Closing, Purchaser will use reasonable best efforts to maintain the listing of its units, ordinary shares, and warrants for trading on Nasdaq.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
This section describes the material provisions of certain additional agreements entered into or to be entered into pursuant to the Merger Agreement (the “Ancillary Documents”) but does not purport to describe all of the terms thereof. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of each of the Ancillary Documents, copies or forms of each of which are attached hereto as exhibits. Shareholders and other interested parties are urged to read such Ancillary Documents in their entirety.
Purchaser Support Agreement
In connection with their entry into the Merger Agreement, Purchaser and Nature’s Miracle entered into the Purchaser Support Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2022 (the “Purchaser Support Agreement”), with the initial shareholders of the Purchaser (the “Supporters”), pursuant to which the Supporters agreed (i) to vote the Purchaser ordinary shares held by them in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder, (ii) to not transfer, during the term of the Purchaser Support Agreement, any Purchaser Common Stock owned by them, and (iii) to not transfer any Purchaser Common Stock held by them in accordance with the lock-up provisions set forth in the Purchaser’s final prospectus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2022.
The foregoing description of the Purchaser Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the actual agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.
Voting and Support Agreement
In connection with their entry into the Merger Agreement, Purchaser and Nature’s Miracle entered into a Voting and Support Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2022 (the “Voting and Support Agreement”), with certain Company Stockholders, pursuant to which such Company Stockholders agreed, among other things, (i) to vote the Company Stock (as defined in the Merger Agreement) held by them in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder, (ii) authorize and approve any amendment to the Company’s Organizational Documents (as defined in the Merger Agreement) that is deemed necessary or advisable by Nature’s Miracle for purposes of effecting the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement, and (iii) to not transfer, during the term of the Voting and Support Agreement, any Company Stock owned by them, except as permitted under the terms of the Voting and Support Agreement.
The foregoing description of the Voting and Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the actual agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.
Lock-up Agreement
In connection with their entry into the Merger Agreement, Purchaser and Nature’s Miracle entered into a Lock-Up Agreement (the “Lock-up Agreement”) with certain Company Stockholders whose names appear on the signature pages thereto (such stockholders, the “Company Holders”), pursuant to which each Company Holder agreed that each such holder will not, during the Lock-up Period (as defined below), offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the shares issued in connection with the Merger (the “Lock-up Shares”), enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such shares, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of any such shares, in cash, or otherwise. As used herein, “Lock-Up Period” means the period commencing on the closing date of the Merger and ending on the earlier of: (i) six months after the Closing; and (ii) with respect to Lock-up Shares not held by a Significant Company Stockholder (as defined in the Merger Agreement) only, if the volume weighted average price of the Purchaser Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share for any 20 trading days within any 30 consecutive trading days beginning 90 days after the Closing.
The foregoing description of the Lock-Up Agreement is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of the Lock-Up Agreement, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.3 hereto, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.
Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement
At Closing, the Purchaser, Nature’s Miracle and each of Tie (James) Li, Zhiyi “Johnathan” Zhang and Wei Yang (the “Key Management Members”) will enter into non-competition and non-solicitation agreements (the “Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements”), pursuant to which the Key Management Members and their affiliates will agree not to compete with Purchaser during the two-year period following the Closing and, during such two-year restricted period, not to solicit employees or customers or clients of such entities. The agreements also contains customary non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions.
The foregoing description of the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.4 hereto, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.
Voting Agreement
At Closing, Purchaser and certain Company Stockholders will enter into a voting agreement (the “Voting Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Sponsor will be granted a right to nominate a director to the post-business combination board of directors.
The foregoing description of the Voting Agreement is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of Voting Agreement, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.5 hereto, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.
Nature’s Miracle, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan
At the Closing, the Nature’s Miracle, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Equity Incentive Plan”) will provide for the grant of equity incentives up to a maximum of 10% of the shares of the Purchaser Common Stock outstanding immediately after the Closing to the directors, employees, and consultants of Nature’s Miracle Holding, Inc.
The foregoing description of the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the form of the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.6 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
Employment Agreement with Tie “James” Li
In connection with entry into the Merger Agreement, Purchaser and Tie “James” Li entered into an Employment Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2022 (the “Employment Agreement”), subject to and effective upon closing of the business combination. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, the Purchaser agreed to employ Mr. Li as Chief Executive Officer of the post-business combination company. The term of employment is a period of five years, with automatic one-year extensions unless either party gives the other party one-month prior written notice. The Employment Agreement provides for payment of $300,000 per annum in cash compensation and Mr. Li will be eligible to participate in the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan or any other future incentive plan of the post-business combination company, as well as any standard employee benefit plan of the post-business combination company, including, any retirement plan, life insurance plan, health insurance plan and travel/holiday plan. Purchaser may terminate the employment for cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, including but not limited to the commitments of any serious or persistent breach or non-observance of the terms and conditions of the employment, conviction of a criminal offense, willful disobedience of a lawful and reasonable order, fraud or dishonesty, or engages or in any manner participates in any activity which is competitive with or intentionally injurious to the post-business combination company, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Mr. Li may resign at any time with one-month prior written notice. Mr. Li has agreed to hold, both during and after the Employment Agreement expires, in strict confidence and not to use or disclose to any person, corporation or other entity without written consent, any confidential information.
The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.7 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
Registration Rights Agreement
At the Closing, Purchaser, the Supporters and certain Company Stockholders (collectively, the “Subject Parties”) will enter into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Purchaser will be obligated to file a registration statement to register the resale of certain securities of Purchaser held by the Subject Parties. The Registration Rights Agreement will also provide the Subject Parties with “piggy-back” registration rights, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions.
Escrow Agreement
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Purchaser, Tie (James) Li, as the representative of the Company Stockholders, and an escrow agent will enter into an Escrow Agreement pursuant to which Purchaser will deposit a number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock equal to three percent (3.0%) of the Merger Consideration in escrow for post-closing adjustments (if any) to the Merger Consideration as contemplated under the Merger Agreement.
Item 5.02. | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
The information set forth above in Item 1.01 of this Report under the heading “Employment Agreement with Tie “James” Li” is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 7.01. | Regulation FD Disclosure. |
On September 9, 2022, Purchaser and Nature’s Miracle issued a joint press release announcing the execution of the Merger Agreement. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.
Furnished as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and incorporated into this Item 7.01 by reference is the investor presentation that Purchaser and Nature’s Miracle have prepared for use in connection with the announcement of the execution of the Merger Agreement.
The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, is being furnished and will not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise be subject to the liabilities of that section, nor will it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit No. | Description | |
2.1 | Merger Agreement dated September 9, 2022 | |
10.1 | Form of Purchaser Support Agreement | |
10.2 | Form of Voting and Support Agreement | |
10.3 | Form of Lock-up Agreement | |
10.4 | Form of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement | |
10.5 | Form of Voting Agreement | |
10.6 | Form of 2022 Equity Incentive Plan | |
10.7 | Employment Agreement | |
99.1 | Press Release dated September 9, 2022 | |
99.2 | Investor Presentation | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within 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.
Dated: September 12, 2022
LAKESHORE ACQUISITION II CORP.
By: | /s/ Deyin (Bill) Chen | |
Name: | Deyin (Bill) Chen | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
by and among
Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp.,
as the Purchaser,
LBBB Merger Sub Inc.,
as Merger Sub,
RedOne Investment Limited,
in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative,
Tie (James) Li,
in the capacity as the Seller Representative,
and
Nature’s Miracle Inc.,
as the Company,
Dated as of September 9, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Page | ||
ARTICLE I MERGER | 2 | |
1.1 | Merger | 2 |
1.2 | Effective Time | 3 |
1.3 | Effect of the Merger | 3 |
1.4 | Tax Treatment | 3 |
1.5 | Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Surviving Corporation | 3 |
1.6 | Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation | 3 |
1.7 | Reincorporation of the Purchaser | 4 |
1.8 | Merger Consideration | 4 |
1.9 | Conversion of Company Shares | 5 |
1.10 | Treasury Stock | 5 |
1.11 | Rights Cease to Exist | 5 |
1.12 | Dissenting Shares | 5 |
1.13 | Surrender of Company Securities and Disbursement of Merger Consideration | 5 |
1.14 | Effect of Transaction on Merger Sub Stock | 7 |
1.15 | Closing Calculations | 7 |
1.16 | Merger Consideration Adjustment | 7 |
1.17 | Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action | 10 |
1.18 | Appraisal and Dissenter’s Rights | 10 |
1.19 | Escrow | 11 |
1.20 | Withholding Rights | 11 |
ARTICLE II CLOSING | 11 | |
2.1 | Closing | 11 |
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND MERGER SUB | 12 | |
3.1 | Organization and Standing | 12 |
3.2 | Authorization; Binding Agreement | 12 |
3.3 | Governmental Approvals | 13 |
3.4 | Non-Contravention | 13 |
3.5 | Capitalization | 14 |
3.6 | SEC Filings and Purchaser Financials | 16 |
3.7 | Absence of Certain Changes | 17 |
3.8 | Compliance with Laws | 17 |
3.9 | Actions; Orders; Permits | 17 |
3.10 | Taxes and Returns | 17 |
3.11 | Employees and Employee Benefit Plans | 18 |
3.12 | Properties | 18 |
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3.13 | Material Contracts | 18 |
3.14 | Transactions with Affiliates | 19 |
3.15 | Merger Sub Activities | 19 |
3.16 | Investment Company Act | 19 |
3.17 | Finders and Brokers | 19 |
3.18 | Ownership of Stockholder Merger Consideration | 19 |
3.19 | Certain Business Practices | 19 |
3.20 | Insurance | 20 |
3.21 | Purchaser Trust Account | 20 |
3.22 | Independent Investigation | 21 |
3.23 | Indebtedness | 21 |
3.24 | Litigation; Permits | 21 |
3.25 | No Other Representations | 21 |
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY | 22 | |
4.1 | Organization and Standing | 22 |
4.2 | Authorization; Binding Agreement | 22 |
4.3 | Capitalization | 23 |
4.4 | Subsidiaries | 24 |
4.5 | Governmental Approvals | 24 |
4.6 | Non-Contravention | 24 |
4.7 | Financial Statements | 25 |
4.8 | Absence of Certain Changes | 27 |
4.9 | Compliance with Laws | 27 |
4.10 | Company Permits | 27 |
4.11 | [Reserved] | 27 |
4.12 | Litigation | 27 |
4.13 | Material Contracts | 28 |
4.14 | Intellectual Property | 30 |
4.15 | Taxes and Returns | 33 |
4.16 | Real Property | 35 |
4.17 | Personal Property | 35 |
4.18 | Title to and Sufficiency of Assets | 35 |
4.19 | Employee Matters | 36 |
4.20 | Benefit Plans | 37 |
4.21 | Environmental Matters | 39 |
4.22 | Transactions with Related Persons | 40 |
4.23 | Insurance | 41 |
4.24 | Books and Records | 41 |
4.25 | Top Customers and Suppliers | 42 |
4.26 | Certain Business Practices | 42 |
4.27 | Investment Company Act | 43 |
4.28 | Finders and Brokers | 43 |
4.29 | Independent Investigation | 43 |
4.30 | Information Supplied | 43 |
4.31 | Disclosure | 43 |
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ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS | 72 | |
10.1 | Non-Recourse | 72 |
10.2 | Notices | 72 |
10.3 | Binding Effect; Assignment | 73 |
10.4 | Third Parties | 73 |
10.5 | Arbitration | 74 |
10.6 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction | 74 |
10.7 | WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 75 |
10.8 | Specific Performance | 75 |
10.9 | Severability | 75 |
10.10 | Amendment | 75 |
10.11 | Waiver | 76 |
10.12 | Entire Agreement | 76 |
10.13 | Interpretation | 76 |
10.14 | Counterparts | 77 |
10.15 | Purchaser Representative | 77 |
10.16 | Seller Representative | 79 |
10.17 | Legal Representation | 81 |
ARTICLE XI DEFINITIONS | 82 | |
11.1 | Certain Definitions | 82 |
11.2 | Section References | 93 |
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INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit | Description |
Exhibit A | Form of Voting and Support Agreement |
Exhibit B | Form of Purchaser Support Agreement |
Exhibit C | Form of Lock-Up Agreement |
Exhibit D | Form of Non-Competition Agreement |
Exhibit E | Form of Amended Organizational Documents |
Exhibit F | Form of Equity Incentive Plan |
Exhibit G | Form of Voting Agreement |
Exhibit H | Form of Employment Agreement |
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This Agreement and Plan of Merger (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of September 9, 2022 by and among (i) Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (which shall reincorporate as a Delaware corporation in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby) (together with its successors, including after the Reincorporation (as defined below), the “Purchaser”), (ii) LBBB Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser (“Merger Sub”), (iii) RedOne Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, in the capacity as the representative from and after the Effective Time (as defined below) for the stockholders of the Purchaser (other than the Company Security Holders (as defined below) as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and their successors and assignees) in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (the “Purchaser Representative”), (iv) Tie (James) Li, an individual, in the capacity as the representative from and after the Effective Time for the Company Stockholders (as defined below) as of immediately prior to the Effective Time in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (the “Seller Representative”), and (v) Nature’s Miracle Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). The Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Purchaser Representative, the Seller Representative and the Company are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties.”
RECITALS:
A. The Company, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, provides hardware as well as software to design, build and operate various indoor growing settings including greenhouse and indoor-growing spaces in North America; ;
B. The Purchaser owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Merger Sub, which was formed for the sole purpose of the Merger (as defined below);
C. Prior to the consummation of the Merger (as defined below), the Purchaser shall continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware
so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation pursuant to the Cayman Islands Companies Law (2020 Revision) (the “Cayman Islands Companies Law”) and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (as amended, the “DGCL”);
D. The Parties intend to effect the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving entity (the “Merger”), as a result of which all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist, in exchange for the right for each Company Stockholder to receive its Pro Rata Share (as defined herein) of the Stockholder Merger Consideration (as defined herein), all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL, all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
E. The boards of directors of the Company, the Purchaser and Merger Sub have each (i) determined that the Merger (preceded by the Reincorporation) is fair, advisable and in the best interests of their respective companies and stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, as applicable, the Reincorporation and the Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, and (iii) determined to recommend to their respective stockholders the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, as applicable, the Reincorporation and the Merger;
F. The Purchaser has received voting and support agreements in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “Voting and Support Agreements”) signed by the Company, its Key Management Members and directors, and the Significant Company Holders (as defined herein) sufficient to approve the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
G. Contemporaneously with the execution of, and as a condition and an inducement to the Purchaser and the Company entering into this Agreement, the Sponsor and other specified shareholders of the Purchaser are entering into and delivering support agreements, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, pursuant to which the Sponsor and each such Purchaser shareholder has agreed (i) not to transfer or redeem any Purchaser Ordinary Shares held by the Sponsor or such Purchaser shareholder in accordance with the Insider Letter, (ii) to vote in favor of this Agreement and the Merger at the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with the Insider Letter, and (iii) waive any adjustment to the conversion ratio set forth in the Purchaser Memorandum and Articles or any other anti-dilution or similar protection with respect to the Purchaser Ordinary Shares (whether resulting from the transactions contemplated hereby, by the Ancillary Documents or by any other transaction consummated in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby);
H. The Parties intend that each of the Reincorporation (as defined below) and the Merger will qualify as a tax-free “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code (as defined herein); and
I. Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Article XI hereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, which are incorporated in this Agreement as if fully set forth below, and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
MERGER
1.1 Merger. At the Effective Time, and subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL, Merger Sub and the Company shall consummate the Merger, pursuant to which Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, following which the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation. The Company, as the surviving corporation after the Merger, is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Surviving Corporation” (provided, that references to the Company for periods after the Effective Time shall include the Surviving Corporation).
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1.2 Effective Time. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing the Certificate of Merger for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL (the time of such filing, or such later time as may be specified in the Certificate of Merger, being the “Effective Time”).
1.3 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, 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 Corporation, which shall include the assumption by the Surviving Corporation of any and all agreements, covenants, duties and obligations of Merger Sub and the Company set forth in this Agreement to be performed after the Effective Time.
1.4 Tax Treatment. For federal income tax purposes, the Merger is intended to constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The Parties hereby (i) adopt this Agreement as a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) of the United States Treasury Regulations, (ii) agree to file and retain such information with respect to the Merger as shall be required under Section 1.368-3 of the United States Treasury regulations, and (iii) agree to file all Tax and other informational returns with respect to the Merger on a basis consistent with such characterization, unless required to do otherwise pursuant to a final determination as defined in Section 1313(a) of the Code (or pursuant to any similar provision of applicable state, local or foreign Law). Each of the parties acknowledge and agree that each such party (a) has had the opportunity to obtain independent legal and tax advice with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (b) is responsible for paying its own Taxes, including any adverse Tax consequences that may result if the Merger is determined not to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code.
1.5 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the Company Charter and Bylaws of the Company, each as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall automatically be amended and restated in their entirety to read identically to the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, and such amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws shall become the respective Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, except that the name of the Surviving Corporation in such Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws shall be amended to be “Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc.”
1.6 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the board of directors and executive officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be the board of directors and executive officers of the Purchaser, after giving effect to Section 5.17, each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or their earlier death, resignation or removal.
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1.7 Reincorporation of the Purchaser. (a) Prior to the Effective Time, the Purchaser shall continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger of Purchaser with and into a newly formed Delaware corporation pursuant to the Cayman Islands Companies Law and the applicable provisions of the DGCL (the “Reincorporation”), and subject to the receipt of the approval of the shareholders of the Purchaser to the Reincorporation terms, the Purchaser shall adopt Delaware Organizational Documents in substantially the form attached as Exhibit E hereto (the “Amended Organizational Documents”) (with such changes as may be agreed in writing by the Purchaser and the Company), including providing that the name of the Purchaser shall be amended to be “LBBB Merger Corp.”.
(b) Immediately prior to the effective time of the Reincorporation (the “Reincorporation Effective Time”), every issued and outstanding Purchaser Unit shall separate into each’s individual components of one Purchaser Ordinary Share, one-half of one Purchaser Warrant and one Purchaser Right, and all Purchaser Units shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist. In connection with the Reincorporation, all of the issued and outstanding Purchaser Ordinary Shares and Purchaser Warrants shall remain outstanding and become substantially identical securities of the Purchaser as a Delaware corporation. At the Closing, all Purchaser Rights shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist. The holders of Purchaser Rights instead will receive one-tenth (1/10) of one share of Purchaser Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of each Purchaser Right; provided that no fractional shares will be issued and all fractional shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.
(c) For federal income tax purposes, the Reincorporation is intended to constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code. The Purchaser hereby (i) adopts this Agreement insofar as it relates to the Reincorporation as a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Section 1.368-2(g) of the United States Treasury Regulations, (ii) agrees to file and retain such information as shall be required under Section 1.368-3 of the United States Treasury Regulations with respect to the Reincorporation, and (iii) agrees to file all Tax and other informational returns on a basis consistent with such characterization, except if otherwise required by a “determination” within the meaning of Code Section 1313 (or pursuant to any similar provision of applicable state, local or foreign Law). Each of the parties acknowledge and agree that each (i) has had the opportunity to obtain independent legal and tax advice with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) is responsible for paying its own Taxes, including any adverse Tax consequences that may result if the Reincorporation is determined not to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code.
1.8 Merger Consideration. As consideration for the Merger, the Company Security Holders collectively shall be entitled to receive from the Purchaser, in the aggregate, a number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock (the “Merger Consideration”) with an aggregate value equal to: (a) Two Hundred Thirty Million U.S. Dollars ($230,000,000), minus (b) any Closing Net Indebtedness (the total portion of the Merger Consideration amount payable to all Company Stockholders in accordance with this Agreement is also referred to herein as the “Stockholder Merger Consideration”); provided, that the Merger Consideration otherwise payable to Company Stockholders is subject to the withholding of the Escrow Shares deposited in the Escrow Account in accordance with Section 1.19, and after the Closing is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 1.16.
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1.9 Conversion of Company Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Purchaser, the Merger Sub, the Company or the Company Stockholders, each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than the shares to be canceled in accordance with Section 1.13 and Dissenting Shares) shall be canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive, without interest, the applicable pro rata portion of the Closing Payment Shares for such number of shares of Company Common Stock (the “Applicable Per Share Merger Consideration”). For avoidance of any doubt, each Company Stockholder will cease to have any rights with respect to the Company Common Stock, except the right to receive the Applicable Per Share Merger Consideration.
1.10 Treasury Stock. At the Effective Time, if there are any Company Securities that are owned by the Company as treasury shares or any Company Securities owned by any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time, such Company Securities shall be canceled and shall cease to exist without any conversion thereof or payment therefor.
1.11 Rights Cease to Exist. As of the Effective Time, all shares of Company Stock shall no longer be outstanding, shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist and each holder shares of Company Stock shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the rights set forth in this Agreement.
1.12 Dissenting Shares. Each of the Dissenting Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and cease to exist in accordance with Section 1.1818 and shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the applicable payments set forth in Section 1.1818.
1.13 Surrender of Company Securities and Disbursement of Merger Consideration.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time, the Purchaser shall appoint its transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, or another agent reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “Exchange Agent”), for the purpose of disbursing the Stockholder Merger Consideration. At or prior to the Effective Time, the Purchaser shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent the Stockholder Merger Consideration (less the Escrow Shares, which will be deposited in the Escrow Account in accordance with Section 1.19). At or prior to the Effective Time, the Purchaser shall send, or shall cause the Exchange Agent to send, to each Company Stockholder a letter of transmittal, in form and substance satisfactory to the Purchaser and the Company (the “Letter of Transmittal”), for use in such exchange, in form and substance satisfactory to the parties hereto (which shall specify that the delivery of Company Stock in respect of the Stockholder Merger Consideration shall be effected, and risk of loss and title shall pass, only upon proper delivery of a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent for use in such exchange).
(b) Each Company Stockholder shall be entitled to receive its Applicable Per Share Merger Consideration (less the Escrow Shares) in respect of the Company Stock tendered for exchange (excluding any Dissenting Shares), as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, but subject to the delivery to the Exchange Agent of the following items prior thereto (collectively, the “Transmittal Documents”): (i) a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal; (ii) if a Significant Company Holder, a duly executed Lock-Up Agreement, the form of which is attached as Exhibit C hereto (each, a “Lock-Up Agreement”); and (ii) such other documents as may be reasonably requested by the Exchange Agent or the Purchaser.
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(c) If any portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration is to be delivered or issued to a Person other than the Person in whose name the Company Stock is registered immediately prior to the Effective Time, it shall be a condition to such delivery that (i) the transfer of such Company Stock shall have been permitted in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Organizational Documents and any stockholders agreement with respect to the Company, each as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) the recipient of such portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration, or the Person in whose name such portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration is delivered or issued, shall have already executed and delivered, the Lock-Up Agreement (if applicable) and, if a Key Management Member, the Non-Competition Agreement, the form of which is attached as Exhibit D hereto (each, a “Non-Competition Agreement”), and such other Transmittal Documents as are reasonably deemed necessary by the Exchange Agent or the Purchaser and (iii) the Person requesting such delivery shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other Taxes required as a result of such delivery to a Person other than the registered holder of such Company Stock or establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable.
(d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no further registration of transfers of Company Stock. If, after the Effective Time, the Transmittal Documents are presented to the Surviving Corporation, the Purchaser or the Exchange Agent, the Company Stock shall be canceled and exchanged for the applicable portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration provided for, and in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the date of this Agreement with respect to Purchaser Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to the holders of any Company Stock that has not yet been surrendered with respect to Purchaser Common Stock to be issued upon surrender thereof until the holders of record of such Company Stock shall provide the Transmittal Documents. Subject to applicable Law, following delivery of the Transmittal Documents, Purchaser shall promptly deliver to the record holders thereof, without interest, evidence representing Purchaser Common Stock issued in exchange therefor and the amount of any such dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such Purchaser Common Stock.
(e) All securities issued upon the surrender of Company Securities in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Company Securities. Any portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration made available to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 1.13(a) and any Escrow Property disbursed to the Escrow Agent in accordance with the Escrow Agreement that remains unclaimed by Company Stockholders two (2) years after the Effective Time shall be returned to the Purchaser, upon demand, and any such Company Stockholder who has not exchanged its Company Stock for the applicable portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration in accordance with this Section 1.13 prior to that time shall thereafter look only to the Purchaser for payment of the portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration in respect of such shares of Company Stock without any interest thereon (but with any dividends paid with respect thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Surviving Corporation, the Purchaser or any Party hereto shall be liable to any Person for any amount properly paid to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
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(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no fraction of a share of Purchaser Common Stock will be issued by virtue of the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby, and each Person who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Purchaser Common Stock (after aggregating all fractional shares of Purchaser Common Stock that otherwise would be received by such holder) shall instead have the number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock issued to such Person rounded down in the aggregate to the nearest whole share of Purchaser Common Stock.
1.14 Effect of Transaction on Merger Sub Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any Party or the holders of any Company Securities or the holders of any shares of capital stock of the Purchaser or Merger Sub, each share of Merger Sub Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into an equal number of shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation, with the same rights, powers and privileges as the shares so converted and shall constitute the only outstanding shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
1.15 Closing Calculations. At least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser a statement certified by the Company’s chief executive officer (the “Estimated Closing Statement”) setting forth a good faith calculation of the Company’s estimate of the Closing Net Indebtedness, as of the Reference Time, and the resulting Merger Consideration based on such estimates, in reasonable detail including for each component thereof, along with the amount owed to each creditor of any of the Target Companies, and bank statements and other evidence reasonably necessary to confirm such calculations. Promptly upon delivering of the Estimated Closing Statement to the Purchaser, if requested by the Purchaser, the Company will meet with the Purchaser to review and discuss the Estimated Closing Statement and the Company will consider in good faith the Purchaser’s comments to the Estimated Closing Statement and make any appropriate adjustments to the Estimated Closing Statement prior to the Closing, which adjusted Estimated Closing Statement, as mutually approved by the Company and the Purchaser both acting reasonably and in good faith, shall thereafter become the Estimated Closing Statement for all purposes of this Agreement. The Estimated Closing Statement and the determinations contained therein shall be prepared in accordance with the Accounting Principles and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement.
1.16 Merger Consideration Adjustment.
(a) Within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Purchaser’s Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) shall deliver to the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative a statement (the “Closing Statement”) setting forth (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies as of the Reference Time and (ii) a good faith calculation of the Closing Net Indebtedness as of the Reference Time, and the resulting Merger Consideration using the formula in Section 1.8. The Closing Statement shall be prepared, and the Closing Net Indebtedness and the resulting Merger Consideration and Stockholder Merger Consideration shall be determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement.
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(b) After delivery of the Closing Statement, each of the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative, and their respective Representatives on their behalves, shall be permitted reasonable access to the books, records, working papers, files, facilities and personnel of the Target Companies relating to the preparation of the Closing Statement. The Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative, and their respective Representatives on their behalves, may make inquiries of the CFO and related Purchaser and Target Company personnel and advisors regarding questions concerning or disagreements with the Closing Statement arising in the course of their review thereof, and Purchaser and the Company shall provide reasonable cooperation in connection therewith. If either the Seller Representative or the Purchaser Representative (each, a “Representative Party”) has any objections to the Closing Statement, such Representative Party shall deliver to the CFO and the other Representative Party a statement setting forth its objections thereto (in reasonable detail) (an “Objection Statement”). If an Objection Statement is not delivered by a Representative Party within thirty (30) days following the date of delivery of the Closing Statement, then such Representative Party will have waived its right to contest the Closing Statement, all determinations and calculations set forth therein, and the resulting Merger Consideration set forth therein. If an Objection Statement is delivered within such thirty (30) day period, then the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative shall negotiate in good faith to resolve any such objections for a period of twenty (20) days thereafter. If the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative do not reach a final resolution within such twenty (20) day period, then upon the written request of either Representative Party (the date of receipt of such notice by the other Party, the “Independent Expert Notice Date”), the Representative Parties will refer the dispute to the Independent Expert for final resolution of the dispute in accordance with Section 1.16(c). For purposes hereof, the “Independent Expert” shall mean a mutually acceptable independent (i.e., no prior material business relationship with any party for the prior two (2) years) accounting firm appointed by the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative, which appointment will be made no later than ten (10) days after the Independent Expert Notice Date); provided, that if the Independent Expert does not accept its appointment or if the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative cannot agree on the Independent Expert, in either case within twenty (20) days after the Independent Expert Notice Date, either Representative Party may require, by written notice to the other Representative Party, that the Independent Expert be selected by the New York City Regional Office of the AAA in accordance with the AAA’s procedures. The parties agree that the Independent Expert will be deemed to be independent even though a Party or its Affiliates may, in the future, designate the Independent Expert to resolve disputes of the types described in this Section 1.16. The Parties acknowledge that any information provided pursuant to this Section 1.16 will be subject to the confidentiality obligations of Section 5.15.
(c) If a dispute with respect to the Closing Statement is submitted in accordance with this Section 1.16 to the Independent Expert for final resolution, the Parties will follow the procedures set forth in this Section 1.16(c). Each of the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative agrees to execute, if requested by the Independent Expert, a reasonable engagement letter with respect to the determination to be made by the Independent Expert. All fees and expenses of the Independent Expert will be borne by the Purchaser. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, all other costs and expenses incurred by the Seller Representative in connection with resolving any dispute hereunder before the Independent Expert will be borne by the Company Stockholders, and all other costs and expenses incurred by the Purchaser Representative in connection with resolving any dispute hereunder before the Independent Expert will be borne by the Purchaser. The Independent Expert will determine only those issues still in dispute as of the Independent Expert Notice Date and the Independent Expert’s determination will be based solely upon and consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The determination by the Independent Expert will be based solely on presentations with respect to such disputed items by the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative to the Independent Expert and not on the Independent Expert’s independent review; provided, that such presentations will be deemed to include any work papers, records, accounts or similar materials delivered to the Independent Expert by a Representative Party in connection with such presentations and any materials delivered to the Independent Expert in response to requests by the Independent Expert. Each of the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative will use their reasonable efforts to make their respective presentations as promptly as practicable following submission to the Independent Expert of the disputed items, and each such Representative Party will be entitled, as part of its presentation, to respond to the presentation of the other Representative Party and any questions and requests of the Independent Expert. In deciding any matter, the Independent Expert will be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, including this this Section 1.16. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the activities of the Independent Expert in connection herewith are not (and should not be considered to be or treated as) an arbitration proceeding or similar arbitral process and that no formal arbitration rules should be followed (including rules with respect to procedures and discovery). The Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative will request that the Independent Expert’s determination be made within forty-five (45) days after its engagement, or as soon thereafter as possible, will be set forth in a written statement delivered to the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative and will be final, conclusive, non-appealable and binding for all purposes hereunder (other than for fraud or manifest error).
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(d) For purposes hereof, the term “Adjustment Amount” shall mean (x) the Merger Consideration as finally determined in accordance with this Section 1.16, less (y) the Merger Consideration that was issued at the Closing (including to the Escrow Account), pursuant to the Estimated Closing Statement.
(i) If the Adjustment Amount is a positive number, then (i) the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative shall, within three (3) Business Days after such final determination, provide joint instructions to the Escrow Agent to distribute to each Company Stockholder its Pro Rata Share of all Escrow Shares, and (ii) Purchaser shall, within ten (10) Business Days after such final determination of the Merger Consideration, issue to the Company Stockholders an additional number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock equal to (x) the Adjustment Amount, divided by (y) the Redemption Price, with each Company Stockholder receiving its Pro Rata Share of such additional shares of Purchaser Common Stock (with each share of Purchaser Common Stock valued at the Redemption Price for such purposes). Such additional shares of Purchaser Common Stock shall be considered additional Merger Consideration under this Agreement and “Restricted Securities” under the Lock-Up Agreements.
(ii) If the Adjustment Amount is a negative number, then the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative shall, within three (3) Business Days after such final determination, provide joint written instructions to the Escrow Agent to distribute (i) to Purchaser, a number of Escrow Shares (and, after distribution of all Escrow Shares, other Escrow Property) with a value equal to the absolute value of the Adjustment Amount (with each Escrow Share valued at the Redemption Price), and (ii) to each Company Stockholder, its Pro Rata Share of all remaining Escrow Shares, if any, after such distribution to Purchaser. Purchaser will promptly cancel any Escrow Shares distributed to it by the Escrow Agent promptly after its receipt thereof. The Escrow Account shall be the sole source of recovery for any payments by the Company Stockholders under this Section 1.16(d), and the Company Stockholders shall not be required under this Section 1.16(d) to pay any amounts in excess of the Escrow Property in the Escrow Account at such time.
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1.17 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If, at any time after the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with full right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub, the officers and directors of the Company and Merger Sub are fully authorized in the name of their respective corporations or otherwise to take, and will take, all such lawful and necessary action, so long as such action is not inconsistent with this Agreement.
1.18 Appraisal and Dissenter’s Rights.
(a) Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Dissenting Shares shall not be converted into or represent a right to receive the applicable consideration for Company Stock set forth in Section 1.8, but instead the holder thereof shall only be entitled to such rights as are provided by the DGCL. In the event that a holder properly perfects such holder’s appraisal, dissenters’ or similar rights by demanding and not effectively withdrawing or losing such holder’s appraisal, dissenters’ or similar rights for any shares of Company Stock, the Exchange Agent shall deliver to Purchaser such holder’s portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration that is attributable to such shares at the time such portion of such Stockholder Merger Consideration is determined and such rights are perfected.
(b) Withdrawal or Loss of Rights. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1.18(a), if any holder of Dissenting Shares effectively withdraws or loses (through failure to perfect or otherwise) such holder’s appraisal or dissenters’ rights with respect to such shares under the DGCL, then, as of the later of the Effective Time and the occurrence of such event, (i) such holder’s shares shall automatically convert into and represent only the right to receive the consideration for Company Stock, as applicable, set forth in and subject to the provisions of this Agreement, upon surrender of the certificate(s) formerly representing such shares (if any), and (ii) Purchaser (to the extent the following amounts have been previously delivered by the Exchange Agent to Purchaser pursuant to Section 1.18(a) and not returned to the Exchange Agent) or the Exchange Agent shall deliver to such holder such holder’s portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration that is attributable to such shares at the time such rights are withdrawn or lost.
(c) Demands for Appraisal. The Company shall give Purchaser (i) prompt notice of any written demand for appraisal received by the Company pursuant to the applicable provisions of the DGCL, and (ii) the opportunity to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of Purchaser, make any payment with respect to any such demands or offer to settle or settle any such demands.
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1.19 Escrow.
(a) At or prior to the Closing, the Purchaser Representative, the Seller Representative and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (or such other escrow agent mutually acceptable to the Purchaser and the Company), as escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”), shall enter into an Escrow Agreement, effective as of the Effective Time, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and the Company (the “Escrow Agreement”), pursuant to which the Purchaser shall issue to the Escrow Agent a number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock (with each share valued at the Redemption Price) equal to three percent (3%) of the Merger Consideration (the “Escrow Amount”) (together with any equity securities paid as dividends or distributions with respect to such shares or into which such shares are exchanged or converted, the “Escrow Shares”) to be held, along with any other dividends, distributions or other income on the Escrow Shares (together with the Escrow Shares, the “Escrow Property”), in a segregated escrow account (the “Escrow Account”) and disbursed therefrom in accordance with the terms of Section 1.16 and the Escrow Agreement. The Escrow Property shall be allocated among and transferred to the Company Stockholders pro rata based on their respective Pro Rata Share. The Escrow Property shall serve as the sole source of payment for the obligations of the Company Stockholders under Section 1.16. Unless otherwise required by Law, all distributions made from the Escrow Account shall be treated by the Parties as an adjustment to the number of shares of Stockholder Merger Consideration received by the Company Stockholders pursuant to Article I hereof.
1.20 Withholding Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Purchaser shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the cash otherwise deliverable under this Agreement, and, from any other payments otherwise required pursuant to this Agreement or any additional agreement, such amounts the Purchaser is required to withhold and pay over to the applicable Governmental Authority with respect to any such deliveries and payments under the Code or any provision of state, local, provincial or foreign Tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and are remitted to the appropriate Governmental Authority, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been delivered and paid to such Person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser agrees that (i) provided the Company delivers the certificate set forth in Section 7.3(d)(xii), no such deduction or withholding is intended on any payments hereunder and (ii) the Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts to reduce or eliminate any such withholding, including providing recipients of consideration a reasonable opportunity to provide documentation establishing exemptions from or reductions of such withholdings.
ARTICLE
II
CLOSING
2.1 Closing. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VII, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, counsel to the Purchaser, 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154, on a date and at a time to be agreed upon by Purchaser and the Company, which date shall be no later than the second (2nd) Business Day after all the Closing conditions to this Agreement have been satisfied or waived, or at such other date, time or place (including remotely) as the Purchaser and the Company may agree (the date and time at which the Closing is actually held being the “Closing Date”).
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ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND MERGER SUB
Except as set forth in (i) the disclosure schedules delivered by the Purchaser to the Company on the date hereof (the “Purchaser Disclosure Schedules”), the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer (provided, however, that an item disclosed in any Section of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed to have been disclosed with respect to all other Sections of this ARTICLE III to which the relevance of such disclosure is reasonably apparent on its face), or (ii) the SEC Reports that are available on the SEC’s website through EDGAR, each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub represents and warrants to the Company as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (or, if such representations and warranties are made with respect to a certain date, as of such date), as follows:
3.1 Organization and Standing. On the date hereof, the Purchaser is an exempted company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands. Merger Sub is a company duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. At Closing, the Purchaser shall be a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of Delaware. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed or in good standing can be cured without material cost or expense. The Purchaser has heretofore made available to the Company accurate and complete copies of its and Merger Sub’s Organizational Documents, as currently in effect. Neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub is in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents in any material respect.
3.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject to obtaining the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval. Purchaser, as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub, has authorized, or will authorize immediately after the execution of this Agreement, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents by and on behalf of Merger Sub and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (a) have been duly and validly authorized by the board of directors of each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub, and (b) other than the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval, no other corporate proceedings, other than as set forth elsewhere in the Agreement, on the part of each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub is a party shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Purchaser and Merger Sub and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and such Ancillary Documents by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the valid and binding obligation of each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub, enforceable against the Purchaser and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and moratorium laws and other laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by any applicable statute of limitation or by any valid defense of set-off or counterclaim, and the fact that equitable remedies or relief (including the remedy of specific performance) are subject to the discretion of the court from which such relief may be sought (collectively, the “Enforceability Exceptions”). The Purchaser board of directors, by resolutions duly adopted at a meeting duly called and held (i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of, the Purchaser and its shareholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the Cayman Islands Companies Law and the applicable provisions of the DGCL, (iii) directed that this Agreement be submitted to the Purchaser’s shareholders for adoption and (iv) resolved to recommend that the Purchaser’s shareholders adopt this Agreement.
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3.3 Governmental Approvals. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 3.3, no Consent of or with any Governmental Authority, on the part of each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Purchaser or Merger Sub of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or the consummation by each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, other than (a) pursuant to Antitrust Laws, (b) such filings as contemplated by this Agreement, (c) any filings required with Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (d) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and/ or any state “blue sky” securities Laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (e) where the failure to obtain or make such Consents or to make such filings or notifications, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser or Merger Sub.
3.4 Non-Contravention. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 3.4, the execution and delivery by each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which each of the Purchaser or Merger Sub is a party, the consummation by each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and compliance by the Purchaser and Merger Sub with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the Purchaser’s or Merger Sub’s Organizational Documents, (b) subject to obtaining the Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 3.3 hereof, and the waiting periods referred to therein having expired, and any condition precedent to such Consent or waiver having been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to the Purchaser, Merger Sub, or any of their properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by the Purchaser or Merger Sub under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Purchaser or Merger Sub under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party Consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any Purchaser Material Contract, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser or Merger Sub.
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3.5 Capitalization.
(a) Purchaser is authorized to issue 500,000,000 Purchaser Ordinary Shares, par value $0.0001 per share. The issued and outstanding Purchaser Securities as of the date of this Agreement are set forth on Schedule 3.5(a). There are no issued or outstanding Purchaser Preference Shares. All outstanding Purchaser Ordinary Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the Cayman Islands Companies Law, Purchaser’s Memorandum and Articles or any Contract to which Purchaser is a party. None of the outstanding Purchaser Securities has been issued in violation of any applicable securities Laws.
(b) At the effective time of the Reincorporation Effective Time, the authorized capital stock of Purchaser will consist of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. All issued and outstanding shares of Purchaser Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of Delaware Law, the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents or any contract to which Purchaser is a party or by which Purchaser is bound. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of Purchaser to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Purchaser Common Stock or any capital equity of Purchaser. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of Purchaser to provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any other Person.
(c) Prior to giving effect to the Merger, Merger Sub is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of Merger Sub Common Stock, of which 1,000 shares are issued and outstanding, and all of which are owned by the Purchaser and Merger Sub has no other authorized, issued or outstanding shares of capital stock. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Merger Sub Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued, and are fully paid and non-assessable. No Person other than Purchaser has any rights with respect to such equity securities of Merger Sub and no such rights will arise by virtue of or in connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Prior to giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than Merger Sub, Purchaser does not have any Subsidiaries or own any equity interests in any other Person.
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(d) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.5(a) or Schedule 3.5(d) there are no (i) outstanding options, warrants, puts, calls, convertible securities, preemptive or similar rights, (ii) bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness having general voting rights or that are convertible or exchangeable into securities having such rights or (iii) subscriptions or other rights, agreements, arrangements, Contracts or commitments of any character (other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents), (A) relating to the issued or unissued shares of Purchaser or Merger Sub or (B) obligating Purchaser or Merger Sub to issue, transfer, deliver or sell or cause to be issued, transferred, delivered, sold or repurchased any options or shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares, or (C) obligating Purchaser or Merger Sub to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, subscription or other right, agreement, arrangement or commitment for such capital shares. Other than the Redemption or as expressly set forth in this Agreement, there are no outstanding obligations of Purchaser or Merger Sub to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Purchaser or Merger Sub or to provide funds to make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Person. Except as set forth in Schedule3.5(c), there are no shareholders agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Purchaser or Merger Sub is a party with respect to the voting of any shares of Purchaser or Merger Sub.
(e) All Indebtedness of Purchaser or Merger Sub as of the date of this Agreement is disclosed on Schedule 3.5(e). No Indebtedness of Purchaser or Merger Sub contains any restriction upon (i) the prepayment of any of such Indebtedness, (ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness by Purchaser or Merger Sub or (iii) the ability of Purchaser or Merger Sub to grant any Lien on its properties or assets.
(f) Since the date of formation of Purchaser or Merger Sub, and except as contemplated by this Agreement, neither Purchaser nor Merger Sub has declared or paid any distribution or dividend in respect of its shares and has not repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any of its shares, and each of its board of directors has not authorized any of the foregoing.
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3.6 SEC Filings and Purchaser Financials.
(a) The Purchaser, since the IPO, has filed all forms, reports, schedules, statements, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents required to be filed or furnished by the Purchaser with the SEC under the Securities Act and/or the Exchange Act, together with any amendments, restatements or supplements thereto, and will file all such forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement. Except to the extent available on the SEC’s web site through EDGAR, the Purchaser has delivered to the Company copies in the form filed with the SEC of all of the following: (i) the Purchaser’s annual reports on Form 10-K for each fiscal year of the Purchaser beginning with the first year the Purchaser was required to file such a form, (ii) the Purchaser’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for each fiscal quarter that the Purchaser filed such reports to disclose its quarterly financial results in each of the fiscal years of the Purchaser referred to in clause (i) above, (iii) all other forms, reports, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents (other than preliminary materials) filed by the Purchaser with the SEC since the beginning of the first fiscal year referred to in clause (i) above (the forms, reports, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, whether or not available through EDGAR, are, collectively, the “SEC Reports”) and (iv) all certifications and statements required by (A) Rules 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Exchange Act, and (B) 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section 906 of SOX) with respect to any report referred to in clause (i) above (collectively, the “Public Certifications”). Except for any changes (including any required revisions to or restatements of the Purchaser Financials (defined below) or the SEC Reports) to (A) the Purchaser’s historical accounting of the Purchaser Warrants as equity rather than as liabilities that may be required as a result of the Staff Statement on Accounting and Reporting Considerations for Warrants Issued by Special Purpose Acquisition Companies that was issued by the SEC on April 12, 2021, and related guidance by the SEC, (B) the Purchaser’s accounting or classification of Purchaser’s outstanding redeemable shares as temporary, as opposed to permanent, equity that may be required as a result of related statements by the SEC staff or recommendations or requirements of the Purchaser’s auditors, or (C) the Purchaser’s historical or future accounting relating to any other guidance from the SEC staff after the date hereof relating to non-cash accounting matters (clauses (A), (B) and (C), collectively, “SEC SPAC Accounting Changes”), the SEC Reports (x) were prepared in all material respects in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations thereunder and (y) did not, as of their respective effective dates (in the case of SEC Reports that are registration statements filed pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act) and at the time they were filed with the SEC (in the case of all other SEC Reports) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters received from the SEC with respect to any SEC Reports. None of the SEC Reports filed on or prior to the date of this Agreement is subject to ongoing SEC review or investigation as of the date of this Agreement. The Public Certifications are each true as of their respective dates of filing. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any restatement, revision or other modification of the Purchaser Financials or the SEC Reports as a result of any SEC SPAC Accounting Changes shall be deemed not material for purposes of this Agreement. As used in this Section 3.6, the term “file” shall be broadly construed to include any manner permitted by SEC rules and regulations in which a document or information is furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC. As of the date of this Agreement, (A) the Purchaser Public Units, the Purchaser Ordinary Shares, the Purchaser Public Warrants and the Purchaser Rights are listed on Nasdaq, (B) the Purchaser has not received any written deficiency notice from Nasdaq relating to the continued listing requirements of such Purchaser Securities, (C) there are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened against the Purchaser by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority with respect to any intention by such entity to suspend, prohibit or terminate the quoting of such Purchaser Securities on Nasdaq and (D) such Purchaser Securities are in compliance with all of the applicable corporate governance rules of Nasdaq.
(b) Except for the SEC SPAC Accounting Changes, the financial statements and notes of the Purchaser contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Reports (the “Purchaser Financials”), fairly present in all material respects the financial position and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Purchaser at the respective dates of and for the periods referred to in such financial statements, all in accordance with (i) GAAP methodologies applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved and (ii) Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto and for the omission of notes and audit adjustments in the case of unaudited quarterly financial statements to the extent permitted by Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable).
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(c) Except for the SEC SPAC Accounting Changes or as and to the extent reflected or reserved against in the Purchaser Financials, the Purchaser has not incurred any Liabilities or obligations of the type required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP that are not adequately reflected or reserved on or provided for in the Purchaser Financials, other than Liabilities of the type required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP that have been incurred since the Purchaser’s formation in the ordinary course of business. All debts and Liabilities, fixed or contingent, which should be included under U.S. GAAP on a balance sheet are included in all material respects in the Purchaser Financials as of the date of such Purchaser Financials.
3.7 Absence of Certain Changes. As of the date of this Agreement, except as set forth in Schedule 3.7, the Purchaser has, (a) since its formation, conducted no business other than its formation, the public offering of its securities (and the related private offerings), public reporting and its search for an initial Business Combination as described in the IPO Prospectus (including the investigation of the Target Companies and the negotiation and execution of this Agreement) and related activities and (b) since March 8, 2022, not been subject to a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser.
3.8 Compliance with Laws. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub is, and has since its formation been, in compliance with all Laws applicable to it and the conduct of its business except for such noncompliance which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser or Merger Sub, and neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub has received written notice alleging any violation of applicable Law in any material respect. Neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub is under investigation with respect to any violation or alleged violation of, any law, or judgment, order or decree entered by any court, arbitrator or Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign, and neither the Purchaser not Merger Sub has previously received any subpoenas from any Governmental Authority.
3.9 Actions; Orders; Permits. There is no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened material Action to which the Purchaser is subject which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser. There is no material Action that the Purchaser has pending against any other Person. The Purchaser is not subject to any material Orders of any Governmental Authority, nor are any such Orders pending. The Purchaser holds all material Permits necessary to lawfully conduct its business as presently conducted, and to own, lease and operate its assets and properties, all of which are in full force and effect, except where the failure to hold such Consent or for such Consent to be in full force and effect would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser.
3.10 Taxes and Returns.
(a) Each of Purchaser and Merger Sub has timely filed, or caused to be timely filed, all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it, which such Tax Returns are accurate and complete in all material respects, and has paid, collected or withheld, or caused to be paid, collected or withheld, all material Taxes required to be paid, collected or withheld, other than such Taxes for which adequate reserves in the Purchaser Financials have been established in accordance with GAAP. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub has complied with all applicable Laws relating to Taxes. There are no audits, examinations, investigations or other proceedings pending against the Purchaser or Merger Sub in respect of any Tax, and neither the Purchaser not Merger Sub has been notified in writing of any proposed Tax claims or assessments against it (other than, in each case, claims or assessments for which adequate reserves in the Purchaser Financials have been established in accordance with GAAP or are immaterial in amount). There are no Liens with respect to any Taxes upon any of the Purchaser’s assets, other than Permitted Liens. Neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub has any outstanding waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations to assess any material amount of Taxes. There are no outstanding requests by the Purchaser or Merger Sub for any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return or within which to pay any Taxes shown to be due on any Tax Return.
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(b) Since the date of its formation, neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub has (i) changed any Tax accounting methods, policies or procedures except as required by a change in Law, (ii) made, revoked, or amended any material Tax election, (iii) filed any amended Tax Returns or claim for refund or (iv) entered into any closing agreement affecting or otherwise settled or compromised any material Tax liability or refund.
(c) To the Knowledge of each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub, there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
3.11 Employees and Employee Benefit Plans. Neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub (a) has any paid employees or (b) maintain, sponsor, contribute to or otherwise have any Liability under, any Benefit Plans.
3.12 Properties. Neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub owns, licenses or otherwise has any right, title or interest in any material Intellectual Property. Neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub owns or leases any material real property or material Personal Property.
3.13 Material Contracts.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(a), other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, there are no Contracts to which the Purchaser is a party or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound, subject or affected, which (i) creates or imposes a Liability greater than $50,000, (ii) may not be cancelled by the Purchaser on less than sixty (60) days’ prior notice without payment of a material penalty or termination fee or (iii) prohibits, prevents, restricts or impairs in any material respect any business practice of the Purchaser as its business is currently conducted, any acquisition of material property by the Purchaser, or restricts in any material respect the ability of the Purchaser to engage in business as currently conducted by it or compete with any other Person (each, a “Purchaser Material Contract”). All Purchaser Material Contracts have been made available to the Company other than those that are exhibits to the SEC Reports.
(b) With respect to each Purchaser Material Contract: (i) the Purchaser Material Contract was entered into at arms’ length and in the ordinary course of business; (ii) the Purchaser Material Contract is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in all material respects against the Purchaser and, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, the other parties thereto, and is in full force and effect (except, in each case, as such enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions); (iii) the Purchaser is not in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a breach or default in any material respect by the Purchaser, or permit termination or acceleration by the other party, under such Purchaser Material Contract; and (iv) to the Knowledge of the Purchaser, no other party to any Purchaser Material Contract is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a breach or default by such other party, or permit termination or acceleration by the Purchaser under any Purchaser Material Contract.
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3.14 Transactions with Affiliates. Schedule 3.14 sets forth a true, correct and complete list of the Contracts and arrangements that are in existence as of the date of this Agreement under which there are any existing or future Liabilities or obligations between the Purchaser and any (a) present or former director, officer or employee or Affiliate of the Purchaser, or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing, or (b) record or beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of the Purchaser’s outstanding capital stock as of the date hereof.
3.15 Merger Sub Activities. Since its formation, Merger Sub has not engaged in any business activities other than as contemplated by this Agreement, does not own directly or indirectly any ownership, equity, profits or voting interest in any Person and has no assets or Liabilities except those incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party and the transactions, and, other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party, Merger Sub is not party to or bound by any Contract.
3.16 Investment Company Act. The Purchaser is not an “investment company” or a Person directly or indirectly “controlled” by or acting on behalf of an “investment company,” or required to register as an “investment company,” in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
3.17 Finders and Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.17, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from the Purchaser, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser.
3.18 Ownership of Stockholder Merger Consideration. All shares of Purchaser Common Stock to be issued and delivered to the Company Stockholders as Stockholder Merger Consideration in accordance with ARTICLE I shall be, upon issuance and delivery of such Purchaser Common Stock, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Liens, other than restrictions arising from applicable securities Laws, any applicable Lock-Up Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, and any Liens incurred by any Company Stockholder, and the issuance and sale of such Purchaser Common Stock pursuant hereto will not be subject to or give rise to any preemptive rights or rights of first refusal.
3.19 Certain Business Practices.
(a) Neither the Purchaser, Merger Sub, nor any Representatives acting on its behalf, has (i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees, to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any other local or foreign anti-corruption or bribery Law, (iii) made any other unlawful payment or (iv) since the formation of the Purchaser or Merger Sub, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any unlawful gift or similar benefit in any material amount to any customer, supplier, governmental employee or other Person who is or may be in a position to help or hinder the Purchaser or Merger Sub or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed transaction.
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(b) The operations of the Purchaser and Merger Sub are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with money laundering statutes in all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority, and no Action involving the Purchaser or Merger Sub with respect to any of the foregoing is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser or Merger Sub, threatened.
(c) None of the Purchaser, Merger Sub, or any of their directors or officers, or, to the Knowledge of the Purchaser or Merger Sub, any other Representative acting on behalf of the Purchaser or Merger Sub is currently identified on the specially designated nationals or other blocked person list or otherwise currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), and neither the Purchaser nor Merger Sub has, in the last five (5) fiscal years, directly or indirectly, used any funds, or loaned, contributed or otherwise made available such funds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, in connection with any sales or operations in any other country sanctioned by OFAC or for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to, or otherwise in violation of, any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
3.20 Insurance. Schedule 3.20 lists all insurance policies (by policy number, insurer, coverage period, coverage amount, annual premium and type of policy) held by each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub relating to the Purchaser, Merger Sub, or their respective businesses, properties, assets, directors, officers and employees, copies of which have been provided to the Company. All premiums due and payable under all such insurance policies have been timely paid and each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub is otherwise in material compliance with the terms of such insurance policies. All such insurance policies are in full force and effect, and to the Knowledge of each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub, there is no threatened termination of, or material premium increase with respect to, any of such insurance policies. There have been no insurance claims made by the Purchaser or Merger Sub. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub has reported to its insurers all claims and pending circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim, except where such failure to report such a claim would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Purchaser or Merger Sub.
3.21 Purchaser Trust Account. As of September 8, 2022, the Trust Account has a balance of no less than $70,345,003.32. Such monies are invested solely in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act or money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act, and held in trust by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company pursuant to the Trust Agreement. The Trust Agreement is valid and in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to the Enforceability Exceptions) and has not been amended or modified. There are no separate agreements, side letters or other agreements that would cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the SEC Reports to be inaccurate in any material respect and/or that would entitle any Person (other than the underwriters of the IPO, Public Shareholders who shall have elected to redeem their Purchaser Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Purchaser Memorandum and Articles (or in connection with an extension of Purchaser’s deadline to consummate a Business Combination) or Governmental Authorities for Taxes) to any portion of the proceeds in the Trust Account. Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Trust Account may be released except as described in the Trust Agreement.
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3.22 Independent Investigation. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Target Companies, and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Target Companies for such purpose. Each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to Purchaser or Merger Sub pursuant hereto, and the information provided by or on behalf of the Company for the Registration Statement; and (b) none of the Company nor its respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to the Target Companies, or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to Purchaser or Merger Sub pursuant hereto, or with respect to the information provided by or on behalf of the Company for the Registration Statement.
3.23 Indebtedness. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.23, neither Purchaser nor Merger Sub has any Indebtedness.
3.24 Litigation; Permits. There is no (a) Action pending, or, to the Knowledge of Purchaser, threatened against Purchaser or Merger Sub or that affects their respective assets or properties, or (b) Order outstanding against Purchaser or Merger Sub or that affects their respective assets or properties. Neither Purchaser nor Merger Sub are party to a settlement or similar agreement regarding any of the matters set forth in the preceding sentence that contains any ongoing obligations, restrictions or liabilities (of any nature) that are material to Purchaser and Merger Sub. Each of Purchaser and Merger Sub holds all material Permits necessary to lawfully conduct its business as presently conducted, and to own, lease and operate its assets and properties, all of which are in full force and effect.
3.25 No Other Representations. Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by the Purchaser in this ARTICLE III (as modified by the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or as expressly set forth in an Ancillary Document, none of the Purchaser, Merger Sub, nor any other Person on its behalf makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser Securities, the business of the Purchaser or Merger Sub, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Ancillary Documents, and each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub hereby expressly disclaim any other representations or warranties, whether implied or made by the Purchaser, Merger Sub or any of their Representatives. Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by the Purchaser and Merger Sub in this Article III (as modified by the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or in an Ancillary Document, each of the Purchaser and Merger Sub hereby expressly disclaims all liability and responsibility for any representation, warranty, projection, forecast, statement or information made, communicated or furnished (orally or in writing) to the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective Representatives (including any opinion, information, projection or advice that may have been or may be provided to the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective Representatives by any Representative of the Purchaser), including any representations or warranties regarding the probable success or profitability of the businesses of the Purchaser and Merger Sub.
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ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the disclosure schedules delivered by the Company to the Purchaser on the date hereof (the “Company Disclosure Schedules”), the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer (provided, however, that an item disclosed in any Section of the Company Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed to have been disclosed with respect to all other Sections of this ARTICLE IV to which the relevance of such disclosure is reasonably apparent on its face), the Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (or, if such representations and warranties are made with respect to a certain date, as of such date), as follows:
4.1 Organization and Standing. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the DGCL and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each Subsidiary of the Company is a corporation or other entity duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each Target Company is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or registered and in each other jurisdiction where it does business or operates to the extent that the character of the property owned, or leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary. Schedule 4.1 lists all jurisdictions in which any Target Company is qualified to conduct business and all names other than its legal name under which any Target Company does business. The Company has provided to the Purchaser accurate and complete copies of its Organizational Documents and the Organizational Documents of each of its Subsidiaries, each as amended to date and as currently in effect. No Target Company is in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents.
4.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is or is required to be a party, to perform the Company’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject to obtaining the Required Company Stockholder Approval. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (a) have been duly and validly authorized by the Company’s board of directors in accordance with the Company’s Organizational Documents and the DGCL, and (b) other than the Required Company Stockholder Approval, no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and any such Ancillary Document by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Company’s board of directors, by resolutions duly adopted at a meeting duly called and held or by action by unanimous written consent in accordance with the Company’s Organizational Documents (i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the DGCL, (iii) directed that this Agreement and the other matters required for the Required Company Stockholder Approval be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for adoption and (iv) resolved to recommend that the Company Stockholders adopt this Agreement and the other matters required for the Required Company Stockholder Approval. The Voting and Support Agreements delivered by the Company include holders of Company Stock representing at least the Required Company Stockholder Approval, and such Voting and Support Agreements are in full force and effect.
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4.3 Capitalization.
(a) The Company is authorized to issue (i) 100,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, of which 23,552,800 shares are issued and outstanding, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of Company Preferred Stock, of which none are issued and outstanding. Prior to giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, all of the issued and outstanding Company Stock and other equity interests of the Company are set forth on Schedule 4.3(a), along with the beneficial and record owners thereof, all of which shares and other equity interests are, to the Knowledge of the Company, owned free and clear of any Liens other than those imposed under the Company Charter. All of the outstanding shares and other equity interests of the Company have been duly authorized, are fully paid and non-assessable and not in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the DGCL, any other applicable Law, the Company Charter or any Contract to which the Company is a party or by which it or its securities are bound. The Company holds no shares or other equity interests of the Company in its treasury. None of the outstanding shares or other equity interests of the Company were issued in violation of any applicable securities Laws. The rights, privileges and preferences of the Company Preferred Stock are as stated in the Company Charter and as provided by the DGCL.
(b) Except as disclosed in the Company Financials, since January 1, 2020, the Company has not declared or paid any distribution or dividend in respect of its equity interests and has not repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any equity interests of the Company, and the board of directors of the Company has not authorized any of the foregoing.
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4.4 Subsidiaries. Schedule 4.4 sets forth the name of each Subsidiary of the Company, and with respect to each Subsidiary (a) its jurisdiction of organization, (b) its authorized shares or other equity interests (if applicable), (c) the number of issued and outstanding shares or other equity interests and the record holders and beneficial owners thereof and (d) its Tax election to be treated as a corporate or a disregarded entity under the Code and any state or applicable non-U.S. Tax laws, if any. All of the outstanding equity securities of each Subsidiary of the Company are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (if applicable), and were offered, sold and delivered in compliance with all applicable securities Laws, and owned by one or more of the Company or its Subsidiaries free and clear of all Liens (other than those, if any, imposed by such Subsidiary’s Organizational Documents). There are no Contracts to which the Company or any of its Affiliates is a party or bound with respect to the voting (including voting trusts or proxies) of the equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company other than the Organizational Documents of any such Subsidiary. There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, rights, agreements, subscriptions, convertible securities or commitments to which any Subsidiary of the Company is a party or which are binding upon any Subsidiary of the Company providing for the issuance or redemption of any equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company. There are no outstanding equity appreciation, phantom equity, profit participation or similar rights granted by any Subsidiary of the Company. No Subsidiary of the Company has any limitation, whether by Contract, Order or applicable Law, on its ability to make any distributions or dividends to its equity holders or repay any debt owed to another Target Company. Except for the equity interests of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 4.4, the Company does not own or have any rights to acquire, directly or indirectly, any equity interests of, or otherwise Control, any Person. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or its Subsidiaries to provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any other Person.
4.5 Governmental Approvals. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 4.5, no Consent of or with any Governmental Authority on the part of any Target Company is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than (a) such filings as are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or (b) pursuant to Antitrust Laws.
4.6 Non-Contravention. Except as otherwise described in Schedule 4.6, the execution and delivery by the Company (or any other Target Company, as applicable) of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which any Target Company is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound, and the consummation by any Target Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and compliance by any Target Company with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of any Target Company’s Organizational Documents, (b) subject to obtaining the Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 4.5 hereof, the waiting periods referred to therein having expired, and any condition precedent to such Consent or waiver having been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to any Target Company or any of its material properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by any Target Company under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of any Target Company under (other than Permitted Liens), (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party Consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Company Material Contract, except in the cases of clauses (b) and (c), as has not been and would not reasonably be expected to be material to any Target Company or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or to perform such Target Company’s obligations hereunder or thereunder.
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4.7 Financial Statements.
(a) As used herein, the term “Company Financials” means (i) the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company(including, in each case, any related notes thereto), consisting of the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated audited income statements, changes in stockholder equity and statements of cash flows for the fiscal years then ended, each audited by a PCAOB qualified auditor in accordance with GAAP and PCAOB standards, and the related unaudited consolidated income statement, changes in stockholder equity and statement of cash flows for the twelve months then ended and (ii) the unaudited financial statements of the Target Companies as of and for the six (6) month period ended June 30, 2022 (the “Interim Balance Sheet Date”), consisting of the unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of such date, the unaudited consolidated income statement for the six (6) month periods ended on such date, and the unaudited consolidated cash flow statements for the six (6) month periods ended on such date. True and correct copies of the Company Financials have been provided to the Purchaser. The Company Financials (i) accurately reflect the books and records of the Company as of the times and for the periods referred to therein, (ii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied throughout and among the periods involved (except that the unaudited statements exclude the footnote disclosures and other presentation items required for GAAP and exclude year-end adjustments which will not be material in amount), (iii) comply with all applicable accounting requirements under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder (iv) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Target Companies as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of the operations and cash flows of the Target Companies for the periods indicated and (v) when delivered by the Company for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for filing with the SEC following the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 5.12, will comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and with the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act applicable to a registrant, in effect as of the respective dates thereof. No Target Company has ever been subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
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(b) Each Target Company maintains accurate books and records reflecting its assets and Liabilities and maintains proper and adequate internal accounting controls that provide reasonable assurance that (i) such Target Company does not maintain any off-the-book accounts and that such Target Company’s assets are used only in accordance with such Target Company’s management directives, (ii) transactions are executed with management’s authorization, (iii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements of such Target Company and to maintain accountability for such Target Company’s assets, (iv) access to such Target Company’s assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization, (v) the reporting of such Target Company’s assets is compared with existing assets at regular intervals and verified for actual amounts, and (vi) accounts, notes and other receivables and inventory are recorded accurately, and proper and adequate procedures are implemented to effect the collection of accounts, notes and other receivables on a current and timely basis. All of the financial books and records of the Target Companies are complete and accurate in all material respects and have been maintained in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and in accordance with applicable Laws. No Target Company has been subject to or involved in any material fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of any Target Company. In the past five (5) years, no Target Company or its Representatives has received any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of any Target Company or its internal accounting controls, including any material written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that any Target Company has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices.
(c) The Target Companies do not have any Indebtedness other than the Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 4.7(c), which schedule sets forth the amounts (including principal and any accrued but unpaid interest or other obligations) with respect to such Indebtedness. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.7(c), no Indebtedness of any Target Company contains any restriction upon (i) the prepayment of any of such Indebtedness, (ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness by any Target Company, or (iii) the ability of the Target Companies to grant any Lien on their respective properties or assets.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.7(d), no Target Company is subject to any Liabilities or obligations (whether or not required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP), except for those that are either (i) adequately reflected or reserved on or provided for in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Interim Balance Sheet Date contained in the Company Financials or (ii) not material and that were incurred after the Interim Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (other than Liabilities for breach of any Contract or violation of any Law).
(e) All financial projections with respect to the Target Companies that were delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Purchaser or its Representatives were prepared in good faith using assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable.
(f) All accounts, notes and other receivables, whether or not accrued, and whether or not billed, of the Target Companies (the “Accounts Receivable”) arose from sales actually made or services actually performed in the ordinary course of business and represent valid obligations to a Target Company arising from its business. None of the Accounts Receivable are subject to any right of recourse, defense, deduction, return of goods, counterclaim, offset, or set off on the part of the obligor in excess of any amounts reserved therefore on the Company Financials. All of the Accounts Receivable are, to the Knowledge of the Company, fully collectible according to their terms in amounts not less than the aggregate amounts thereof carried on the books of the Target Companies (net of reserves) within ninety (90) days.
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4.8 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.8, since December 31, 2020, each Target Company has (a) conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (b) not been subject to a Material Adverse Effect and (c) has not taken any action or committed or agreed to take any action that would be prohibited by Section 5.2(b) (without giving effect to Schedule 5.2) if such action were taken on or after the date hereof without the consent of the Purchaser.
4.9 Compliance with Laws. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.9, since inception, no Target Company is or has been in material conflict or material non-compliance with, or in material default or violation of, nor has any Target Company received, since inception, any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any material conflict or non-compliance with, or material default or violation of, any applicable Laws by which it or any of its properties, assets, employees, business, products or operations are or were bound or affected. For purposes of this Section 4.9, “material” shall mean material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
4.10 Company Permits. Each Target Company (and its employees who are legally required to be licensed by a Governmental Authority in order to perform his or her duties with respect to his or her employment with any Target Company), holds all Permits necessary to lawfully conduct in all material respects its business as presently conducted; to own, lease and operate its assets and properties; and to market and sell in all material respects its products (collectively, the “Company Permits”). The Company has made available to the Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of all material Company Permits, all of which Company Permits are listed on Schedule 4.10. All of the Company Permits are in full force and effect, and no suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened. No Target Company is in violation in any material respect of the terms of any Company Permit, and no Target Company has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any Actions relating to the revocation or modification of any Company Permit.
4.11 [Reserved].
4.12 Litigation. Except as described on Schedule 4.12, there is no (a) Action of any nature currently pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened (and no such Action has been brought, or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, in the past five (5) years); or (b) Order now pending or outstanding or that was rendered by a Governmental Authority in the past five (5) years, in either case of (a) or (b) by or against any Target Company, its current or former directors, officers or equity holders (provided, that any litigation involving the directors, officers or equity holders of a Target Company must be related to the Target Company’s business, equity securities or assets), its business, equity securities or assets. The items listed on Schedule 4.12, if finally determined adversely to the Target Companies, will not have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect upon any Target Company. In the past five (5) years, none of the current or former officers, senior management or directors of any Target Company have been charged with, indicted for, arrested for, or convicted of any felony or any crime involving fraud.
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4.13 Material Contracts.
(a) Schedule 4.13(a) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of, and the Company has made available to the Purchaser (including written summaries of oral Contracts), true, correct and complete copies of, each Contract that is in effect on the date of this Agreement to which any Target Company is a party or by which any Target Company, or any of its properties or assets are bound or affected (each Contract required to be set forth on Schedule 4.13(a), other than a Company Benefit Plan, a “Company Material Contract”) that:
(i) contains covenants that materially limit the ability of any Target Company (A) to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area or to sell, or provide any service or product or solicit any Person, including any non-competition covenants, employee and customer non-solicit covenants, exclusivity restrictions, rights of first refusal or most-favored pricing clauses or (B) to purchase or acquire an interest in any other Person;
(ii) involves any joint venture, profit-sharing, partnership, limited liability company or other similar agreement or arrangement relating to the formation, creation, operation, management or control of any partnership or joint venture;
(iii) involves any exchange traded, over the counter or other swap, cap, floor, collar, futures contract, forward contract, option or other derivative financial instrument or Contract, based on any commodity, security, instrument, asset, rate or index of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether tangible or intangible, including currencies, interest rates, foreign currency and indices;
(iv) evidences Indebtedness (whether incurred, assumed, guaranteed or secured by any asset) of any Target Company having an outstanding principal amount in excess of $100,000;
(v) involves the acquisition or disposition, directly or indirectly (by merger or otherwise), of assets with an aggregate value in excess of $100,000 (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or shares or other equity interests of any Target Company or another Person;
(vi) relates to any merger, consolidation or other business combination with any other Person or the acquisition or disposition of any other entity or its business or material assets or the sale of any Target Company, its business or material assets;
(vii) by its terms, individually or with all related Contracts, other than Contracts referenced in another subsection of this Section 4.13(a), calls for aggregate payments or receipts by the Target Companies under such Contract or Contracts of at least $100,000 per year or $100,000 in the aggregate;
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(viii) is with any Top Customer or Top Supplier;
(ix) obligates the Target Companies to provide continuing indemnification or a guarantee of obligations of a third party after the date hereof in excess of $100,000;
(x) is between any Target Company and any directors, officers or employees of a Target Company (other than at-will employment arrangements with employees entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), including all non-competition, severance and indemnification agreements, or any Related Person;
(xi) obligates the Target Companies to make any capital commitment or expenditure in excess of $100,000 (including pursuant to any joint venture);
(xii) relates to a material settlement entered into within two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement or under which any Target Company has outstanding obligations (other than customary confidentiality obligations);
(xiii) provides another Person (other than another Target Company or any manager, director or officer of any Target Company) with a power of attorney;
(xiv) relates to the development, ownership, licensing or use of any Intellectual Property by, to or from any Target Company, other than (A) Off-the-Shelf Software, (B) employee or consultant invention assignment agreements entered into on a Target Company’s standard form of such agreement, (C) confidentiality agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, (D) non-exclusive licenses from customers or distributors to any Target Company entered into in the ordinary course of business or (E) feedback and ordinary course trade name or logo rights that are not material to any Target Company;
(xv) that will be required to be filed with the Registration Statement under applicable SEC requirements or would otherwise be required to be filed by the Company as an exhibit for a Form S-1 pursuant to Items 601(b)(1), (2), (4), (9) or (10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act as if the Company was the registrant; or
(xvi) is otherwise material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and not described in clauses (i) through (xv) above.
(b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.13(b), with respect to each Company Material Contract: (i) such Company Material Contract is valid and binding and enforceable in all respects against the Target Company party thereto and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect (except, in each case, as such enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions); (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any Company Material Contract; (iii) no Target Company is in breach or default in any material respect, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute a material breach or default by any Target Company, or permit termination or acceleration by the other party thereto, under such Company Material Contract; (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, no other party to such Company Material Contract is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a material breach or default by such other party, or permit termination or acceleration by any Target Company, under such Company Material Contract; (v) no Target Company has received written or, to the Company’s Knowledge, notice of an intention by any party to any such Company Material Contract that provides for a continuing obligation by any party thereto to terminate such Company Material Contract or amend the terms thereof, other than modifications in the ordinary course of business that do not adversely affect any Target Company in any material respect; and (vi) no Target Company has waived any material rights under any such Company Material Contract.
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4.14 Intellectual Property.
(a) Schedule 4.14(a)(i) sets forth: (i) all U.S. and foreign registered Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Internet Assets and applications owned or licensed by a Target Company or otherwise used or held for use by a Target Company in which a Target Company is the owner, applicant or assignee (“Company Registered IP”), specifying as to each item, as applicable: (A) the nature of the item, including the title and status (for each patent and patent application), (B) the owner of the item, (C) the jurisdictions in which the item is issued or registered or in which an application for issuance or registration has been filed and (D) the issuance, registration or application numbers and dates; and (ii) all material unregistered Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by a Target Company. Schedule 4.14(a)(ii) sets forth all Intellectual Property licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions (“Company IP”) (other than “shrink wrap,” “click wrap,” and “off the shelf” software agreements and other agreements for Software commercially available on reasonable terms to the public generally (collectively, “Off-the-Shelf Software”)), which are not required to be listed, although such licenses are “Company IP Licenses” as that term is used herein), under which a Target Company is a licensee or otherwise is authorized to use or practice any Intellectual Property, and describes (A) the applicable Intellectual Property licensed, sublicensed or used and (B) any royalties, license fees or other compensation due from a Target Company, if any. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14(a)(iii), each Target Company owns, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), has valid and enforceable rights in, and has the unrestricted right to use, sell, license, transfer or assign, all material Intellectual Property currently used, licensed or held for use by such Target Company, and previously used or licensed by such Target Company, except for the Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses. No item of Company Registered IP that consists of a pending Patent application fails to identify all pertinent inventors, and for each Patent and Patent application in the Company Registered IP, the Target Companies have obtained valid assignments of inventions from each named inventor and, to the Knowledge of the Company, are being prosecuted in accordance with all duty of disclosure obligations. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14(a)(iii), all Company Registered IP is owned exclusively by the applicable Target Company without obligation to pay royalties, licensing fees or other fees, or otherwise account to any third party with respect to such Company Registered IP, and such Target Company has recorded assignments of all Company Registered IP.
(b) Each Target Company has a valid and enforceable license to use all Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses applicable to such Target Company. The Company IP Licenses include all of the material licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions necessary to operate the Target Companies as presently conducted. Each Target Company has performed all material obligations imposed on it in the Company IP Licenses, has made all payments required to date, and such Target Company is not, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is any other party thereto, in material breach or default thereunder, nor has any event occurred that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default thereunder. The continued use by the Target Companies of the Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses in the same manner that it is currently being used is not restricted by any applicable license of any Target Company. All registrations for Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks and Internet Assets that are owned by or exclusively licensed to any Target Company are in force and in good standing with all required fees and maintenance fees having been paid with no Actions pending, and all applications to register any Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks that are pending and in good standing. No Target Company is party to any Contract that requires a Target Company to assign to any Person all of its rights in any Intellectual Property developed by a Target Company under such Contract.
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(c) Schedule 4.14(c) sets forth all licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions under which a Target Company is the licensor (each, an “Outbound IP License”), and for each such Outbound IP License, describes (i) the applicable Intellectual Property licensed, (ii) the licensee under such Outbound IP License, and (iii) any royalties, license fees or other compensation due to a Target Company, if any. Each Target Company has performed all material obligations imposed on it in the Outbound IP Licenses, and such Target Company is not, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is any other party thereto, in breach or default thereunder, nor has any event occurred that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default thereunder.
(d) No Action is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against a Target Company that challenges the validity, enforceability, ownership, or right to use, sell, license or sublicense, or that otherwise relates to, any Intellectual Property currently owned, licensed, used or held for use by the Target Companies. No Target Company has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice or claim asserting or suggesting that any infringement, misappropriation, violation, dilution or unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property of any other Person is or may be occurring or has or may have occurred, as a consequence of the business activities of any Target Company. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.14(d), there are no Orders to which any Target Company is a party or its otherwise bound that (i) restrict the rights of a Target Company to use, transfer, license or enforce any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company, (ii) restrict the conduct of the business of a Target Company in order to accommodate a third Person’s Intellectual Property, or (iii) other than the Outbound IP Licenses, grant any third Person any right with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. To the Knowledge of the Company, no Target Company is currently infringing, or has, in the past, infringed, misappropriated or violated any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any material respect in connection with the ownership, use or license of any Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by a Target Company or, otherwise in connection with the conduct of the respective businesses of the Target Companies. To the Company’s Knowledge, no third party is currently, or in the past five (5) years has been, infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property owned, licensed by, licensed to, or otherwise used or held for use by any Target Company (“Company IP”) in any material respect.
(e) All officers, directors, employees and independent contractors (to the extent any such independent contractor had access to Intellectual Property of a Target Company) of a Target Company (and each of their respective Affiliates) are obligated to assign and have assigned to the Target Companies all Intellectual Property arising from the services performed for a Target Company by such Persons and all such assignments of Company Registered IP have been recorded. No current or former officers, employees or independent contractors of a Target Company have claimed any ownership interest in any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. To the Knowledge of the Company, there has been no violation of a Target Company’s policies or practices related to protection of Company IP or any confidentiality or nondisclosure Contract relating to the Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. The Company has made available to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all written Contracts referenced in subsections under which employees and independent contractors assigned their Intellectual Property to a Target Company. To the Company’s Knowledge, none of the employees of any Target Company is obligated under any Contract, or subject to any Order, that would materially interfere with the use of such employee’s best efforts to promote the interests of the Target Companies, or that would materially conflict with the business of any Target Company as presently conducted or contemplated to be conducted. Each Target Company has taken reasonable security measures in order to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of the material Company IP.
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(f) To the Knowledge of the Company, during the last five (5) years, no Person has obtained unauthorized access to third party information and data (including personally identifiable information or information that can be used to identify a natural person (“personal information”)) in the possession of a Target Company, nor has there been any other material compromise of the security, confidentiality or integrity of such information or data, and no written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral complaint relating to an improper use or disclosure of, or a breach in the security of, any such information or data has been received by a Target Company. During the last five (5) years, each Target Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws and Contract requirements relating to privacy, personal information protection, and the collection, processing and use of personal information and its own privacy policies and guidelines, if any, each with respect to the Target Companies’ collection, processing and use of personal information. To the Knowledge of the Company, the operation of the business of the Target Companies has not, in the last five (5) years, and does not violate any right to privacy or publicity of any third person, or constitute unfair competition or trade practices under applicable Law.
(g) The consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in the material breach, material modification, cancellation, termination, suspension of, or acceleration of any payments with respect to, or release of source code because of (i) any Contract providing for the license or other use of Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company, or (ii) any Company IP License. Following the Closing, except as set forth in Schedule 4.14(g), the Company shall be permitted to exercise, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, all of the Target Companies’ rights under such Company Material Contracts or Company IP Licenses to the same extent that the Target Companies would have been able to exercise had the transactions contemplated by this Agreement not occurred, without the payment of any additional amounts or consideration other than ongoing fees, royalties or payments which the Target Companies would otherwise be required to pay in the absence of such transactions.
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4.15 Taxes and Returns.
(a) Each Target Company has or will have timely filed, or caused to be timely filed, all federal, state, local and foreign Tax Returns required to be filed by it (taking into account all available extensions), which Tax Returns are true, accurate, correct and complete in all material respects, and has paid, collected or withheld, or caused to be paid, collected or withheld, all Taxes required to be paid, collected or withheld, other than such Taxes for which adequate reserves in the Company Financials have been established in accordance with GAAP. In the last five (5) years, each Target Company has complied with all applicable Laws relating to Tax.
(b) There is no Action currently pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against a Target Company by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where the Target Company does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.
(c) No Target Company is being audited by any Tax authority or has been notified in writing or, to the Knowledge of the Company, orally by any Tax authority that any such audit is contemplated or pending. There are no claims, assessments, audits, examinations, investigations or other Actions pending against a Target Company in respect of any Tax, and no Target Company has been notified in writing of any proposed Tax claims or assessments against it (other than, in each case, claims or assessments for which adequate reserves in the Company Financials have been established).
(d) There are no Liens with respect to any Taxes upon any Target Company’s assets, other than Permitted Liens.
(e) Each Target Company has collected or withheld all Taxes currently required to be collected or withheld by it, and all such Taxes have been paid to the appropriate Governmental Authorities or set aside in appropriate accounts for future payment when due.
(f) No Target Company has any outstanding waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations to assess any amount of Taxes. There are no outstanding requests by a Target Company for any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return or within which to pay any Taxes shown to be due on any Tax Return.
(g) No Target Company has made any change in accounting method (except as required by a change in Law) or received a ruling from, or signed an agreement with, any taxing authority that would reasonably be expected to have a material impact on its Taxes following the Closing.
(h) No Target Company has engaged in any “listed transaction,” as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulation section 1.6011-4(b)(2).
(i) No Target Company has any Liability or potential Liability for the Taxes of another Person (other than another Target Company) that are not adequately reflected in the Company Financials (i) under any applicable Tax Law, (ii) as a transferee or successor, or (iii) by contract or indemnity (excluding commercial agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business the primary purpose of which is not the sharing of Taxes). No Target Company is a party to or bound by any Tax indemnity agreement, Tax sharing agreement or Tax allocation agreement or similar agreement, arrangement or practice (excluding commercial agreements, arrangements or practices entered into in the ordinary course of business the primary purpose of which is not the sharing of Taxes) with respect to Taxes (including advance pricing agreement, closing agreement or other agreement relating to Taxes with any Governmental Authority) that will be binding on any Target Company with respect to any period following the Closing Date.
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(j) No Target Company has requested, or is it the subject of or bound by any private letter ruling, technical advice memorandum, closing agreement or similar ruling, memorandum or agreement with any Governmental Authority with respect to any Taxes, nor is any such request outstanding.
(k) No Target Company: (i) has constituted either a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of securities (to any Person or entity that is not a member of the consolidated group of which the Company is the common parent corporation) qualifying for, or intended to qualify for, Tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code (A) within the two-year period ending on the date hereof or (B) in a distribution which could otherwise constitute part of a “plan” or “series of related transactions” (within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code) in conjunction with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or (ii) is or has ever been (A) a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code, or (B) a member of any consolidated, combined, unitary or affiliated group of corporations for any Tax purposes other than a group of which the Company is or was the common parent corporation.
(l) The Target Companies have not deferred the withholding or remittance of any Applicable Taxes related or attributable to any Applicable Wages for any employees of the Company.
(m) The Target Companies been in compliance in all respects with all applicable transfer pricing laws and legal requirements.
(n) The unpaid Taxes of the Target Companies (i) did not, as of the most recent fiscal month end, materially exceed the reserve for Tax liability (rather than any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the financial statements and (ii) will not materially exceed that reserve as adjusted for the passage of time through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of the Company in filing its Tax Return.
(o) No Target Company will be required to include any material item of income or exclude any material item of deduction for any taxable period beginning after the Closing Date as a result of: (i) any installment sale or open sale transaction disposition made by a Target Company before the Closing; (ii) any prepaid amount received outside of the ordinary course of business by a Target Company before the Closing; or (iii) any intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. income Tax law) existing before the Closing.
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(p) To the Knowledge of the Company, no Target Company is aware of any fact or circumstance that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
4.16 Real Property. Schedule 4.16 contains a complete and accurate list of all premises currently leased or subleased or otherwise used or occupied by a Target Company for the operation of the business of a Target Company, and of all current leases, lease guarantees, agreements and documents related thereto, including all amendments, terminations and modifications thereof or waivers thereto (collectively, the “Company Real Property Leases”), as well as the current annual rent and term under each Company Real Property Lease. The Company has provided to the Purchaser a true and complete copy of each of the Company Real Property Leases, and in the case of any oral Company Real Property Lease, a written summary of the material terms of such Company Real Property Lease. The Company Real Property Leases are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full force and effect, subject to Enforceability Exceptions. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or both or the happening or occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default on the part of a Target Company or any other party under any of the Company Real Property Leases, and no Target Company has received notice of any such condition. No Target Company owns or has ever owned any real property or any interest in real property (other than the leasehold interests in the Company Real Property Leases).
4.17 Personal Property. Each item of Personal Property which is currently owned, used or leased by a Target Company with a book value or fair market value of greater than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is set forth on Schedule 4.17, along with, to the extent applicable, a list of lease agreements, lease guarantees, security agreements and other agreements related thereto, including all amendments, terminations and modifications thereof or waivers thereto (“Company Personal Property Leases”). Except as set forth in Schedule 4.17, all such items of Personal Property are in good operating condition and repair (reasonable wear and tear excepted consistent with the age of such items), and are suitable for their intended use in the business of the Target Companies. The operation of each Target Company’s business as it is now conducted or presently proposed to be conducted is not in any material respect dependent upon the right to use the Personal Property of Persons other than a Target Company, except for such Personal Property that is owned, leased or licensed by or otherwise contracted to a Target Company. The Company has provided to the Purchaser a true and complete copy of each of the Company Personal Property Leases, and in the case of any oral Company Personal Property Lease, a written summary of the material terms of such Company Personal Property Lease. The Company Personal Property Leases are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full force and effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or both or the happening or occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default on the part of a Target Company or any other party under any of the Company Personal Property Leases, and no Target Company has received notice of any such condition.
4.18 Title to and Sufficiency of Assets. Each Target Company has good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in or right to use, all of its assets, free and clear of all Liens other than (a) Permitted Liens, (b) the rights of lessors under leasehold interests and (c) Liens specifically identified on the consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies as of the Interim Balance Sheet Date. The assets (including Intellectual Property rights and contractual rights) of the Target Companies constitute all of the assets, rights and properties that are used in the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies as it is now conducted and presently proposed to be conducted or that are used or held by the Target Companies for use in the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies, and taken together, are adequate and sufficient for the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies as currently conducted and presently proposed to be conducted.
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4.19 Employee Matters.
(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.19(a), no Target Company is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract covering any group of employees, labor organization or other representative of any of the employees of any Target Company, and the Company has no Knowledge of any activities or proceedings of any labor union or other party to organize or represent such employees. There has not occurred or, to the Knowledge of the Company, been threatened any strike, slow-down, picketing, work-stoppage, or other similar labor activity with respect to any such employees. Schedule 4.19(a) sets forth all unresolved labor controversies (including unresolved grievances and age or other discrimination claims other than any workers’ compensation or unemployment claims), if any, that are pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened between any Target Company and Persons employed by or providing services as independent contractors to a Target Company. No current officer or material employee of a Target Company has provided any Target Company written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of his or her plan to terminate his or her employment with any Target Company.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.19(b), each Target Company (i) is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, health and safety and wages and hours, and other Laws relating to discrimination, disability, labor relations, hours of work, payment of wages and overtime wages, pay equity, immigration, workers compensation, working conditions, employee scheduling, occupational safety and health, family and medical leave, and employee terminations, and has not received written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice that there is any pending Action involving unfair labor practices against a Target Company, (ii) is not liable for any material past due arrears of wages or any material penalty for failure to comply with any of the foregoing, and (iii) is not liable for any material payment to any Governmental Authority with respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security or other benefits or obligations for employees, independent contractors or consultants (other than routine payments to be made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice). Except as set forth in Schedule 4.19(b), there are no Actions pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against a Target Company brought by or on behalf of any applicant for employment, any current or former employee, any Person alleging to be a current or former employee, or any Governmental Authority, relating to any such Law or regulation, or alleging breach of any express or implied contract of employment, wrongful termination of employment, or alleging any other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in connection with the employment relationship.
(c) Schedule 4.19(c) hereto sets forth a complete and accurate list as of the date hereof of all employees of the Target Companies showing for each as of such date (i) the employee’s name, job title or description, employer, location, hourly rate, salary level (including any bonus, commission, deferred compensation or other remuneration payable (other than any such arrangements under which payments are at the discretion of the Target Companies)), (ii) any bonus, commission or other remuneration other than salary paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and (iii) any wages, salary, bonus, commission or other compensation due and owing to each employee during or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(c), (A) no employee is a party to a written employment Contract with a Target Company that is not terminable “at will,” and (B) the Target Companies have paid in full to all their employees all wages, salaries, commission, bonuses and other compensation due to their employees, including overtime compensation, and no Target Company has any obligation or Liability (whether or not contingent) with respect to severance payments to any such employees under the terms of any written or, to the Company’s Knowledge, oral agreement, or commitment or any applicable Law, custom, trade or practice. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.19(c), each Target Company employee has entered into the Company’s standard form of employee non-disclosure, inventions and restrictive covenants agreement with a Target Company (whether pursuant to a separate agreement or incorporated as part of such employee’s overall employment agreement), a copy of which has been made available to the Purchaser by the Company.
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(d) Schedule 4.19(d) contains a list of all independent contractors (including consultants) currently engaged by any Target Company, along with a description of the general nature of the work performed, date of retention and rate of remuneration, most recent increase (or decrease) in remuneration and amount thereof, for each such Person. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(d), all of such independent contractors are a party to a written Contract with a Target Company. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(d), each such independent contractor has entered into customary covenants regarding confidentiality and assignment of inventions and copyrights in such Person’s agreement with a Target Company, a copy of which has been provided to the Purchaser by the Company. For the purposes of applicable Law, including the Code, all independent contractors who are currently, or within the last six (6) years have been, engaged by a Target Company are bona fide independent contractors and not employees of a Target Company. Each independent contractor is terminable on fewer than thirty (30) days’ notice, without any obligation of any Target Company to pay severance or a termination fee.
4.20 Benefit Plans.
(a) Set forth on Schedule 4.20(a) is a true and complete list of each Benefit Plan of a Target Company (each, a “Company Benefit Plan”). With respect to each Company Benefit Plan, there are no funded benefit obligations for which contributions have not been made or properly accrued and there are no unfunded benefit obligations that have not been accounted for by reserves, or otherwise properly footnoted in accordance with GAAP on the Company Financials. No Target Company is or has in the past been a member of a “controlled group” for purposes of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code, nor does any Target Company have any Liability with respect to any collectively-bargained for plans, whether or not subject to the provisions of ERISA.
(b) Each Company Benefit Plan is and has been operated at all times in compliance with all applicable Laws in all material respects, including ERISA and the Code. Each Company Benefit Plan which is intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code (i) has been determined by the IRS to be so qualified (or is based on a prototype plan which has received a favorable opinion letter) during the period from its adoption to the date of this Agreement and (ii) its related trust has been determined to be exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code or the Target Companies have requested an initial favorable IRS determination of qualification and/or exemption within the period permitted by applicable Law. To the Company’s Knowledge, no fact exists which could adversely affect the qualified status of such Company Benefit Plans or the exempt status of such trusts.
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(c) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan which covers any current or former officer, director, consultant or employee (or beneficiary thereof) of a Target Company, the Company has provided to Purchaser accurate and complete copies, if applicable, of: (i) all Company Benefit Plan documents and agreements and related trust agreements or annuity Contracts (including any amendments, modifications or supplements thereto); (ii) all summary plan descriptions and summary of material modifications thereto; (iii) the three (3) most recent Forms 5500, if applicable, and annual report, including all schedules thereto; (iv) the most recent annual and periodic accounting of plan assets; (v) the three (3) most recent nondiscrimination testing reports; (vi) the most recent determination letter received from the IRS, if any; (vii) the most recent actuarial valuation; and (viii) all material communications with any Governmental Authority within the last three (3) years.
(d) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan: (i) such Company Benefit Plan has been administered and enforced in all material respects in accordance with its terms, the Code and ERISA; (ii) no breach of fiduciary duty has occurred; (iii) no Action is pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened (other than routine claims for benefits arising in the ordinary course of administration); (iv) no prohibited transaction, as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administration exemption; and (v) all contributions and premiums due through the Closing Date have been made in all material respects as required under ERISA or have been fully accrued in all material respects on the Company Financials.
(e) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.20(e), no Company Benefit Plan is a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 414(j) of the Code), a “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) or a “multiple employer plan” (as described in Section 413(c) of the Code) or is otherwise subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, and no Target Company has incurred any Liability or otherwise could have any Liability, contingent or otherwise, under Title IV of ERISA and no condition presently exists that is expected to cause such Liability to be incurred. No Company Benefit Plan will become a multiple employer plan with respect to any Target Company immediately after the Closing Date. No Target Company currently maintains or has ever maintained, or is required currently or has ever been required to contribute to or otherwise participate in, a multiple employer welfare arrangement or voluntary employees’ beneficiary association as defined in Section 501(c)(9) of the Code.
(f) No arrangement exists pursuant to which a Target Company will be required to “gross up” or otherwise compensate any person because of the imposition of any excise tax on a payment to such person.
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(g) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan which is a “welfare plan” (as described in Section 3(1) of ERISA): (i) no such plan provides medical or death benefits with respect to current or former employees of a Target Company beyond their termination of employment (other than coverage mandated by Law, which is paid solely by such employees); and (ii) there are no reserves, assets, surplus or prepaid premiums under any such plan. Each Target Company has complied in all material respects with the provisions of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code.
(h) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.20(h), the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents will not: (i) entitle any individual to severance pay, unemployment compensation or other benefits or compensation (except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(a)); (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of any compensation due, or in respect of, any individual; or (iii) result in or satisfy a condition to the payment of compensation that would, in combination with any other payment, result in an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. No Target Company has incurred any Liability for any Tax imposed under Chapter 43 of the Code or civil liability under Section 502(i) or (l) of ERISA.
(i) Except to the extent required by Section 4980B of the Code or similar state Law, no Target Company provides health or welfare benefits to any former or retired employee or is obligated to provide such benefits to any active employee following such employee’s retirement or other termination of employment or service.
(j) All Company Benefit Plans can be terminated at any time as of or after the Closing Date without resulting in any Liability to the Surviving Corporation or Purchaser or their respective Affiliates for any additional contributions, penalties, premiums, fees, fines, excise taxes or any other charges or liabilities, except for costs in the normal course related to termination of a Company Benefit Plan.
(k) Each Company Benefit Plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code (each, a “Section 409A Plan”) as of the Closing Date is indicated as such on Schedule 4.20(k). No options or other equity-based awards have been issued or granted by the Company that are, or are subject to, a Section 409A Plan. Each Section 409A Plan has been administered in compliance, and is in documentary compliance, in all material respects, with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code, the regulations thereunder and other official guidance issued thereunder. No Target Company has any obligation to any employee or other service provider with respect to any Section 409A Plan that may be subject to any Tax under Section 409A of the Code. No payment to be made under any Section 409A Plan is, or to the Knowledge of the Company will be, subject to the penalties of Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. There is no Contract or plan to which any Target Company is a party or by which it is bound to compensate any employee, consultant or director for penalty taxes paid pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
4.21 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.21:
(a) Each Target Company is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws, including obtaining, maintaining in good standing, and complying in all material respects with all Permits required for its business and operations by Environmental Laws (“Environmental Permits”), no Action is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened to revoke, modify, or terminate any such Environmental Permit, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, no facts, circumstances, or conditions currently exist that could adversely affect such continued compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits or require capital expenditures to achieve or maintain such continued compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits.
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(b) No Target Company is the subject of any outstanding Order or Contract with any Governmental Authority or other Person in respect of any (i) Environmental Laws, (ii) Remedial Action, or (iii) Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous Material. No Target Company has assumed, contractually or by operation of Law, any Liabilities or obligations under any Environmental Laws.
(c) No Action has been made or is pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against any Target Company or any assets of a Target Company alleging either or both that a Target Company may be in material violation of any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit or may have any material Liability under any Environmental Law.
(d) No Target Company has manufactured, treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, generated, handled or released any Hazardous Material, or owned or operated any property or facility, in a manner that has given or would reasonably be expected to give rise to any material Liability or obligation under applicable Environmental Laws. No fact, circumstance, or condition exists in respect of any Target Company or any property currently or formerly owned, operated, or leased by any Target Company or any property to which a Target Company arranged for the disposal or treatment of Hazardous Materials that could reasonably be expected to result in a Target Company incurring any material Environmental Liabilities.
(e) There is no investigation of the business, operations, or currently owned, operated, or leased property of a Target Company or, to the Company’s Knowledge, previously owned, operated, or leased property of a Target Company pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened that could lead to the imposition of any Liens under any Environmental Law or material Environmental Liabilities.
(f) To the Knowledge of the Company, there is not located at any of the properties of a Target Company any (i) underground storage tanks, (ii) asbestos-containing material, or (iii) equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls.
(g) The Company has provided to the Purchaser all environmentally related site assessments, audits, studies, reports, analysis and results of investigations that have been performed in respect of the currently or previously owned, leased, or operated properties of any Target Company.
4.22 Transactions with Related Persons. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.22, no Target Company nor any of its Affiliates, nor any officer, director, manager, employee, trustee or beneficiary of a Target Company or any of its Affiliates, nor any immediate family member of any of the foregoing (whether directly or indirectly through an Affiliate of such Person) (each of the foregoing, a “Related Person”) is presently, or in the past three (3) years, has been, a party to any transaction with a Target Company, including any Contract or other arrangement (a) providing for the furnishing of services by (other than as officers, directors or employees of the Target Company), (b) providing for the rental of real property or Personal Property from or (c) otherwise requiring payments to (other than for services or expenses as directors, officers or employees of the Target Company in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) any Related Person or any Person in which any Related Person has an interest as an owner, officer, manager, director, trustee or partner or in which any Related Person has any direct or indirect interest (other than the ownership of securities representing no more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding voting power or economic interest of a publicly traded company). Except as set forth on Schedule 4.22, no Target Company has outstanding any Contract or other arrangement or commitment with any Related Person, and no Related Person owns any real property or Personal Property, or right, tangible or intangible (including Intellectual Property) which is used in the business of any Target Company. The assets of the Target Companies do not include any material receivable or other obligation from a Related Person, and the liabilities of the Target Companies do not include any material payable or other obligation or commitment to any Related Person.
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4.23 Insurance.
(a) Schedule 4.23(a) lists all insurance policies (by policy number, insurer, coverage period, coverage amount, annual premium and type of policy) held by a Target Company relating to a Target Company or its business, properties, assets, directors, officers and employees, copies of which have been provided to the Purchaser. All premiums due and payable under all such insurance policies have been timely paid and the Target Companies are otherwise in material compliance with the terms of such insurance policies. Each such insurance policy (i) is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect and (ii) will continue to be legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect on identical terms following the Closing. No Target Company has any self-insurance or co-insurance programs. In the past five (5) years, no Target Company has received any notice from, or on behalf of, any insurance carrier relating to or involving any adverse change or any change other than in the ordinary course of business, in the conditions of insurance, any refusal to issue an insurance policy or non-renewal of a policy.
(b) Schedule 4.23(b) identifies each individual insurance claim in excess of $100,000 made by a Target Company in the past five (5) years. Each Target Company has reported to its insurers all claims and pending circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim, except where such failure to report such a claim would not be reasonably likely to be material to the Target Companies. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred, and no condition or circumstance exists, that would reasonably be expected to (with or without notice or lapse of time) give rise to or serve as a basis for the denial of any such insurance claim. No Target Company has made any claim against an insurance policy as to which the insurer is currently denying coverage.
4.24 Books and Records. All of the financial books and records of the Target Companies are complete and accurate in all material respects and have been maintained in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in accordance with applicable Laws.
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4.25 Top Customers and Suppliers. Schedule 4.25 lists, by dollar volume received or paid, as applicable, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Top Customers”) and the ten (10) largest suppliers of goods or services to the Target Companies (the “Top Suppliers”), along with the amounts of such dollar volumes. The relationships of each Target Company with such suppliers and customers are good commercial working relationships and (i) no Top Supplier or Top Customer within the last twelve (12) months has cancelled or otherwise terminated, or, to the Company’s Knowledge, intends to cancel or otherwise terminate, any material relationships of such Person with a Target Company, (ii) no Top Supplier or Top Customer has during the last twelve (12) months decreased materially or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened to stop, decrease or limit materially, or intends to modify materially its material relationships with a Target Company or stop, decrease or limit materially its products or services to any Target Company or its usage or purchase of the products or services of any Target Company, (iii) to the Company’s Knowledge, no Top Supplier or Top Customer intends to refuse to pay any amount due to any Target Company or seek to exercise any remedy against any Target Company, and (iv) no Target Company has within the past two (2) years been engaged in any material dispute with any Top Supplier or Top Customer, and (v) to the Company’s Knowledge, the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents will not adversely affect the relationship of any Target Company with any Top Supplier or Top Customer.
4.26 Certain Business Practices.
(a) No Target Company, nor any of their respective Representatives acting on their behalf has (i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees, to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any other local or foreign anti-corruption or bribery Law or (iii) made any other unlawful payment. No Target Company, nor any of their respective Representatives acting on their behalf has directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any unlawful gift or similar benefit in any material amount to any customer, supplier, governmental employee, or other Person who is or may be in a position to help or hinder any Target Company or assist any Target Company in connection with any actual or proposed transaction.
(b) The operations of each Target Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with money laundering statutes in all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority, and no Action involving a Target Company with respect to any of the foregoing is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(c) No Target Company or any of their respective directors or officers, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other Representative acting on behalf of a Target Company is currently identified on the specially designated nationals or other blocked person list or otherwise currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC, and no Target Company has in the last five (5) fiscal years, directly or indirectly, used any funds, or loaned, contributed or otherwise made available such funds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, in connection with any sales or operations in Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar or any other country sanctioned by OFAC or for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to, or otherwise in violation of, any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
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4.27 Investment Company Act. No Target Company is an “investment company” or a Person directly or indirectly “controlled” by or acting on behalf of an “investment company,” or required to register as an “investment company,” in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
4.28 Finders and Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.28, no Target Company has incurred or will incur any Liability for any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.29 Independent Investigation. The Company has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Purchaser, and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Purchaser for such purpose. The Company acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to the Company pursuant hereto; and (b) neither the Purchaser nor any of its Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to the Purchaser or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to the Company pursuant hereto.
4.30 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any current report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority or stock exchange with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to the Purchaser’s stockholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Press Release and the Closing Filing will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of the Purchaser or its Affiliates.
4.31 Disclosure. No representations or warranties by the Company in this Agreement (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedules) or the Ancillary Documents, (a) contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or (b) omits or will omit to state, when read in conjunction with all of the information contained in this Agreement, the Company Disclosure Schedules and the Ancillary Documents, any fact necessary to make the statements or facts contained therein not materially misleading. Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by the Company in this ARTICLE IV (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedules) or as expressly set forth in an Ancillary Document, no Target Company nor any other Person on its behalf makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to any of the Target Companies, the Company Security Holders, the Company Stockholders, the business of the Target Companies, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Ancillary Documents, and the Company hereby expressly disclaims any other representations or warranties, whether implied or made by any Target Company or any of its Representatives. Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by the Company in this Article IV (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedules) or in an Ancillary Document, the Company hereby expressly disclaims all liability and responsibility for any representation, warranty, projection, forecast, statement or information made, communicated or furnished (orally or in writing) to the Purchaser, the Purchaser Representative or any of their respective Representatives (including any opinion, information, projection or advice that may have been or may be provided to the Purchaser, the Purchaser Representative or any of their respective Representatives by any Representative of the Company), including any representations or warranties regarding the probable success or profitability of the businesses of the Target Companies.
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ARTICLE
V
COVENANTS
5.1 Access and Information.
(a) During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.1 or the Closing (the “Interim Period”), subject to Section 5.15, the Company shall give, and shall cause its Representatives to give, the Purchaser and its Representatives, at reasonable times during normal business hours and upon reasonable intervals and notice, reasonable access to all offices and other facilities and to all employees, properties, Contracts, agreements, commitments, books and records, financial and operating data and other information (including Tax Returns, internal working papers, client files, client Contracts and director service agreements), of or pertaining to the Target Companies, as the Purchaser or its Representatives may reasonably request regarding the Target Companies and their respective businesses, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects, operations, management, employees and other aspects (including unaudited quarterly financial statements, including a consolidated quarterly balance sheet and income statement, a copy of each material report, schedule and other document filed with or received by a Governmental Authority pursuant to the requirements of applicable securities Laws, and independent public accountants’ work papers (subject to the consent or any other conditions required by such accountants, if any)) and cause each of the Company’s Representatives to reasonably cooperate with the Purchaser and its Representatives in their investigation; provided, however, that the Purchaser and its Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Target Companies.
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(b) During the Interim Period, subject to Section 5.15, the Purchaser shall give, and shall cause its Representatives to give, the Company and its Representatives, at reasonable times during normal business hours and upon reasonable intervals and notice, reasonable access to all offices and other facilities and to all employees, properties, Contracts, agreements, commitments, books and records, financial and operating data and other information (including Tax Returns, internal working papers, client files, client Contracts and director service agreements), of or pertaining to the Purchaser or its Subsidiaries, as the Company or its Representatives may reasonably request regarding the Purchaser, its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects, operations, management, employees and other aspects (including unaudited quarterly financial statements, including a consolidated quarterly balance sheet and income statement, a copy of each material report, schedule and other document filed with or received by a Governmental Authority pursuant to the requirements of applicable securities Laws, and independent public accountants’ work papers (subject to the consent or any other conditions required by such accountants, if any)) and cause each of the Purchaser’s Representatives to reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Representatives in their investigation; provided, however, that the Company and its Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Purchaser or any of its Subsidiaries.
5.2 Conduct of Business of the Company.
(a) Unless the Purchaser shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), during the Interim Period, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or as set forth on Schedule 5.2, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) comply with all Laws applicable to the Target Companies and their respective businesses, assets and employees,(iii) take all commercially reasonable measures necessary or appropriate to preserve intact, in all material respects, their respective business organizations, to keep available the services of their respective managers, directors, officers, employees and consultants, and to preserve the possession, control and condition of their respective material assets, all as consistent with past practice, and (iv) duly and timely file all Tax Returns required to be filed with the applicable Governmental Authorities and pay any and all Taxes due and payable during such time period.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 5.2(a) and except as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or as set forth on Schedule 5.2, during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to not:
(i) amend, waive or otherwise change, in any respect, its Organizational Documents, except as required by applicable Law;
(ii) authorize for issuance, issue, grant, sell, pledge, dispose of or propose to issue, grant, sell, pledge or dispose of any of its equity securities or any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions or rights of any kind to acquire or sell any of its equity securities, or other securities, including any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of its shares or other equity securities or securities of any class and any other equity-based awards, other than the issuance of Company Stock in connection with an equity financing of a Target Company, which together with the Indebtedness permitted under Section 5.2(b)(v) does not exceed $10 million in the aggregate in excess of what is listed on Schedule 4.7(c), or (C) in payment of all or part of any Expenses of a Target Company prior to Closing, or engage in any hedging transaction with a third Person with respect to such securities;
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(iii) split, combine, recapitalize or reclassify any of its shares or other equity interests or issue any other securities in respect thereof or pay or set aside any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, equity or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its equity interests, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or offer to acquire any of its securities (except for the repurchase of Company Common Stock from former employees, non-employee directors and consultants in accordance with agreements as in effect on the date hereof providing for the repurchase of shares in connection with any termination of service);
(iv) declare or distribute any cash or other dividends or distributions to any Company Stockholders or any bonus to any executive employee, except bonuses to employees in the ordinary course of business;
(v) incur, create, assume, prepay or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness (directly, contingently or otherwise) in excess of $10 million in the aggregate in excess of what is listed on Schedule 4.7(c), make a loan or advance to or investment in any third party (other than advancement of expenses to employees in the ordinary course of business), or guarantee or endorse any Indebtedness, Liability or obligation of any Person in excess of $10 million in the aggregate in excess of what is listed on Schedule 4.7(c);
(vi) increase the wages, salaries or compensation of its employees (except for production employees) other than in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, and in any event not in the aggregate by more than five percent (5%), or make or commit to make any bonus payment (whether in cash, property or securities) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, to any employee, or materially increase other benefits of employees generally other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or enter into, establish, materially amend or terminate any Company Benefit Plan with, for or in respect of any current consultant, officer, manager director or employee, in each case other than as required by applicable Law, pursuant to the terms of any Company Benefit Plans or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(vii) make or rescind any material election relating to Taxes, settle any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return or claim for refund, or make any material change in its accounting or Tax policies or procedures, in each case except as required by applicable Law or in compliance with GAAP;
(viii) transfer or license to any Person or otherwise extend, materially amend or modify, permit to lapse or fail to preserve any material Company Registered IP, Company IP Licenses or other Company IP (excluding non-exclusive licenses of Company IP to Target Company customers in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), or disclose to any Person who has not entered into a confidentiality agreement any Trade Secrets;
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(ix) terminate, or waive or assign any material right under, any Company Material Contract or enter into any Contract that would be a Company Material Contract, in any case outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(x) fail to maintain its books, accounts and records in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xi) establish any Subsidiary or enter into any new line of business;
(xii) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in force material insurance policies or replacement or revised policies providing insurance coverage with respect to its assets, operations and activities in such amount and scope of coverage substantially similar to that which is currently in effect;
(xiii) revalue any of its material assets or make any material change in accounting methods, principles or practices, except to the extent required to comply with GAAP and after consulting with the Company’s outside auditors;
(xiv) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding (including any suit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby), other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that involve only the payment of monetary damages (and not the imposition of equitable relief on, or the admission of wrongdoing by, a Target Company or its Affiliates) not in excess of $50,000 (individually or $100,000 in the aggregate), or otherwise pay, discharge or satisfy any Actions, Liabilities or obligations, unless such amount has been reserved in the Company Financials;
(xv) close or materially reduce its activities, or effect any layoff or other personnel reduction or change, at any of its facilities;
(xvi) acquire, including by merger, consolidation, acquisition of equity interests or assets, or any other form of business combination, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division thereof, or any material amount of assets outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xvii) make capital expenditures in excess of $2.5 million (individually for any project (or set of related projects) or $10 million in the aggregate);
(xviii) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;
(xix) voluntarily incur any Liability or obligation (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) not referenced in another subsection of this Section 5.2(b) or otherwise listed on Schedule 4.7(c) in excess of $2.5 million individually or $10 million in the aggregate other than pursuant to the terms of a Company Material Contract or Company Benefit Plan;
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(xx) sell, lease, license, transfer, exchange or swap, mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber (including securitizations), or otherwise dispose of any material portion of its properties, assets or rights;
(xxi) except for the Ancillary Documents, enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement with respect to the voting of equity securities of the Company;
(xxii) take any action that would reasonably be expected to significantly delay or impair the obtaining of any Consents of any Governmental Authority to be obtained in connection with this Agreement;
(xxiii) accelerate the collection of any trade receivables or delay the payment of trade payables or any other liabilities other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xxiv) enter into, amend, waive or terminate (other than terminations in accordance with their terms) any transaction with any Related Person (other than compensation and benefits and advancement of expenses, in each case, provided in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice); or
(xxv) authorize or agree to do any of the foregoing actions;
provided, that any actions reasonably taken in good faith by the Company or its Subsidiaries to the extent reasonably believed to be necessary to comply with Laws (including orders of Governmental Authorities) related to COVID-19 shall be deemed not to constitute a breach of the requirements set forth under this Section 5.2. The Company shall notify the Purchaser in writing of any such actions taken in accordance with the foregoing proviso and shall use reasonable best efforts to mitigate any negative effects of such actions on the business of the Target Companies, in consultation with the Purchaser whenever practicable.
5.3 Conduct of Business of the Purchaser.
(a) Unless the Company shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), during the Interim Period, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or as set forth on Schedule 5.3, the Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) comply with all Laws applicable to the Purchaser and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, assets and employees, and (iii) take all commercially reasonable measures necessary or appropriate to preserve intact, in all material respects, their respective business organizations, to keep available the services of their respective managers, directors, officers, employees and consultants, and to preserve the possession, control and condition of their respective material assets, all as consistent with past practice. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.3, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict Purchaser from extending, in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and the IPO Prospectus, the deadline by which it must complete its Business Combination (an “Extension”), and no consent of any other Party shall be required in connection therewith.
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(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 5.3(a) and except as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents (including the Reincorporation) or as set forth on Schedule 5.3, during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Purchaser shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to not:
(i) amend, waive or otherwise change, in any respect, its Organizational Documents except as required by applicable Law;
(ii) authorize for issuance, issue, grant, sell, pledge, dispose of or propose to issue, grant, sell, pledge or dispose of any of its equity securities or any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions or rights of any kind to acquire or sell any of its equity securities, or other securities, including any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of its equity securities or other security interests of any class and any other equity-based awards, other than the issuance of Purchaser securities issuable upon conversion or exchange of outstanding Purchaser securities in accordance with their terms, or engage in any hedging transaction with a third Person with respect to such securities;
(iii) split, combine, recapitalize or reclassify any of its shares or other equity interests or issue any other securities in respect thereof or pay or set aside any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, equity or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its shares or other equity interests, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or offer to acquire any of its securities;
(iv) incur, create, assume, prepay or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness (directly, contingently or otherwise) not referenced in Section 5.2(b) or otherwise listed on Schedule 4.7(c) in excess of $10 million in the aggregate, make a loan or advance to or investment in any third party, or guarantee or endorse any Indebtedness, Liability or obligation of any Person (provided, that this Section 5.3(b)(iv) shall not prevent the Purchaser from borrowing funds necessary to finance its ordinary course administrative costs and expenses and Expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement);
(v) make or rescind any material election relating to Taxes, settle any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return or claim for refund, or make any material change in its accounting or Tax policies or procedures, in each case except as required by applicable Law or in compliance with GAAP;
(vi) amend, waive or otherwise change the Trust Agreement in any manner adverse to the Purchaser;
(vii) terminate, waive or assign any material right under any Purchaser Material Contract;
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(viii) fail to maintain its books, accounts and records in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(ix) establish any Subsidiary or enter into any new line of business;
(x) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in force insurance policies or replacement or revised policies providing insurance coverage with respect to its assets, operations and activities in such amount and scope of coverage substantially similar to that which is currently in effect;
(xi) revalue any of its material assets or make any material change in accounting methods, principles or practices, except to the extent required to comply with GAAP and after consulting the Purchaser’s outside auditors;
(xii) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding (including any suit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby), other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that involve only the payment of monetary damages (and not the imposition of equitable relief on, or the admission of wrongdoing by, the Purchaser or its Subsidiary) not in excess of $100,000 (individually or in the aggregate), or otherwise pay, discharge or satisfy any Actions, Liabilities or obligations, unless such amount has been reserved in the Purchaser Financials;
(xiii) acquire, including by merger, consolidation, acquisition of equity interests or assets, or any other form of business combination, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division thereof, or any material amount of assets outside the ordinary course of business;
(xiv) make capital expenditures in excess of $2.5 million individually for any project (or set of related projects) or $10 million in the aggregate (excluding for the avoidance of doubt, incurring any Expenses);
(xv) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization (other than with respect to the Merger);
(xvi) voluntarily incur any Liability or obligation (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) in excess of $100,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate (excluding the incurrence of any Expenses) other than as disclosed on Schedule 4.7(c), pursuant to the terms of a Contract in existence as of the date of this Agreement or entered into in the ordinary course of business or in accordance with the terms of this Section 5.3 during the Interim Period;
(xvii) sell, lease, license, transfer, exchange or swap, mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber (including securitizations), or otherwise dispose of any material portion of its properties, assets or rights;
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(xviii) enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement with respect to the voting of Purchaser Securities;
(xix) take any action that would reasonably be expected to significantly delay or impair the obtaining of any Consents of any Governmental Authority to be obtained in connection with this Agreement; or
(xx) authorize or agree to do any of the foregoing actions;
provided, that any actions reasonably taken in good faith by the Purchaser or its Subsidiaries to the extent reasonably believed to be necessary to comply with Laws (including orders of Governmental Authorities) related to COVID-19 shall be deemed not to constitute a breach of the requirements set forth under this Section 5.3. The Purchaser shall notify the Company in writing of any such actions taken in accordance with the foregoing proviso and shall use reasonable best efforts to mitigate any negative effects of such actions on the Purchaser and its Subsidiaries.
5.4
Annual and Interim Financial Statements. (a) During the Interim
Period, within thirty (30) calendar days following the end of each three-month quarterly period and each fiscal year, the Company shall
deliver to the Purchaser an unaudited consolidated income statement and an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies
for the period from the Interim Balance Sheet Date through the end of such quarterly period or fiscal year and the applicable comparative
period in the preceding fiscal year, reviewed by the Company’s auditor and in form appropriate for inclusion in the Registration
Statement, in each case accompanied by a certificate of the CFO of the Company to the effect that all such financial statements fairly
present the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Target Companies as of the date or for the periods indicated,
in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and excluding footnotes. From the date hereof through the Closing Date,
the Company will also promptly deliver to the Purchaser copies of any audited consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies
that the Target Companies’ certified public accountants may issue.
(b) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to the Purchaser by September 30, 2022, or as promptly as practicable thereafter, audited consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, which financial statements shall have been audited in accordance with PCAOB auditing standards by a PCAOB qualified auditor. Such audited financial statements shall be accompanied by a certificate of the CFO of the Company to the effect that such financial statements fairly present the financial position and results of operations of the Company as of the date or for the periods indicated, in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and excluding footnotes.
5.5 Purchaser Public Filings. During the Interim Period, the Purchaser will keep current and timely file all of its public filings with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with applicable securities Laws and shall use its reasonable best efforts prior to the Closing to maintain the listing of the Purchaser Public Units, Purchaser Ordinary Shares, the Purchaser Public Warrants and the Purchaser Rights on Nasdaq; provided, that the Parties acknowledge and agree that from and after the Closing, the Parties intend to list on Nasdaq only the Purchaser Common Stock and the Purchaser Public Warrants.
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5.6 No Solicitation.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, (i) an “Acquisition Proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer, or any indication of interest in making an offer
or proposal, from any Person or group at any time relating to an Alternative Transaction, and (ii) an “Alternative Transaction” means (A) with respect to the Company and its Affiliates, a transaction (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) concerning the sale of (x) all or any material part of the business or assets of the Target Companies (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or (y) except as permitted under Section 5.2(b), any of the shares or other equity interests or profits of the Target Companies, in any case, whether such transaction takes the form of a sale of shares or other equity interests, assets, merger, consolidation, issuance of debt securities, management Contract, joint venture or partnership, or otherwise and (B) with respect to the Purchaser and its Affiliates, a transaction (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) concerning a Business Combination involving Purchaser.
(b) During the Interim Period, in order to induce the other Parties to continue to commit to expend management time and financial resources in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall not, and shall cause its Representatives to not, without the prior written consent of the Company and the Purchaser, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, assist, initiate or facilitate the making, submission or announcement of, or intentionally encourage, any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) furnish any non-public information regarding such Party or its Affiliates or their respective businesses, operations, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects or employees to any Person or group (other than a Party to this Agreement or their respective Representatives) in connection with or in response to an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) engage or participate in discussions or negotiations with any Person or group with respect to, or that could reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (iv) approve, endorse or recommend, or publicly propose to approve, endorse or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal, (v) negotiate or enter into any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement related to any Acquisition Proposal, or (vi) release any third Person from, or waive any provision of, any confidentiality agreement to which such Party is a party.
(c) Each Party shall notify the others as promptly as practicable (and in any event within 48 hours) in writing of the receipt by such Party or any of its Representatives of (i) any bona fide inquiries, proposals or offers, requests for information or requests for discussions or negotiations regarding or constituting any Acquisition Proposal or any bona fide inquiries, proposals or offers, requests for information or requests for discussions or negotiations that could be expected to result in an Acquisition Proposal, and (ii) any request for non-public information relating to such Party or its Affiliates in connection with any Acquisition Proposal, specifying in each case, the material terms and conditions thereof (including a copy thereof if in writing or a written summary thereof if oral) and the identity of the party making such inquiry, proposal, offer or request for information. Each Party shall keep the others promptly informed of the status of any such inquiries, proposals, offers or requests for information. During the Interim Period, each Party shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and shall, and shall direct its Representatives to, cease and terminate any such solicitations, discussions or negotiations.
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(d) During the Interim Period, the board of directors of the Purchaser, or any committee thereof, shall not: (i) withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify (or publicly propose or resolve to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify) the Purchaser Recommendation; (ii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, any Alternative Transaction with respect to the Purchaser; (iii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, or allow Purchaser to execute or enter into, any agreement related to an Alternative Transaction; (iv) enter into any agreement, letter of intent, or agreement in principle requiring Purchaser to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (v) fail to recommend against any Alternative Transaction with respect to the Purchaser; (vi) fail to re-affirm the Purchaser Recommendation at the written request of the Company within five (5) Business Days of such request; (vi) fail to include the Purchaser Recommendation in the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement; or (vii) resolve or agree in writing to do any of the foregoing. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit the Purchaser or the board of directors of the Purchaser or any committee thereof from (x) taking and disclosing to the Purchaser’s stockholders a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) or Rule 14d-9 promulgated under the Exchange Act or issuing a “stop, look and listen” statement to the Purchaser’s stockholders pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act pending disclosure of its position thereunder or (ii) directing any Person (or the Representative of that Person) who makes an Acquisition Proposal to the provisions of this Section 5.6.
(e) During the Interim Period, the board of directors of the Company, or any committee thereof, shall not: (i) withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify (or publicly propose or resolve to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify) the Company Recommendation; (ii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, any Alternative Transaction with respect to the Company; (iii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, or allow the Company to execute or enter into, any agreement related to an Alternative Transaction; (iv) enter into any agreement, letter of intent, or agreement in principle requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (v) fail to recommend against any Alternative Transaction with respect to the Company; (vi) fail to re-affirm the Company Recommendation at the written request of the Purchaser within five (5) Business Days of such request; (vi) fail to include the Company Recommendation in any solicitation materials that its prepares or sends to Company Security Holders; or (vii) resolve or agree in writing to do any of the foregoing.
5.7 No Trading. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is aware, and that the Company’s Affiliates are aware (and each of their respective Representatives is aware or, upon receipt of any material nonpublic information of the Purchaser, will be advised) of the restrictions imposed by U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq promulgated thereunder or otherwise (the “Federal Securities Laws”) and other applicable foreign and domestic 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 purchase or sell any securities of the Purchaser (other than to engage in the Merger in accordance with ARTICLE I), communicate such information to any third party, take any other action with respect to the Purchaser in violation of such Laws, or cause or encourage any third party to do any of the foregoing.
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5.8 Notification of Certain Matters. During the Interim Period, each Party shall give prompt notice to the other Parties if such Party or its Affiliates: (a) fails to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it or its Affiliates hereunder in any material respect; (b) receives any notice or other communication in writing from any third party (including any Governmental Authority) alleging (i) that the Consent of such third party is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) any non-compliance with any Law by such Party or its Affiliates; (c) receives any notice or other communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (d) discovers any fact or circumstance that, or becomes aware of the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event the occurrence or non-occurrence of which, would reasonably be expected to cause or result in any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Article VII not being satisfied or the satisfaction of those conditions being materially delayed; or (e) becomes aware of the commencement or threat, in writing, of any Action against such Party or any of its Affiliates, or any of their respective properties or assets, or, to the Knowledge of such Party, any officer, director, partner, member or manager, in his, her or its capacity as such, of such Party or of its Affiliates with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No such notice shall constitute an acknowledgement or admission by the Party providing the notice regarding whether or not any of the conditions to the Closing have been satisfied or in determining whether or not any of the representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement have been breached.
5.9 Efforts.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, and shall cooperate fully with the other Parties, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws and regulations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the receipt of all applicable Consents of Governmental Authorities) and to comply as promptly as practicable with all requirements of Governmental Authorities applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) In furtherance and not in limitation of Section 5.9(a), to the extent required under any Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade (“Antitrust Laws”), each Party hereto agrees to make any required filing or application under Antitrust Laws, as applicable, at such Party’s sole cost and expense (subject to the last sentence of Section 8.3 with respect to Antitrust Expenses), with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable, to supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be reasonably requested pursuant to Antitrust Laws and to take all other actions reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under Antitrust Laws as soon as practicable, including by requesting early termination of the waiting period provided for under the Antitrust Laws. Each Party shall, in connection with its efforts to obtain all requisite approvals and authorizations for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any Antitrust Law, use its commercially reasonable efforts to: (i) cooperate in all respects with each other Party or its Affiliates in connection with any filing or submission and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding initiated by a private Person; (ii) keep the other Parties reasonably informed of any communication received by such Party or its Representatives from, or given by such Party or its Representatives to, any Governmental Authority and of any communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private Person, in each case regarding any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) permit a Representative of the other Parties and their respective outside counsel to review any communication given by it to, and consult with each other in advance of any meeting or conference with, any Governmental Authority or, in connection with any proceeding by a private Person, with any other Person, and to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority or other Person, give a Representative or Representatives of the other Parties the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences; (iv) in the event a Party’s Representative is prohibited from participating in or attending any meetings or conferences, the other Parties shall keep such Party promptly and reasonably apprised with respect thereto; and (v) use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate in the filing of any memoranda, white papers, filings, correspondence or other written communications explaining or defending the transactions contemplated hereby, articulating any regulatory or competitive argument, and/or responding to requests or objections made by any Governmental Authority.
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(c) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other and use (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to use) their respective commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file with Governmental Authorities requests for approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to have such Governmental Authorities approve the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Party shall give prompt written notice to the other Parties if such Party or any of its Representatives receives any notice from such Governmental Authorities in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and shall promptly furnish the other Parties with a copy of such Governmental Authority notice. If any Governmental Authority requires that a hearing or meeting be held in connection with its approval of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether prior to the Closing or after the Closing, each Party shall arrange for Representatives of such Party to be present for such hearing or meeting. If any objections are asserted with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any applicable Law or if any Action is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) by any applicable Governmental Authority or any private Person challenging any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Document as violative of any applicable Law or which would otherwise prevent, materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any such objections or Actions so as to timely permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, including in order to resolve such objections or Actions which, in any case if not resolved, could reasonably be expected to prevent, materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. In the event any Action is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) by a Governmental Authority or private Person challenging the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or any Ancillary Document, the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to, reasonably cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to contest and resist any such Action and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any Order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents.
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(d) Prior to the Closing, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any Consents of Governmental Authorities or other third Persons as may be necessary for the consummation by such Party or its Affiliates of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or required as a result of the execution or performance of, or consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement by such Party or its Affiliates, and the other Parties shall provide reasonable cooperation in connection with such efforts.
5.10 Tax Matters.
(a) Intended Tax Treatment. Each of the Parties shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each of the Reincorporation and the Merger to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. None of the Parties shall (and each of the Parties shall cause their respective Subsidiaries not to) take any action, or fail to take any action, that could reasonably be expected to cause the Merger to fail to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The Parties intend to report and, except to the extent otherwise required by Law, shall report, for federal income tax purposes, the Reincorporation and the Merger as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(b) Tax Opinions. If, in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement, the SEC requires that tax opinions be prepared and submitted regarding: (i) the Reincorporation, the Purchaser will use its reasonable best efforts to cause Loeb & Loeb LLP (“Loeb”) to deliver such tax opinion to the Purchaser, or (ii) the Merger, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause HTFL to deliver such tax opinion to the Company. Each party shall use reasonable best efforts to execute and deliver customary Tax representation letters to the applicable tax advisor in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such advisor. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Loeb shall not be required to provide any opinion to any Party regarding the Merger.
(c) Tax Matters Cooperation. Each of the parties hereto shall (and shall cause its respective Affiliates to) cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by another party hereto, in connection with the filing of relevant Tax Returns, and any audit or tax proceeding. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the other party’s request) the provision of records and information reasonably relevant to any tax proceeding or audit, making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder.
5.11 Further Assurances. The Parties hereto shall further cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, necessary, proper or advisable on their part under this Agreement and applicable Laws to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable, including preparing and filing as soon as practicable all documentation to effect all necessary notices, reports and other filings.
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5.12 The Registration Statement.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, the Purchaser shall prepare with the reasonable assistance of the Company, and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, and including the Proxy Statement contained therein, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of Purchaser Common Stock to be issued under this Agreement as the Merger Consideration, which Registration Statement will also contain a proxy statement (as amended, the “Proxy Statement”) for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Purchaser shareholders for the matters to be acted upon at the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting and providing the Public Shareholders an opportunity in accordance with the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and the IPO Prospectus to have their Purchaser Ordinary Shares redeemed (the “Redemption”) in conjunction with the stockholder vote on the Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters. The Proxy Statement shall include proxy materials for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Purchaser shareholders to vote, at an extraordinary general meeting of Purchaser shareholders to be called and held for such purpose (the “Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting”), in favor of resolutions approving (i) the adoption and approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or referred to herein, including the Merger and the Reincorporation, by the holders of Purchaser Ordinary Shares in accordance with the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, the Securities Act, the Cayman Islands Companies Law, the DGCL and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq, (ii) the effecting of the Reincorporation, (iii) the change of name of the Purchaser and the adoption and approval of the Amended Organizational Documents, (iv) the adoption and approval of a new equity incentive plan in substantially the form attached as Exhibit F hereto (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), and which will provide for awards for a number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock equal to ten percent (10%) of the aggregate number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately after the Closing (giving effect to the Redemption), (v) the appointment of the members of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board in accordance with Section 5.17 hereof, (vi) such other matters as the Company and Purchaser shall hereafter mutually determine to be necessary or appropriate in order to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the approvals described in foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), collectively, the “Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters”), and (vii) the adjournment of the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting, if necessary or desirable in the reasonable determination of Purchaser. If on the date for which the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting is scheduled, Purchaser has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares to obtain the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval, whether or not a quorum is present, Purchaser may make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting. In connection with the Registration Statement, Purchaser will file with the SEC financial and other information about the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with applicable Law and applicable proxy solicitation and registration statement rules set forth in the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, the Securities Act, the DGCL and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. Purchaser shall cooperate and provide the Company (and its counsel) with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto prior to filing the same with the SEC, and Purchaser shall consider any such comments timely made in good faith. The Company shall provide Purchaser with such information concerning the Target Companies and their stockholders, officers, directors, employees, assets, Liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), business and operations that may be required or appropriate for inclusion in the Registration Statement, or in any amendments or supplements thereto, which information provided by the Company shall be true and correct and not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading. If required by applicable SEC rules or regulations, such financial information provided by the Target Companies must be reviewed or audited by the Target Companies’ auditors. The Purchaser shall cause any information concerning the Purchaser or its stockholders, officers, directors, assets, Liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), business and operations included in the Registration Statement, or in any amendments or supplements thereto, to be true and correct and to not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading.
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(b) Purchaser shall take any and all reasonable and necessary actions required to satisfy the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable Laws in connection with the Registration Statement, the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting and the Redemption. Each of Purchaser and the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, make their respective directors, officers and employees, upon reasonable advance notice, available to the Company, Purchaser and, after the Closing, the Purchaser Representative, and their respective Representatives in connection with the drafting of the public filings with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Registration Statement, and responding in a timely manner to comments from the SEC. Each Party shall promptly correct any information provided by it for use in the Registration Statement (and other related materials) if and to the extent that such information is determined to have become false or misleading in any material respect or as otherwise required by applicable Laws. Purchaser shall amend or supplement the Registration Statement and cause the Registration Statement, as so amended or supplemented, to be filed with the SEC and to be disseminated to Purchaser shareholders, in each case as and to the extent required by applicable Laws and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents; provided, however, that the Purchaser shall not amend or supplement the Registration Statement without prior consultation with the Company as is reasonable under the circumstances.
(c) Purchaser, with the assistance of the other Parties, shall promptly respond to any SEC comments on the Registration Statement and shall otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to “clear” comments from the SEC and become effective. Purchaser shall provide the Company with copies of any written comments, and shall inform the Company of any material oral comments, that Purchaser or its Representatives receive from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement, the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting and the Redemption promptly after the receipt of such comments and shall give the Company and its counsel a reasonable opportunity under the circumstances to review and comment on any proposed written or material oral responses to such comments, and the Purchaser shall consider any such comments timely made in good faith under the circumstances.
(d) As soon as practicable following the Registration Statement “clearing” comments from the SEC and becoming effective, Purchaser shall distribute the Registration Statement to Purchaser’s stockholders and the Company Stockholders, and, pursuant thereto, shall call the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with Cayman Islands Companies Law for a date no later than thirty (30) days following the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
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(e) Purchaser shall comply with all applicable Laws, any applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq, Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and this Agreement in the preparation, filing and distribution of the Registration Statement, any solicitation of proxies thereunder, the calling and holding of the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting and the Redemption. Purchaser shall apply for, and shall take commercially reasonable actions to cause, Purchaser Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger to be approved for listing on Nasdaq as of the Closing.
5.13 Company Stockholder Approval. As promptly as practicable after the Registration Statement has become effective, but in no event later than one (1) week after such date, the Company will obtain and deliver to Purchaser written consents representing the requisite vote of the Company Stockholders (including any separate class or series vote that is required, whether pursuant to the Company’s Organizational Documents, any stockholder agreement or otherwise), as necessary, to authorize, approve and consent to, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Documents to which the Company is or is required to be a party or bound, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger (the “Required Company Stockholder Approval”).
5.14 Public Announcements.
(a) The Parties agree that during the Interim Period no public release, filing or announcement concerning this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be issued by any Party or any of their Affiliates without the prior written consent of the Purchaser and the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except as such release or announcement may be required by applicable Law or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange, in which case the applicable Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to allow the other Parties reasonable time to comment on, and arrange for any required filing with respect to, such release or announcement in advance of such issuance.
(b) The Parties shall mutually agree upon and, as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement (but in any event within one (1) Business Days thereafter), issue a press release announcing the execution of this Agreement (the “Signing Press Release”). Promptly after the issuance of the Signing Press Release, the Purchaser 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 Federal Securities Laws, which the Company shall review, comment upon and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) prior to filing (with the Company reviewing, commenting upon and approving such Signing Filing in any event no later than the first (1st) Business Day after the execution of this Agreement); provided that the Purchaser provides the Company with a reasonable amount of time to complete such review, comment and approval prior to the third (3rd) Business Day after the date thereof. The Parties shall mutually agree upon and, as promptly as practicable after the Closing (but in any event within one (1) Business Day thereafter), issue a press release announcing the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing Press Release”). Promptly after the issuance of the Closing Press Release, the Purchaser 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 Federal Securities Laws which the Seller Representative and the Purchaser Representative shall review, comment upon and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) prior to filing. In connection with the preparation of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Filing, the Closing Press Release, or any other report, statement, filing notice or application made by or on behalf of a Party to any Governmental Authority or other third party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall, upon request by any other Party, furnish the Parties with all information concerning themselves, their respective directors, officers and equity holders, and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or any other report, statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of a Party to any third party and/or any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
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5.15 Confidential Information.
(a) The Company and the Seller Representative hereby agrees that during the Interim Period and, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with ARTICLE VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, they shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to: (i) treat and hold in strict confidence any Purchaser Confidential Information, and will not use for any purpose (except in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, performing their obligations hereunder or thereunder, enforcing their rights hereunder or thereunder, or in furtherance of their authorized duties on behalf of the Purchaser or its Subsidiaries), nor directly or indirectly disclose, distribute, publish, disseminate or otherwise make available to any third party any of the Purchaser Confidential Information without the Purchaser’s prior written consent; and (ii) in the event that the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective Representatives, during the Interim Period or, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with ARTICLE VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, becomes legally compelled to disclose any Purchaser Confidential Information, (A) provide the Purchaser to the extent legally permitted with prompt written notice of such requirement so that the Purchaser or an Affiliate thereof may seek, at Purchaser’s cost, a protective Order or other remedy or waive compliance with this Section 5.15(a), and (B) in the event that such protective Order or other remedy is not obtained, or the Purchaser waives compliance with this Section 5.15(a), furnish only that portion of such Purchaser Confidential Information which is legally required to be provided as advised in writing by outside counsel and to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such Purchaser Confidential Information. In the event that this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, the Company and the Seller Representative shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to, promptly deliver to the Purchaser or destroy (at Purchaser’s election) any and all copies (in whatever form or medium) of Purchaser Confidential Information and destroy all notes, memoranda, summaries, analyses, compilations and other writings related thereto or based thereon; provided, however, that the Company and the Seller Representative and their respective Representatives shall be entitled to keep any records required by applicable Law or bona fide record retention policies; and provided, further, that any Purchaser Confidential Information that is not returned or destroyed shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Agreement.
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(b) The Purchaser hereby agrees that during the Interim Period and, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with ARTICLE VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, it shall, and shall cause its Representatives to: (i) treat and hold in strict confidence any Company Confidential Information, and will not use for any purpose (except in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, performing its obligations hereunder or thereunder or enforcing its rights hereunder or thereunder), nor directly or indirectly disclose, distribute, publish, disseminate or otherwise make available to any third party any of the Company Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent; and (ii) in the event that the Purchaser or any of its Representatives, during the Interim Period or, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with ARTICLE VIII, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, becomes legally compelled to disclose any Company Confidential Information, (A) provide the Company to the extent legally permitted with prompt written notice of such requirement so that the Company may seek, at the Company’s sole expense, a protective Order or other remedy or waive compliance with this Section 5.15(b) and (B) in the event that such protective Order or other remedy is not obtained, or the Company waives compliance with this Section 5.15(b), furnish only that portion of such Company Confidential Information which is legally required to be provided as advised in writing by outside counsel and to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such Company Confidential Information. In the event that this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, the Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, promptly deliver to the Company or destroy (at the Purchaser’s election) any and all copies (in whatever form or medium) of Company Confidential Information and destroy all notes, memoranda, summaries, analyses, compilations and other writings related thereto or based thereon; provided, however, that the Purchaser and its Representatives shall be entitled to keep any records required by applicable Law or bona fide record retention policies; and provided, further, that any Company Confidential Information that is not returned or destroyed shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser and its Representatives shall be permitted to disclose any and all Company Confidential Information to the extent required by the Federal Securities Laws.
5.16 Documents and Information. After the Closing Date, the Purchaser and the Company shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, until the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date, retain all books, records and other documents pertaining to the business of the Target Companies in existence on the Closing Date and make the same available for inspection and copying by the Purchaser Representative during normal business hours of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, upon reasonable request and upon reasonable notice. No such books, records or documents shall be destroyed after the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date by the Purchaser or its Subsidiaries (including any Target Company) without first advising the Purchaser Representative in writing and giving the Purchaser Representative a reasonable opportunity to obtain possession thereof.
5.17 Post-Closing Board of Directors and Executive Officers.
(a) The Parties shall take all necessary action, including causing the directors of the Purchaser to resign, so that effective as of the Closing, the Purchaser’s board of directors (the “Post-Closing Purchaser Board”) will consist of seven (7) individuals, with the identity and allocation of such persons among the staggered tiers of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board (and the appointment of such persons to committees of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board) to be determined by the Company’s current board of directors; provided, however, that the Sponsor shall have, subject to the Company’s approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), the right to appoint one member of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board; provided, further, that the Post-Closing Purchaser Board shall be constituted in compliance with Nasdaq Rule 5605. Immediately after the Closing, the Parties shall take all necessary action to designate and appoint members of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board. At or prior to the Closing, the Purchaser will provide each director of Purchaser with a customary director indemnification agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such director of Purchaser. At the Closing, the Purchaser and the Company Stockholders will enter into a voting agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G hereto relating to the Sponsor’s right to have a nominee on the Board (the “Voting Agreement”).
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(b) The Parties shall take all action necessary, including causing the executive officers of Purchaser to resign, so that the individuals serving as the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, respectively, of Purchaser immediately after the Closing will be the same individuals (in the same office) as that of the Company immediately prior to the Closing (unless, at its sole discretion, the Company desires to appoint another qualified person to either such role, in which case, such other person identified by the Company shall serve in such role).
5.18 Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Tail Insurance.
(a) The Parties agree that all rights to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses existing in favor of the current or former directors and officers of the Purchaser or Merger Sub and each Person who served as a director, officer, member, trustee or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, pension or other employee benefit plan or enterprise at the request of the Purchaser or Merger Sub (the “D&O Indemnified Persons”) as provided in their respective Organizational Documents or under any indemnification, employment or other similar agreements between any D&O Indemnified Person and the Purchaser or Merger Sub, in each case as in effect on the date of this Agreement, shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms to the extent permitted by applicable Law. For a period of six (6) years after the Effective Time, the Purchaser shall cause the Organizational Documents of the Purchaser and the Surviving Corporation to contain provisions no less favorable with respect to exculpation and indemnification of and advancement of expenses to D&O Indemnified Persons than are set forth as of the date of this Agreement in the Organizational Documents of the Purchaser and Merger Sub to the extent permitted by applicable Law. The provisions of this Section 5.18 shall survive the consummation of the Merger and are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the D&O Indemnified Persons and their respective heirs and representatives.
(b) For the benefit of the Purchaser’s and Merger Sub’s directors and officers, the Purchaser shall be permitted prior to the Effective Time to obtain and fully pay the premium for a “tail” insurance policy that provides coverage for up to a six-year period from and after the Effective Time for events occurring prior to the Effective Time (the “D&O Tail Insurance”) that is substantially equivalent to and in any event not less favorable in the aggregate than the Purchaser’s existing policy or, if substantially equivalent insurance coverage is unavailable, the best available coverage. If obtained, the Purchaser shall maintain the D&O Tail Insurance in full force and effect, and continue to honor the obligations thereunder, and the Purchaser shall timely pay or caused to be paid all premiums with respect to the D&O Tail Insurance.
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(c) In the event Purchaser or Merger Sub or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger, or (ii) 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 Purchaser or Merger Sub (or their respective successors and assigns), as applicable, assume in writing the obligations set forth in this Section 5.18.
5.19 Trust Account Proceeds. The Parties agree that after the Closing, the funds in the Trust Account, after taking into account payments for the Redemption, shall first be used to pay (i) the Purchaser’s accrued Expenses, including the premiums for the D&O Tail Insurance, (ii) the Purchaser’s deferred Expenses (including cash amounts payable to the IPO Underwriters and any legal fees) of the IPO, (iii) any loans owed by the Purchaser to the Sponsor for any Expenses (including deferred Expenses), (iv) any administrative Expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Purchaser, and (v) any other Liabilities of the Purchaser as of the Closing, as, to the extent and in the respective amounts not to exceed those set forth on Schedule 5.19. Such Expenses and Liabilities, as well as any Expenses and Liabilities that are required to be paid by delivery of the Purchaser’s securities, will be paid at the Closing. Any remaining cash will be used for payment of Expenses and Liabilities of the Target Companies and for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Surviving Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no funds in the Trust Account (including payments for the Redemption) shall be used to pay or reimburse any Person for costs and expenses relating to an Extension; provided, however, in the event the Sponsor contributes additional funds to the Trust Account in connection with an Extension, and the Closing of the Business Combination occurs, then an amount equal to the funds so contributed shall be returned to the Sponsor at the Closing. In the event that, following the Redemption, there are no sufficient funds remaining in the Trust Account at the Closing, the Target Companies shall pay on the Closing Date all the Expenses and Liabilities of the Purchaser as set forth on Schedule 5.19. Any other Expenses and Liabilities not set forth on Schedule 5.19 outstanding as of such date shall only be paid by the Target Companies to the extent such additional Expenses and Liabilities have been previously pre-approved in writing by the Seller Representative.
5.20 At the Closing, Parties will enter into a registration rights agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and Purchaser providing for certain registration rights for certain stockholders of Purchaser (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).
ARTICLE
VI
NO SURVIVAL
6.1 No Survival. Representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchaser contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Company or the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement shall not survive the Closing, and from and after the Closing, the Company and the Purchaser and their respective Representatives shall not have any further obligations, nor shall any claim be asserted or action be brought against the Company or the Purchaser or their respective Representatives with respect thereto. The covenants and agreements made by the Company and the Purchaser in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such covenants or agreements, shall not survive the Closing, except for those covenants and agreements contained herein and therein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Closing (which such covenants shall survive the Closing and continue until fully performed in accordance with their terms).
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ARTICLE
VII
CLOSING CONDITIONS
7.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The obligations of each Party to consummate the Merger and the other transactions described herein shall be subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (where permissible) by the Company and the Purchaser of the following conditions:
(a) Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval. The Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters that are submitted to the vote of the shareholders of the Purchaser at the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with the Proxy Statement and the Purchaser Memorandum and Articles shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the shareholders of the Purchaser at the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with the Purchaser’s Memorandum and Articles, applicable Law and the Proxy Statement (the “Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval”).
(b) Required Company Stockholder Approval. The Company shall have obtained the Required Company Stockholder Approval in accordance with Section 5.13.
(c) Antitrust Laws. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of this Agreement under any Antitrust Laws shall have expired or been terminated.
(d) Requisite Consents. The Consents required to be obtained from or made with any third Person (other than a Governmental Authority) in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that are set forth in Schedule 7.1(d) shall have each been obtained or made.
(e) No Adverse Law or Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) or Order that is then in effect and which has the effect of making the transactions or agreements contemplated by this Agreement illegal or which otherwise prevents or prohibits consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(f) Net Tangible Assets Test. Upon the Closing, after giving effect to the Redemption, the Purchaser shall have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001.
(g) Appointment to the Board. The members of the Post-Closing Purchaser Board shall have been elected or appointed as of the Closing consistent with the requirements of Section 5.17.
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(h) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall remain effective as of the Closing, and no stop order or similar order shall be in effect with respect to the Registration Statement.
(i) Nasdaq Listing. The Purchaser Common Stock issued as Merger Consideration shall have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance.
7.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Company. In addition to the conditions specified in Section 7.1, the obligations of the Company to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (by the Company) of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser pursuant hereto shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date, except for (i) those representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which representations and warranties shall have been accurate as of such date), and (ii) any failures to be true and correct that (without giving effect to any qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect), individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on, or with respect to, the Purchaser.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The Purchaser shall have performed in all material respects all of the Purchaser’s obligations and complied in all material respects with all of the Purchaser’s agreements and covenants under this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No Purchaser Material Adverse Effect. No Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Purchaser since the date of this Agreement which is continuing and uncured.
(d) Closing Deliveries.
(i) Officer Certificate. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer of the Purchaser in such capacity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 7.2(a), 7.2(b) and 7.2(c).
(ii) Secretary Certificate. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate from its secretary or other executive officer certifying as to, and attaching, (A) copies of the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Reincorporation), (B) the resolutions of the Purchaser’s board of directors authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party or by which it is bound, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (C) evidence that the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval has been obtained and (D) the incumbency of officers authorized to execute this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to which the Purchaser is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
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(iii) Good Standing. The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a good standing certificate (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) for the Purchaser certified as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of the Purchaser’s jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which the Purchaser is qualified to do business as a foreign entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.
(iv) Escrow Agreement. The Company shall have received a copy of the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by the Purchaser and the Escrow Agent.
(v) Registration Rights Agreement. The Company shall have received a copy of the Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by the Purchaser.
7.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser. In addition to the conditions specified in Section 7.1, the obligations of the Purchaser and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (by the Purchaser) of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered by or on behalf of the Company pursuant hereto shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date, except for (i) those representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which representations and warranties shall have been accurate as of such date), and (ii) any failures to be true and correct that (without giving effect to any qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect), individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on, or with respect to, the Target Companies, taken as a whole.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The Company shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations and complied in all material respects with all of its agreements and covenants under this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No Material Adverse Effect. No Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Target Companies taken as a whole since the date of this Agreement which is continuing and uncured.
(d) Closing Deliveries.
(i) Officer Certificate. The Purchaser shall have received a certificate from the Company, dated as the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer of the Company in such capacity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 7.3(a), 7.3(b) and 7.3(c).
(ii) Secretary Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a certificate executed by the Company’s secretary certifying as to the validity and effectiveness of, and attaching, (A) copies of the Company’s Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing Date (immediately prior to the Effective Time), (B) the requisite resolutions of the Company’s board of directors authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party or bound, and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and the adoption of the Surviving Corporation Organizational Documents, and recommending the approval and adoption of the same by the Company Stockholders, (C) evidence that the Required Company Stockholder Approval has been obtained and (D) the incumbency of officers of the Company authorized to execute this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
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(iii) Good Standing. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser good standing certificates (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) for each Target Company certified as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of the Target Company’s jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which the Target Company is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or other entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.
(iv) Certified Charter. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a copy of the Company Charter, as in effect as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of a date no more than ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.
(v) Employment Agreements. The employment agreements, in the form attached as Exhibit H hereto, between Tie “James” Li and the Purchaser shall be in full force and effect as of the Closing.
(vi) Non-Competition Agreement. The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser copies of the Non-Competition Agreements duly executed by each of the Key Management Members.
(vii) Transmittal Documents. The Exchange Agent shall have received from each Company Stockholder the Transmittal Documents, each in form reasonably acceptable for transfer on the books of the Company.
(viii) Resignations. Subject to the requirements of Section 5.18, the Purchaser shall have received written resignations, effective as of the Closing, of each of the directors and officers of the Company as requested by the Purchaser prior to the Closing.
(ix) Registered Agent Letter. The Purchaser shall receive a copy of the letter, executed by all parties thereto, in the agreed form, to the Delaware registered agent of the Company from the client of record of such registered agent instructing it to take instruction from the Purchaser (or its nominees) from Closing.
(x) Escrow Agreement. The Purchaser shall have received a copy of the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by the Company and the Escrow Agent.
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(xi) Registration Rights Agreement. The Purchaser shall have received a copy of the Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by the Company.
(xii) Firpta Certificate. The Purchaser shall have received from the Company a duly executed certificate conforming to the requirements of Sections 1.897-2(h)(1)(i) and 1.1445-2(c)(3)(i) of the United States Treasury regulations, and a notice to be delivered to the United States Internal Revenue Service as required under Section 1.897-2(h)(2) of the United States Treasury regulations, each dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date and in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser.
7.4 Frustration of Conditions. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no Party may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in this Article VII to be satisfied if such failure was caused by the failure of such Party or its Affiliates (or with respect to the Company, any Target Company or Company Stockholder) failure to comply with or perform any of its covenants or obligations set forth in this Agreement.
ARTICLE
VIII
TERMINATION AND EXPENSES
8.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing as follows:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Purchaser and the Company;
(b) by written notice by the Purchaser or the Company if any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in ARTICLE VII have not been satisfied or waived by June 11, 2023 (the “Outside Date”) (provided, that if Purchaser seeks and obtains an Extension, Purchaser shall have the right by providing written notice thereof to the Company to extend the Outside Date for an additional period equal to the shortest of (i) three (3) additional months, (ii) the period ending on the last date for Purchaser to consummate its Business Combination pursuant to such Extension and (iii) such period as determined by Purchaser); provided, however, the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(b) shall not be available to a Party if the breach or violation by such Party or its Affiliates of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under this Agreement was the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Outside Date;
(c) by written notice by either the Purchaser or the Company if a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have issued an Order or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such Order or other action has become final and non-appealable; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(c) shall not be available to a Party if the failure by such Party or its Affiliates to comply with any provision of this Agreement has been a substantial cause of, or substantially resulted in, such action by such Governmental Authority;
(d) by written notice by the Company to Purchaser, if (i) there has been a material breach by the Purchaser of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of the Purchaser shall have become untrue or inaccurate, in any case, which would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 7.2(a) or Section 7.2(b) to be satisfied (treating the Closing Date for such purposes as the date of this Agreement or, if later, the date of such breach), and (ii) the breach or inaccuracy is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days after written notice of such breach or inaccuracy is provided to the Purchaser or (B) the Outside Date; provided, that the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(d) if at such time the Company is in material uncured breach of this Agreement;
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(e) by written notice by the Purchaser to the Company, if (i) there has been a material breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of such Parties shall have become untrue or inaccurate, in any case, which would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 7.3(a) or Section 7.3(b) to be satisfied (treating the Closing Date for such purposes as the date of this Agreement or, if later, the date of such breach), and (ii) the breach or inaccuracy is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days after written notice of such breach or inaccuracy is provided to the Company or (B) the Outside Date; provided, that the Purchaser shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(e) if at such time the Purchaser is in material uncured breach of this Agreement;
(f) by written notice by the Purchaser to the Company, if there shall have been a Material Adverse Effect on the Target Companies taken as a whole following the date of this Agreement which is uncured for at least ten (10) business days after written notice of such Material Adverse Effect is provided by the Purchaser to the Company;
(g) by written notice by either the Purchaser or the Company to the other, if the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting is held (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) and has concluded, the Purchaser’s stockholders have duly voted, and the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval was not obtained;
(h) by written notice by the Purchaser to the Company, if the Required Company Stockholder Approval was not obtained pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;
(i) by the Purchaser if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section 7.1 and Section 7.2 have been satisfied or waived (other than conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing), (ii) the Purchaser has irrevocably confirmed by written notice to Company th
at all of the conditions set forth in Section 7.3 have been satisfied (other than conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) or that it is willing to waive any such unsatisfied conditions and that the Purchaser is ready, willing and able to consummate the Closing, and (iii) Company shall have failed to consummate the Transactions within ten (10) Business Days after such notice; or
(j) by the Company if (i) all of the conditions set forth in Section 7.1 and Section 7.3 have been satisfied or waived (other than conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing), (ii) the Company has irrevocably confirmed by written notice to Purchaser that all of the conditions set forth in Section 7.2 have been satisfied (other than conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) or that it is willing to waive any such unsatisfied conditions and that the Company is ready, willing and able to consummate the Closing, and (iii) the Purchaser shall have failed to consummate the Transactions within ten (10) Business Days after such notice.
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8.2 Effect of Termination. This Agreement may only be terminated in the circumstances described in Section 8.1 and pursuant to a written notice delivered by the applicable Party to the other applicable Parties, which sets forth the basis for such termination, including the provision of Section 8.1 under which such termination is made. In the event of the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there shall be no Liability on the part of any Party or any of their respective Representatives, and all rights and obligations of each Party shall cease, except: (i) Sections 5.14, 5.15, 8.3, 9.1, ARTICLE X, ARTICLE XI and this Section 8.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any Party from Liability for any willful breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under this Agreement or any Fraud Claim against such Party, in either case, prior to termination of this Agreement (in each case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, subject to Section 9.1). Without limiting the foregoing, and except as provided in Sections 8.3 and this Section 8.2 (but subject to Section 9.1) and subject to the right to seek injunctions, specific performance or other equitable relief in accordance with Section 10.8, the Parties’ sole right prior to the Closing with respect to any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement by another Party or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be the right, if applicable, to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1.
8.3 Fees and Expenses. Subject to Section 9.1, all Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party incurring such expenses. As used in this Agreement, “Expenses” shall include all out-of-pocket expenses (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, financial advisors, financing sources, experts and consultants to a Party hereto or any of its Affiliates) incurred by a Party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or any Ancillary Document related hereto and all other matters related to the consummation of this Agreement. With respect to the Purchaser, Expenses shall include any and all deferred expenses (including fees or commissions payable to the underwriters and any legal fees) of the IPO upon consummation of a Business Combination. The Purchaser and the Company shall each pay one-half of all filing fees and expenses under any applicable Antitrust Laws, including the fees and expenses relating to any pre-merger notification required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (“Antitrust Expenses”). For the avoidance of doubt, if any shares of Purchaser Common Stock are issued in payment of Expenses incurred by Purchaser (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, financial advisors, financing sources, experts and consultants retained by Purchaser or any of its Affiliates), such issuance shall in no event reduce the number of shares of Purchase Common Stock that the Company Security Holders are entitled to receive as Merger Consideration under this Agreement.
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ARTICLE
IX
WAIVERS AND RELEASES
9.1 Waiver of Claims Against Trust. Reference is made to the IPO Prospectus. The Company and the Seller Representative each hereby represents and warrants that it has read the IPO Prospectus and understands that Purchaser has established the Trust Account containing the proceeds of the IPO and the overallotment shares acquired by Purchaser’s underwriters and from certain private placements occurring simultaneously with the IPO (including interest accrued from time to time thereon) for the benefit of Purchaser’s public shareholders (including overallotment shares acquired by Purchaser’s underwriters) (the “Public Shareholders”) and that, except as otherwise described in the IPO Prospectus, Purchaser may disburse monies from the Trust Account only: (a) to the Public Shareholders in the event they elect to redeem their Purchaser Ordinary Shares in connection with the consummation of its initial business combination (as such term is used in the IPO Prospectus) (“Business Combination”) or in connection with an amendment to Purchaser’s Organizational Documents to extend Purchaser’s deadline to consummate a Business Combination, (b) to the Public Shareholders if the Purchaser fails to consummate a Business Combination within twelve (12) months, or fifteen (15) months if the Purchaser extends the period of time to consummate a Business Combination in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, after the closing of the IPO, (c) with respect to any interest earned on the amounts held in the Trust Account, amounts necessary to pay for any taxes, and (d) to Purchaser after or concurrently with the consummation of a Business Combination. For and in consideration of Purchaser entering into this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each of the Company and the Seller Representative hereby agrees on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, none of the Company or the Seller Representative nor any of their respective 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 or any proposed or actual business relationship between Purchaser or any of its Representatives, on the one hand, and the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective 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”). Each of the Company and the Seller Representative on behalf of itself and its Affiliates hereby irrevocably waives any Released Claims that any such Party or any of its 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 Purchaser or its Representatives and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) for any reason whatsoever (including for an alleged breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with Purchaser or its Affiliates). The Company and the Seller Representative each agrees and acknowledges that such irrevocable waiver is material to this Agreement and specifically relied upon by Purchaser and its Affiliates to induce Purchaser to enter in this Agreement, and each of the Company and the Seller Representative further intends and understands such waiver to be valid, binding and enforceable against such Party and each of its Affiliates under applicable Law. To the extent that the Company or the Seller Representative or any of their respective Affiliates commences any Action based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to Purchaser or its Representatives, which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, monetary relief against Purchaser or its Representatives, each of the Company and the Seller Representative hereby acknowledges and agrees that its and its Affiliates’ sole remedy shall be against funds held outside of the Trust Account and that such claim shall not permit such Party or any of its Affiliates (or any Person claiming on any of their behalves or in lieu of them) to have any claim against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) or any amounts contained therein. In the event that the Company or the Seller Representative or any of their respective Affiliates commences Action based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to Purchaser or its Representatives which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, relief against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) or the Public Shareholders, whether in the form of money damages or injunctive relief, Purchaser and its Representatives, as applicable, shall be entitled to recover from the Company, the Seller Representative (on behalf of the Company Stockholders) and their respective Affiliates, as applicable, the associated legal fees and costs in connection with any such Action, in the event Purchaser or its Representatives, as applicable, prevails in such Action. This Section 9.1 shall survive termination of this Agreement for any reason and continue indefinitely.
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ARTICLE
X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 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 contemplated hereby 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 or liabilities of any one or more of the Purchaser, Merger Sub or the Company under this Agreement of or for any claim based on, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
10.2 Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered (i) in person, (ii) by e-mail, with affirmative confirmation of receipt, (iii) one Business Day after being sent, if sent by reputable, nationally recognized overnight courier service or (iv) three (3) Business Days after being mailed, if sent by registered or certified mail, pre-paid and return receipt requested, in each case to the applicable Party at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice):
If to the Purchaser or Merger Sub at or prior to the Closing, to:
Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. |
with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Loeb & Loeb LLP |
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If to the Purchaser Representative, to:
RedOne Investment Limited
|
with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Loeb & Loeb LLP
|
If to the Company or the Surviving Corporation, to:
Nature’s Miracle Inc. Upland, CA91786
|
with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC
|
If to the Seller Representative to:
Tie (James) Li c/o Nature’s Miracle Inc. 858 N. Central Avenue Upland, CA91786 |
with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC
|
10.3 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of Law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the Purchaser and the Company (and after the Closing, the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative), and any assignment without such consent shall be null and void; provided that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning Party of its obligations hereunder.
10.4 Third Parties. Except for the rights of the D&O Indemnified Persons set forth in Section 5.18, which the Parties acknowledge and agree are express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement or in any instrument or document executed by any party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall create any rights in, or be deemed to have been executed for the benefit of, any Person that is not a Party hereto or thereto or a successor or permitted assign of such a Party.
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10.5 Arbitration. Any and all disputes, controversies and claims (other than applications for a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction or other equitable relief or application for enforcement of a resolution under this Section 10.5, and any dispute to be determined by the Independent Expert in accordance with Section 1.16) arising out of, related to, or in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (a “Dispute”) shall be governed by this Section 10.5. A party must, in the first instance, provide written notice of any Disputes to the other parties subject to such Dispute, which notice must provide a reasonably detailed description of the matters subject to the Dispute. The parties involved in such Dispute shall seek to resolve the Dispute on an amicable basis within ten (10) Business Days of the notice of such Dispute being received by such other parties subject to such Dispute (the “Resolution Period”); provided, that if any Dispute would reasonably be expected to have become moot or otherwise irrelevant if not decided within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of such Dispute, then there shall be no Resolution Period with respect to such Dispute. Any Dispute that is not resolved during the Resolution Period may immediately be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration pursuant to the then-existing Expedited Procedures (as defined in the AAA Procedures) of the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “AAA Procedures”) of the AAA. Any party involved in such Dispute may submit the Dispute to the AAA to commence the proceedings after the Resolution Period. To the extent that the AAA Procedures and this Agreement are in conflict, the terms of this Agreement shall control. The arbitration shall be conducted by one arbitrator nominated by the AAA promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) after the submission of the Dispute to the AAA and reasonably acceptable to each party subject to the Dispute, which arbitrator shall be a commercial lawyer with substantial experience arbitrating disputes under acquisition agreements. The arbitrator shall accept his or her appointment and begin the arbitration process promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) after his or her nomination and acceptance by the parties subject to the Dispute. The proceedings shall be streamlined and efficient. The arbitrator shall decide the Dispute in accordance with the substantive law of the state of Delaware. Time is of the essence. Each party subject to the Dispute shall submit a proposal for resolution of the Dispute to the arbitrator within twenty (20) days after confirmation of the appointment of the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall have the power to order any party to do, or to refrain from doing, anything consistent with this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and applicable Law, including to perform its contractual obligation(s); provided, that the arbitrator shall be limited to ordering pursuant to the foregoing power (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall order) the relevant party (or parties, as applicable) to comply with only one or the other of the proposals. The arbitrator’s award shall be in writing and shall include a reasonable explanation of the arbitrator’s reason(s) for selecting one or the other proposal. The language of the arbitration shall be English.
10.6 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof. Subject to Section 1.16, all Actions arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any state or federal court located in Delaware (or in any appellate court thereof) (the “Specified Courts”). Subject to Section 1.16, each Party hereto hereby (a) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Specified Court for the purpose of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any Party hereto and (b) irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert by way of motion, defense or otherwise, in any such Action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper, or that this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced in or by any Specified Court. Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any Action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law. Each Party irrevocably consents to the service of the summons and complaint and any other process in any other Action relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, on behalf of itself, or its property, by personal delivery of copies of such process to such Party at the applicable address set forth in Section 10.2. Nothing in this Section 10.6 shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law.
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10.7 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THAT FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.7.
10.8 Specific Performance. Each Party acknowledges that the rights of each Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are unique, recognizes and affirms that in the event of a breach of this Agreement by any Party, money damages may be inadequate and the non-breaching Parties may have not adequate remedy at law, and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by an applicable Party in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to seek an injunction or restraining order to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to seek to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the requirement to post any bond or other security or to prove that money damages would be inadequate, this being in addition to any other right or remedy to which such Party may be entitled under this Agreement, at law or in equity.
10.9 Severability. In case any provision in this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in a jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified or deleted, as to the jurisdiction involved, only to the extent necessary to render the same valid, legal and enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby nor shall the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision be affected thereby in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties will substitute for any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision a suitable and equitable provision that carries out, so far as may be valid, legal and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.
10.10 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by execution of a written instrument signed by the Purchaser, the Company, the Purchaser Representative and the Seller Representative.
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10.11 Waiver. The Purchaser on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, the Company on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, and the Seller Representative on behalf of itself and the Company Stockholders, may in its sole discretion (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of any other non-Affiliated Party hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties by such other non-Affiliated Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance by such other non-Affiliated Party with any covenant or condition contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party or Parties to be bound thereby (including by the Purchaser Representative or the Seller Representative in lieu of such Party to the extent provided in this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any waiver of any provision of this Agreement after the Closing shall also require the prior written consent of the Purchaser Representative.
10.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the documents or instruments referred to herein, including any exhibits and schedules attached hereto, which exhibits and schedules are incorporated herein by reference, together with the Ancillary Documents, embody the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein or the documents or instruments referred to herein, which collectively supersede all prior agreements and the understandings among the Parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein.
10.13 Interpretation. The table of contents and the Article and Section headings contained in this Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the Parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) any pronoun used shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and words in the singular, including any defined terms, include the plural and vice versa; (b) reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity; (c) any accounting term used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement or any Ancillary Document has the meaning assigned to such term in accordance with GAAP; (d) “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding or succeeding such term and shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (e) the words “herein,” “hereto,” and “hereby” and other words of similar import shall be deemed in each case to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision of this Agreement; (f) the word “if” and other words of similar import when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the phrase “and only if”; (g) the term “or” means “and/or”; (h) any reference to the term “ordinary course” or “ordinary course of business” shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “consistent with past practice”; (i) any agreement, instrument, insurance policy, Law or Order defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument, insurance policy, Law or Order as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes, regulations, rules or orders) by succession of comparable successor statutes, regulations, rules or orders and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein; (j) except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to the words “Section,” “Article,” “Schedule” and “Exhibit” are intended to refer to Sections, Articles, Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement; and (k) the term “Dollars” or “$” means United States dollars. Any reference in this Agreement to a Person’s directors shall include any member of such Person’s governing body and any reference in this Agreement to a Person’s officers shall include any Person filling a substantially similar position for such Person. Any reference in this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to a Person’s shareholders or stockholders shall include any applicable owners of the equity interests of such Person, in whatever form, including with respect to the Purchaser its stockholders under the Cayman Islands Companies Law or DGCL, as then applicable, or its Organizational Documents. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. Consequently, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. To the extent that any Contract, document, certificate or instrument is represented and warranted to by the Company to be given, delivered, provided or made available by the Company, in order for such Contract, document, certificate or instrument to have been deemed to have been given, delivered, provided and made available to the Purchaser or its Representatives, such Contract, document, certificate or instrument shall have been posted to the electronic data site maintained on behalf of the Company for the benefit of the Purchaser and its Representatives and the Purchaser and its Representatives have been given access to the electronic folders containing such information.
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10.14 Counterparts. This Agreement and each Ancillary Document may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or other electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different Parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
10.15 Purchaser Representative.
(a) The Purchaser, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, successors and assigns, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, hereby irrevocably appoints the Sponsor, in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative, as each such Person’s agent, attorney-in-fact and representative, with full power of substitution to act in the name, place and stead of such Person, to act on behalf of such Person from and after the Closing in connection with: (i) controlling and making any determinations with respect to the post-Closing Merger Consideration adjustments under Section 1.16; (ii) acting on behalf of such Person under the Escrow Agreement; (iii) terminating, amending or waiving on behalf of such Person any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents to which the Purchaser Representative is a party or otherwise has rights in such capacity (together with this Agreement, the “Purchaser Representative Documents”); (iv) signing on behalf of such Person any releases or other documents with respect to any dispute or remedy arising under any Purchaser Representative Documents; (v) employing and obtaining the advice of legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors as the Purchaser Representative, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary or advisable in the performance of its duties as the Purchaser Representative and to rely on their advice and counsel; (vi) incurring and paying reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including fees of brokers, attorneys and accountants incurred pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby, and any other reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses allocable or in any way relating to such transaction or any indemnification claim; and (vii) otherwise enforcing the rights and obligations of any such Persons under any Purchaser Representative Documents, including giving and receiving all notices and communications hereunder or thereunder on behalf of such Person; provided, that the Parties acknowledge that the Purchaser Representative is specifically authorized and directed to act on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the holders of Purchaser Securities (other than the Company Security Holders immediately prior to the Effective Time and their respective successors and assigns). All decisions and actions by the Purchaser Representative shall be binding upon the Purchaser and its Subsidiaries, successors and assigns, and neither they nor any other Party shall have the right to object, dissent, protest or otherwise contest the same. The provisions of this Section 10.15 are irrevocable and coupled with an interest. The Purchaser Representative hereby accepts its appointment and authorization as the Purchaser Representative under this Agreement.
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(b) The Purchaser Representative shall not be liable for any act done or omitted under any Purchaser Representative Document as the Purchaser Representative while acting in good faith and without willful misconduct or gross negligence, and any act done or omitted pursuant to the advice of counsel shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith. The Purchaser shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Purchaser Representative from and against any and all losses incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Purchaser Representative (in its capacity as such) and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Purchaser Representative’s duties under any Purchaser Representative Document, including the reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel retained by the Purchaser Representative. In no event shall the Purchaser Representative in such capacity be liable hereunder or in connection herewith for any indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages. The Purchaser Representative shall be fully protected in relying upon any written notice, demand, certificate or document that it in good faith believes to be genuine, including facsimiles or copies thereof, and no Person shall have any Liability for relying on the Purchaser Representative in the foregoing manner. In connection with the performance of its rights and obligations hereunder, the Purchaser Representative shall have the right at any time and from time to time to select and engage, at the cost and expense of the Purchaser, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, advisors, consultants and clerical personnel and obtain such other professional and expert assistance, maintain such records and incur other out-of-pocket expenses, as the Purchaser Representative may deem necessary or appropriate from time to time. All of the indemnities, immunities, releases and powers granted to the Purchaser Representative under this Section 10.15 shall survive the Closing and continue indefinitely.
(c) The Person serving as the Purchaser Representative may resign upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice to the Purchaser and the Seller Representative, provided, that the Purchaser Representative appoints in writing a replacement Purchaser Representative. Each successor Purchaser Representative shall have all of the power, authority, rights and privileges conferred by this Agreement upon the original Purchaser Representative, and the term “Purchaser Representative” as used herein shall be deemed to include any such successor Purchaser Representatives.
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10.16 Seller Representative.
(a) Each Company Stockholder, on behalf of itself and its successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Tie (James) Li, in his capacity as the Seller Representative, as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of such Persons with full powers of substitution to act in the name, place and stead of thereof with respect to the performance on behalf of such Person under the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which the Seller Representative is a party or otherwise has rights in such capacity (together with this Agreement, the “Seller Representative Documents”), as the same may be from time to time amended, and to do or refrain from doing all such further acts and things, and to execute all such documents on behalf of such Person, if any, as the Seller Representative will deem necessary or appropriate in connection with any of the transactions contemplated under the Seller Representative Documents, including: (i) controlling and making any determinations with respect to the post-Closing Merger Consideration adjustments under Section 1.16; (ii) acting on behalf of such Person under the Escrow Agreement; (iii) terminating, amending or waiving on behalf of such Person any provision of any Seller Representative Document (provided, that any such action, if material to the rights and obligations of the Company Stockholders in the reasonable judgment of the Seller Representative, will be taken in the same manner with respect to all Company Stockholders unless otherwise agreed by each Company Stockholder who is subject to any disparate treatment of a potentially material and adverse nature); (iv) signing on behalf of such Person any releases or other documents with respect to any dispute or remedy arising under any Seller Representative Document; (v) employing and obtaining the advice of legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors as the Seller Representative, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary or advisable in the performance of its duties as the Seller Representative and to rely on their advice and counsel; (vi) incurring and paying reasonable costs and expenses, including fees of brokers, attorneys and accountants incurred pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby, and any other reasonable fees and expenses allocable or in any way relating to such transaction or any indemnification claim, whether incurred prior or subsequent to Closing; (vii) receiving all or any portion of the consideration provided to the Company Stockholders under this Agreement and to distribute the same to the Company Stockholders in accordance with their Pro Rata Share; and (viii) otherwise enforcing the rights and obligations of any such Persons under any Seller Representative Document, including giving and receiving all notices and communications hereunder or thereunder on behalf of such Person. All decisions and actions by the Seller Representative shall be binding upon each Company Stockholder and their respective successors and assigns, and neither they nor any other Party shall have the right to object, dissent, protest or otherwise contest the same. The provisions of this Section 10.16 are irrevocable and coupled with an interest. The Seller Representative hereby accepts its appointment and authorization as the Seller Representative under this Agreement.
(b) Any other Person, including the Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser and the Company may conclusively and absolutely rely, without inquiry, upon any actions of the Seller Representative as the acts of the Company Stockholders under any Seller Representative Documents. The Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser and the Company hall be entitled to rely conclusively on the instructions and decisions of the Seller Representative as to (i) any payment instructions provided by the Seller Representative or (ii) any other actions required or permitted to be taken by the Seller Representative hereunder, and no Company Stockholder shall have any cause of action against the Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser, the Company or any other Indemnified Party for any action taken by any of them in reliance upon the instructions or decisions of the Seller Representative. The Purchaser Representative, the Purchaser, the Company and the other Indemnified Parties shall not have any Liability to any Company Stockholder for any allocation or distribution among the Company Stockholders by the Seller Representative of payments made to or at the direction of the Seller Representative. All notices or other communications required to be made or delivered to a Company Stockholder under any Seller Representative Document shall be made to the Seller Representative for the benefit of such Company Stockholder, and any notices so made shall discharge in full all notice requirements of the other parties hereto or thereto to such Company Stockholder with respect thereto. All notices or other communications required to be made or delivered by a Company Stockholder shall be made by the Seller Representative (except for a notice under Section 10.16(d) of the replacement of the Seller Representative).
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(c) The Seller Representative will act for the Company Stockholders on all of the matters set forth in this Agreement in the manner the Seller Representative believes to be in the best interest of the Company Stockholders, but the Seller Representative will not be responsible to the Company Stockholders for any losses that any Company Stockholder may suffer by reason of the performance by the Seller Representative of the Seller Representative’s duties under this Agreement, other than losses arising from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Seller Representative in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. From and after the Closing, the Company Stockholders shall jointly and severally indemnify, defend and hold the Seller Representative harmless from and against any and all losses reasonably incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Seller Representative (in its capacity as such) and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Seller Representative’s duties under any Seller Representative Document, including the reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel retained by the Seller Representative. In no event shall the Seller Representative in such capacity be liable hereunder or in connection herewith for any indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages. The Seller Representative shall not be liable for any act done or omitted under any Seller Representative Document as the Seller Representative while acting in good faith and without willful misconduct or gross negligence, and any act done or omitted pursuant to the advice of counsel shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith. The Seller Representative shall be fully protected in relying upon any written notice, demand, certificate or document that it in good faith believes to be genuine, including facsimiles or copies thereof, and no Person shall have any Liability for relying on the Seller Representative in the foregoing manner. In connection with the performance of its rights and obligations hereunder, the Seller Representative shall have the right at any time and from time to time to select and engage, at the reasonable cost and expense of the Company Stockholders, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, advisors, consultants and clerical personnel and obtain such other professional and expert assistance, maintain such records and incur other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as the Seller Representative may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate from time to time. All of the indemnities, immunities, releases and powers granted to the Seller Representative under this Section 10.16 shall survive the Closing and continue indefinitely.
(d) If the Seller Representative shall die, become disabled, dissolve, resign or otherwise be unable or unwilling to fulfill its responsibilities as representative and agent of Company Stockholders, then the Company Stockholders shall, within ten (10) days after such death, disability, dissolution, resignation or other event, appoint a successor Seller Representative (by vote or written consent of the Company Stockholders holding in the aggregate a Pro Rata Share in excess of fifty percent (50%)), and promptly thereafter (but in any event within two (2) Business Days after such appointment) notify the Purchaser Representative and the Purchaser in writing of the identity of such successor. Any such successor so appointed shall become the “Seller Representative” for purposes of this Agreement.
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10.17 Legal Representation.
(a) The Parties agree that, notwithstanding the fact that Loeb may have, prior to the Closing, jointly represented the Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Purchaser Representative and/or the Sponsor in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and has also represented the Purchaser and/or its Affiliates in connection with matters other than the transaction that is the subject of this Agreement, Loeb will be permitted in the future, after Closing, to represent the Sponsor, the Purchaser Representative or their respective Affiliates in connection with matters in which such Persons are adverse to the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, including any disputes arising out of, or related to, this Agreement. The Company and the Seller Representative, who are or have the right to be represented by independent counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, hereby agree, in advance, to waive (and to cause their Affiliates to waive) any actual or potential conflict of interest that may hereafter arise in connection with Loeb’s future representation of one or more of the Sponsor, the Purchaser Representative or their respective Affiliates in which the interests of such Person are adverse to the interests of the Purchaser, the Company and/or the Seller Representative or any of their respective Affiliates, including any matters that arise out of this Agreement or that are substantially related to this Agreement or to any prior representation by Loeb of the Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Sponsor, the Purchaser Representative or any of their respective Affiliates. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, for the purposes of the attorney-client privilege, the Sponsor and the Purchaser Representative shall be deemed the clients of Loeb with respect to the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents. All such communications shall remain privileged after the Closing and the privilege and the expectation of client confidence relating thereto shall belong solely to the Sponsor and the Purchaser Representative, shall be controlled by the Sponsor and the Purchaser Representative and shall not pass to or be claimed by Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation; provided, further, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation and its Affiliates) of any applicable privileges or protections that can or may be asserted to prevent disclosure of any such communications to any third party.
(b) The Parties agree that, notwithstanding the fact that Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC (“HTFL”) may have, prior to the Closing, jointly represented the Company and the Seller Representative in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and has also represented the Company and/or its Affiliates in connection with matters other than the transaction that is the subject of this Agreement, HTFL will be permitted in the future, after Closing, to represent the Seller Representative or its Affiliates in connection with matters in which such Persons are adverse to the Company or any of its Affiliates, including any disputes arising out of, or related to, this Agreement. The Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Purchaser Representative and the Sponsor, who are or have the right to be represented by independent counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, hereby agree, in advance, to waive (and to cause their Affiliates to waive) any actual or potential conflict of interest that may hereafter arise in connection with HTFL’s future representation of one or more of the Seller Representative or its Affiliates in which the interests of such Person are adverse to the interests of the Purchaser, the Company, the Purchaser Representative, the Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates, including any matters that arise out of this Agreement or that are substantially related to this Agreement or to any prior representation by HTFL of the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective Affiliates. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, for the purposes of the attorney-client privilege, the Seller Representative shall be deemed the client of HTFL with respect to the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents. All such communications shall remain privileged after the Closing and the privilege and the expectation of client confidence relating thereto shall belong solely to the Seller Representative, shall be controlled by the Seller Representative and shall not pass to or be claimed by the Company or the Surviving Corporation; provided, further, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by the Company or any of its Affiliates (including, after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation and its Affiliates) of any applicable privileges or protections that can or may be asserted to prevent disclosure of any such communications to any third party.
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ARTICLE
XI
DEFINITIONS
11.1 Certain Definitions. For purpose of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:
“AAA” means the American Arbitration Association or any successor entity conducting arbitrations.
“Accounting Principles” means in accordance with GAAP as in effect at the date of the financial statement to which it refers or if there is no such financial statement, then as of the Closing Date, using and applying the same accounting principles, practices, procedures, policies and methods (with consistent classifications, judgments, elections, inclusions, exclusions and valuation and estimation methodologies) used and applied by the Target Companies in the preparation of the latest audited Company Financials.
“Action” means any notice of noncompliance or violation, or any claim, demand, charge, action, suit, litigation, audit, settlement, complaint, stipulation, assessment or arbitration, or any request (including any request for information), inquiry, hearing, proceeding or investigation, by or before any Governmental Authority.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling, Controlled by, or under common Control with such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sponsor shall be deemed to be an Affiliate or the Purchaser prior to the Closing
“Ancillary Documents” means each agreement, instrument or document attached hereto as an Exhibit, and the other agreements, certificates and instruments to be executed or delivered by any of the Parties hereto in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement.
“Applicable Taxes” means “Applicable Taxes” as defined in IRS Notice 2020-65 (and any corresponding Taxes under comparable state or local tax applicable Laws).
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“Applicable Wages” means “Applicable Wages” as defined in IRS Notice 2020-65 (and any corresponding wages under comparable state or local tax applicable Laws).
“Benefit Plans” of any Person means any and all deferred compensation, executive compensation, incentive compensation, equity purchase or other equity-based compensation plan, severance or termination pay, holiday, vacation or other bonus plan or practice, hospitalization or other medical, life or other insurance, supplemental unemployment benefits, profit sharing, pension, or retirement plan, program, agreement, commitment or arrangement, and each other employee benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, including each “employee benefit plan” as such term is defined under Section 3(3) of ERISA, maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by a Person for the benefit of any employee or terminated employee of such Person, or with respect to which such Person has any Liability, whether direct or indirect, actual or contingent, whether formal or informal, and whether legally binding or not.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday on which commercial banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized to close for business, excluding as a result of “stay at home,” “shelter-in-place,” “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems, including for wire transfers, of commercially banking institutions in New York, New York are generally open for use by customers on such day.
“Closing Payment Shares” means such number of Purchaser Common Stock equal to $230,000,000, divided by $10.00.
“Closing Company Cash” means, as of the Reference Time, the aggregate cash and cash equivalents of the Target Companies on hand or in bank accounts, including deposits in transit, minus the aggregate amount of outstanding and unpaid checks issued by or on behalf of the Target Companies as of such time.
“Closing Net Indebtedness” means, as of the Reference Time, (i) the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness of the Target Companies, less (ii) the Closing Company Cash, in each case of clauses (i) and (ii), on a consolidated basis and as determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute thereto, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code shall include such section and any valid treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
“Company Charter” means the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended and effective under the DGCL, prior to the Effective Time.
“Company Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Company Confidential Information” means all confidential or proprietary documents and information concerning the Target Companies or any of their respective Representatives, furnished in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that Company Confidential Information shall not include any information which, (i) at the time of disclosure by the Purchaser or its Representatives, is generally available publicly and was not disclosed in breach of this Agreement or (ii) at the time of the disclosure by the Company or its Representatives to the Purchaser or its Representatives was previously known by such receiving party without violation of Law or any confidentiality obligation by the Person receiving such Company Confidential Information.
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“Company Convertible Securities” means, collectively, any warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase any capital stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or that otherwise confer on the holder any right to acquire any capital stock of the Company.
“Company Preferred Stock” means the preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Company.
“Company Securities” means, collectively, the Company Stock and any other Company Convertible Securities.
“Company Security Holders” means, collectively, the holders of Company Securities.
“Company Stock” means any shares of the Company Common Stock and the Company Preferred Stock.
“Company Stockholders” means, collectively, the holders of Company Stock.
“Consent” means any consent, approval, waiver, authorization or Permit of, or notice to or declaration or filing with any Governmental Authority or any other Person.
“Contracts” means all contracts, agreements, binding arrangements, bonds, notes, indentures, mortgages, debt instruments, purchase order, licenses (and all other contracts, agreements or binding arrangements concerning Intellectual Property), franchises, leases and other instruments or obligations of any kind, written or oral (including any amendments and other modifications thereto).
“Control” of a Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise. “Controlled,” “Controlling” and “under common Control with” have correlative meanings. Without limiting the foregoing a Person (the “Controlled Person”) shall be deemed Controlled by (a) any other Person (i) owning beneficially, as meant in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, securities entitling such Person to cast ten percent (10%) or more of the votes for election of directors or equivalent governing authority of the Controlled Person or (ii) entitled to be allocated or receive ten percent (10%) or more of the profits, losses, or distributions of the Controlled Person; (b) an officer, director, general partner, partner (other than a limited partner), manager, or member (other than a member having no management authority that is not a Person described in clause (a) above) of the Controlled Person; or (c) a spouse, parent, lineal descendant, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, or brother-in-law of an Affiliate of the Controlled Person or a trust for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Controlled Person or of which an Affiliate of the Controlled Person is a trustee.
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“Copyrights” means any works of authorship, mask works and all copyrights therein, including all renewals and extensions, copyright registrations and applications for registration and renewal, and non-registered copyrights.
“Dissenting Shares” means any shares of Company Stock for which a Company Stockholder has exercised appraisal rights pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL.
“Environmental Law” means any Law in any way relating to (a) the protection of human health and safety, (b) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment and natural resources (including air, water vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), or (c) the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of Hazardous Materials, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 USC. Section 9601 et. seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 USC. Section 6901 et. seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 USC. Section 2601 et. seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 USC. Section 1151 et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 USC. Section 7401 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 USC. Section 111 et. seq., Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 USC. Section 651 et. seq. (to the extent it relates to exposure to Hazardous Substances), the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, 15 USC. Section 2601 et. seq., the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 USC. Section 300f et. seq., the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and analogous state acts.
“Environmental Liabilities” means, in respect of any Person, all Liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Remedial Actions, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements, and expenses of counsel, experts, and consultants and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand by any other Person or in response to any violation of Environmental Law, whether known or unknown, accrued or contingent, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, to the extent based upon, related to, or arising under or pursuant to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit, Order, or Contract with any Governmental Authority or other Person, that relates to any environmental, health or safety condition, violation of Environmental Law, or a Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials.
“ERISA” means the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Financial Advisor” means Maxim Group LLC, the financial advisor to the Purchaser in connection with the Transactions.
“Fraud Claim” means any claim based in whole or in part upon fraud, willful misconduct or intentional misrepresentation.
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“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the United States of America.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, foreign or other governmental, quasi-governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, department or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body, including any Regulatory Authority.
“Hazardous Material” means any waste, gas, liquid or other substance or material that is defined, listed or designated as a “hazardous substance,” “pollutant,” “contaminant,” “hazardous waste,” “regulated substance,” “hazardous chemical,” or “toxic chemical” (or by any similar term) under any Environmental Law, or any other material regulated, or that could result in the imposition of Liability or responsibility, under any Environmental Law, including petroleum and its by-products, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon, mold, and urea formaldehyde insulation.
“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money (including the outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest), (b) all obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business), (c) any other indebtedness of such Person that is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture, credit agreement or similar instrument, (d) all obligations of such Person under leases that should be classified as capital leases 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, that has been drawn or claimed against, (f) all obligations of such Person in respect of acceptances issued or created, (g) 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, (h) all obligations secured by an Lien on any property of such Person, (i) any premiums, prepayment fees or other penalties, fees, costs or expenses associated with payment of any Indebtedness of such Person and (j) all obligation described in clauses (a) through (i) above of any other Person which is directly or indirectly guaranteed by such Person or which such Person has agreed (contingently or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire or in respect of which it has otherwise assured a creditor against loss.
“Insider Letter” means the letter dated March 8, 2022 to the Purchaser from the Purchaser Representative and other parties, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Purchaser with the SEC on March 14, 2022.
“Intellectual Property” means all of the following as they exist in any jurisdiction throughout the world: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Internet Assets, Software and other intellectual property, and all licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions related to the preceding property.
“Internet Assets” means any and all domain name registrations, web sites and web addresses and related rights, items and documentation related thereto, and applications for registration therefor.
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“IPO” means the initial public offering of Purchaser Public Units pursuant to the IPO Prospectus.
“IPO Prospectus” means the final prospectus of the Purchaser, dated as of March 8, 2022, and filed with the SEC on March 10, 2022 (File No. 333-262381).
“IPO Underwriters” means Maxim Group LLC and Network 1 Financial Securities, Inc.
“IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (or any successor Governmental Authority).
“Key Management Members” means Tie (James) Li, Zhiyi “Johnathan” Zhangand Wei Yang.
“Knowledge” means, with respect to (i) the Company, the actual knowledge of the executive officers or directors of any Target Company, after reasonable inquiry or (ii) any other Party, (A) if an entity, the actual knowledge of its directors and executive officers, after reasonable inquiry, or (B) if a natural person, the actual knowledge of such Party after reasonable inquiry.
“Law” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, legislation, principle of common law, ordinance, code, edict, decree, proclamation, treaty, convention, rule, regulation, directive, requirement, writ, injunction, settlement, Order or Consent that is or has been issued, enacted, adopted, passed, approved, promulgated, made, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Liabilities” means any and all liabilities, Indebtedness, Actions or obligations of any nature (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise, whether known or unknown, whether direct or indirect, whether matured or unmatured, whether due or to become due and whether or not required to be recorded or reflected on a balance sheet under GAAP or other applicable accounting standards), including Tax liabilities due or to become due.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, attachment, right of first refusal, option, proxy, voting trust, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof), restriction (whether on voting, sale, transfer, disposition or otherwise), any subordination arrangement in favor of another Person, or any filing or agreement to file a financing statement as debtor under the Uniform Commercial Code or any similar Law.
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“Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to any specified Person, any fact, event, occurrence, change or effect that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect upon (a) the business, assets, Liabilities, results of operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries on a timely basis to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party or bound or to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder; provided, however, that for purposes of clause (a) above, any changes or effects directly or indirectly attributable to, resulting from, relating to or arising out of the following (by themselves or when aggregated with any other, changes or effects) shall not be deemed to be, constitute, or be taken into account when determining whether there has or may, would or could have occurred a Material Adverse Effect: (i) general changes in the financial or securities markets or general economic or political conditions in the country or region in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries do business; (ii) changes, conditions or effects that generally affect the industries in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries principally operate; (iii) changes in GAAP or other applicable accounting principles or mandatory changes in the regulatory accounting requirements applicable to any industry in which such Person and its Subsidiaries principally operate; (iv) conditions caused by acts of God, terrorism, war (whether or not declared) or natural disaster; (v) any failure in and of itself by such Person and its Subsidiaries to meet any internal or published budgets, projections, forecasts or predictions of financial performance for any period (provided that the underlying cause of any such failure may be considered in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur to the extent not excluded by another exception herein) and (vi) with respect to the Purchaser, the consummation and effects of the Redemption (or any redemption in connection with the Extension); provided further, however, that any event, occurrence, fact, condition, or change referred to in clauses (i) - (iv) immediately above shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur to the extent that such event, occurrence, fact, condition, or change has a disproportionate effect on such Person or any of its Subsidiaries compared to other participants in the industries in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries primarily conducts its businesses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Purchaser, the amount of the Redemption (or any redemption in connection with the Extension, if any) or the failure to obtain the Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval shall not be deemed to be a Material Adverse Effect on or with respect to the Purchaser.
“Merger Sub Common Stock” means the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub.
“Nasdaq” means the Nasdaq Global Market.
“Order” means any order, decree, ruling, judgment, injunction, writ, determination, binding decision, verdict, judicial award or other action that is or has been made, entered, rendered, or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Organizational Documents” means, with respect to any Person that is an entity, its certificate of incorporation or formation, bylaws, operating agreement, memorandum and articles of association or similar organizational documents, in each case, as amended.
“Patents” means any patents, patent applications and the inventions, designs and improvements described and claimed therein, patentable inventions, and other patent rights (including any divisionals, provisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, substitutions, or reissues thereof, whether or not patents are issued on any such applications and whether or not any such applications are amended, modified, withdrawn, or refiled).
“PCAOB” means the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (or any successor thereto).
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“Permits” means all federal, state, local or foreign or other third-party permits, grants, easements, consents, approvals, authorizations, exemptions, licenses, franchises, concessions, ratifications, permissions, clearances, confirmations, endorsements, waivers, certifications, designations, ratings, registrations, qualifications or orders of any Governmental Authority or any other Person.
“Permitted Liens” means (a) Liens for Taxes or assessments and similar governmental charges or levies, which either are (i) not delinquent or (ii) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP have been established with respect thereto, (b) other Liens imposed by operation of Law arising in the ordinary course of business for amounts which are not due and payable and as would not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of, or materially adversely interfere with the use of, the property subject thereto, (c) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with social security, (d) Liens on goods in transit incurred pursuant to documentary letters of credit, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business, or (v) Liens arising under this Agreement or any Ancillary Document.
“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership (including a general partnership, limited partnership or limited liability partnership), limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization, including a government, domestic or foreign, or political subdivision thereof, or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Personal Property” means any machinery, equipment, tools, vehicles, furniture, leasehold improvements, office equipment, plant, parts and other tangible personal property.
“Pro Rata Share” means with respect to each Company Stockholder, a fraction expressed as a percentage equal to (i) the portion of the Stockholder Merger Consideration payable by the Purchaser to such Company Stockholder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, divided by (ii) the total Stockholder Merger Consideration payable by the Purchaser to all Company Stockholders in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Purchaser Memorandum and Articles” means the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Purchaser.
“Purchaser Common Stock” means the shares of common stock of the Purchaser following consummation of the Reincorporation.
“Purchaser Confidential Information” means all confidential or proprietary documents and information concerning the Purchaser or any of its Representatives; provided, however, that Purchaser Confidential Information shall not include any information which, (i) at the time of disclosure by the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective Representatives, is generally available publicly and was not disclosed in breach of this Agreement or (ii) at the time of the disclosure by the Purchaser or its Representatives to the Company, the Seller Representative or any of their respective Representatives, was previously known by such receiving party without violation of Law or any confidentiality obligation by the Person receiving such Purchaser Confidential Information. For the avoidance of doubt, from and after the Closing, Purchaser Confidential Information will include the confidential or proprietary information of the Target Companies.
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“Purchaser Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Purchaser.
“Purchaser Preference Shares” means preference shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of Purchaser.
“Purchaser Private Rights” means the rights included as part of each Purchaser Private Unit, each right entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10) of one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share upon consummation of the Purchaser’s initial business combination.
“Purchaser Private Units” means the units issued by Purchaser in a private placement to its initial shareholders at the time of the consummation of the IPO consisting of one Purchaser Ordinary Share, one-half of one Purchaser Private Warrant, and one Purchaser Private Right.
“Purchaser Private Warrants” means the warrants included as part of each Purchaser Private Unit, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Purchaser Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per whole share.
“Purchaser Public Rights” means the rights that were included as part of the Purchaser Public Units in the IPO, each right entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10) of one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share upon consummation of the Purchaser’s initial business combination.
“Purchaser Public Units” means the units issued in the IPO (including overallotment units acquired by Purchaser’s underwriters) consisting of one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share, one half of one Purchaser Public Warrant, and one Purchaser Right.
“Purchaser Public Warrants” means the warrants that were included as part of the Purchaser Public Units in the IPO, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
“Purchaser Recommendation” means the recommendation by the board of directors of the Purchaser to the Purchaser stockholders that the Purchaser stockholders entitled to vote approve this Agreement and the related transactions.
“Purchaser Rights” means Purchaser Private Rights and Purchaser Public Rights, collectively.
“Purchaser Securities” means the Purchaser Units, Purchaser Ordinary Shares, the Purchaser Common Stock, the Purchaser Warrants, and the Purchaser Rights, collectively.
“Purchaser Units” means Purchaser Private Units and Purchaser Public Units, collectively.
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“Purchaser Warrants” means Purchaser Private Warrants and Purchaser Public Warrants, collectively.
“Redemption Price” means an amount equal to the price at which each share of Purchaser Common Stock is redeemed or converted pursuant to the Redemption (as equitably adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, recapitalizations and the like after the Closing).
“Reference Time” means the close of business of the Company on the Closing Date (but without giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any payments by Purchaser hereunder to occur at the Closing, but treating any obligations in respect of Indebtedness, Transaction Expenses or other liabilities that are contingent upon the consummation of the Closing as currently due and owing without contingency as of the Reference Time).
“Regulatory Authority” means the Federal Communications Commission .
“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, or leaching into the indoor or outdoor environment, or into or out of any property.
“Remedial Action” means all actions to (i) clean up, remove, treat, or in any other way address any Hazardous Material, (ii) prevent the Release of any Hazardous Material so it does not endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment, (iii) perform pre-remedial studies and investigations or post-remedial monitoring and care, or (iv) correct a condition of noncompliance with Environmental Laws.
“Representatives” means, as to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective managers, directors, officers, employees, independent contractors, consultants, advisors (including the Financial Advisor, counsel and accountants), agents and other legal representatives of such Person or its Affiliates.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or any successor Governmental Authority).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Significant Company Holder” means any Company Stockholder who (i) is a director or Key Management Member or (ii) owns more than five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company.
“Software” means any computer software programs, including all source code, object code, and documentation related thereto and all software modules, tools and databases.
“SOX” means the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.
“Sponsor” means RedOne Investment Limited, a BVI business company.
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“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interests thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons will be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons will be allocated a majority of partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or will be or control the managing director, managing member, general partner or other managing Person of such partnership, association or other business entity. A Subsidiary of a Person will also include any variable interest entity which is consolidated with such Person under applicable accounting rules.
“Target Company” means each of the Company and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries.
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, information return or other documents (including any related or supporting schedules, statements or information) filed or required to be filed in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Taxes or the administration of any Laws or administrative requirements relating to any Taxes.
“Taxes” means (a) all direct or indirect federal, state, local, foreign and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, value-added, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, withholding, payroll, employment, social security and related contributions due in relation to the payment of compensation to employees, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, alternative minimum, estimated, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or charges of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto, (b) any Liability for payment of amounts described in clause (a) whether as a result of being a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for any period or otherwise through operation of law and (c) any Liability for the payment of amounts described in clauses (a) or (b) as a result of any tax sharing, tax group, tax indemnity or tax allocation agreement (excluding commercial agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business the primary purpose of which is not the sharing of Taxes) with, or any other express or implied agreement to indemnify, any other Person.
“Trade Secrets” means any trade secrets, confidential business information, concepts, ideas, designs, research or development information, processes, procedures, techniques, technical information, specifications, operating and maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, methods, know-how, data, mask works, discoveries, inventions, modifications, extensions, improvements, and other proprietary rights (whether or not patentable or subject to copyright, trademark, or trade secret protection).
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“Trademarks” means any trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, brand names, internet domain names, designs, logos, or corporate names (including, in each case, the goodwill associated therewith), whether registered or unregistered, and all registrations and applications for registration and renewal thereof.
“Transaction Expenses” means all fees and expenses of any of the Target Companies incurred or payable as of the Closing and not paid prior to the Closing (i) in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including any amounts payable to professionals (including investment bankers, brokers, finders, attorneys, accountants and other consultants and advisors) retained by or on behalf of any Target Company, (ii) any change in control bonus, transaction bonus, retention bonus, termination or severance payment or payment relating to terminated options, warrants or other equity appreciation, phantom equity, profit participation or similar rights, in any case, to be made to any current or former employee, independent contractor, director or officer of any Target Company at or after the Closing pursuant to any agreement to which any Target Company is a party prior to the Closing which become payable (including if subject to continued employment) as a result of the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) any sales, use, real property transfer, stamp, stock transfer or other similar transfer Taxes imposed on Purchaser, Merger Sub or any Target Company in connection with the Mergers or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Trust Account” means the trust account established by Purchaser with the proceeds from the IPO pursuant to the Trust Agreement in accordance with the IPO Prospectus.
“Trust Agreement” means that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2022, as it may be amended, by and between the Purchaser and the Trustee, as well as any other agreements entered into related to or governing the Trust Account.
“Trustee” means Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company, in its capacity as trustee under the Trust Agreement.
11.2 Section References. The following capitalized terms, as used in this Agreement, have the respective meanings given to them in the Section as set forth below adjacent to such terms:
AAA Procedures | 10.5 |
Accounts Receivable | 4.7(f) |
Acquisition Proposal | 5.6(a) |
Adjustment Amount | 1.16(d) |
Agreement | Preamble |
Alternative Transaction | 5.6(a) |
Amended Organizational Documents | 1.7 |
Antitrust Laws | 5.9(b) |
Applicable Per Share Merger Consideration | 1.9 |
Balance Sheet Date | 4.7(a) |
Business Combination | 9.1 |
Cayman Islands Companies Law | Recitals |
Certificate of Merger | 1.2 |
CFO | 1.16(a) |
Closing | 2.1 |
Closing Date | 2.1 |
Closing Filing | 5.14(b) |
Closing Press Release | 5.14(b) |
Closing Statement | 1.18(a) |
Company | Preamble |
Company Benefit Plan | 4.20(a) |
Company Disclosure Schedules | Article IV |
Company Financials | 4.7(a) |
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Company IP | 4.14(d) |
Company IP Licenses | 4.14(a) |
Company Material Contract | 4.13(a) |
Company Permits | 4.10 |
Company Personal Property Leases | 4.17 |
Company Real Property Leases | 4.16 |
Company Registered IP | 4.14(a) |
D&O Indemnified Persons | 5.18(a) |
D&O Tail Insurance | 5.18(b) |
DGCL | Recitals |
Dispute | 10.5 |
Effective Time | 1.2 |
Enforceability Exceptions | 3.2 |
Environmental Permits | 4.21(a) |
Equity Incentive Plan | 5.12(a) |
Escrow Account | 1.19(a) |
Escrow Agent | 1.19(a) |
Escrow Agreement | 1.19(a) |
Escrow Amount | 1.19(a) |
Escrow Property | 1.19(a) |
Escrow Shares | 1.19(a) |
Estimated Closing Statement | 1.15 |
Exchange Agent | 1.13(a) |
Expenses | 8.3 |
Extension | 5.3(a) |
Federal Securities Laws | 5.7 |
HTFL | 10.18(b) |
Independent Expert | 1.16(b) |
Independent Expert Notice Date | 1.16(b) |
Interim Period | 5.1(a) |
Letter of Transmittal | 1.15(a) |
Loeb | 10.18(a) |
Merger | Recitals |
Merger Consideration | 1.8 |
Merger Sub | Preamble |
Objection Statement | 1.16(b) |
OFAC | 3.19(c) |
Off-the-Shelf Software | 4.14(a) |
Outbound IP License | 4.14(c) |
Outside Date | 8.1(b) |
Parties | Preamble |
Party | Preamble |
Post-Closing Purchaser Board | 5.17(a) |
Proxy Statement | 5.12(a) |
Public Certifications | 3.6(a) |
Public Shareholders | 9.1 |
Purchaser | Preamble |
Purchaser Disclosure Schedules | Article III |
Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting | 5.12(a) |
Purchaser Financials | 3.6(b) |
Purchaser Material Contract | 3.13(a) |
Purchaser Representative | Preamble |
Purchaser Representative Documents | 10.15(a) |
Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters | 5.12(a) |
Redemption | 5.12(a) |
Registration Statement | 5.12(a) |
Reincorporation | 1.7 |
Related Person | 4.22 |
Released Claims | 9.1 |
Representative Party | 1.16(b) |
Required Company Stockholder Approval | 5.13 |
Required Purchaser Shareholder Approval | 7.1(a) |
Resolution Period | 10.5 |
SEC Reports | 3.6(a) |
SEC SPAC Accounting Changes | 3.6(a) |
Section 409A Plan | 4.20(k) |
Seller Representative | Preamble |
Seller Representative Documents | 10.16(a) |
Signing Filing | 5.14(b) |
Signing Press Release | 5.14(b) |
Specified Courts | 10.6 |
Stockholder Merger Consideration | 1.8 |
Surviving Corporation | 1.1 |
Top Customers | 4.25 |
Top Suppliers | 4.25 |
Transmittal Documents | 1.13(b) |
Voting and Support Agreements | Recitals |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party hereto has caused this Agreement and Plan of Merger to be signed and delivered as of the date first written above.
The Purchaser: | ||
Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. | ||
By: | /s/ Bill Chen | |
Name: Bill Chen | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
The Purchaser Representative: | ||
RedOne Investment Limited, solely in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative hereunder | ||
By: | /s/ Bill Chen | |
Name: Bill Chen | ||
Title: Manager | ||
Merger Sub: | ||
LBBB Merger Sub Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Bill Chen | |
Name: Bill Chen | ||
Title:Director | ||
The Company: | ||
Nature’s Miracle Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Tie (James) Li | |
Name: Tie (James) Li | ||
Title: CEO | ||
The Seller Representative: | ||
By: | /s/ Tie (James) Li | |
Name: Tie (James) Li |
[Signature Page to Merger Agreement]
Exhibit 10.1
PURCHASER SUPPORT AGREEMENT
This PURCHASER SUPPORT AGREEMENT, dated as of September 9, 2022 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among the persons listed on Exhibit A hereto (each, a “Supporter”), Nature’s Miracle Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Purchaser”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).
WHEREAS, Purchaser and the Company are parties to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Purchaser will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, purchase all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company (the “Acquisition”), with the Company becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Supporter owns the number of ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 (including ordinary shares underlying other securities), of Purchaser set forth on Exhibit A (all such shares, or any successor or additional shares of Purchaser of which ownership of record or the power to vote is hereafter acquired by such Supporter prior to the termination of this Agreement, being referred to herein as the “Supporter Shares”); and
WHEREAS, in order to induce the Company to enter into the Purchase Agreement, each Supporter is executing and delivering this Agreement to the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Voting Agreements. Each Supporter, in such Supporter’s capacity as a shareholder of Purchaser, irrevocably agrees that, during the term of this Agreement, at the extraordinary general meeting of Purchaser’s shareholders (the “Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting”) to be called and held in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (the “Transactions”), or at any other meeting of Purchaser’s shareholders called and held for such purpose (whether ordinary or extraordinary 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 Purchaser’s shareholders related to the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (the Purchaser Extraordinary General Meeting and all other meetings or consents related to the Purchase Agreement, collectively referred to herein as the “Meeting”), such Supporter shall:
(a) | when the Meeting is held, appear at the Meeting or otherwise cause the Supporter Shares owned by such Supporter to be counted as present thereat for the purpose of establishing a quorum; |
(b) | vote (or execute and return an action by written consent), or cause to be voted at the Meeting (or validly execute and return and cause such consent to be granted with respect to), all of the Supporter Shares owned by such Supporter in favor of each of the Purchaser Shareholder Approval Matters; and |
(c) | vote (or execute and return an action by written consent), or cause to be voted at the Meeting (or validly execute and return and cause such consent to be granted with respect to), all of the Supporter Shares owned by such Supporter against any other action that would reasonably be expected to (x) impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely affect the Acquisition or any of the Transactions, (y) result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other obligation or agreement of Purchaser under the Purchase Agreement or (z) result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other obligation or agreement of such Supporter contained in this Agreement. |
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2. Restrictions on Transfer. Each Supporter agrees that, during the term of this Agreement, such Supporter shall not sell, assign or otherwise transfer any of the Supporter Shares owned by such Supporter unless the buyer, assignee or transferee thereof executes a joinder agreement to this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company. Purchaser shall not register any sale, assignment or transfer of the Supporter Shares on Purchaser’s transfer (book entry or otherwise) that is not in compliance with this Section 2.
3. Waiver of Anti-Dilution Protection. Each Supporter hereby waives, forfeits, surrenders and agrees not to exercise, assert or claim, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any anti-dilution protection (if any) pursuant to the Organizational Documents of Purchaser in connection with the Transactions. Each Supporter acknowledges and agrees that (i) this Section 3 shall constitute written consent waiving, forfeiting and surrendering any anti-dilution protection pursuant to the Organizational Documents of Purchaser in connection with the Transactions; and (ii) such waiver, forfeiture and surrender granted hereunder shall only terminate upon the termination of this Agreement.
4. No Redemption. Each Supporter irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, from the date hereof and until the termination of this Agreement, such Supporter shall not elect to cause Purchaser to redeem any Supporter Shares now or at any time legally or beneficially owned by such Supporter or submit or surrender any of its Supporter Shares for redemption, in connection with the Transactions or otherwise.
5. New Securities. During the term of this Support Agreement, in the event that, (a) any shares of Purchaser Common Stock or other equity securities of Purchaser are issued to a Supporter after the date of this Agreement pursuant to any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of Purchaser securities owned by the Supporter, (b) a Supporter purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of any shares of Purchaser Common Stock or other equity securities of Purchaser after the date of this Agreement, or (c) a Supporter acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any Purchaser Common Stock or other equity securities of Purchaser after the date of this Agreement (such Purchaser Common Stock or other equity securities of Purchaser, collectively the “New Securities”), then such New Securities acquired or purchased by such Supporter shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted the Supporter Shares as of the date hereof.
6. No Challenge. Each Supporter agrees not to commence, join in, facilitate, assist or encourage, and agrees to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to, any claim, derivative or otherwise, against Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Company or any of their respective successors or directors (a) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Support Agreement or the Merger Agreement or (b) alleging a breach of any fiduciary duty of any Person in connection with the evaluation, negotiation or entry into the Merger Agreement.
7. Consent to Disclosure. Each Supporter hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in the Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by applicable securities Laws or the SEC or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by Purchaser or the Company to any Authority or to securityholders of Purchaser or the Company) of such Supporter’s identity and beneficial ownership of Supporter Shares and the nature of such Supporter’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by Purchasert or the Company, a copy of this Agreement. Each Supporter will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by Purchaser or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the SEC). Each Supporter shall not issue any press release or otherwise make any public statements with respect to the Transactions or the transactions contemplated herein without the prior written approval of the Company and Purchaser.
8. Lock-Up. Subject to the consummation of the Acquisition, each Supporter shall be restricted from selling, transferring or otherwise disposing of, directly or indirectly, any Purchaser Common Stock converted into or received by such Supporter as a result of the Acquisition (the “Lock-up Shares”) in the same way as set forth in the lock-up provisions of the Purchaser’s final prospectus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2022 (the “Final Prospectus”). Each Supporter hereby authorizes and requests Purchaser to notify Purchaser’s transfer agent that there is a stop transfer order with respect to all of the Lock-up Shares.
9. Fees; Loan Repayments. Except as provided in the Final Prospectus and the Letter Agreement, dated March 8, 2022, by and among Purchaser and its officers, directors and shareholders, none of the Supporters nor any affiliate of any Supporter, nor any director or officer of Purchaser, shall receive from Purchaser any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee, non-cash payments, monies in respect of any repayment of a loan or other compensation prior to the Acquisition.
10. Supporter Representations. Each Supporter represents and warrants to Purchaser and the Company, as of the date hereof, that:
(a) | such Supporter has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked; |
(b) | such Supporter has full right and power, without violating any agreement to which such Supporter is bound (including, without limitation, any non-competition or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or former employer), to enter into this Agreement; |
(c) | (i) if such Supporter is not an individual, then such Supporter is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within such Supporter’s organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary organizational actions on the part of such Supporter and (ii) if such Supporter is an individual, then the signature on this Agreement is genuine, and such Supporter has legal competence and capacity to execute the same; |
(d) | this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Supporter and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties to this Agreement, this Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of such Supporter, enforceable against such Supporter 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); |
(e) | the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Supporter does not, and the performance by such Supporter of such Supporter’s obligations hereunder will not, (i) conflict with or result in a violation of the organizational documents of such Supporter, or (ii) require any consent or approval from any third party that has not been given or other action that has not been taken by any third party, in each case, to the extent such consent, approval or other action would prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Supporter of such Supporter’s obligations under this Agreement; |
(f) | there are no Actions pending against such Supporter or, to the knowledge of such Supporter, threatened against such Supporter, before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that would be before) any Authority, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Supporter of such Supporter’s obligations under this Agreement; |
(g) | no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with this Agreement or any of the respective transactions contemplated hereby, based upon arrangements made by such Supporter or, to the knowledge of such Supporter, by Purchaser; |
(h) | such Supporter has had the opportunity to read the Purchase Agreement and this Agreement and has had the opportunity to consult with such Supporter’s tax and legal advisors; |
(i) | such Supporter has not entered into, and shall not enter into, any agreement that would prevent such Supporter from performing any of such Supporter’s obligations hereunder; |
(j) | such Supporter has good title to the Supporter Shares opposite such Supporter’s name on Exhibit A, free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens, and such Supporter has the sole power to vote or cause to be voted such Supporter Shares; and |
(k) | the Supporter Shares set forth opposite such Supporter’s name on Exhibit A are the only Supporter Shares owned of record or beneficially owned by such Supporter as of the date hereof, and none of such Supporter Shares are subject to any proxy, voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of such Supporter Shares that is inconsistent with such Supporter’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement. |
11. Damages; Remedies. Each Supporter hereby agrees and acknowledges that (a) Purchaser and the Company would be irreparably injured in the event of a breach by such Supporter of such Supporter’s obligations under this Agreement, (b) monetary damages may not be an adequate remedy for such breach and (c) the non-breaching party shall be entitled to injunctive relief, in addition to any other remedy that such party may have in law or in equity, in the event of such breach, without the requirement to post any bond or other security or to prove that money damages would be inadequate. Each of the parties further waives (i) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement to post security or a bond as prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.
12. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other agreements referenced herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement may not be changed, amended, modified or waived (other than to correct a typographical error) as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.
13. Assignment. No party hereto may, except in accordance with Section 2, assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any purported assignment in violation of this paragraph shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Agreement shall be binding on each Supporter, Purchaser and the Company and each of their respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns and permitted transferees.
14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original, electronic or facsimile counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
15. Severability. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.
16. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Jury Trial Waiver. Section 10.5, Section 10.6, and Section 10.7 of the Purchase Agreement are incorporated by reference herein to apply with full force to any disputes arising under this Agreement.
17. Notice. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent or given in accordance with the terms of Section 10.2 of the Purchase Agreement to the applicable party, with respect to the Company and Purchaser, at the respective addresses set forth in Section 10.2 of the Purchase Agreement, and, with respect to Supporter, at the address set forth on Exhibit A.
18. Termination. This Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and shall terminate on the earliest of (i) the mutual written consent of Purchaser, the Company and the Supporter, (ii) the Closing (following the performance of the obligations of the parties hereunder required to be performed at or prior to the Closing), or (iii) the termination of the Purchase Agreement in accordance with its terms. No such termination shall relieve each Supporter, Purchaser or the Company from any liability resulting from a breach of this Agreement occurring prior to such termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the provisions of this Section 15 shall survive the termination of this Support Agreement.
19. Adjustment for Stock Split. If, and as often as, there are any changes in Purchaser or the Supporter Shares by way of stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification, or through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or business combination, or by any other means, equitable adjustment shall be made to the provisions of this Agreement as may be required so that the rights, privileges, duties and obligations hereunder shall continue with respect to each Supporter, Purchaser, the Company, the Supporter Shares as so changed.
20. Further Actions. Each of the parties hereto agrees to execute and deliver hereafter any further document, agreement or instrument of assignment, transfer or conveyance as may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the purposes hereof and as may be reasonably requested in writing by another party hereto.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
LAKESHORE ACQUISITION II CORP. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Bill Chen | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
REDONE INVESTMENT LIMITED | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Bill Chen | |
Title: | Manager |
[Signature Page to Purchaser Support Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
[Supporters] | |
[Signature Page to Purchaser Support Agreement]
Exhibit 10.2
VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT
This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT, dated as of September 9, 2022 (this “Voting Agreement”), is entered into by and among Nature’s Miracle Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the stockholders of the Company listed on Exhibit A hereto (each, a “Stockholder” and collectively, the “Stockholders”), and Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Purchaser”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Voting Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).
WHEREAS, Purchaser and the Company are parties to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Purchaser will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, purchase all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Stockholder owns the number of shares of Company Stock set forth after its name on Exhibit A (all such shares, or any successor or additional shares of the Company of which ownership of record or the power to vote is hereafter acquired by each Stockholder prior to the termination of this Voting Agreement being referred to herein as the “Shares”); and
WHEREAS, in order to induce Purchaser to enter into the Merger Agreement, each Stockholder is executing and delivering this Voting Agreement to Purchaser.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Voting Agreements. During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the earlier to occur of (a) the Effective Time, and (b) such date and time as the Merger Agreement shall be terminated in accordance its terms (whichever earlier, the “Expiration Time”), each Stockholder, in its capacity as a Stockholder of the Company, irrevocably agrees that, at any meeting of the Company’s stockholders related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (whether annual or special and whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting, however called and including any adjournment or postponement thereof) (the “Transactions”) and/or in connection with any written consent of the Company’s stockholders related to the Transactions (all meetings or consents related to the Merger Agreement, collectively referred to herein as the “Meeting”), such Stockholder shall:
(a) | when the Meeting is held, appear at the Meeting or otherwise cause its Shares to be counted as present thereat for the purpose of establishing a quorum; |
(b) | vote (or execute and return an action by written consent), or cause to be voted at the Meeting (or validly execute and return and cause such consent to be granted with respect to), all of its Shares in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby; |
(c) | authorize and approve any amendment to the Company’s Organizational Documents that is deemed necessary or advisable by the Company for purposes of effecting the Transactions; and |
(b) | vote (or execute and return an action by written consent), or cause to be voted at the Meeting (or validly execute and return and cause such consent to be granted with respect to), all of its Shares against any other action that would reasonably be expected to (x) impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely affect the Merger or any of the Transactions, (y) result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement or (z) result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other obligation or agreement of such Stockholder contained in this Voting Agreement. |
2. Restrictions on Transfer. Until the Expiration Time, each Stockholder agrees that it shall not sell, assign or otherwise transfer any of its Shares unless the buyer, assignee or transferee thereof executes a joinder agreement to this Voting Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to Purchaser. The Company shall not register any sale, assignment or transfer of any Shares on the Company’s stock ledger (book entry or otherwise) that is not in compliance with this Section 2.
3. New Securities. During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the Expiration Time, in the event that, (a) any Company Stock or other equity securities of Company are issued to any Stockholder after the date of this Voting Agreement pursuant to any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of Company securities owned by such Stockholder, (b) any Stockholder purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of any Company Stock or other equity securities of Company after the date of this Voting Agreement, or (c) any Stockholder acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any Company Stock or other equity securities of Company after the date of this Voting Agreement (such Company Stock or other equity securities of the Company, collectively the “New Securities”), then such New Securities acquired or purchased by each such Stockholder shall be subject to the terms of this Voting Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted Shares as of the date hereof.
4. No Challenge. Each Stockholder agrees not to commence, join in, facilitate, assist or encourage, and agrees to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to any claim, derivative or otherwise, against Purchaser, Merger Sub, the Company or any of their respective successors or directors (a) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Voting Agreement or the Merger Agreement or (b) alleging a breach of any fiduciary duty of any person in connection with the evaluation, negotiation or entry into the Merger Agreement.
5. Waiver. Each Stockholder hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) waives any rights of appraisal, dissenter’s rights and any similar rights relating to the Merger Agreement and the consummation by the parties of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, that such Stockholder may have under applicable law, and (ii) waives its right to any payments upon liquidation of the Company that may be provided for in the Company’s Organizational Documents.
6. Consent to Disclosure. Each Stockholder hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in the Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by applicable securities Laws or the SEC or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by Purchaser or the Company to any Governmental Authority or to securityholders of Purchaser) of such Stockholder’s identity and beneficial ownership of Shares and the nature of such Stockholder’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Voting Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by Purchaser or the Company, a copy of this Voting Agreement. Each Stockholder will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by Purchaser or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the SEC).
7. Stockholder Representations: Each Stockholder represents and warrants to Purchaser and the Company, as of the date hereof, that:
(a) | such Stockholder is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Voting Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within such Stockholder’s organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary organizational actions on the part of such Stockholder; |
(b) | this Voting Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Stockholder and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties to this Voting Agreement, this Voting Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of such Stockholder, enforceable against such Stockholder in accordance with the terms hereof (except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy Laws, other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies); |
(c) | the execution and delivery of this Voting Agreement by such Stockholder does not, and the performance by such Stockholder of its obligations hereunder will not, (i) conflict with or result in a violation of the organizational documents of such Stockholder, or (ii) require any consent or approval from any third party that has not been given or other action that has not been taken by any third party, in each case, to the extent such consent, approval or other action would prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Stockholder of its obligations under this Voting Agreement; |
(d) | there are no proceedings pending against such Stockholder or, to the knowledge of such Stockholder, threatened against such Stockholder, before (or, in the case of threatened proceedings, that would be before) any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Stockholder of its obligations under this Voting Agreement; |
(e) | no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with this Voting Agreement or any of the respective transactions contemplated hereby, based upon arrangements made by such Stockholder or, to the knowledge of such Stockholder, by the Company; |
(f) | such Stockholder has not entered into, and shall not enter into, any agreement that would prevent it from performing any of its obligations under this Voting Agreement; |
(g) | such Stockholder has good title to its Shares, free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens, and such Stockholder has the sole power to vote or cause to be voted its Shares; and |
(h) | the Shares listed opposite such Stockholder’s name on Exhibit A are the only shares of the Company’s outstanding capital stock owned of record or beneficially owned by such Stockholder as of the date hereof, and none of its Shares are subject to any proxy, voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of Shares that is inconsistent with such Stockholder’s obligations pursuant to this Voting Agreement. |
8. Damages; Remedies. Each Stockholder hereby agrees and acknowledges that (a) Purchaser and the Company would be irreparably injured in the event of a breach by such Stockholder of its obligations under this Voting Agreement, (b) monetary damages may not be an adequate remedy for such breach and (c) the non-breaching party shall be entitled to injunctive relief or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in any federal or state court within the State of New York without proof of actual damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedy to which it is entitled at law or in equity. Each of the parties further waives (i) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement to post security or a bond as prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.
9. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Voting Agreement and the other agreements referenced herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Voting Agreement may not be changed, amended, modified or waived (other than to correct a typographical error) as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.
10. Assignment. No party hereto may, except as set forth herein, assign either this Voting Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any purported assignment in violation of this paragraph shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Voting Agreement shall be binding on each Stockholder, Purchaser and the Company and each of their respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns and permitted transferees.
11. Counterparts. This Voting Agreement may be executed in any number of original, electronic or facsimile counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
12. Severability. This Voting Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Voting Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Voting Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.
13. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Jury Trial Waiver. Section 10.5, Section 10.6, and Section 10.7 of the Merger Agreement are incorporated by reference herein to apply with full force to any disputes arising under this Voting Agreement.
14. Notice. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Voting Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent or given in accordance with the terms of Section 10.2 of the Merger Agreement to the applicable party, with respect to the Company and Purchaser, at the address set forth in Section 10.2 of the Merger Agreement, and, with respect to each Stockholder, at its address set forth on Exhibit A.
15. Termination. This Voting Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the mutual written consent of Purchaser, the Company and the Stockholder, (ii) the Closing (following the performance of the obligations of the parties hereunder required to be performed at or prior to the Closing), or (iii) the termination of the Merger Agreement. No such termination shall relieve any Stockholder, Purchaser or the Company from any liability resulting from a breach of this Voting Agreement occurring prior to such termination.
16. Adjustment for Stock Split. If, and as often as, there are any changes in the Shares by way of stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification, or through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or business combination, or by any other means, equitable adjustment shall be made to the provisions of this Voting Agreement as may be required so that the rights, privileges, duties and obligations hereunder shall continue with respect to each Stockholder, Purchaser and the Company and the Shares as so changed.
17. Further Actions. Each of the parties hereto agrees to execute and deliver hereafter any further document, agreement or instrument of assignment, transfer or conveyance as may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the purposes hereof and as may be reasonably requested in writing by another party hereto.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
LAKESHORE ACQUISITION II CORP. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Bill Chen | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED | ||
By: | ||
Name | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
[COMPANY STOCKHOLDER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]
Exhibit 10.3
LOCK-UP AGREEMENT
THIS LOCK-UP AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is dated as of September 9, 2022, by and among the undersigned (the “Holder”), Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the Laws of Cayman Islands (“Purchaser”) and RedOne Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, in its capacity as the representative for the shareholders of the Purchaser (the “Purchaser Representative”). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given such terms in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into by and among (i) Purchaser, (ii) LBBB Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser, (iii) the Purchaser Representative, (iv) Nature’s Miracle Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and (v) Tie (James) Li, an individual, in his capacity as the representative for the stockholders of the Company.
BACKGROUND
A. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Purchaser will become the 100% stockholder of the Company.
B. The Holder is the record and/or beneficial owner of Company Stock which will be exchanged for Purchaser Common Stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
C. As a condition of, and as a material inducement for the Purchaser and the Company to enter into and consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Holder has agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Lock-Up.
(a) During the Lock-up Period (as defined below), the Holder irrevocably agrees that it, he or she will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Lock-up Shares (as defined below), enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such Lock-up Shares, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of any such Lock-up Shares, in cash or otherwise, publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, or engage in any Short Sales (as defined below) with respect to any security of Purchaser (any of the foregoing, a “Prohibited Transfer”).
(b) In furtherance of the foregoing, Purchaser will (i) place an irrevocable stop order on all Lock-up Shares, including those which may be covered by a registration statement, and (ii) notify Purchaser’ transfer agent in writing of the stop order and the restrictions on such Lock-up Shares under this Agreement and direct Purchaser’s transfer agent not to process any attempts by the Holder to resell or transfer any Lock-up Shares, except in compliance with this Agreement.
(c) For purposes hereof, “Short Sales” include, without limitation, all “short sales” as defined in Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and all types of direct and indirect stock pledges, forward sale contracts, options, puts, calls, swaps and similar arrangements (including on a total return basis), and sales and other transactions through non-US broker dealers or foreign regulated brokers.
(d) For purpose of this Agreement, the “Lock-up Period” means the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is six (6) months thereafter.
2. Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to the conditions below, a Prohibited Transfer will not include, and the undersigned may transfer Lock-Up Shares in connection with (a) transfers or distributions to the Holder’s direct or indirect affiliates (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) or to the estates of any of the foregoing; (b) transfers by bona fide gift to a member of the Holder’s immediate family (for purposes of this Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean with respect to any natural person, any of the following: such person’s spouse, the siblings of such person and his or her spouse, and the direct descendants and ascendants (including adopted and step children and parents) of such person and his or her spouses and siblings) or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the Holder or a member of the Holder’s immediate family for estate planning purposes; (c) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death of the Holder; (d) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (e) transfers to the Purchaser’s officers, directors or their affiliates, (f) transfers as a dividend or distribution to limited partners, shareholders, members of, or owners of similar equity interests in the Holder, (g) transfers pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, stock sale, recapitalization, consolidation or other transaction involving a change of control of Purchaser; provided, however, that in the event that such tender offer, merger, recapitalization, consolidation or other such transaction is not completed, the Lock-Up Shares subject to this Agreement shall remain subject to this Agreement, and (h) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that such plan does not provide for the transfer of Lock-Up Shares during the Lock-Up Period,; provided, however, that, in the case of any transfer pursuant to the foregoing (a) through (f) clauses, it shall be a condition to any such transfer that (i) the transferee/donee agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement (including the restrictions set forth in Section 1) to the same extent as if the transferee/donee were a party hereto; and (ii) each party (donor, donee, transferor or transferee) shall not be required by law (including the disclosure requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) to make, and shall agree to not voluntarily make, any filing or public announcement of the transfer or disposition prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period.
In addition, after the Closing Date, if there is a Change of Control, then upon the consummation of such Change of Control, all Lock-up Shares shall be released from the restrictions contained herein. A “Change of Control” means: (a) the sale of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of Purchaser and Purchaser subsidiaries to a third-party purchaser; (b) a sale resulting in no less than a majority of the voting power of the Purchaser being held by person that did not own a majority of the voting power prior to such sale; or (c) a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of Purchaser with or into a third-party purchaser that results in the inability of the pre-transaction equity holders to designate or elect a majority of the board of directors (or its equivalent) of the resulting entity or its parent company.
3. Representations and Warranties. Each of the parties hereto, by their respective execution and delivery of this Agreement, hereby represents and warrants to the others and to all third party beneficiaries of this Agreement that (a) such party has the full right, capacity and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its respective obligations under this Agreement, (b) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such party and is the binding and enforceable obligation of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (c) the execution, delivery and performance of such party’s obligations under this Agreement will not conflict with or breach the terms of any other agreement, contract, commitment or understanding to which such party is a party or to which the assets or securities of such party are bound.
4. Beneficial Ownership. The Holder hereby represents and warrants that it does not beneficially own, directly or through its nominees (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder), any shares of capital stock of Purchaser, or any economic interest in or derivative of such stock, other than those securities specified on the signature page hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, “Lock-up Shares” shall mean, with respect to each Holder, (i) the Purchaser Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder as specified on the signature hereto, (ii) any Purchaser Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants to purchase Purchaser Common Stock held by such Holder immediately after Effective Time (along with such options or warrants themselves), and (iii) any Purchaser Common Stock acquirable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Purchaser Common Stock held by such Holder immediately after the Effective Time (along with such securities themselves).
5. No Additional Fees/Payment. Other than the consideration specifically referenced herein, the parties hereto agree that no fee, payment or additional consideration in any form has been or will be paid to the Holder in connection with this Agreement.
6. 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 mail in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail receipt requested, postage pre-paid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight courier or delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following business day) to the Company and Purchaser in accordance with Section 10.2 of the Merger Agreement and to each Holder at its address set forth set forth on the signature page hereto (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice).
7. Enumeration and Headings. The enumeration and headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in facsimile and in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same agreement.
9. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the terms, covenants, provisions and conditions hereof shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the respective heirs, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. The Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement is entered into for the benefit of and is enforceable by Purchaser and its successors and assigns.
10. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such provision will be conformed to prevailing law rather than voided, if possible, in order to achieve the intent of the parties and, in any event, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall be binding upon the parties hereto.
11. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified by written agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.
12. Further Assurances. Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as any other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
13. No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.
14. Governing Law. Section 10.5, Section 10.6, and Section 10.7 of the Merger Agreement are incorporated by reference herein to apply with full force to any disputes arising under this Agreement.
15. Controlling Agreement. To the extent the terms of this Agreement (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time) directly conflicts with a provision in the Merger Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lock-up Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.
LAKESHORE ACQUISITION II CORP. | ||
By: |
||
Name: Bill Chen | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lock-up Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.
REDONE INVESTMENT LIMITED, solely in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative hereunder | ||
By: | ||
Name: Bill Chen | ||
Title: Manager |
[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lock-up Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.
HOLDER | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Address: | ||
[•] | ||
NUMBER OF Lock-up Shares: | ||
[•] |
[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]
Exhibit 10.4
NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT
THIS NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is being executed and delivered as of [__], by the undersigned (the “Subject Party”) in favor of and for the benefit of Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (including any successor entity thereto, the “Purchaser”), Nature’s Miracle Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and each of the Purchaser’s and/or the Company’s respective present and future Affiliates, successors and direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively with the Purchaser and the Company, the “Covered Parties”). Any capitalized term used but not defined in this Agreement will have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Merger Agreement.
WHEREAS, Purchaser and the Company are parties to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Purchaser will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, purchase all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser;
WHEREAS, the Company, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries manufactures and designs equipment, and provides consulting and other services, for the greenhouse and indoor cultivation industry (collectively, the “Business”);
WHEREAS, the Subject Party, a Key Management Member, has contributed to the value of the Company and its subsidiaries and has obtained extensive and valuable knowledge and confidential information concerning the Business of the Company and its subsidiaries;
WHEREAS, the Subject Party’s execution of this Agreement is a material inducement to the Purchaser and the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Transactions”) and to realize the goodwill of the Company and its subsidiaries, for which the Subject Party and/or its Affiliates will receive a substantial direct or indirect financial benefit which the Subject Party agrees constitutes adequate consideration for entering into this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, in connection with, and as a condition to the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions, and to enable the Purchaser to secure more fully the benefits of the Transactions, including the protection and maintenance of the goodwill and confidential information of the Company and its subsidiaries, the Purchaser has required that the Subject Party enter into this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to induce the Purchaser to enter into the Merger Agreement and consummate the Transactions, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Subject Party hereby agrees as follows:
1. Restriction on Competition.
(a) Restriction. The Subject Party hereby agrees that during the period from the Closing until the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Restricted Period”) the Subject Party will not, and will cause its Affiliates not to, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (which may be withheld in its sole discretion), anywhere in the United States or in any other markets in which the Covered Parties are currently engaged, or are actively contemplating to become engaged, in the Business as of the Closing Date or during the Restricted Period (the “Territory”), directly or indirectly engage in the Business (other than through a Covered Party) or own, manage, finance or control, or participate in the ownership, management, financing or control of, or become engaged or serve as an officer, director, member, partner, employee, agent, consultant, contractor, advisor or representative of, a business or entity (other than a Covered Party) that engages in the Business (a “Competitor”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subject Party and its Affiliates may own passive investments of no more than two percent (2%) of any class of outstanding equity interests in a Competitor, so long as the Subject Party and its Affiliates and immediate family members are not involved in the management or control of such Competitor (“Permitted Ownership”).
(b) Acknowledgment. The Subject Party acknowledges and agrees, based upon the advice of legal counsel which the Subject Party acknowledges has been sought by and provided to the Subject Party to its satisfaction and the Subject Party’s own education, experience and training, that (i) the Subject Party possesses knowledge of confidential information of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Business, (ii) the Subject Party’s execution of this Agreement is a material inducement to the Purchaser and the Company to consummate the Transactions and to realize the goodwill of the Company and its subsidiaries, for which the Subject Party and/or its Affiliates will receive a substantial direct or indirect financial benefit which the Subject Party agrees constitutes adequate consideration for entering into this Agreement, and that the Purchaser and the Company would not have entered into the Merger Agreement or consummated the Transactions but for the Subject Party’s agreements set forth in this Agreement; (iii) it would impair the goodwill of the Company and its subsidiaries and reduce the value of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and cause serious and irreparable injury if the Subject Party were to use its ability and knowledge by engaging in the Business in competition with a Covered Party, and/or to otherwise breach the obligations contained herein and that the Covered Parties would not have an adequate remedy at law because of the unique nature of the Business, (iv) the Subject Party and its Affiliates have no intention of engaging in the Business (other than through the Covered Parties) during the Restricted Period other than through Permitted Ownership, (v) the relevant public policy aspects of restrictive covenants, covenants not to compete and non-solicitation provisions have been discussed, and every effort has been made to limit the restrictions placed upon the Subject Party to those that are reasonable and necessary to protect the Covered Parties’ legitimate interests, (vi) the Covered Parties conduct and intend to conduct the Business everywhere in the Territory and compete with other businesses that are or could be located in any part of the Territory, (vii) the foregoing restrictions on competition are fair and reasonable in type of prohibited activity, geographic area covered, scope and duration and do not impose an undue hardship on the Subject Party and will not prevent the Subject Party from earning a living, (viii) the consideration provided to the Subject Party under this Agreement and the Merger Agreement is not illusory, and (ix) such provisions do not impose a greater restraint than is necessary to protect the goodwill or other business interests of the Covered Parties.
2. No Solicitation; No Disparagement.
(a) No Solicitation of Employees and Consultants. The Subject Party agrees that, during the Restricted Period, the Subject Party and its Affiliates will not, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (which may be withheld in its sole discretion), either on its own behalf or on behalf of any other Person (other than, if applicable, a Covered Party in the performance of the Subject Party’s duties on behalf of the Covered Parties), directly or indirectly: (i) hire or engage as an employee, independent contractor, consultant or otherwise any Covered Personnel (as defined below), provided that with respect to this Section 2(a)(i), the Purchaser’s consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; solicit, induce, encourage or otherwise knowingly cause (or attempt to do any of the foregoing) any Covered Personnel to leave the service (whether as an employee, consultant or independent contractor) of any Covered Party; or (iii) in any way interfere with or attempt to interfere with the relationship between any Covered Personnel and any Covered Party; provided, however, the Subject Party and its Affiliates will not be deemed to have violated this Section 2(a) if any Covered Personnel voluntarily and independently solicits an offer of employment from the Subject Party or its Affiliate (or other Person whom any of them is acting on behalf of) by responding to a general advertisement or solicitation program conducted by or on behalf of the Subject Party or its Affiliate (or such other Person whom any of them is acting on behalf of) that is not targeted at such Covered Personnel or Covered Personnel generally, so long as such Covered Personnel is not hired. For purposes of this Agreement, “Covered Personnel” shall mean any Person who is or was an employee, consultant or independent contractor of the Covered Parties, as of such date of the relevant act prohibited by this Section 2(a) or during the one (1) year period preceding such date.
(b) Non-Solicitation of Customers and Suppliers. The Subject Party agrees that, during the Restricted Period, the Subject Party and its Affiliates will not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (which may be withheld in its sole discretion), individually or on behalf of any other Person or entity (other than, if applicable, a Covered Party in the performance of the Subject Party’s duties on behalf of the Covered Parties), directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, induce, encourage or otherwise knowingly cause (or attempt to do any of the foregoing) any Covered Customer (as defined below) to (A) cease being, or not become, a client or customer of any Covered Party with respect to the Business or (B) reduce the amount of business of such Covered Customer with any Covered Party, or otherwise alter such business relationship in a manner adverse to any Covered Party, in either case, with respect to or relating to the Business; (ii) interfere with or disrupt (or attempt to interfere with or disrupt) the contractual relationship between any Covered Party and any Covered Customer; (iii) divert any business with any Covered Customer relating to the Business from a Covered Party; (iv) solicit for business, provide services to, engage in or do business with, any Covered Customer for products or services that are part of the Business; or (v) interfere with or disrupt (or attempt to interfere with or disrupt), any Person that was a vendor, supplier, distributor, agent or other service provider of a Covered Party at the time of such interference or disruption, for a purpose competitive with a Covered Party as it relates to the Business. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Covered Customer” shall mean any Person or entity who is or was an actual customer, contractor or client (or prospective customer, contractor or client with whom a Covered Party actively marketed or made or taken specific action to make a proposal) of a Covered Party, as of such date of the relevant act prohibited by this Section 2(b) or during the one (1) year period preceding such date.
(c) Non-Disparagement. The Subject Party agrees that during the Restricted Period, the Subject Party and its Affiliates will not, directly or indirectly engage in any conduct that involves the making or publishing (including through electronic mail distribution or online social media) of any written or oral statements or remarks (including the repetition or distribution of derogatory rumors, allegations, negative reports or comments) that are disparaging, deleterious or damaging to the integrity, reputation or good will of one or more Covered Parties or their respective management, officers, employees, independent contractors or consultants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 3 below, the provisions of this Section 2(c) shall not restrict the Subject Party or its Affiliates from providing truthful testimony or information in response to a subpoena or investigation by a Governmental Authority or in connection with any legal action by the Subject Party or its Affiliate against any Covered Party under this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Ancillary Document that is asserted by the Subject Party or its Affiliate in good faith.
3. Confidentiality. From and after the Closing Date, the Subject Party will, and will cause its Representatives to, keep confidential and not (except, if applicable, in the performance of the Subject Party’s duties on behalf of the Covered Parties) directly or indirectly use, disclose, reveal, publish, transfer or provide access to, any and all Covered Party Information without the prior written consent of the Purchaser (which may be withheld in its sole discretion). As used in this Agreement, “Covered Party Information” means all material and information relating to the business, affairs and assets of any Covered Party, including material and information that concerns or relates to such Covered Party’s bidding and proposal, technical information, computer hardware or software, administrative, management, operational, data processing, financial, marketing, customers, sales, human resources, employees, vendors, business development, planning and/or other business activities, regardless of whether such material and information is maintained in physical, electronic, or other form, that is: (A) gathered, compiled, generated, produced or maintained by such Covered Party through its Representatives, or provided to such Covered Party by its suppliers, service providers or customers; and (B) intended and maintained by such Covered Party or its Representatives, suppliers, service providers or customers to be kept in confidence. Covered Party Information also includes information disclosed to any Covered Party by a third party to the extent that a Covered Party has an obligation of confidentiality in connection therewith. The obligations set forth in this Section 3 will not apply to any Covered Party Information where the Subject Party can prove that such material or information: (i) is known or available through other lawful sources not bound by a confidentiality agreement or other confidentiality obligation with respect to such material or information; (ii) is or becomes publicly known through no violation of this Agreement or other non-disclosure obligation of the Subject Party or any of its Representatives; (iii) is already in the possession of the Subject Party at the time of disclosure through lawful sources not bound by a confidentiality agreement or other confidentiality obligation as evidenced by the Subject Party’s documents and records; or (iv) is required to be disclosed pursuant to an order of any administrative body or court of competent jurisdiction (provided that (A) the applicable Covered Party is given reasonable prior written notice, (B) the Subject Party cooperates (and causes its Representatives to cooperate) with any reasonable request of any Covered Party to seek to prevent or narrow such disclosure and (C) if after compliance with clauses (A) and (B) such disclosure is still required, the Subject Party and its Representatives only disclose such portion of the Covered Party Information that is expressly required by such order, as it may be subsequently narrowed).
4. Representations and Warranties. The Subject Party hereby represents and warrants, to and for the benefit of the Covered Parties as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, that: (a) the Subject Party has full power and capacity to execute and deliver, and to perform all of the Subject Party’s obligations under, this Agreement; and (b) neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the performance of the Subject Party’s obligations hereunder will result directly or indirectly in a violation or breach of any agreement or obligation by which the Subject Party is a party or otherwise bound. By entering into this Agreement, the Subject Party certifies and acknowledges that the Subject Party has carefully read all of the provisions of this Agreement, and that the Subject Party voluntarily and knowingly enters into this Agreement.
5. Remedies. The covenants and undertakings of the Subject Party contained in this Agreement relate to matters which are of a special, unique and extraordinary character and a violation of any of the terms of this Agreement may cause irreparable injury to the Covered Parties, the amount of which may be impossible to estimate or determine and which cannot be adequately compensated. The Subject Party agrees that, in the event of any breach or threatened breach by the Subject Party of any covenant or obligation contained in this Agreement, each applicable Covered Party will be entitled to obtain the following remedies (in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedy at law or in equity or pursuant to the Merger Agreement or the other Ancillary Documents that may be available to the Covered Parties, including monetary damages), and a court of competent jurisdiction may award: (i) an injunction, restraining order or other equitable relief restraining or preventing such breach or threatened breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages or that monetary damages would be insufficient or posting bond or security, which the Subject Party expressly waives; and (ii) recovery of the Covered Party’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in enforcing the Covered Party’s rights under this Agreement. The Subject Party hereby consents to the award of any of the above remedies to the applicable Covered Party in connection with any such breach or threatened breach. The Subject Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that in the event of any breach of this Agreement, any value attributed or allocated to this Agreement (or any other non-competition agreement with the Subject Party) under or in connection with the Merger Agreement shall not be considered a measure of, or a limit on, the damages of the Covered Parties.
6. Survival of Obligations. The expiration of the Restricted Period will not relieve the Subject Party of any obligation or liability arising from any breach by the Subject Party of this Agreement during the Restricted Period. The Subject Party further agrees that the time period during which the covenants contained in Section 1 and Section 2 of this Agreement will be effective will be computed by excluding from such computation any time during which the Subject Party is in violation of any provision of such Sections.
7. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent or given in accordance with the terms of Section 10.2 of the Merger Agreement to the applicable party, with respect to the Company and Purchaser, at the address set forth in Section 10.2 of the Merger Agreement, and, with respect to the Subject Party, at its address set forth on the signature page to this Agreement.
(b) Integration and Non-Exclusivity. This Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Ancillary Documents contain the entire agreement between the Subject Party and the Covered Parties concerning the subject matter hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rights and remedies of the Covered Parties under this Agreement are not exclusive of or limited by any other rights or remedies which they may have, whether at law, in equity, by contract or otherwise, all of which will be cumulative (and not alternative). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights and remedies of the Covered Parties, and the obligations and liabilities of the Subject Party and its Affiliates, under this Agreement, are in addition to their respective rights, remedies, obligations and liabilities (i) under the laws of unfair competition, misappropriation of trade secrets, or other requirements of statutory or common law, or any applicable rules and regulations and (ii) otherwise conferred by contract, including the Merger Agreement and any other written agreement between the Subject Party or its Affiliate and any of the Covered Parties. Nothing in the Merger Agreement will limit any of the obligations, liabilities, rights or remedies of the Subject Party or the Covered Parties under this Agreement, nor will any breach of the Merger Agreement or any other agreement between the Subject Party or its Affiliate and any of the Covered Parties limit or otherwise affect any right or remedy of the Covered Parties under this Agreement. If any term or condition of any other agreement between the Subject Party or its Affiliate and any of the Covered Parties conflicts or is inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the more restrictive terms will control as to the Subject Party or its Affiliate, as applicable.
(c) Severability; Reformation. Each provision of this Agreement is separable from every other provision of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement is found or held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, by a court of competent jurisdiction, then (i) such provision will be deemed amended to conform to applicable laws so as to be valid, legal and enforceable to the fullest possible extent, (ii) the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of such provision will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision under any other circumstances or in any other jurisdiction, and (iii) the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of such provision will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of such provision or the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. The Subject Party and the Covered Parties will substitute for any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision a suitable and equitable provision that carries out, so far as may be valid, legal and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision. Without limiting the foregoing, if any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any part hereof is unenforceable because of the duration, geographic area covered, scope of such provision, or otherwise, such court will have the power to reduce the duration, geographic area covered or scope of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced form, such provision will then be enforceable. The Subject Party will, at a Covered Party’s request, join such Covered Party in requesting that such court take such action.
(d) Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any respect, except by a written agreement executed by the Subject Party, the Purchaser and the Purchaser Representative (or their respective permitted successors or assigns). No waiver will be effective unless it is expressly set forth in a written instrument executed by the waiving party (and if such waiving party is a Covered Party, the Purchaser Representative) and any such waiver will have no effect except in the specific instance in which it is given. Any delay or omission by a party in exercising its rights under this Agreement, or failure to insist upon strict compliance with any term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement will not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, condition or right, nor will any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power under this Agreement at any time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.
(e) Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Jury Trial Waiver. Section 10.5, Section 10.6, and Section 10.7 of the Merger Agreement are incorporated by reference herein to apply with full force to any disputes arising under this Agreement.
(f) Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement will be binding upon the Subject Party and the Subject Party’s estate, successors and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of the Covered Parties, and their respective successors and assigns. Each Covered Party may freely assign any or all of its rights under this Agreement, at any time, in whole or in part, to any Person which acquires, in one or more transactions, at least a majority of the equity securities (whether by equity sale, merger or otherwise) of such Covered Party or all or substantially all of the assets of such Covered Party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, without obtaining the consent or approval of the Subject Party. The Subject Party agrees that the obligations of the Subject Party under this Agreement are personal and will not be assigned by the Subject Party. Each of the Covered Parties are express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement and will be considered parties under and for purposes of this Agreement.
(g) Purchaser Representative Authorized to Act on Behalf of Covered Parties. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Purchaser Representative is authorized and shall have the sole right to act on behalf of Purchaser and the other Covered Parties under this Agreement, including the right to enforce the Purchaser’s rights and remedies under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event that the Subject Party serves as a director, officer, employee or other authorized agent of a Covered Party, the Subject Party shall have no authority, express or implied, to act or make any determination on behalf of a Covered Party in connection with this Agreement or any dispute or Action with respect hereto.
(h) Construction. The Subject Party acknowledges that the Subject Party has been represented, or had the opportunity to be represented by, counsel of the Subject Party’s choice. Any rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party will not be applied in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. Neither the drafting history nor the negotiating history of this Agreement will be used or referred to in connection with the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. The headings and subheadings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. In this Agreement: (i) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (ii) the definitions contained herein are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms; (iii) whenever required by the context, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa; (iv) the words “herein,” “hereto,” and “hereby” and other words of similar import shall be deemed in each case to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision of this Agreement; (v) the word “if” and other words of similar import when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the phrase “and only if”; (vi) the term “or” means “and/or”; and (vii) any agreement or instrument defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement or instrument as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by waiver or consent and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein.
(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. A photocopy, faxed, scanned and/or emailed copy of this Agreement or any signature page to this Agreement, shall have the same validity and enforceability as an originally signed copy.
(j) Effectiveness. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Subject Party upon the Subject Party’s execution and delivery of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall only become effective upon the consummation of the Transactions. In the event that the Merger Agreement is validly terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the consummation of the Transactions, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and become null and void, and the parties shall have no obligations hereunder.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement as of the date first written above.
Subject Party: | |
| |
Name: |
Address for Notice: | ||
Address: | ||
Facsimile No.: | ||
Telephone No.: | ||
Email: |
Acknowledged and accepted as of the date first written above:
The Purchaser:
LAKESHORE ACQUISITION II CORP.
By: | ||
Name: | Bill Chen | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
The Company:
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED,
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement]
Exhibit 10.5
VOTING AGREEMENT
This Voting Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of [__], by and among Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (together with its successors, the “Purchaser”), RedOne Investment Limited (the “Sponsor”), and each of the individuals and entities set forth on the signature page hereto (each a “Voting Party” and collectively, the “Voting Parties”). For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement (as defined below). This Agreement shall be effective as of the Closing Date of the Merger.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Purchaser, Nature’s Miracle Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), LBBB Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser (the “Merger Sub”), the Sponsor and certain stockholders of the Company have entered into that certain Merger Agreement (as may be amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of September 9, 2022;
WHEREAS, each of the Voting Parties, currently owns, or on the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, will own, shares of Company’s common stock, and wishes to provide for orderly elections of Purchaser’s Board of Directors after the Closing Date (the “Post-Closing Board of Directors”) as described herein; and
WHEREAS, as of the Effective Time, one director designated by Sponsor has been elected to the Post-Closing Board of Directors.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the promises and covenants contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1 Agreement to Vote. During the term of this Agreement, each Voting Party agrees to vote all shares of capital stock of Purchaser that such Voting Party owns from time to time and are entitled to vote (hereinafter referred to as the “Voting Shares”) in the election of the Post-Closing Board of Directors, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, whether at a regular or special meeting of shareholders or by written consent.
2. Election of Boards of Directors.
2.1 Voting; Initial Designee. During the term of this Agreement, each Voting Party agrees to vote all Voting Shares for the election as a member of the Post-Closing Board of Directors of the nominee designated by the Sponsor at each regular or special meeting of Parent stockholders where such nominee stands for such election at such meeting.
2.2 Number of Designees; Notice to Purchaser.
(a) Prior to the termination of this Agreement, for so long as the Sponsor and/or its Affiliates, either individually or as a group (as such term is construed in accordance with the Exchange Act), beneficially own at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Closing Sponsor Shares (as defined below), Purchaser shall include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Post-Closing Board of Directors for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of the stockholders of Purchaser at which directors are to be elected, one individual designated by the Sponsor; provided, however, that from and after the date on which Sponsor and/or its Affiliates cease to hold at least twenty five percent (25%) of the Closing Sponsor Shares (a “75% Reduction”), Purchaser shall have no obligation to recommend any nominees designated by Sponsor for election at any subsequent annual or special meeting of the stockholders of Purchaser at which directors are to be elected.
(b) No less than five (5) Business Days following the Closing, Sponsor shall provide written notice to Purchaser specifying the number of shares of capital stock of Purchaser held by Sponsor and/or its Affiliates individually or as a group (as such term is construed in accordance with the Exchange Act) as of the Effective Time, including any shares of capital stock of Purchaser that Sponsor and/or its Affiliates are entitled to receive as Merger Consideration in connection with the consummation of the Merger (the “Closing Sponsor Shares”).
(c) No less than five (5) Business Days after the occurrence of a 75% Reduction, Sponsor shall provide written notice thereof to Purchaser.
2.3 Advance Resignation Letters. Purchaser may require, prior to or at any time after becoming a member of the Post-Closing Board of Directors, the designee of Sponsor elected to the Post-Closing Board of Directors (as may be replaced from time to time, a “Sponsor Designee”) to execute and deliver an undated resignation letter (each, a “Resignation Letter”) to the Secretary of Purchaser, which Purchaser agrees shall not be dated or become effective until such time as such Sponsor Designee’s resignation is required pursuant to Section 2.4(a).
2.4 Removal of Directors; Obligations; Vacancies.
(a) Sponsor hereby acknowledges and agrees that, upon the occurrence of a 75% Reduction, Purchaser may effect the resignation of the Sponsor Designee pursuant to the dating of the applicable Resignation Letter of such Sponsor Designee as of the date of the 75% Reduction, with such resignation deemed to have occurred, and being effective as of, such date. In the event Sponsor does not deliver the notice required pursuant to Section 2.2(c) by the date that is five (5) Business Days after the occurrence of a 75% Reduction, Purchaser has the right, upon otherwise becoming aware of the occurrence of a 75% Reduction, to take the actions specified in the immediately preceding sentence.
(b) The obligations of the Voting Parties pursuant to this Section 2 shall include any shareholder vote to amend Purchaser’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association as required to effect the intent of this Agreement. Each of Sponsor, the Voting Parties and Purchaser agree to take all actions required to ensure that the rights given to each Voting Party and Sponsor hereunder are effective and that each Voting Party and Sponsor enjoys the benefits thereof. Each of Sponsor, the Voting Parties and Purchaser further agree not to take any actions that would contravene or materially and adversely affect the provisions of this Agreement. The parties acknowledge that the fiduciary duties of each member of the Post-Closing Board of Directors are to Purchaser’s shareholders as a whole.
(c) In the event any director elected pursuant to the terms hereof ceases to serve as a member of the Post-Closing Board of Directors, except for as the result of any 75% Reduction, Purchaser, the Sponsor and the Voting Parties agree to vote the Voting Shares for the election or appointment of such other person designated by the Sponsor to the Post-Closing Board of Directors in accordance with the terms provided herein (each such Person, a “Replacement Designee”); provided, however, that any Replacement Designee must (i) be reasonably acceptable to the Post-Closing Board of Directors (such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld), (ii) qualify as “independent” pursuant to NASDAQ listing standards, (iii) have the relevant financial and business experience to be a director of Purchaser, and (iv) satisfy the publicly disclosed guidelines and policies of Purchaser with respect to service on the Post-Closing Board of Directors. In the event any Replacement Designee does not satisfy one or more of the requirements set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above, Sponsor shall have the right to recommend additional Replacement Designees whose appointment shall be subject to approval in accordance with the procedures described in this Section 2.5(c).
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3. Representations and Warranties of the Sponsor and the Voting Parties. Each Voting Party and the Sponsor hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:
3.1 Organization and Power. Such Person is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
3.2 Authorization. Such Person has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by such Person, shall constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of such Person, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and any other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; or (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.
3.3 Governmental Consents and Filings. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any federal, state or local governmental authority is required on the part of such Person in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.4 Compliance with Other Instruments. The execution, delivery and performance by such Person of this Agreement and the consummation by such Person of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in any violation or default: (a) of any provisions of its organizational documents, if applicable; (b) of any instrument, judgment, order, writ or decree to which it is a party or by which it is bound; (c) under any note, indenture or mortgage to which it is a party or by which it is bound; (d) under any lease, agreement, contract or purchase order to which it is a party or by which it is bound; or (e) of any provision of any federal or state statute, rule or regulation applicable to such Person, in each case (other than clause (a)), which would have a material adverse effect on such Person or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4. Successors in Interest of the Voting Parties and Purchaser. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the successors in interest of any Voting Party with respect to any of such Voting Party’s Voting Shares or any voting rights therein, unless the Voting Shares are sold on Nasdaq or any other national securities exchange. Each Voting Party shall not, and Purchaser shall not, permit the transfer of any Voting Party’s Voting Shares (except for sales of Voting Shares on Nasdaq or any other national securities exchange), unless and until the person to whom such securities are to be transferred shall have executed a written agreement pursuant to which such person agrees to become a party to this Agreement and agrees to be bound by all the provisions hereof as if such person was a Voting Party hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties hereto agree and acknowledge that each of the Voting Parties has entered into a Company Stockholders’ Lock-Up Agreement and has agreed not to transfer any of the Voting Party’s Voting Shares except in accordance with the Company Stockholders’ Lock-Up Agreement.
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5. Public Listing. During the term of this Agreement, Purchaser shall take all reasonable efforts for Purchaser to remain listed as a public company on, and for the Purchaser Common Stock to be tradable over, Nasdaq.
6. Grant of Proxy. The parties agree that this Agreement does not constitute the granting of a proxy to any party or any other person; provided, however, that should the provisions of this Agreement be construed to constitute the granting of proxies, such proxies shall be deemed coupled with an interest and are irrevocable for the term of this Agreement.
7. Specific Enforcement. It is agreed and understood that monetary damages would not adequately compensate an injured party for the breach of this Agreement by any party hereto, that this Agreement shall be specifically enforceable, and that any breach of this Agreement shall be the proper subject of a temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order. Further, each party hereto waives any claim or defense that there is an adequate remedy at Law for such breach or threatened breach and agrees that a party’s rights would be materially and adversely affected if the obligations of the other parties under this Agreement were not carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.
8. Manner of Voting. The voting of the Voting Shares pursuant to this Agreement may be effected in person, by proxy, by written consent or in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.
9. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate automatically (without any action by any party) upon the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is the third (3rd) anniversary of the date hereof and (b) the occurrence of a 75% Reduction, and thereafter shall immediately become void and have no further force or effect, and no party hereto will have any further obligation or liability to any other party; provided, however, that no such termination will relieve either party from liability for any breach of this Agreement by such party prior to such termination.
10. Amendments and Waivers. Except as otherwise provided herein, any provision of this Agreement may be amended or the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the unanimous written consent of (a) Purchaser, and (b) the holders of a majority of Voting Shares then held by the Voting Parties.
11. Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, etc. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization or the like, (a) any securities issued with respect to Voting Shares held by Voting Parties shall become Voting Shares for purposes of this Agreement and (b) the Closing Sponsor Shares shall be appropriately adjusted on a pro rata basis and consistent with the terms of this Agreement.
12. Severability. A determination by a court or other legal authority that any provision that is not of the essence of this Agreement is legally invalid shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. The parties shall cooperate in good faith to substitute (or cause such court or other legal authority to substitute) for any provision so held to be invalid a valid provision, as alike in substance to such invalid provision as is lawful.
13. Governing Law. This Agreement and all disputes or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including the applicable statute of limitations, shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the Law of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.
14. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which shall constitute one agreement. This Agreement shall become effective upon delivery to each party of an executed counterpart or the earlier delivery to each party of original, photocopied, or electronically transmitted signature pages that together (but need not individually) bear the signatures of all other parties.
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15. Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties, and supersedes any prior agreement or understanding among the parties, with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants except as specifically set forth herein or therein.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]
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This Agreement is hereby executed effective as of the date first set forth above.
Purchaser: | ||
LAKESHORE ACQUISITION II CORP. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Bill Chen | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Voting Agreement]
Sponsor: | ||
REDONE INVESTMENT LIMITED | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Bill Chen | |
Title: | Manager |
[Signature Page to Voting Agreement]
Exhibit 10.6
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to the success of the Company, and any Parents, Subsidiaries and Affiliates that exist now or in the future, by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company’s future performance through the grant of Awards. Capitalized terms not defined elsewhere in the text are defined in Section 28.
2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.
2.1. Number of Shares Available. Subject to Section 2.4, Section 2.6 and Section 21 and any other applicable provisions hereof, the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to this Plan is [●] Shares.
2.2. Lapsed, Returned Awards. Shares subject to Awards, and Shares issued under the Plan under any Award, will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with subsequent Awards under this Plan to the extent such Shares: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option or SAR granted under this Plan but which cease to be subject to the Option or SAR for any reason other than exercise of the Option or SAR; (b) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price; (c) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that otherwise terminate without such Shares being issued; or (d) are surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, Shares that otherwise become available for grant and issuance because of the provisions of this Section 2.2 shall not include Shares subject to Awards that initially became available because of the substitution clause in Section 21.2 hereof.
2.3. Minimum Share Reserve. At all times the Company will reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Shares as will be required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding Awards granted under this Plan.
2.4. Automatic Share Reserve Increase. The number of Shares available for grant and issuance under the Plan will be increased on January 1 for each of the first ten (10) calendar years during the term of the Plan by the lesser of (a) Five percent (5%) of all classes of the Company’s common stock outstanding on each December 31 immediately prior to the date of increase or (b) such number of Shares determined by the Board.
2.5. ISO Limitation. No more than [●] Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs (as defined below) under the Plan.
2.6. Adjustment of Shares. If the number of outstanding Shares is changed by a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or distribution (whether in cash, shares or other property, other than a regular cash dividend), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, consolidation, reclassification, spin-off or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, without consideration, then (a) the number and class of Shares reserved for issuance and future grant under the Plan set forth in Section 2.1, including shares reserved under sub-clauses (a)-(d) of Section 2.1, (b) the Exercise Prices of and number and class of Shares subject to outstanding Options and SARs, (c) the number and class of Shares subject to other outstanding Awards and (d) the maximum number and class of Shares that may be issued as ISOs set forth in Section 2.5 will be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the stockholders of the Company and in compliance with applicable securities laws; provided that fractions of a Share will not be issued.
If, by reason of an adjustment pursuant to this Section 2.6, a Participant’s Award Agreement or other agreement related to any Award or the Shares subject to such Award covers additional or different shares of stock or securities, then such additional or different shares, and the Award Agreement or such other agreement in respect thereof, will be subject to all of the terms, conditions and restrictions that were applicable to the Award or the Shares subject to such Award prior to such adjustment.
3. ELIGIBILITY. ISOs may be granted only to Employees. All other Awards may be granted to Employees, Consultants and Non-Employee Directors; provided such Consultants and Non-Employee Directors render bona fide services not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction.
4. ADMINISTRATION.
4.1. Committee Composition; Authority. This Plan will be administered by the Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general purposes, terms and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board, the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan, except, however, the Board will establish the terms for the grant of an Award to Non-Employee Directors. The Committee will have the authority to:
(a) construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan;
(b) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan or any Award;
(c) select persons to receive Awards;
(d) determine the form and terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the Exercise Price, the time or times when Awards may vest and be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria) or settled, any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, the method to satisfy tax withholding obligations or any other tax liability legally due and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Committee will determine;
(e) determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to Awards;
(f) determine the Fair Market Value in good faith and interpret the applicable provisions of this Plan and the definition of Fair Market Value in connection with circumstances that impact the Fair Market Value, if necessary;
(g) determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate;
(h) grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions;
(i) determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of Awards;
(j) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement;
(k) determine whether an Award has been vested and/or earned;
(l) determine the terms and conditions of, and institute, any Exchange Program;
(m) reduce, waive or modify any criteria with respect to Performance Factors;
(n) adjust Performance Factors;
(o) adopt terms and conditions, rules and/or procedures (including the adoption of any subplan under this Plan) relating to the operation and administration of the Plan to accommodate requirements of local law and procedures outside of the United States or to qualify Awards for special tax treatment under laws of jurisdictions other than the United States;
(p) exercise discretion with respect to Performance Awards;
(q) make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan; and
(r) delegate any of the foregoing to a subcommittee or to one or more executive officers pursuant to a specific delegation as permitted by applicable law.
4.2. Committee Interpretation and Discretion. Any determination made by the Committee with respect to any Award will be made in its sole discretion at the time of grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of the Plan or Award, at any later time, and such determination will be final and binding on the Company and all persons having an interest in any Award under the Plan. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of the Plan or any Award Agreement will be submitted by the Participant or Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee will be final and binding on the Company and the Participant. The Committee may delegate to one or more executive officers the authority to review and resolve disputes with respect to Awards held by Participants who are not Insiders, and such resolution will be final and binding on the Company and the Participant.
4.3. Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Awards granted to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act must be approved by two or more “non-employee directors” (as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act).
4.4. Documentation. The Award Agreement for a given Award, the Plan and any other documents may be delivered to, and accepted by, a Participant or any other person in any manner (including electronic distribution or posting) that meets applicable legal requirements.
4.5. Foreign Award Recipients. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws and practices in other countries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates operate or have Employees or other individuals eligible for Awards, the Committee, in its sole discretion, will have the power and authority to: (a) determine which Subsidiaries and Affiliates will be covered by the Plan; (b) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan; (c) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to individuals outside the United States or foreign nationals to comply with applicable foreign laws, policies, customs and practices; (d) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures, vesting conditions, and other terms and procedures, to the extent the Committee determines such actions to be necessary or advisable (and such subplans and/or modifications will be attached to this Plan as appendices, if necessary); provided, however, that no such subplans and/or modifications will increase the share limitations contained in Section 2.1 hereof; and (e) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that the Committee determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards will be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act or any other applicable United States securities law, the Code, or any other applicable United States governing statute or law.
5. OPTIONS. An Option is the right but not the obligation to purchase a Share, subject to certain conditions, if applicable. The Committee may grant Options to eligible Employees, Consultants and Directors and will determine whether such Options will be Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of the Code (“ISOs”) or Nonqualified Stock Options (“NSOs”), the number of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period during which the Option may vest and be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of the Option, subject to the following terms of this section.
5.1. Option Grant. Each Option granted under this Plan will identify the Option as an ISO or an NSO. An Option may be, but need not be, awarded upon satisfaction of such Performance Factors during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s individual Award Agreement. If the Option is being earned upon the satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for each Option; and (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Options that are subject to different performance goals and other criteria.
5.2. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option will be the date on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, or a specified future date. The Award Agreement will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after the granting of the Option.
5.3. Exercise Period. Options may be vested and exercisable within the times or upon the conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement governing such Option; provided, however, that no Option will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted; and provided further that no ISO granted to a person who, at the time the ISO is granted, directly or by attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary (“Ten Percent Stockholder”) will be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted. The Committee also may provide for Options to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of Shares as the Committee determines.
5.4. Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option will be determined by the Committee when the Option is granted; provided that: (a) the Exercise Price of an Option will be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant and (b) the Exercise Price of any ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder will not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. Payment for the Shares purchased may be made in accordance with Section 11 and the Award Agreement and in accordance with any procedures established by the Company.
5.5. Method of Exercise. Any Option granted hereunder will be vested and exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (a) notice of exercise (in such form as the Committee may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option (and/or via electronic execution through the authorized third-party administrator), and (b) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Committee and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 2.6 of the Plan. Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
5.6. Termination of Service. If the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason except for Cause or the Participant’s death or Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant’s Options only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates. Such Options must be exercised by the Participant on the earlier of the expiration date of the Options or three (3) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates unless the Committee determines a shorter or longer time period, provided that such time period is no later than the expiration date of the Options and that any exercise beyond three (3) months after the date Participant’s employment terminates is deemed to be the exercise of an NSO.
(a) Death. If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Participant’s death (or if the Participant dies within three (3) months after Participant’s Service terminates other than for Cause or because of the Participant’s Disability), then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates. Such Options must be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative, or authorized assignee, on the earlier of the expiration date of the Options or twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates, unless the Committee determines a shorter or longer time period, provided that such time period is no later than the expiration date of the Options.
(b) Disability. If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Participant’s Disability, then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates. Such Options must be exercised by the Participant (or the Participant’s legal representative or authorized assignee) on the earlier of the expiration date of the Options or twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates, unless the Committee determines a shorter or longer time period, provided that such time period is no later than the expiration date of the Options, with (a) any exercise beyond three (3) months after the date Participant’s employment terminates when the termination of Service is for a Disability that is not a “permanent and total disability” as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, or (b) any exercise beyond twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s employment terminates when the termination of Service is for a Disability that is a “permanent and total disability” as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, deemed to be exercise of an NSO.
(c) Cause. If the Participant’s Service terminates for Cause, then Participant’s Options (whether or not vested) will expire on the date of termination of Participant’s Service if the Committee has reasonably determined in good faith that such cessation of Services has resulted in connection with an act or failure to act constituting Cause (or such Participant’s Services could have been terminated for Cause (without regard to the lapsing of any required notice or cure periods in connection therewith) at the time such Participant terminated Services), or at such later time and on such conditions as are determined by the Committee, but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options. Unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement, Award Agreement, or other applicable agreement, Cause will have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
5.7. Limitations on Exercise. The Committee may specify a minimum number of Shares that may be purchased on any exercise of an Option, provided that such minimum number will not prevent any Participant from exercising the Option for the full number of Shares for which it is then exercisable.
5.8. Limitations on ISOs. With respect to Awards granted as ISOs, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which such ISOs are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as NSOs. For purposes of this Section 5.8, ISOs will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted. In the event that the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder are amended after the Effective Date to provide for a different limit on the Fair Market Value of Shares permitted to be subject to ISOs, such different limit will be automatically incorporated herein and will apply to any Options granted after the effective date of such amendment.
5.9. Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may modify, extend or renew outstanding Options and authorize the grant of new Options in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant’s rights under any Option previously granted. Any outstanding ISO that is modified, extended, renewed or otherwise altered will be treated in accordance with Section 424(h) of the Code. Subject to Section 18 of this Plan, by written notice to affected Participants, the Committee may reduce the Exercise Price of outstanding Options without the consent of such Participants; provided, however, that the Exercise Price may not be reduced below the Fair Market Value on the date the action is taken to reduce the Exercise Price.
5.10. No Disqualification. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, no term of this Plan relating to ISOs will be interpreted, amended or altered, nor will any discretion or authority granted under this Plan be exercised, so as to disqualify this Plan under Section 422 of the Code or, without the consent of the Participant affected, to disqualify any ISO under Section 422 of the Code.
6. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS. A Restricted Stock Award is an offer by the Company to sell to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director Shares that are subject to restrictions (“Restricted Stock”). The Committee will determine to whom an offer will be made, the number of Shares the Participant may purchase, the Purchase Price, the restrictions under which the Shares will be subject and all other terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Award, subject to the Plan.
6.1. Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement. All purchases under a Restricted Stock Award will be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Except as may otherwise be provided in an Award Agreement, a Participant accepts a Restricted Stock Award by signing and delivering to the Company an Award Agreement with full payment of the Purchase Price, within thirty (30) days from the date the Award Agreement was delivered to the Participant. If the Participant does not accept such Award within thirty (30) days, then the offer of such Restricted Stock Award will terminate, unless the Committee determines otherwise.
6.2. Purchase Price. The Purchase Price for a Restricted Stock Award will be determined by the Committee and may be less than Fair Market Value on the date the Restricted Stock Award is granted. Payment of the Purchase Price must be made in accordance with Section 11 of the Plan, the Award Agreement and any procedures established by the Company.
6.3. Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards will be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose or are required by law. These restrictions may be based on completion of a specified number of years of service with the Company or upon completion of Performance Factors, if any, during any Performance Period as set out in advance in the Participant’s Award Agreement. Prior to the grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Committee shall: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the Restricted Stock Award; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure performance goals, if any; and (c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Performance Periods may overlap and a Participant may participate simultaneously with respect to Restricted Stock Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and having different performance goals and other criteria.
6.4. Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
7. STOCK BONUS AWARDS. A Stock Bonus Award is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director of Shares for Services to be rendered or for past Services already rendered to the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate. All Stock Bonus Awards shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement. No payment from the Participant will be required for Shares awarded pursuant to a Stock Bonus Award.
7.1. Terms of Stock Bonus Awards. The Committee will determine the number of Shares to be awarded to the Participant under a Stock Bonus Award and any restrictions thereon. These restrictions may be based upon completion of a specified number of years of service with the Company or upon satisfaction of performance goals based on Performance Factors during any Performance Period as set out in advance in the Participant’s Stock Bonus Agreement. Prior to the grant of any Stock Bonus Award the Committee shall: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the Stock Bonus Award; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure performance goals; and (c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Performance Periods may overlap and a Participant may participate simultaneously with respect to Stock Bonus Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.
7.2. Form of Payment to Participant. Payment may be made in the form of cash, whole Shares, or a combination thereof, based on the Fair Market Value of the Shares earned under a Stock Bonus Award on the date of payment, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.
7.3. Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
8. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. A Stock Appreciation Right (“SAR”) is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director that may be settled in cash, or Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock), having a value equal to (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price multiplied by (b) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is being settled (subject to any maximum number of Shares that may be issuable as specified in an Award Agreement). All SARs shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.
8.1. Terms of SARs. The Committee will determine the terms of each SAR including, without limitation: (a) the number of Shares subject to the SAR; (b) the Exercise Price and the time or times during which the SAR may be settled; (c) the consideration to be distributed on settlement of the SAR; and (d) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each SAR. The Exercise Price of the SAR will be determined by the Committee when the SAR is granted, and may not be less than Fair Market Value. A SAR may be awarded upon satisfaction of Performance Factors, if any, during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s individual Award Agreement. If the SAR is being earned upon the satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for each SAR; and (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to SARs that are subject to different Performance Factors and other criteria.
8.2. Exercise Period and Expiration Date. A SAR will be exercisable within the times or upon the occurrence of events determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement governing such SAR. The SAR Agreement shall set forth the expiration date; provided that no SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the SAR is granted. The Committee may also provide for SARs to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise (including, without limitation, upon the attainment during a Performance Period of performance goals based on Performance Factors), in such number of Shares or percentage of the Shares subject to the SAR as the Committee determines. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on the date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 5.6 also will apply to SARs.
8.3. Form of Settlement. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price; times (b) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Committee, the payment from the Company for the SAR exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof. The portion of a SAR being settled may be paid currently or on a deferred basis with such interest, if any, as the Committee determines, provided that the terms of the SAR and any deferral satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable.
8.4. Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
9. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS. A Restricted Stock Unit (“RSU”) is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director covering a number of Shares that may be settled in cash, or by issuance of those Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock). All RSUs shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.
9.1. Terms of RSUs. The Committee will determine the terms of an RSU including, without limitation: (a) the number of Shares subject to the RSU; (b) the time or times during which the RSU may be settled; (c) the consideration to be distributed on settlement; and (d) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each RSU; provided that no RSU shall have a term longer than ten (10) years. An RSU may be awarded upon satisfaction of such performance goals based on Performance Factors during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s Award Agreement. If the RSU is being earned upon satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the RSU; (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and (z) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the RSU. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to RSUs that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.
9.2. Form and Timing of Settlement. Payment of earned RSUs shall be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may settle earned RSUs in cash, Shares, or a combination of both. The Committee may also permit a Participant to defer payment under a RSU to a date or dates after the RSU is earned provided that the terms of the RSU and any deferral satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable.
9.3. Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
10. PERFORMANCE AWARDS. A Performance Award is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate that is based upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee, and may be settled in cash, Shares (which may consist of, without limitation, Restricted Stock), other property, or any combination thereof. Grants of Performance Awards shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.
10.1. Performance Awards shall include Performance Shares, Performance Units, and cash-based Awards as set forth in Sections 10.1(a), 10.1(b), and 10.1(c) below.
(a) Performance Shares. The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Shares, designate the Participants to whom Performance Shares are to be awarded and determine the number of Performance Shares and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Shares shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated number of Shares, the value of which may be paid to the Participant by delivery of Shares or, if set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award, of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. The amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Shares may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.
(b) Performance Units. The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Units, designate the Participants to whom Performance Units are to be awarded and determine the number of Performance Units and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Units shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated amount of property other than Shares, which value may be paid to the Participant by delivery of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee.
(c) Cash-Settled Performance Awards. The Committee may grant cash-settled Performance Awards to Participants under the terms of this Plan. Such awards will be based on the attainment of performance goals using the Performance Factors within this Plan that are established by the Committee for the relevant performance period.
10.2. Terms of Performance Awards. Performance Awards will be based on the attainment of performance goals using the Performance Factors within this Plan that are established by the Committee for the relevant Performance Period. The Committee will determine, and each Award Agreement shall set forth, the terms of each Performance Award including, without limitation: (a) the amount of any cash bonus, (b) the number of Shares deemed subject to an award of Performance Shares; (c) the Performance Factors and Performance Period that shall determine the time and extent to which each award of Performance Shares shall be settled; (d) the consideration to be distributed on settlement, and (e) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each Performance Award. In establishing Performance Factors and the Performance Period the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period; (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used; and (z) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the award of Performance Shares. Prior to settlement the Committee shall determine the extent to which Performance Awards have been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Performance Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.
10.3. Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on the date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
11. PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES. Payment from a Participant for Shares purchased pursuant to this Plan may be made in cash or by check or, where approved for the Participant by the Committee and where permitted by law (and to the extent not otherwise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement):
(a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant;
(b) by surrender of shares of the Company held by the Participant that have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Award will be exercised or settled;
(c) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered or to be rendered to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary;
(d) by consideration received by the Company pursuant to a broker-assisted or other form of cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;
(e) by any combination of the foregoing; or
(f) by any other method of payment as is permitted by applicable law.
12. GRANTS TO NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS.
12.1. Grant and Eligibility. Non-Employee Directors are eligible to receive any type of Award offered under this Plan except ISOs. Awards under the Plan may be granted to Non-Employee Directors automatically pursuant to a policy adopted by the Board, or made from time to time as determined in the discretion of the Board. No Non-Employee Director may receive Awards under the Plan that, when combined with cash compensation received for service as a Non-Employee Director, exceeds $[●] in value (as described below) in any calendar year, increased to $[●] in value (as described below) in the calendar year of his or her initial services as a Non-Employee Director. The value of Awards for purposes of complying with this maximum shall be determined as follows: (a) for Options and SARs, grant date fair value will be calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation methodology on the date of grant of such Option or SAR, and (b) for all other Awards other than Options and SARs, grant date fair value will be determined by either (i) calculating the product of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant and the aggregate number of Shares subject to the Award, or (ii) calculating the product using an average of the Fair Market Value over a number of trading days and the aggregate number of Shares subject to the Award as determined by the Committee. Awards granted, or cash compensation paid, to an individual while he or she was serving in the capacity as an Employee or while he or she was a Consultant but not a Non-Employee Director will not count for purposes of the limitations set forth in this Section 12.1.
12.2. Vesting, Exercisability and Settlement. Except as set forth in Section 21, Awards will vest, become exercisable and be settled as determined by the Board. With respect to Options and SARs, the exercise price granted to Non-Employee Directors will not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Shares at the time that such Option or SAR is granted.
12.3. Election to Receive Awards in Lieu of Cash. A Non-Employee Director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer payments and/or meeting fees from the Company in the form of cash or Awards or a combination thereof, if permitted, and as determined, by the Committee. Such Awards shall be issued under the Plan. An election under this Section 12.3 shall be filed with the Company on the form prescribed by the Company.
13. WITHHOLDING TAXES.
13.1. Withholding Generally. Whenever Shares are to be issued in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan or a tax event occurs, the Company may require the Participant to remit to the Company, or to the Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable, employing the Participant, an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable U.S. federal, state, local and international tax or any other tax or social insurance liability (the “Tax-Related Items”) required to be withheld from the Participant prior to the delivery of Shares pursuant to exercise or settlement of any Award. Whenever payments in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan are to be made in cash, such payment will be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld and such Shares will be valued based on the value of the actual trade or, if there is none, the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the previous trading day.
13.2. Stock Withholding. The Committee, or its delegate(s), as permitted by applicable law, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time and to limitations of local law, may require or permit a Participant to satisfy such Tax Related Items legally due from the Participant, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (a) paying cash, (b) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld or (d) withholding from the proceeds of the sale of otherwise deliverable Shares acquired pursuant to an Award either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company. The Company may withhold or account for these Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to (but not in excess of) the maximum permissible statutory tax rate for the applicable tax jurisdiction, to the extent consistent with applicable laws.
14. TRANSFERABILITY. Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. If the Committee makes an Award transferable, including, without limitation, by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust in which the Awards are to be passed to beneficiaries upon the death of the trustor (settlor) or by gift or by domestic relations order to a Permitted Transferee, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. All Awards will be exercisable: (a) during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant, or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative; (b) after the Participant’s death, by the legal representative of the Participant’s heirs or legatees; and (c) in the case of all awards except ISOs, by a Permitted Transferee.
15. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP; RESTRICTIONS ON SHARES.
15.1. Voting and Dividends. No Participant will have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued to the Participant, except for any Dividend Equivalent Rights permitted by an applicable Award Agreement. Any Dividend Equivalent Rights will be subject to the same vesting or performance conditions as the underlying Award. In addition, the Committee may provide that any Dividend Equivalent Rights permitted by an applicable Award Agreement will be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Shares or otherwise reinvested. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares; provided, that if such Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Shares by virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock; provided, further, that the Participant will have no right to such stock dividends or stock distributions with respect to Unvested Shares, and any such dividends or stock distributions will be accrued and paid only at such time, if any, as such Unvested Shares become vested Shares. The Committee, in its discretion, may provide in the Award Agreement evidencing any Award that the Participant will be entitled to Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Shares underlying an Award during the period beginning on the date the Award is granted and ending, with respect to each Share subject to the Award, on the earlier of the date on which the Award is exercised or settled or the date on which it is forfeited provided, that no Dividend Equivalent Right will be paid with respect to the Unvested Shares, and such dividends or stock distributions will be accrued and paid only at such time, if any, as such Unvested Shares become vested Shares. Such Dividend Equivalent Rights, if any, will be credited to the Participant in the form of additional whole Shares as of the date of payment of such cash dividends on Shares.
15.2. Restrictions on Shares. At the discretion of the Committee, the Company may reserve to itself and/or its assignee(s) a right to repurchase (a “Right of Repurchase”) a portion of any or all Unvested Shares held by a Participant following such Participant’s termination of Service at any time within ninety (90) days (or such longer or shorter time determined by the Committee) after the later of the date Participant’s Service terminates and the date the Participant purchases Shares under this Plan, for cash and/or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness, at the Participant’s Purchase Price or Exercise Price, as the case may be.
16. CERTIFICATES. All Shares or other securities whether or not certificated, delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, including restrictions under any applicable U.S. federal, state or foreign securities law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or quoted and any non-U.S. exchange controls or securities law restrictions to which the Shares are subject.
17. ESCROW; PLEDGE OF SHARES. To enforce any restrictions on a Participant’s Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all certificates representing Shares, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated. The Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates. Any Participant who is permitted to execute a promissory note as partial or full consideration for the purchase of Shares under this Plan will be required to pledge and deposit with the Company all or part of the Shares so purchased as collateral to secure the payment of the Participant’s obligation to the Company under the promissory note; provided, however, that the Committee may require or accept other or additional forms of collateral to secure the payment of such obligation and, in any event, the Company will have full recourse against the Participant under the promissory note notwithstanding any pledge of the Participant’s Shares or other collateral. In connection with any pledge of the Shares, the Participant will be required to execute and deliver a written pledge agreement in such form as the Committee will from time to time approve. The Shares purchased with the promissory note may be released from the pledge on a pro rata basis as the promissory note is paid.
18. REPRICING; EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS. Without prior stockholder approval, the Committee may (a) reprice Options or SARs (and where such repricing is a reduction in the Exercise Price of outstanding Options or SARs, the consent of the affected Participants is not required provided written notice is provided to them, notwithstanding any adverse tax consequences to them arising from the repricing), and (b) with the consent of the respective Participants (unless not required pursuant to Section 5.9 of the Plan), pay cash or issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of any, or all, outstanding Awards.
19. SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. An Award will not be effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable U.S. and foreign federal and state securities and exchange control laws, rules and regulations of any governmental body, and with the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of grant of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal or foreign law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification or listing requirements of any foreign or state securities laws, exchange control laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.
20. NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY. Nothing in this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate Participant’s employment or other relationship at any time.
21. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS.
21.1. Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor. In the event of a Corporate Transaction any or all outstanding Awards may be (a) continued by the Company, if the Company is the successor entity; or (b) assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation, for substantially equivalent Awards (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction), in each case after taking into account appropriate adjustments for the number and kind of shares and exercise prices. The successor corporation may also issue, as replacement of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Participant, substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the event such successor corporation refuses to assume, substitute or replace any Award in accordance with this Section 21, then notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, each such Award shall become fully vested and, as applicable, exercisable and any rights of repurchase or forfeiture restrictions thereon shall lapse, immediately prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction. Performance Awards not assumed or substituted pursuant to the foregoing shall be deemed earned and vested at 100% of target level, unless otherwise indicated pursuant to the terms and conditions of the applicable Award Agreement.
If an Award vests in lieu of assumption or substitution in connection with a Corporate Transaction as provided above, the Committee will notify the holder of such Award in writing or electronically that such Award will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and such Award will terminate upon the expiration of such period without consideration. Any determinations by the Committee need not treat all outstanding Awards in an identical manner, and shall be final and binding on each applicable Participant.
21.2. Assumption of Awards by the Company. The Company, from time to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or otherwise, by either; (a) granting an Award under this Plan in substitution of such other company’s award; or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted under this Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award granted under this Plan. Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if the holder of the substituted or assumed award would have been eligible to be granted an Award under this Plan if the other company had applied the rules of this Plan to such grant. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged (except that the Purchase Price or the Exercise Price, as the case may be, and the number and nature of Shares issuable upon exercise or settlement of any such Award will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company elects to grant a new Option in substitution rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price. Substitute Awards will not reduce the number of Shares authorized for grant under the Plan or authorized for grant to a Participant in a calendar year.
21.3. Non-Employee Directors’ Awards. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, in the event of a Corporate Transaction, the vesting of all Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors will accelerate and such Awards will become exercisable (as applicable) in full prior to the consummation of such event at such times and on such conditions as the Committee determines.
22. ADOPTION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan will be submitted for the approval of the Company’s stockholders, consistent with applicable laws, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board or amended so as to require stockholder approval.
23. TERM OF PLAN/GOVERNING LAW. Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, this Plan will become effective on the Effective Date and will terminate ten (10) years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. This Plan and all Awards granted hereunder will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding its conflict of laws rules)..
24. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board may at any time terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including, without limitation, amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant to this Plan; provided, however, no amendment requiring stockholder approval that is approved by the Board shall be effective until the approval of the stockholders of the Company is obtained; provided further, that a Participant’s Award will be governed by the version of this Plan then in effect at the time such Award was granted. No termination or amendment of the Plan or any outstanding Award may adversely affect any then outstanding Award without the consent of the Participant, unless such termination or amendment is necessary to comply with applicable law, regulation or rule.
25. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board, the submission of this Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval, nor any provision of this Plan will be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such additional compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock awards and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
26. INSIDER TRADING POLICY. Each Participant who receives an Award will comply with any policy adopted by the Company from time to time covering transactions in the Company’s securities by Employees, officers and/or Directors of the Company, as applicable, as well as with any insider trading or market abuse laws to which the Participant may be subject.
27. ALL AWARDS SUBJECT TO COMPANY CLAWBACK OR RECOUPMENT POLICY. All Awards, subject to applicable law, shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other service with the Company that is applicable to Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law, may require the cancellation of outstanding Awards and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Awards.
28. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, and except as elsewhere defined herein, the following terms will have the following meanings:
28.1. “Affiliate” means any person or entity that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company, including any general partner, managing member, officer or director of the Company, in each case as of the date on which, or at any time during the period for which, the determination of affiliation is being made. For purposes of this definition, the term “control” (including the correlative meanings of the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any person or entity, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management policies of such person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.
28.2. “Award” means any award under the Plan, including any Option, Restricted Stock, Stock Bonus, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Award.
28.3. “Award Agreement” means, with respect to each Award, the written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award, together with any country-specific appendix thereto for grants to non-U.S. Participants, which will be in substantially a form (that need not be the same for each Participant) that the Committee (or in the case of Award Agreements that are not used for Insiders, the Committee’s delegate(s)) has from time to time approved, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.
28.4. “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
28.5. “Cause” means a determination by the Company (and in the case of Participant who is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Committee) that the Participant has committed an act or acts constituting any of the following: (a) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude; (b) fraud on or misappropriation of any funds or property of the Company, any affiliate, customer or vendor; (c) personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of fiduciary duty which involves personal profit; (d) willful misconduct in connection with Participant’s duties or material failure to perform Participant’s responsibilities in the best interests of the Company; (e) illegal use or distribution of drugs; (f) violation of any Company rule, regulation, procedure or policy; (g) breach of any provision of any employment, non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation or other similar agreement executed by Participant’s for the benefit of the Company or (h) other conduct by such Participant that could be expected to be harmful to the business, interests or reputation of the Company. The determination as to whether Cause for a Participant’s termination exists will be made in good faith by the Company and will be final and binding on the Participant. This definition does not in any way limit the Company’s or any Parent’s or Subsidiary’s ability to terminate a Participant’s employment or services at any time as provided in Section 20 above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the foregoing definition of “Cause” may, in part or in whole, be modified or replaced in each individual employment agreement, Award Agreement, or other applicable agreement with any Participant provided that such document specifically supersedes this definition.
28.6. “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
28.7. “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or those persons to whom administration of the Plan, or part of the Plan, has been delegated as permitted by law.
28.8. “Company” means Nature’s Miracle Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation.
28.9. “Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor or independent contractor, engaged by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate to render services to such entity.
28.10. “Corporate Transaction” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) any “Person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then-outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subclause (a) the acquisition of additional securities by any one Person who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the securities of the Company will not be considered a Corporate Transaction; (b) the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (c) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; (d) any other transaction which qualifies as a “corporate transaction” under Section 424(a) of the Code wherein the stockholders of the Company give up all of their equity interest in the Company (except for the acquisition, sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of the Company) or (e) a change in the effective control of the Company that occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by members of the Board whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purpose of this subclause (e), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Corporate Transaction. For purposes of this definition, Persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any amount constituting deferred compensation (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) would become payable under this Plan by reason of a Corporate Transaction, such amount will become payable only if the event constituting a Corporate Transaction would also qualify as a change in ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, each as defined within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.
28.11. “Director” means a member of the Board.
28.12. “Disability” means in the case of incentive stock options, total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and in the case of other Awards, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
28.13. “Dividend Equivalent Right” means the right of a Participant, granted at the discretion of the Committee or as otherwise provided by the Plan, to receive a credit for the account of such Participant in an amount equal to the cash, stock or other property dividends in amounts equivalent to cash, stock or other property dividends for each Share represented by an Award held by such Participant.
28.14. “Effective Date” means [●], 2022.
28.15. “Employee” means any person, including officers and Directors, providing services as an employee to the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
28.16. “Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
28.17. “Exchange Program” means a program pursuant to which (a) outstanding Awards are surrendered, cancelled or exchanged for cash, the same type of Award or a different Award (or combination thereof) or (b) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is increased or reduced, each as described in Section 18.
28.18. “Exercise Price” means, with respect to an Option, the price at which a holder may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of an Option and with respect to a SAR, the price at which the SAR is granted to the holder thereof.
28.19. “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company’s common stock determined as follows:
(a) if such common stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the common stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;
(b) if such common stock is publicly traded but is neither listed nor admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable; or
(c) by the Board or the Committee in good faith.
28.20. “Insider” means an officer or Director of the Company or any other person whose transactions in the Company’s common stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
28.21. “IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
28.22. “Non-Employee Director” means a Director who is not an Employee of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.
28.23. “Option” means an Award as defined in Section 5 and granted under the Plan.
28.24. “Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
28.25. “Participant” means a person who holds an Award under this Plan.
28.26. “Performance Award” means an Award as defined in Section 10 and granted under the Plan.
28.27. “Performance Factors” means any of the factors selected by the Committee and specified in an Award Agreement, from among the following objective or subjective measures, either individually, alternatively or in any combination applied to the Participant, the Company, any business unit or Subsidiary, either individually, alternatively, or in any combination, on a GAAP or non-GAAP basis, and measured, to the extent applicable on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to determine whether the performance goals established by the Committee with respect to applicable Awards have been satisfied:
(a) Profit Before Tax;
(b) Sales;
(c) Expenses;
(d) Billings;
(e) Revenue;
(f) Net revenue;
(g) Earnings (which may include earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before taxes, net earnings, stock-based compensation expenses, depreciation and amortization);
(h) Operating income;
(i) Operating margin;
(j) Operating profit;
(k) Controllable operating profit, or net operating profit;
(l) Net Profit;
(m) Gross margin;
(n) Operating expenses or operating expenses as a percentage of revenue;
(o) Net income;
(p) Earnings per share;
(q) Total stockholder return;
(r) Market share;
(s) Return on assets or net assets;
(t) The Company’s stock price;
(u) Growth in stockholder value relative to a pre-determined index;
(v) Return on equity;
(w) Return on invested capital;
(x) Cash Flow (including free cash flow or operating cash flows);
(y) Balance of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities;
(z) Cash conversion cycle;
(aa) Economic value added;
(bb) Individual confidential business objectives;
(cc) Contract awards or backlog;
(dd) Overhead or other expense reduction;
(ee) Credit rating;
(ff) Completion of an identified special project;
(gg) Completion of a joint venture or other corporate transaction;
(hh) Strategic plan development and implementation;
(ii) Succession plan development and implementation;
(jj) Improvement in workforce diversity;
(kk) Employee satisfaction;
(ll) Employee retention;
(mm) Customer indicators and/or satisfaction;
(nn) New product invention or innovation;
(oo) Research and development expenses;
(pp) Attainment of research and development milestones;
(qq) Improvements in productivity;
(rr) Bookings;
(ss) Working-capital targets and changes in working capital;
(tt) Attainment of operating goals and employee metrics; and
(uu) Any other metric as determined by the Committee.
The Committee may provide for one or more equitable adjustments to the Performance Factors, including, but not limited to, to preserve the Committee’s original intent regarding the Performance Factors at the time of the initial award grant, such as but not limited to, adjustments in recognition of unusual or non-recurring items such as acquisition related activities or changes in applicable accounting rules. It is within the sole discretion of the Committee to make or not make any such equitable adjustments.
28.28. “Performance Period” means one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Factors will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to, and the payment of, a Performance Award.
28.29. “Performance Share” means an Award as defined in Section 10 and granted under the Plan.
28.30. “Permitted Transferee” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships) of the Employee, any person sharing the Employee’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons (or the Employee) have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Employee) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Employee) own more than 50% of the voting interests.
28.31. “Performance Unit” means an Award as defined in Section 10 and granted under the Plan.
28.32. “Plan” means this Nature’s Miracle Incorporated 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.
28.33. “Purchase Price” means the price to be paid for Shares acquired under the Plan, other than Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option or SAR.
28.34. “Restricted Stock Award” means an Award as defined in Section 6 and granted under the Plan (or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option).
28.35. “Restricted Stock Unit” means an Award as defined in Section 9 and granted under the Plan.
28.36. “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
28.37. “Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
28.38. “Service” means service as an Employee, Consultant, Director or Non-Employee Director, to the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, subject to such further limitations as may be set forth in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement. An Employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide Service in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence approved by the Company; provided, that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, an Employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide Service if a formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing provides otherwise. In the case of any Employee on an approved leave of absence or a reduction in hours worked (for illustrative purposes only, a change in schedule from that of full-time to part-time), the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension or modification of vesting of the Award while on leave from the employ of the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate or during such change in working hours as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may an Award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. In the event of military or other protected leave, if required by applicable laws, vesting will continue for the longest period that vesting continues under any other statutory or Company approved leave of absence and, upon a Participant’s returning from military leave, he or she will be given vesting credit with respect to Awards to the same extent as would have applied had the Participant continued to provide Service to the Company throughout the leave on the same terms as he or she was providing Service immediately prior to such leave. An Employee will have terminated employment as of the date he or she ceases to provide Service (regardless of whether the termination is in breach of local employment laws or is later found to be invalid) and employment will not be extended by any notice period or garden leave mandated by local law, provided however, a change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or a Non-Employee Director (or vice versa) will not terminate a Participant’s Service, unless determined by the Committee, in its discretion or to the extent set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide Service and the effective date on which the Participant ceased to provide Service.
28.39. “Shares” means shares of the common stock of the Company.
28.40. “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award as defined in Section 8 and granted under the Plan.
28.41. “Stock Bonus” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan.
28.42. “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
28.43. “Treasury Regulations” means regulations promulgated by the United States Treasury Department.
28.44. “Unvested Shares” means Shares that have not yet vested or are subject to a right of repurchase in favor of the Company (or any successor thereto).
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nature’s Miracle Incorporated (the “Company”) Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same meanings in this Global Notice of Stock Option Grant and the electronic representation of this Global Notice of Stock Option Grant established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company (this “Notice”).
Name:
Address:
You (“Participant”) have been granted an option to purchase shares of common stock of the Company (the “Option”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Global Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Option Agreement”), including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of the Option Agreement.
Grant Number: | ||
Date of Grant: | ||
Vesting Commencement Date: | ||
Exercise Price per Share: | ||
Total Number of Shares: | ||
Type of Option: | Non-Qualified Stock Option | |
Incentive Stock Option | ||
Expiration Date: | [●] ; This Option expires earlier if Participant’s Service terminates earlier, as described in the Option Agreement. | |
Vesting Schedule: | Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Option Agreement, the Option will vest in accordance with the following schedule: [insert applicable vesting schedule, which may be time-based, performance-based or a combination of both] |
By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the Option, Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1) | Participant understands that Participant’s Service with the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary or Affiliate is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time (i.e., is “at-will”), except where otherwise prohibited by applicable law, and that nothing in this Notice, the Option Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the Option pursuant to this Notice is subject to Participant’s continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event that Participant’s Service status changes between full- and part-time and/or in the event Participant is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of Awards or as determined by the Committee to the extent permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, the period during which Participant may exercise the Option after termination of Service, if any, will commence on the Termination Date (as defined in the Option Agreement). |
2) | This grant is made under and governed by the Plan, the Option Agreement and this Notice, and this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Participant has read the Notice, the Option Agreement and the Plan. |
3) | Participant has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities. |
4) | By accepting the Option, Participant consents to electronic delivery and participation as set forth in the Option Agreement. |
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined in this Global Stock Option Award Agreement (this “Option Agreement”), any capitalized terms used herein will have the meaning ascribed to them in the Nature’s Miracle Incorporated Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
Participant has been granted an option to purchase Shares (the “Option”) of Nature’s Miracle Incorporated (the “Company”), subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Global Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice”) and this Option Agreement, including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of this Option Agreement.
1. Vesting Rights. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, this Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the Option pursuant to this Notice and Agreement is subject to Participant’s continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant.
2. Grant of Option. Participant has been granted an Option for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice at the exercise price per Share in U.S. Dollars set forth in the Notice (the “Exercise Price”). In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail. If designated in the Notice as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an ISO, to the extent that it exceeds the U.S. $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option (“NSO”).
3. Termination Period.
(a) General Rule. If Participant’s Service terminates for any reason except death or Disability, and other than for Cause, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three (3) months after Participant’s Termination Date (as defined below) (or such shorter time period not less than thirty (30) days or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee, with any exercise beyond three (3) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates deemed to be the exercise of an NSO). The Company determines when Participant’s Service terminates for all purposes under this Option Agreement.
(b) Death; Disability. If Participant dies before Participant’s Service terminates (or Participant dies within three months of Participant’s termination of Service other than for Cause), then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after the date of death (or such shorter time period not less than six (6) months or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee, subject to the expiration details in Section 7). If Participant’s Service terminates because of Participant’s Disability, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after Participant’s Termination Date (or such shorter time period not less than six (6) months or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee, subject to the expiration details in Section 7).
(c) Cause. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Option (whether or not vested) will terminate immediately upon the Participant’s cessation of Services if the Company reasonably determines in good faith that such cessation of Services has resulted in connection with an act or failure to act constituting Cause (or the Participant’s Services could have been terminated for Cause (without regard to the lapsing of any required notice or cure periods in connection therewith) at the time the Participant terminated Services).
(d) No Notification of Exercise Periods. Participant is responsible for keeping track of these exercise periods following Participant’s termination of Service for any reason. The Company will not provide further notice of such periods. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.
(e) Termination. For purposes of this Option, Participant’s Service will be considered terminated (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any) as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company, its Parent or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (i.e., Participant’s period of Service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any) (the “Termination Date”). Unless otherwise provided in this Option Agreement or determined by the Company, Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of the Termination Date and Participant’s right to exercise the Option after termination of Service, if any, will be measured from the Termination Date.
In case of any dispute as to whether and when a termination of Service has occurred, the Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether such termination of Service has occurred and the effective date of such termination (including whether Participant may still be considered to be actively providing Services while on a leave of absence).
If Participant does not exercise this Option within the termination period set forth in the Notice or the termination periods set forth above, the Option shall terminate in its entirety. In no event, may any Option be exercised after the Expiration Date of the Option as set forth in the Notice.
4. Exercise of Option.
(a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In the event of Participant’s death, Disability, termination for Cause or other cessation of Service, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Option Agreement. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
(b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in a form specified by the Company (the “Exercise Notice”), which will state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice will be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. The Exercise Notice will be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares together with any applicable Tax-Related Items (as defined in Section 8 below). This Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price and payment of any applicable Tax-Related Items (as defined below). No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the Shares are then listed and any exchange control registrations. Assuming such compliance, for United States income tax purposes the Exercised Shares will be considered transferred to Participant on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.
(c) Exercise by Another. If another person wants to exercise this Option after it has been transferred to him or her in compliance with this Option Agreement, that person must prove to the Company’s satisfaction that he or she is entitled to exercise this Option. That person must also complete the proper Exercise Notice form (as described above) and pay the Exercise Price (as described below) and any applicable Tax-Related Items (as described below).
5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price, and any Tax-Related Items withholding, will be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:
(a) Participant’s personal check (representing readily available funds), wire transfer, or a cashier’s check;
(b) if permitted by the Committee, certificates for shares of Company stock that Participant owns, along with any forms needed to effect a transfer of those shares to the Company; the value of the shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied to the Exercise Price. Instead of surrendering shares of Company stock, Participant may attest to the ownership of those shares on a form provided by the Company and have the same number of shares subtracted from the Option shares issued to Participant. However, Participant may not surrender, or attest to the ownership of, shares of Company stock in payment of the Exercise Price of Participant’s Option if Participant’s action would cause the Company to recognize compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to this Option for financial reporting purposes;
(c) cashless exercise through irrevocable directions to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Shares covered by this Option and to deliver to the Company from the sale proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the Exercise Price and any applicable Tax-Related Items withholding. The balance of the sale proceeds, if any, will be delivered to Participant unless otherwise provided in this Option Agreement. The directions must be given by signing a special notice of exercise form provided by the Company; or
(d) other method authorized by the Company;
provided, however, that the Company may restrict the available methods of payment due to facilitate compliance with applicable law or administration of the Plan. In particular, if Participant is located outside the United States, Participant should review the applicable provisions of the Appendix for any such restrictions that may currently apply.
6. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or by court order and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement will be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Participant.
7. Term of Option. This Option will in any event expire on the expiration date set forth in the Notice, which date is 10 years after the Date of Grant (five years after the Date of Grant if this option is designated as an ISO in the Notice of Stock Option Grant and Section 5.3 of the Plan applies).
8. Taxes.
(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of any action taken by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing or retaining Participant (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer, if any. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of this Option, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or exercise of this Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of this Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction. PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED IN EACH OF THE JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING THE COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES IN WHICH PARTICIPANT RESIDES OR IS SUBJECT TO TAXATION BEFORE EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.
(b) Withholding. Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, to the extent permitted by applicable law Participant agrees to make arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to fulfill all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:
(i) | withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate; or | |
(ii) | withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired at exercise of this Option either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization and without further consent); or | |
(iii) | withholding Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option, provided the Company only withholds the number of Shares necessary to satisfy no more than the maximum statutory withholding amounts; | |
(iv) | Participant’s payment of a cash amount (including by check representing readily available funds or a wire transfer); or | |
(v) | any other arrangement approved by the Committee and permitted under applicable law; |
all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (i)-(v) above, and the Committee shall establish the method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum permissible statutory rate for Participant’s tax jurisdiction(s) in which case Participant will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares and may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash in accordance with applicable law. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, then for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Exercised Shares; notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of satisfying the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items.
Finally, Participant agrees to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of Shares, if Participant fails to comply with Participant’s obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.
(c) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in the United States and sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to an ISO on or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one year after the exercise date, Participant will immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant agrees that he or she may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out any wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate.
9. Nature of Grant. By accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b) the grant of the Option is exceptional, voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options, or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past;
(c) all decisions with respect to future options or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(d) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e) the Option and Participant’s participation in the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable, to terminate Participant’s employment or service relationship (if any);
(f) the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income from and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g) the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(h) unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income from and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, the service Participant may provide as a director of a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate;
(i) the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty; if the underlying Shares do not increase in value, the Option will have no value; if Participant exercises the Option and acquires Shares, the value of such Shares may increase or decrease, even below the Exercise Price;
(j) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from forfeiture of the Option resulting from Participant’s termination of Service (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any); and
(k) neither the Company, the Employer nor any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate will be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Option or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon exercise.
10. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that he or she should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
11. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Option Agreement and any other Option grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport number or other identification number (e.g., resident registration number), salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Options or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data will be transferred to [Name of Broker/Platform], or other third party (“Online Administrator”) and its affiliated companies or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time that is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, [Name of Broker/Platform], or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time, and any other possible recipients that may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her employment status or service with the Employer will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Options or other equity awards to Participant or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.
Finally, upon request of the Company or the Employer, Participant agrees to provide an executed data privacy consent form (or any other agreements or consents) that the Company or the Employer may deem necessary to obtain from Participant for the purpose of administering Participant’s participation in the Plan in compliance with the data privacy laws in Participant’s country, either now or in the future. Participant understands and agrees that Participant will not be able to participate in the Plan if Participant fails to provide any such consent or agreement requested by the Company and/or the Employer.
12. Language. Participant acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in English to understand the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement. Furthermore, if Participant has received this Option Agreement, or any other document related to the Option and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
13. Appendix. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Option Agreement, the Option will be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in any appendix to this Option Agreement for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Appendix, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Option Agreement.
14. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the Option and on any Shares purchased upon exercise of the Option, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
15. Acknowledgement. The Company and Participant agree that the Option is granted under and governed by the Notice, this Option Agreement and the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (b) represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (c) hereby accepts the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.
16. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Option Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No adverse modification of, or adverse amendment to, this Option Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Option Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Option Agreement (which writing and signing may be electronic). The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Option Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
17. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with any state, federal or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Participant agrees that the Company shall have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and this Option Agreement without Participant’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares. Finally, the Shares issued pursuant to this Option Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
18. Severability. If one or more provisions of this Option Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, then such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent possible given the intent of the parties hereto. If such clause or provision cannot be so enforced, then (a) such provision will be excluded from this Option Agreement, (b) the balance of this Option Agreement will be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Option Agreement will be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
19. Governing Law and Venue. This Option Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto will be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to such state’s conflict of laws rules.
Any and all disputes relating to, concerning or arising from this Option Agreement, or relating to, concerning or arising from the relationship between the parties evidenced by the Plan or this Option Agreement, will be brought and heard exclusively in the federal or State courts located in New York, New York. Each of the parties hereby represents and agrees that such party is subject to the personal jurisdiction of said courts; hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts in any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning or arising from such dispute, and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which such party may now or hereafter have that the laying of the venue of any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning or arising from such dispute which is brought in such courts is improper or that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
20. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Option Agreement will affect in any manner whatsoever any right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, to terminate Participant’s Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
21. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By Participant’s acceptance of the Notice (whether in writing or electronically), Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice and this Option Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Notice and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Notice and Agreement, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Option Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and this Option Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address. By acceptance of this Option, Participant agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company and consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Option Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the SEC, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Option and current or future participation in the Plan. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to the Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. Participant acknowledges that Participant may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if Participant contacts the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Participant further acknowledges that Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, Participant understands that Participant must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, Participant understands that Participant’s consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail to Stock Administration.
22. Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s country of residence, the broker’s country, or the country in which the Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions and/or market abuse laws in applicable jurisdictions that may affect Participant’s ability to directly or indirectly, accept, acquire, sell or attempt to sell or otherwise dispose of Shares, or rights to Shares (e.g., Options), or rights linked to the value of Shares, during such times as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws or regulations in the applicable jurisdiction). Local insider trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant placed before possessing the inside information. Furthermore, Participant may be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party, including fellow employees (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them to otherwise buy or sell securities. Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participant acknowledges that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and understands that Participant should consult his or her personal legal advisor on such matters. In addition, Participant acknowledges that he or she read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
23. Foreign Asset/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting. Participant may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash resulting from his or her participation in the Plan. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets, the balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in Participant’s country and/or repatriate funds received in connection with the Plan within certain time limits or according to specified procedures. Participant acknowledges that he or she is responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable foreign asset/account, exchange control and tax reporting requirements and should consult his or her personal legal and tax advisors on such matters.
24. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. The Option shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other Service that is applicable to Participant. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy, applicable law may require the cancellation of Participant’s Option (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Participant’s Option.
BY ACCEPTING THIS OPTION, PARTICIPANT AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
APPENDIX
None
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
COUNTRY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OUTSIDE THE U.S.
Terms and Conditions
At such time as the Committee or Board issue an Option under the Plan to a Participant who resides and/or works outside of the United States, the Committee may adopt and include in this Appendix additional terms and conditions that govern such Option. This Appendix forms part of the Option Agreement. Any capitalized term used in this Appendix without definition will have the meaning ascribed to it in the Notice, the Option Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency between countries after the Date of Grant, the Company will, in its sole discretion, determine to what extent the additional terms and conditions included herein will apply to Participant under these circumstances.
Notifications
This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange control, securities laws, foreign asset/account reporting and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, foreign asset/account reporting and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [●]. Such laws are complex and change frequently. As a result, Participant should not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that Participant exercises the Option, sells Shares acquired under the Plan or takes any other action in connection with the Plan.
In addition, the information is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working and/or residing, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency after the Date of Grant, the information contained herein may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
Country-Specific Terms
Not applicable.
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nature’s Miracle Incorporated (the “Company”) Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same meanings in this Global Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award and the electronic representation of this Global Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company (this “Notice”).
Name:
Address:
You (“Participant”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Global Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of the Agreement.
Grant Number: | ||
Number of RSUs: | ||
Date of Grant: | ||
Vesting Commencement Date: | ||
Expiration Date: | The earlier to occur of: (a) the date on which settlement of all RSUs granted hereunder occurs and (b) the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. This RSU expires earlier if Participant’s Service terminates earlier, as described in the Agreement. | |
Vesting Schedule: | Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Agreement, the RSUs will vest in accordance with the following schedule: [insert applicable vesting schedule] |
By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the RSUs, Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1) | Participant understands that Participant’s Service with the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary or Affiliate is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time (i.e., is “at-will”), except where otherwise prohibited by applicable law, and that nothing in this Notice, the Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the RSUs pursuant to this Notice is subject to Participant’s continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event that Participant’s Service status changes between full- and part-time and/or in the event Participant is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of Awards or as determined by the Committee. |
2) | This grant is made under and governed by the Plan, the Agreement and this Notice, and this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Participant has read the Notice, the Agreement and the Plan. | |
3) | Participant has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities. | |
4) | By accepting the RSUs, Participant consents to electronic delivery and participation as set forth in the Agreement. |
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined in this Global Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”), any capitalized terms used herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them in the Nature’s Miracle Incorporated Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
Participant has been granted Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Global Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”) and this Agreement, including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of the Notice or this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
1. Settlement. Settlement of RSUs will be made within 30 days following the applicable date of vesting under the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice. Settlement of RSUs will be in Shares. No fractional RSUs or rights for fractional Shares shall be created pursuant to this Agreement.
2. No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, Participant will have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and will have no rights to dividends or to vote such Shares.
3. Dividend Equivalents. Dividends, if any (whether in cash or Shares), will not be credited to Participant.
4. Non-Transferability of RSUs. The RSUs and any interest therein will not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.
5. Termination. If Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, all unvested RSUs will be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and all rights of Participant to such RSUs will immediately terminate without payment of any consideration to Participant. Participant’s Service will be considered terminated (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any) as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services and Participant’s Service will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s Service would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event Participant’s service status changes between full- and part-time and/or in the event Participant is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of awards or as determined by the Committee. In case of any dispute as to whether and when a termination of Service has occurred, the Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether such termination of Service has occurred and the effective date of such termination (including whether Participant may still be considered to be actively providing Services while on a leave of absence).
6. Taxes.
(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of any action taken by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing or retaining Participant (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer, if any. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the RSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the RSUs and the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends, and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction. PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED IN EACH OF THE JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING THE COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES IN WHICH PARTICIPANT RESIDES OR IS SUBJECT TO TAXATION.
(b) Withholding. Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Participant agrees to make arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to fulfill all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:
(i) | withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate; or | |
(ii) | withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the RSUs either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization and without further consent); or | |
(iii) | withholding Shares to be issued upon settlement of the RSUs, provided the Company only withholds the number of Shares necessary to satisfy no more than the maximum statutory withholding amounts; or | |
(iv) | Participant’s payment of a cash amount (including by check representing readily available funds or a wire transfer); or | |
(v) | any other arrangement approved by the Committee and permitted under applicable law; |
all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (i) – (v) above, and the Committee shall establish such method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum permissible statutory rate for Participant’s tax jurisdiction(s) in which case Participant will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares and may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash in accordance with applicable law. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, then for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested RSUs, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of satisfying the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items.
Finally, Participant agrees to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of Shares, if Participant fails to comply with Participant’s obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.
7. Nature of Grant. By accepting the RSUs, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b) the grant of the RSUs is exceptional, voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of RSUs, or benefits in lieu of RSUs, even if RSUs have been granted in the past;
(c) all decisions with respect to future RSUs or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(d) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e) the RSUs and Participant’s participation in the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable, to terminate Participant’s employment or service relationship (if any);
(f) the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income from and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g) the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(h) unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income from and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, the service Participant may provide as a director of a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate;
(i) the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(j) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from forfeiture of the RSUs resulting from Participant’s termination of Service (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any); and
(k) neither the Company, the Employer nor any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate will be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the RSUs or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the RSUs or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.
8. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that he or she should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
9. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Agreement and any other RSU grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport number or other identification number (e.g., resident registration number), salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all RSUs or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data will be transferred to [Name of Broker/Platform], or other third party (“Online Administrator”) and its affiliated companies or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time that is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, [Name of Broker/Platform], or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time, and any other possible recipients that may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her employment status or service with the Employer will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant RSUs or other equity awards to Participant or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.
Finally, upon request of the Company or the Employer, Participant agrees to provide an executed data privacy consent form (or any other agreements or consents) that the Company or the Employer may deem necessary to obtain from Participant for the purpose of administering Participant’s participation in the Plan in compliance with the data privacy laws in Participant’s country, either now or in the future. Participant understands and agrees that Participant will not be able to participate in the Plan if Participant fails to provide any such consent or agreement requested by the Company and/or the Employer.
10. Language. Participant acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in English to understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Furthermore, if Participant has received this Agreement or any other document related to the RSU and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
11. Appendix. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the RSUs will be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in any appendix to this Agreement for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Appendix, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Agreement.
12. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the RSUs and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
13. Acknowledgement. The Company and Participant agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (b) represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (c) hereby accepts the RSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.
14. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No adverse modification of or adverse amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement (which writing and signing may be electronic). The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
15. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with any state, federal or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Participant agrees that the Company shall have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and this RSU Agreement without Participant’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares. Finally, the Shares issued pursuant to this RSU Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
16. Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, then such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent possible given the intent of the parties hereto. If such clause or provision cannot be so enforced, then (a) such provision will be excluded from this Agreement, (b) the balance of this Agreement will be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement will be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
17. Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto will be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to such state’s conflict of laws rules.
Any and all disputes relating to, concerning or arising from this Agreement, or relating to, concerning or arising from the relationship between the parties evidenced by the Plan or this Agreement, will be brought and heard exclusively in the federal and State courts located in New York, New York. Each of the parties hereby represents and agrees that such party is subject to the personal jurisdiction of said courts; hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts in any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning or arising from such dispute, and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which such party may now or hereafter have that the laying of the venue of any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning or arising from such dispute which is brought in such courts is improper or that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
18. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Agreement will affect in any manner whatsoever any right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, to terminate Participant’s Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
19. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By Participant’s acceptance of the Notice (whether in writing or electronically), Participant and the Company agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Notice and Agreement, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address. By acceptance of the RSUs, Participant agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company and consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the SEC, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the RSUs and current or future participation in the Plan. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to the Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. Participant acknowledges that Participant may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if Participant contacts the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Participant further acknowledges that Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, Participant understands that Participant must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, Participant understands that Participant’s consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail to Stock Administration.
20. Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s country of residence, the broker’s country, or the country in which the Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions and/or market abuse laws in applicable jurisdictions that may affect Participant’s ability to directly or indirectly, accept, acquire, sell or attempt to sell or otherwise dispose of Shares, or rights to Shares (e.g., RSUs), or rights linked to the value of Shares, during such times as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws or regulations in the applicable jurisdiction). Local insider trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant placed before possessing the inside information. Furthermore, Participant may be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party, including fellow employees (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them to otherwise buy or sell securities. Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participant acknowledges that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and understands that Participant should consult his or her personal legal advisor on such matters. In addition, Participant acknowledges that he or she read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
21. Foreign Asset/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting. Participant may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash resulting from his or her participation in the Plan. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets, the balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in Participant’s country and/or repatriate funds received in connection with the Plan within certain time limits or according to specified procedures. Participant acknowledges that he or she is responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable foreign asset/account, exchange control and tax reporting requirements and should consult his or her personal legal and tax advisors on such matters.
22. Code Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, a termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (“Section 409A”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this RSU Agreement in connection with Participant’s termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and Participant is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from Participant’s separation from service from the Company or (ii) the date of Participant’s death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Participant including, without limitation, the additional tax for which Participant would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent any payment under this RSU Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment shall be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this section are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
23. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. The RSUs shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other Service that is applicable to Participant. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy, applicable law may require the cancellation of Participant’s RSUs (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Participant’s RSUs.
BY ACCEPTING THIS AWARD OF RSUS, PARTICIPANT AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
APPENDIX
None
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
COUNTRY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OUTSIDE THE U.S.
Terms and Conditions
At such time as the Committee or Board issue an RSU under the Plan to a Participant who resides and/or works outside of the United States, the Committee may adopt and include in this Appendix additional terms and conditions that govern such RSU. This Appendix forms part of the Agreement. Any capitalized term used in this Appendix without definition will have the meaning ascribed to it in the Notice, the Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency between countries after the Date of Grant, the Company will, in its sole discretion, determine to what extent the additional terms and conditions included herein will apply to Participant under these circumstances.
Notifications
This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange control, securities laws, foreign asset/account reporting and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, foreign asset/account reporting and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [●]. Such laws are complex and change frequently. As a result, Participant should not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that Participant vests in the RSUs, sells Shares acquired under the Plan or takes any other action in connection with the Plan.
In addition, the information is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working and/or residing, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency after the Date of Grant, the information contained herein may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
Country-Specific Terms
Not applicable.
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL NOTICE OF PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AWARD
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nature’s Miracle Incorporated (the “Company”) Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same meanings in this Global Notice of Performance Stock Unit Award and the electronic representation of this Global Notice of Performance Stock Unit Award established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company (this “Notice”).
Name:
Address:
You (“Participant”) have been granted an award of Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Global Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of the Agreement.
Grant Number: | ||
Number of PSUs: | ||
Date of Grant: | ||
Vesting Commencement Date: | ||
Expiration Date: | The earlier to occur of: (a) the date on which settlement of all PSUs granted hereunder occurs and (b) the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. This PSU expires earlier if Participant’s Service terminates earlier, as described in the Agreement. | |
Vesting Schedule: | Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Agreement, the PSUs will vest in accordance with the following schedule: [insert applicable performance metrics and vesting schedule] |
By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the PSUs, Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1) | Participant understands that Participant’s Service with the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary or Affiliate is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time (i.e., is “at-will”), except where otherwise prohibited by applicable law, and that nothing in this Notice, the Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the PSUs pursuant to this Notice is subject to Participant’s continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event that Participant’s Service status changes between full- and part-time and/or in the event Participant is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of Awards or as determined by the Committee. |
2) | This grant is made under and governed by the Plan, the Agreement and this Notice, and this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Participant has read the Notice, the Agreement and the Plan. |
3) | Participant has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities. |
4) | By accepting the PSUs, Participant consents to electronic delivery and participation as set forth in the Agreement. |
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined in this Global Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”), any capitalized terms used herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them in the Nature’s Miracle Incorporated Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
Participant has been granted Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Global Notice of Performance Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”) and this Agreement, including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of the Notice or this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
1. Settlement. Settlement of PSUs will be made within 30 days following the applicable date of vesting under the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice. Settlement of PSUs will be in Shares. No fractional PSUs or rights for fractional Shares shall be created pursuant to this Agreement.
2. No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested PSUs, Participant will have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the PSUs and will have no rights to dividends or to vote such Shares.
3. Dividend Equivalents. Dividends, if any (whether in cash or Shares), will not be credited to Participant.
4. Non-Transferability of PSUs. The PSUs and any interest therein will not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.
5. Termination. If Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, all unvested PSUs will be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and all rights of Participant to such PSUs will immediately terminate without payment of any consideration to Participant. Participant’s Service will be considered terminated (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any) as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services and Participant’s Service will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s Service would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event Participant’s service status changes between full- and part-time and/or in the event Participant is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of awards or as determined by the Committee. In case of any dispute as to whether and when a termination of Service has occurred, the Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether such termination of Service has occurred and the effective date of such termination (including whether Participant may still be considered to be actively providing Services while on a leave of absence).
6. Taxes.
(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of any action taken by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing or retaining Participant (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer, if any. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the PSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the PSUs and the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends, and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the PSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction. PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED IN EACH OF THE JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING THE COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES IN WHICH PARTICIPANT RESIDES OR IS SUBJECT TO TAXATION.
(b) Withholding. Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Participant agrees to make arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to fulfill all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:
(i) | withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate; or
| |
(ii) | withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the PSUs either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization and without further consent); or
| |
(iii) | withholding Shares to be issued upon settlement of the PSUs, provided the Company only withholds the number of Shares necessary to satisfy no more than the maximum statutory withholding amounts; or
| |
(iv) | Participant’s payment of a cash amount (including by check representing readily available funds or a wire transfer); or
| |
(v) | any other arrangement approved by the Committee and permitted under applicable law; |
all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (i) – (v) above, and the Committee shall establish such method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum permissible statutory rate for Participant’s tax jurisdiction(s) in which case Participant will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares and may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash in accordance with applicable law. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, then for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested PSUs, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of satisfying the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items.
Finally, Participant agrees to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of Shares, if Participant fails to comply with Participant’s obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.
7. Nature of Grant. By accepting the PSUs, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b) the grant of the PSUs is exceptional, voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of PSUs, or benefits in lieu of PSUs, even if PSUs have been granted in the past;
(c) all decisions with respect to future PSUs or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(d) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e) the PSUs and Participant’s participation in the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable, to terminate Participant’s employment or service relationship (if any);
(f) the PSUs and the Shares subject to the PSUs, and the income from and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g) the PSUs and the Shares subject to the PSUs, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(h) unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the PSUs and the Shares subject to the PSUs, and the income from and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, the service Participant may provide as a director of a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate;
(i) the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(j) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from forfeiture of the PSUs resulting from Participant’s termination of Service (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any); and
(k) neither the Company, the Employer nor any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate will be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the PSUs or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the PSUs or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.
8. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that he or she should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
9. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Agreement and any other PSU grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport number or other identification number (e.g., resident registration number), salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all PSUs or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data will be transferred to [Name of Broker/Platform], or other third party (“Online Administrator”) and its affiliated companies or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time that is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, [Name of Broker/Platform], or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time, and any other possible recipients that may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her employment status or service with the Employer will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant PSUs or other equity awards to Participant or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.
Finally, upon request of the Company or the Employer, Participant agrees to provide an executed data privacy consent form (or any other agreements or consents) that the Company or the Employer may deem necessary to obtain from Participant for the purpose of administering Participant’s participation in the Plan in compliance with the data privacy laws in Participant’s country, either now or in the future. Participant understands and agrees that Participant will not be able to participate in the Plan if Participant fails to provide any such consent or agreement requested by the Company and/or the Employer.
10. Language. Participant acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in English to understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Furthermore, if Participant has received this Agreement or any other document related to the PSU and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
11. Appendix. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the PSUs will be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in any appendix to this Agreement for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Appendix, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Agreement.
12. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the PSUs and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
13. Acknowledgement. The Company and Participant agree that the PSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (b) represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (c) hereby accepts the PSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.
14. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No adverse modification of or adverse amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement (which writing and signing may be electronic). The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
15. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with any state, federal or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Participant agrees that the Company shall have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and this PSU Agreement without Participant’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares. Finally, the Shares issued pursuant to this PSU Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
16. Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, then such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent possible given the intent of the parties hereto. If such clause or provision cannot be so enforced, then (a) such provision will be excluded from this Agreement, (b) the balance of this Agreement will be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement will be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
17. Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto will be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to such state’s conflict of laws rules.
Any and all disputes relating to, concerning or arising from this Agreement, or relating to, concerning or arising from the relationship between the parties evidenced by the Plan or this Agreement, will be brought and heard exclusively in the federal and State courts located in New York, New York. Each of the parties hereby represents and agrees that such party is subject to the personal jurisdiction of said courts; hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts in any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning or arising from such dispute, and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which such party may now or hereafter have that the laying of the venue of any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning or arising from such dispute which is brought in such courts is improper or that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
18. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Agreement will affect in any manner whatsoever any right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, to terminate Participant’s Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
19. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By Participant’s acceptance of the Notice (whether in writing or electronically), Participant and the Company agree that the PSUs are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Notice and Agreement, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address. By acceptance of the PSUs, Participant agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company and consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the SEC, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the PSUs and current or future participation in the Plan. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to the Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. Participant acknowledges that Participant may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if Participant contacts the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Participant further acknowledges that Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, Participant understands that Participant must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, Participant understands that Participant’s consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail to Stock Administration.
20. Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s country of residence, the broker’s country, or the country in which the Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions and/or market abuse laws in applicable jurisdictions that may affect Participant’s ability to directly or indirectly, accept, acquire, sell or attempt to sell or otherwise dispose of Shares, or rights to Shares (e.g., PSUs), or rights linked to the value of Shares, during such times as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws or regulations in the applicable jurisdiction). Local insider trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant placed before possessing the inside information. Furthermore, Participant may be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party, including fellow employees (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them to otherwise buy or sell securities. Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participant acknowledges that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and understands that Participant should consult his or her personal legal advisor on such matters. In addition, Participant acknowledges that he or she read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
21. Foreign Asset/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting. Participant may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash resulting from his or her participation in the Plan. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets, the balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in Participant’s country and/or repatriate funds received in connection with the Plan within certain time limits or according to specified procedures. Participant acknowledges that he or she is responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable foreign asset/account, exchange control and tax reporting requirements and should consult his or her personal legal and tax advisors on such matters.
22. Code Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, a termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (“Section 409A”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this PSU Agreement in connection with Participant’s termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and Participant is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from Participant’s separation from service from the Company or (ii) the date of Participant’s death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Participant including, without limitation, the additional tax for which Participant would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent any payment under this PSU Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment shall be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this section are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
23. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. The PSUs shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other Service that is applicable to Participant. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy, applicable law may require the cancellation of Participant’s PSUs (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Participant’s PSUs.
BY ACCEPTING THIS AWARD OF PSUS, PARTICIPANT AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
APPENDIX
None
NATURE’S MIRACLE INCORPORATED
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
COUNTRY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OUTSIDE THE U.S.
Terms and Conditions
At such time as the Committee or Board issue a PSU under the Plan to a Participant who resides and/or works outside of the United States, the Committee may adopt and include in this Appendix additional terms and conditions that govern such PSU. This Appendix forms part of the Agreement. Any capitalized term used in this Appendix without definition will have the meaning ascribed to it in the Notice, the Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency between countries after the Date of Grant, the Company will, in its sole discretion, determine to what extent the additional terms and conditions included herein will apply to Participant under these circumstances.
Notifications
This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange control, securities laws, foreign asset/account reporting and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, foreign asset/account reporting and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [●]. Such laws are complex and change frequently. As a result, Participant should not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that Participant vests in the PSUs, sells Shares acquired under the Plan or takes any other action in connection with the Plan.
In addition, the information is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working and/or residing, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency after the Date of Grant, the information contained herein may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
Country-Specific Terms
Not applicable.
Exhibit 10.7
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), is entered into as of September 9, 2022, by and between Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. (together with its successors, the “Company”), and Tie “James” Li, an individual (the “Executive”). The term “Company” as used herein with respect to all obligations of the Executive hereunder shall be deemed to include the Company and all of its direct or indirect parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, or subsidiaries or affiliates of its parent companies (collectively, the “Group”). This Agreement will become effective (the “Effective Date”) upon the closing of the currently contemplated de-SPAC transaction with Nature’s Miracle Inc., a Delaware corporation (“NMI”), whereby NMI will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Upon the closing of such transaction, this Agreement will supersede in entirety any prior employment agreement between Executive and NMI.
RECITALS
The Company desires to employ the Executive and to assure itself of the services of the Executive during the term of Employment (as defined below).
The Executive desires to be employed by the Company during the term of Employment and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
The parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | POSITION |
The Executive hereby accepts a position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Employment”).
2. | TERM |
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Executive shall be employed for a period of five years, commencing on the Effective Date, unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Upon expiration of the 5-year term, the Employment shall be automatically extended for successive 1-year terms unless either party gives the other party hereto a 1-month prior written notice to terminate the Employment prior to the expiration of the then current term or unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
3. | PROBATION |
There is no probationary period.
4. | DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES |
The Executive’s duties at the Company will include all jobs assigned by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”).
The Executive shall devote all of his working time, attention and skills to the performance of his duties at the Company and shall faithfully and diligently serve the Company in accordance with this Agreement, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company, as may be amended form time to time (the “Charter”), and the guidelines, policies and procedures of the Company approved from time to time by the Board.
5. | NO BREACH OF CONTRACT |
The Executive shall use his best efforts to perform his duties hereunder. The Executive shall not, without prior consent of the Board, become an employee of any entity other than the Company and any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, and shall not be concerned or interested in any business or entity that directly or indirectly competes with the Company (any such business or entity, a “Competitor”), provided that nothing in this clause shall preclude the Executive from holding shares or other securities of any Competitor that is listed on any securities exchange or recognized securities market anywhere. The Company shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body which he may then serve if the Board reasonably determines, and notifies the Executive in writing, that the Executive’s service on such board or body interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound, except for agreements that are required to be entered into by and between the Executive and any member of the Group pursuant to applicable law of the jurisdiction where the Executive is based, if any; (ii) the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other person or entity which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder; and (iii) the Executive is not bound by any confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this) with any other person or entity.
6. | LOCATION |
The Executive will be based in Los Angeles, CA area until both parties hereto agree to change otherwise. The Executive acknowledges that he may be required to travel from time to time in the course of performing his duties for the Company.
7. | COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS |
(a) | Compensation. The Executive’s cash compensation (inclusive of any statutory social welfare reserves that the Company may be required to set aside for the Executive under applicable law) shall be provided by the Company in a separate schedule attached hereto (“Schedule A”) or as specified in a separate agreement between the Executive and the Company’s designated subsidiary or affiliated entity, subject to annual review and adjustment by the Company or the compensation committee of the Board. The cash compensation may be paid by the Company, a subsidiary or affiliated entity or a combination thereof, as designated by the Company from time to time. |
(b) | Equity Incentives. To the extent the Company adopts and maintains a share incentive plan, the Executive will be eligible to participate in such plan pursuant to the terms thereof. |
(c) | Benefits. The Executive is eligible for participation in any standard employee benefit plan of the Company that currently exists or may be adopted by the Company in the future, including, but not limited to, any retirement plan, life insurance plan, health insurance plan and travel/holiday plan. |
8. | TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT |
(a) | By the Company. The Company may terminate the Employment for cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration, if the Executive (1) commits any serious or persistent breach or non-observance of the terms and conditions of the Employment; (2) is convicted of a criminal offence other than one which, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, does not affect the Executive’s position as an employee of the Company, bearing in mind the nature of the Executive’s duties and the capacity in which the Executive is employed; (3) willfully disobeys a lawful and reasonable order; (4) misconducts himself and such conduct is inconsistent with the due and faithful discharge of the Executive’s material duties hereunder; (5) is guilty of fraud or dishonesty; or (6) engages or in any manner participates in any activity which is competitive with or intentionally injurious to the Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries. |
(b) | By the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Employment at any time with a 1-month prior written notice to the Company or by payment of 1 month’s salary in lieu of notice. In addition, the Executive may resign prior to the expiration of the Agreement if such resignation or an alternative arrangement with respect to the Employment is approved by the Board. |
(c) | Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s Employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party in accordance with the provisions of Section 20 below. The notice of termination shall indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination. |
9. | CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE |
(a) | Confidentiality and Non-disclosure. The Executive hereby agrees at all times during the term of his Employment and after termination of the Executive’s Employment under this Agreement, to hold in the strictest confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Group, or to disclose to any person, corporation or other entity without written consent of the Company, any Confidential Information. The Executive understands that “Confidential Information” means any proprietary or confidential information of the Group, its affiliates, their clients, customers or partners, and the Group’s licensors, including, without limitation, technical data, trade secrets, research and development information, product plans, services, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Group on whom the Executive called or with whom the Executive became acquainted during the term of his Employment), supplier lists and suppliers, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, personnel information, marketing, finances, information about the suppliers, joint ventures, licensors, licensees, distributors, and other persons with whom the Company does business, information regarding the skills and compensation of other employees of the Company or other business information disclosed to the Executive by or obtained by the Executive from the Company, its affiliates, or their clients, customers, or partners, either directly or indirectly, in writing, orally or by drawings or observation of parts or equipment, if specifically indicated to be confidential or reasonably expected to be confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available and known to the public through no fault of the Executive. |
(b) | Company Property. The Executive understands that all documents (including computer records, facsimile and e-mail) and materials created, received or transmitted in connection with his work or using the facilities of the Company are property of the Company and subject to inspection by the Company, at any time. Upon termination of the Executive’s Employment with the Company (or at any other time when requested by the Company), the Executive will promptly deliver to the Company all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to his work with the Company and will provide prompt written certification of his compliance with this Agreement. Under no circumstances will the Executive have, following his termination, in his possession any property of the Company, or any documents or materials or copies thereof containing any Confidential Information. |
(c) | Former Employer Information. The Executive agrees that he has not and will not, during the term of his employment, (i) improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former employer or other person or entity with which the Executive has an agreement or duty to keep in confidence, or (ii) bring into any premises of the Company any document or confidential or proprietary information belonging to such former employer, person or entity unless consented to in writing by such former employer, person or entity. The Executive will indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from and against all claims, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, arising out of or in connection with any violation of the foregoing. |
(d) | Third Party Information. The Executive recognizes that the Company may have received, and in the future may receive, from third parties confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. The Executive agrees that the Executive owes the Company and such third parties, during the Executive’s Employment by the Company and thereafter, a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person or firm and to use it in a manner consistent with, and for the limited purposes permitted by, the Company’s agreement with such third party. |
This Section 9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. In the event the Executive breaches this Section 9, the Company shall have right to seek remedies permissible under applicable law.
10. | WITHHOLDING TAXES |
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such national, provincial, local or any other income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
11. | NOTIFICATION OF NEW EMPLOYER |
In the event that the Executive leaves the employ of the Company, the Executive hereby grants consent to notification by the Company to his new employer about his rights and obligations under this Agreement.
12. | ASSIGNMENT |
This Agreement is personal in its nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder; provided, however, that (i) the Company may assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder to any member of the Company without such consent, and (ii) in the event of a merger, consolidation, or transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company with or to any other individual(s) or entity, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises, covenants, duties, and obligations of the Company hereunder.
13. | SEVERABILITY |
If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
14. | ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Executive and the Company regarding the terms of the Employment and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements concerning such subject matter, other than any such agreement under any employment agreement entered into with a subsidiary of the Company at the request of the Company to the extent such agreement does not conflict with any of the provisions herein. The Executive acknowledges that he has not entered into this Agreement in reliance upon any representation, warranty or undertaking which is not set forth in this Agreement.
15. | REPRESENTATIONS |
The Executive hereby represents that the Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by the Executive in confidence or in trust prior to his Employment by the Company. The Executive has not entered into, and hereby agrees that he will not enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict with this Section 15. The Executive represents that the Executive will consult his own consultants for tax advice and is not relying on the Company for any tax advice with respect to this Agreement or any provisions hereunder.
16. | GOVERNING LAW |
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
17. | ARBITRATION |
Any dispute arising out of, in connection with or relating to, this Agreement shall be resolved through arbitration pursuant to this Section 17. The arbitration shall be conducted in New York in accordance with the rules of the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time of the arbitration. The award of the arbitration tribunal shall be final and binding upon the disputing parties, and any party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.
18. | AMENDMENT |
This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.
19. | WAIVER |
Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
20. | NOTICES |
All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if (i) sent by facsimile or email (provided confirmation of transmission is mechanically or electronically generated and kept on file by the sending party), (ii) delivered by hand, (iii) otherwise delivered against receipt therefor, or (iv) sent by a recognized courier with next-day or second-day delivery to the last known address of the other party.
21. | COUNTERPARTS |
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.
22. | NO INTERPRETATION AGAINST DRAFTER |
Each party recognizes that this Agreement is a legally binding contract and acknowledges that such party has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of choice. In any construction of the terms of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such terms. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the date first written above.
Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. | ||
By: |
/s/ Bill Chen |
|
Name: | Bill Chen | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Executive
Signature: |
/s/ Tie “James” Li |
|
Name: | Tie “James” Li |
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
Schedule A
Annual compensation is 300,000 USD per annum.
Exhibit 99.1
Nature’s Miracle, a Leader in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Industry,
to be Listed on Nasdaq Through Business Combination with Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp.
· | Nature’s Miracle is a fast-growing agriculture technology company providing services to growers in Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) settings in North America; |
· | Nature’s Miracle provides hardware as well as software to design, build and operate various indoor growing settings including greenhouse, vertical farming and indoor-growing spaces; |
· | Nature’s Miracle, through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Visiontech Group, Inc. and Hydroman, Inc., provides grow lights as well as other hydroponic products to hundreds of indoor growers in North America; |
· | Nature’s Miracle has also developed a robust pipeline to build commercial-scale greenhouse in the U.S. and Canada to meet the growing needs of fresh and local vegetable products. The Company offers turnkey solutions to its operating partners by providing design, construction and hardware installment services; |
· | Nature’s Miracle has established its first manufacturing footprint in North America with its grow-light assembly plant in Manitoba, Canada and is expecting to set up additional manufacturing/assembly facilities in North America; |
· | The implied pro-forma enterprise value of the combined company is approximately $265 million, assuming no redemptions from the trust account. The business combination is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023; |
· | This transaction is expected to accelerate Nature’s Miracle’s development of commercial greenhouse in the U.S. and Canada. |
Upland, Calif. – September 9, 2022 – Nature’s Miracle, Inc. (“Nature’s Miracle”), a leader in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Industry, and Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. (together with its successors, “Lakeshore”) (Nasdaq: LBBB) today announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Merger Agreement”). Upon closing, the combined company is expected to change its name to Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. and its common stock is expected to be traded on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Management Comments
“In the face of global energy shortage, food security, drought and life-style change, Nature’s Miracle is excited to offer an alternative farming mode which saves transportation cost, reduces irrigation water requirements by up to 90% and ensures fresh and local supply of produces for health-conscious consumers. We have developed a robust pipeline of greenhouse projects in the U.S. and Canada for the next twenty-four months.” said Tie “James” Li, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nature’s Miracle. “By combining with Lakeshore, Nature’s Miracle will be able to tap into the public equity and debt market to fund its aggressive growth plan going forward. We look forward to working with Lakeshore team to complete the transaction and to list on Nasdaq.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Nature’s Miracle on its public company journey,” said Bill Chen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeshore. “After learning of Nature’s Miracle’s business model and its position in the rapidly growing Controlled Environment Agriculture market, we immediately realized the vast potential for the Company’s growth in this very important market segment.”
Key Transaction Terms
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Nature’s Miracle will merge with LBBB Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lakeshore (the “Merger”), with Nature’s Miracle surviving and Lakeshore acquiring 100% of the equity securities of Nature’s Miracle. In exchange for their equity securities, the stockholders of Nature’s Miracle (the “Company Stockholders”) will receive an aggregate number of shares of common stock of Lakeshore (the “Merger Consideration”) with an aggregate value equal to: (a) two hundred thirty million U.S. dollars ($230,000,000), minus (b) any Closing Net Indebtedness (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
The Merger has been approved by the boards of directors of each of Lakeshore and Nature’s Miracle. The Merger will require the approval of the stockholders of Lakeshore and Nature’s Miracle and is subject to other customary closing conditions, including a registration statement on Form S-4 being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023.
Advisors
Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC. is acting as legal advisor to Nature’s Miracle and Loeb & Loeb is acting as legal advisor to Lakeshore. Maxim Group is acting as M&A advisor to Lakeshore.
Management Presentation
A presentation made by the management teams of both Nature’s Miracle and Lakeshore regarding the transaction will be available on the websites of Nature’s Miracle at https: //www.Nature-Miracle.com and Lakeshore at https://www.lakeshoreacquisition.com/tzzy. Lakeshore will also file the presentation with the SEC in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be accessible at www.sec.gov.
About Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp.
Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.
About Nature’s Miracle Holdings Inc.
Nature’s Miracle is a fast-growing agriculture technology company providing services to growers in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) industry which also include vertical farming in North America. The Company offers integrated solutions which include hardware as well as software to design, build and operate various indoor growing settings including greenhouse and indoor-growing spaces. Nature’s Miracle, through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries (Visiontech Group, Inc. and Hydroman, Inc.), provides grow lights as well as other hydroponic products to hundreds of indoor growers in North America. Nature’s Miracle has also developed a robust pipeline to build commercial-scale greenhouse in the U.S. and Canada to meet the growing needs of fresh and local vegetable products. The Company offers turnkey solutions to its operating partners by providing the design, construction and hardware installment services; Nature’s Miracle has established its first manufacturing footprint in North America with its grow-light assembly plant in Manitoba, Canada and is expected to set up additional manufacturing/assembly facilities in North America.
Important Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It
This press release relates to a proposed business combination between Lakeshore and Nature’s Miracle. A full description of the terms of the business combination will be provided in a Registration Statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement to be filed with the SEC by Lakeshore. The proxy statement will be mailed to Lakeshore’s shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting at the shareholders’ meeting relating to the proposed transactions. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed business combination. Lakeshore’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement and the amendments thereto and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about Nature’s Miracle, Lakeshore and the proposed business combination. The Registration Statement on Form S-4 and the proxy statement and other documents filed with the SEC, once available, may be obtained without charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a written request to Lakeshore, 667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065.
Participants in the Solicitation
Lakeshore, certain shareholders of Lakeshore, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Lakeshore’s shareholders with respect to the proposed business combination. A list of the names of Lakeshore’s directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Lakeshore is contained in Lakeshore’s registration statement on Form S-1, which was filed with the SEC and is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a written request to Lakeshore, 667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement for the proposed business combination when available.
Nature’s Miracle and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Lakeshore in connection with 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
Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal U.S. securities laws with respect to the proposed business combination between Lakeshore and Nature’s Miracle, the benefits of the transaction, the amount of cash the transaction will provide Nature’s Miracle, the anticipated timing of the transaction, the services and markets of Nature’s Miracle, our expectations regarding future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures, competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities, future plans and intentions, results, level of activities, performance, goals or achievements or other future events. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “potential,” “intend,” “estimate,” “should,” “plan,” “predict,” or the negative or other variations of such statements, reflect our management’s current beliefs and assumptions and are based on the information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Lakeshore’s securities; (ii) the risk that the transaction may not be completed by Lakeshore’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by Lakeshore; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the approval of the business combination agreement by the stockholders of Lakeshore, the satisfaction of the minimum cash amount following any redemptions by Lakeshore’s public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (iv) the lack of a third-party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transaction; (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Nature’s Miracle’s business relationships, operating results and business generally; (vii) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Nature’s Miracle; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Nature’s Miracle or Lakeshore related to the business combination agreement or the proposed transaction; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of Lakeshore’s securities on a national securities exchange; (x) changes in the competitive industries in which Nature’s Miracle operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Nature’s Miracle’s business and changes in the combined capital structure; (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xii) the risk of downturns in the market and Nature’s Miracle’s industry including, but not limited to, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; (xiii) costs related to the transaction and the failure to realize anticipated benefits of the transaction or to realize estimated pro forma results and underlying assumptions, including with respect to estimated stockholder redemptions; (xiv) risks and uncertainties related to Nature’s Miracle’s business, including, but not limited to risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Nature’s Miracle; risks related to Nature’s Miracle’s limited operating history, the roll-out of Nature’s Miracle’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to implement its business plan and scale its business; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to develop products and technologies that are more effective or commercially attractive than competitors’ products; Nature's Miracle's ability to maintain accelerate rate of growth recently due to lifestyle changes in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic; risks of increased costs as a result of being a public company; risks relating to Nature’s Miracle’s being unable to renew the leases of their facilities and warehouses; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to grow the size of its organization and management in response of the increase of sales and marketing infrastructure; risks relating to potential tariffs or a global trade war that could increase the cost of Nature’s Miracle’s products; risks relating to product liability lawsuits that could be brought against Nature’s Miracle;; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to formulate, implement and modify as necessary effective sales, marketing, and strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to expand internationally; acceptance by the marketplace of the products and services that Nature’s Miracle markets; and government regulations and Nature’s Miracle’s ability to obtain applicable regulatory approvals and comply with government regulations. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of proxy statement, when available, and other documents filed by Lakeshore from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and neither Nature’s Miracle nor Lakeshore assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Neither Lakeshore nor Nature’s Miracle gives any assurance that either Lakeshore or Nature’s Miracle, or the combined company, will achieve its expectations.
Non-solicitation
This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential business combination or any other matter and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Lakeshore, Nature’s Miracle or the combined company, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Contacts
info@nature-miracle.com
Exhibit 99.2
DRAFT Investor Presentation 2022
DRAFT This presentation is provided for informational purposes only and has been prepared to assist interested parties in making their own evaluation with respect to a potential business combination (the “proposed business combination”) between Nature’s Miracle, Inc . (“Nature’s Miracle” or the “Company”) and Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp . (“Lakeshore”) and related transactions and for no other purpose . No representations or warranties, express or implied are given in, or in respect of, this presentation . To the fullest extent permitted by law in no circumstances will Nature’s Miracle, Lakeshore or any of their respective subsidiaries, stockholders, affiliates, representatives, partners, directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents be responsible or liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or loss of profit arising from the use of this presentation, its contents, its omissions, reliance on the information contained within it, or on opinions communicated in relation thereto or otherwise arising in connection therewith . Industry and market data used in this presentation have been obtained from third - party industry publications and sources as well as from research reports prepared for other purposes . Neither Nature’s Miracle nor Lakeshore has independently verified the data obtained from these sources and cannot assure you of the data’s accuracy or completeness . This data is subject to change . In addition, this presentation does not purport to be all - inclusive or to contain all of the information that may be required to make a full analysis of Nature’s Miracle or the proposed business combination . Viewers of this presentation should each make their own evaluation of Nature’s Miracle and of the relevance and adequacy of the information and should make such other investigations as they deem necessary . The information in this presentation is highly confidential . The distribution of this presentation by an authorized recipient to any other person is unauthorized . Any photocopying, disclosure, reproduction or alteration of the contents of this presentation and any forwarding of a copy of this presentation or any portion of this presentation to any person is prohibited . The recipient of this presentation shall keep this presentation and its contents confidential, shall not use this presentation and its contents for any purpose other than as expressly authorized by Nature’s Miracle and Lakeshore and shall be required to return or destroy all copies of this presentation or portions thereof in its possession promptly following request for the return or destruction of such copies . By accepting delivery of this presentation, the recipient is deemed to agree to the foregoing confidentiality requirements . This presentation contains trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Nature’s Miracle, Lakeshore and other companies, which are the property of their respective owners . NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PRESENTATION IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE . IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER
DRAFT Important Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It This presentation relates to a proposed business combination between Lakeshore and Nature’s Miracle . A full description of the terms of the business combination will be provided in a Registration Statement on Form S - 4 and proxy statement to be filed with the SEC by Lakeshore . The proxy statement will be mailed to Lakeshore’s shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting at the shareholders’ meeting relating to the proposed transactions . This presentation does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed business combination . Lakeshore’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the Registration Statement on Form S - 4 and proxy statement and the amendments thereto and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about Nature’s Miracle, Lakeshore and the proposed business combination . The Registration Statement on Form S - 4 and the proxy statement and other documents filed with the SEC, once available, may be obtained without charge at the SEC’s website at www . sec . gov, or by directing a written request to Lakeshore, 667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065 . Participants in the Solicitation Lakeshore, certain shareholders of Lakeshore, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Lakeshore’s shareholders with respect to the proposed business combination . A list of the names of Lakeshore’s directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Lakeshore is contained in Lakeshore’s registration statement on Form S - 1 , which was filed with the SEC and is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www . sec . gov, or by directing a written request to Lakeshore, 667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065 . Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement on Form S - 4 and proxy statement for the proposed business combination when available . Nature’s Miracle and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Lakeshore in connection with 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 . IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER
DRAFT Forward - looking Statements Except for historical information contained herein, this presentation contains certain “forward - looking statements” within the meaning of the federal U . S . securities laws with respect to the proposed business combination between Lakeshore and Nature’s Miracle, the benefits of the transaction, the amount of cash the transaction will provide Nature’s Miracle, the anticipated timing of the transaction, the services and markets of Nature’s Miracle, our expectations regarding future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures, competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities, future plans and intentions, results, level of activities, performance, goals or achievements or other future events . These forward - looking statements generally are identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “potential,” “intend,” “estimate,” “should,” “plan,” “predict,” or the negative or other variations of such statements, reflect our management’s current beliefs and assumptions and are based on the information currently available to our management . Forward - looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties . Many factors could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward - looking statements, including but not limited to : ( i ) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Lakeshore’s securities ; (ii) the risk that the transaction may not be completed by Lakeshore’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by Lakeshore ; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the approval of the business combination agreement by the stockholders of Lakeshore, the satisfaction of the minimum cash amount following any redemptions by Lakeshore’s public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals ; (iv) the lack of a third - party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transaction ; (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement ; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Nature’s Miracle’s business relationships, operating results and business generally ; (vii) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Nature’s Miracle ; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Nature’s Miracle or Lakeshore related to the business combination agreement or the proposed transaction ; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of Lakeshore’s securities on a national securities exchange ; (CONTD) IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER
DRAFT (x) changes in the competitive industries in which Nature’s Miracle operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Nature’s Miracle’s business and changes in the combined capital structure ; (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities ; (xii) the risk of downturns in the market and Nature’s Miracle’s industry including, but not limited to, as a result of the COVID - 19 pandemic ; (xiii) costs related to the transaction and the failure to realize anticipated benefits of the transaction or to realize estimated pro forma results and underlying assumptions, including with respect to estimated stockholder redemptions ; (xiv) risks and uncertainties related to Nature’s Miracle’s business, including, but not limited to risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Nature’s Miracle ; risks related to Nature’s Miracle’s limited operating history, the roll - out of Nature’s Miracle’s business and the timing of expected business milestones ; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to implement its business plan and scale its business ; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to develop products and technologies that are more effective or commercially attractive than competitors’ products ; Nature's Miracle's ability to maintain accelerate rate of growth recently due to lifestyle changes in the wake of COVID - 19 pandemic ; risks of increased costs as a result of being a public company ; risks relating to Nature’s Miracle’s being unable to renew the leases of their facilities and warehouses ; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to grow the size of its organization and management in response of the increase of sales and marketing infrastructure ; risks relating to potential tariffs or a global trade war that could increase the cost of Nature’s Miracle’s products ; risks relating to product liability lawsuits that could be brought against Nature’s Miracle ;; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to formulate, implement and modify as necessary effective sales, marketing, and strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth ; Nature’s Miracle’s ability to expand internationally ; acceptance by the marketplace of the products and services that Nature’s Miracle markets ; and government regulations and Nature’s Miracle’s ability to obtain applicable regulatory approvals and comply with government regulations . The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive . You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of proxy statement, when available, and other documents filed by Lakeshore from time to time with the SEC . These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward - looking statements . Forward - looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and neither Nature’s Miracle nor Lakeshore assume any obligation to update or revise any forward - looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise . You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward - looking statements . Neither Lakeshore nor Nature’s Miracle gives any assurance that either Lakeshore or Nature’s Miracle, or the combined company, will achieve its expectations . IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER
DRAFT Use of Projections This presentation contains projected financial information with respect to Nature’s Miracle, namely revenue, gross profit and EBITDA for Nature’s Miracle’s fiscal years ended December 31 , 2022 through December 31 , 2026 . Such projected financial information constitutes forward - looking information, and is for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as necessarily being indicative of future results . The assumptions and estimates underlying such projected financial 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 . See “Forward - Looking Statements” above . Actual results may differ materially from the results contemplated by the projected financial information contained in this presentation, and the inclusion of such information in this presentation should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results reflected in such projections will be achieved . Neither the independent auditors of Lakeshore nor the independent registered public accounting firm of Nature’s Miracle, audited, reviewed, compiled, or performed any procedures with respect to the projections for the purpose of their inclusion in this presentation, and accordingly, neither of them expressed an opinion or provided any other form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this presentation . Financial Information ; Non - GAAP Financial Measures The financial information and data contained in this presentation is unaudited and does not conform to Regulation S - X . Accordingly, such information and data may not be included in, may be adjusted in or may be presented differently in, any proxy statement, registration statement, or prospectus to be filed by Lakeshore with the SEC . This presentation includes certain financial measures not presented in accordance with U . S . generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) . Therefore, these non - GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under GAAP . Nature’s Miracle believes that these non - GAAP measures of financial results (including on a forward - looking basis) provide useful supplemental information to investors about Nature’s Miracle . Nature’s Miracle’s management uses forward - looking non - GAAP measures to evaluate Nature’s Miracle’s financial and operating performance . However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of these non - GAAP measures and their nearest GAAP equivalents, including that they exclude significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded in Nature’s Miracle’s financial statements . In addition, other companies may calculate non - GAAP measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore, Nature’s Miracle’s non - GAAP measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies . A reconciliation of the non - GAAP financial measures used in this presentation to their nearest GAAP equivalent is included in this presentation . However, to the extent that forward - looking non - GAAP financial measures are provided, they are presented without a reconciliation of such information to the most comparable GAAP measure . IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER
DRAFT Use of Data : The data contained herein are derived from various internal and external sources . No representation is made as to the reasonableness of the assumptions made within or the accuracy or completeness of any projections or modeling or any other information contained herein . Any data on past performance or modeling contained herein are not an indication as to future performance . Non - solicitation This presentation is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential business combination or any other matter and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Lakeshore, Nature’s Miracle or the combined company, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction . No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 , as amended . IMPORTANT INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER
DRAFT 8 WHO WE ARE □ Nature’s Miracle (“ the Company”) is a fast - growing agriculture technology company providing services to growers in Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) setting in North America; □ We provide hardware as well as software to design, build and operate various indoor growing settings including greenhouse and indoor - growing spaces; □ The Company, through its two wholly - owned subsidiaries ( Visiontech & Hydroman ), provides grow lights as well as other hydroponic products to hundreds of indoor growers in North America; □ Nature’s Miracle has also developed a robust pipeline to build commercial - scale greenhouses in the U.S. and Canada to meet the growing needs of fresh and local vegetable products. We offer turnkey solutions to our operating partners by providing the design, construction and hardware installment services. □ We firmly believe in the importance of local production and sourcing. We have established our first manufacturing footprint of grow light in Manitoba, Canada and expect to set up an additional manufacturing/assembly facility in North America.
DRAFT NATURE’S MIRACLE Total Solution (Design, Consulting, Service) Vertical Farming & Multiple Growing System Products & Solutions (Grow Light, Irrigation, Operating System) 9
DRAFT OUR MARKET: CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE □ CEA, an indoor, technology - based approach towards cultivating crops under optimal growing conditions, is rapidly expanding due in large part to growing consumer demand for low - environmental - impact food, local food systems, and improved accessibility to high - quality produce with shorter supply chains □ Compared to traditional farming, CEA requires 90% less water and yields up to 30x more over the same land area ▪ Especially relevant given water shortages, high energy costs and geopolitical conflicts □ CEA includes the vertical farming sector and the indoor cultivation of an ever - increasing range of specialty crops for a range of applications from food to health □ The global commercial greenhouse market, which consists of, among other things, automation, management & analytics, lighting, and grow media was valued at $50 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $76 billion by 2030 10 Source: FUTURECIO
DRAFT OUR ORGANIZATION CHART 11 (Delaware) Visiontech Group, Inc. (California) Hydroman , Inc. (California) Nature’s Miracle Inc. (California) Photon Technology, Ltd. (Canada) Grow Light Grow Light Greenhouse Development Manufacturing
DRAFT DISTRIBUTION AND PRODUCTION CENTERS 12 Distribution Center Production Center
DRAFT OUR INTEGRATED “CEA” SERVICES Integrated Solution Provider Nature’s Miracle Grow Systems Equipment Financing Architectural Design Construction Engineering Service Facility Mgmt. Software Over 2.8 million square feet of indoor cultivation space across 78 projects and 43 clients with licenses in 7 states and strategic partners in 4 others 13 600 store customers expected in 2022 and 4 warehouses across the U.S.
DRAFT OUR GROW LIGHT BRANDS Hydroman, Inc. www.hyrdomanusa.com U.S. Warehouse E stablished four warehouse locations in three states in the U.S. M a nufacturing S i gn i f i can t expe r i ence w i t h l a r ge and co m p l ex e l e c t r o m e c han i c a l a ss e m b lies in North America Customers in various states Customer orders increased five times over the period of the epidemic. Visiontech Group www.efinityusa.com G lobal Factory Locations World’s top distributor of CultiWool ( rock wool) and Dutch Planting (grow medium) Key Supplier and R&D Partner O ff e r s us t he l a t es t i n L E D d r i ve r t echno l og i es and ass i s t ance w i t h cus t o m po w e r supp l y need s 14
DRAFT GREENHOUSE PRODUCTS WE OFFER 15 Grow Light Racking and Growing System Greenhouse Cultivation Images Output PPFD 1700 μ mol /s 450 μ mol/s 1700 μ mol /s Efficiency 2.7 μ mol/j 3.0 μ mol/j 2.7 μ mol/j AC input 630W@27 7V 150W@27 7V 630W@27 7V Ingress Protection IP66 IP66 IP66 Professional Spectrum Indoor Lighting Layout Multi - tier Racking System • Modularized design • Fast deployment • Heavy duty structure Rolling Bench System • Firm and sustainable • Easy assembling • Heavy duty structure Ventilation System • Air flow function • Easy assembling Full Environment Control System Fertigation System Ventilation Equipment
DRAFT OUR FIRST MANUFACTURING BASE IN NORTH AMERICA 16 □ To reduce lead time and save logistic time and cost, we are in the process of setting up a manufacturing and assembly facility in North America; □ Our first facility is located in Manitoba, Canada with total size of over 3000 square feet; main products are LED lights and other types of lights for indoor growing; □ Our products have received CSA/UL/CUL certification
DRAFT COMPONENTS OF OUR GREENHOUSE Structural System Cover & Curtain system Semi - closed system Heating/cooling/CO2 System Ventilation cooling system Irrigation system 17
DRAFT PROJECT EXAMPLE: VERMILLION GROWERS 18 Vermillion Growers : A state - of - the - art greenhouse located at Manitoba, Canada 76.1 acres to be built in three phases, growing sweet peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes □ Phase 1: total of 10.9 acres, expected to finish before Dec. 2022 □ Phase 2: total of 21.7 acres, expected to finish before Aug. 2023 □ Phase 3: total of 43.5 acres, expected to finish before Aug. 2024
DRAFT 19 ROBUST PIPELINE OF GREENHOUSE DEVELOPMENT Name of the Projects Location Size of the Greenhouse (Acres) Expected Start Date Revenue ($ million) EBITDA ($ million) Note Vermillian Project Phase II Manitoba, Canada 21.7 Sept, 2022 22.0$ 3.3$ Vermillian Project Phase III Manitoba, Canada 43.5 Sept, 2023 44.0$ 6.6$ Newfoundland Project Phase INewfoundland, Canada 20 Oct, 2022 20.3$ 3.0$ Project size is 120 acres in total and Phase I is 20 acres; it will be financed by loan 80% guaranteed by Canadian Government; Produce will be sold in the island; project can expand to 70 acres; Great Falls Project Montana, USA 20 Oct, 2022 20.3$ 3.0$ Project located at an Indian reservation; project will receive significant subsidies from Federal Government; produce will be sold to local airforce base and supermarket chain; Total Greenhouse Projects 105.2 106.6$ 16.0$ Estimated Contribution Phase I project was completed with the assitance of NM; NM will be the EPC provider for the Phase II project which has already secured the loan commitment from Bank of Montreal; Produce from the greenhouse will be sold in Canada and the U.S.; low electricity cost provided by local hydroelectric projects;
DRAFT UPWARD EBITDA TRAJECTORY *Note: USD, in millions $0.7 $5.0 $12.6 $34.7 $50.2 $76.9 $104.9 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Upward growth trajectory combined with positive cash flow and capital expenditures $10.6 $27.0 $59.7 $126.9 $219.0 $323.0 $417.7 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Revenue $1.8 $7.5 $15.6 $42.1 $60.7 $91.0 $122.5 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 17% 25% Gross Profit EBITDA 20
DRAFT SUMMARY P&L Historical and Projected Income Statement ($ in 000s) 21
DRAFT MANAGEMENT BIOS Tie “James” Li (Chairman & CEO): James is the founder, chairman and CEO of Nature’s Miracle. He has been involved with over $1 billion investment in the areas of clean energy, agriculture and biotech industry. He has been instrumental with over 10 IPO tra nsactions on Nasdaq and NYSE over the last twenty years. Along with three other partners, he launched a $200 million SPAC (China Hydroelec tri c Corporation) in 2006. China Hydroelectric Corporation, where James served as CFO, President and CEO , consolidated the small hydroelectric space in China. James started his career with Citigroup in the investment banking unit in New York city in 1998 . J ames Li graduated from Columbia Business School in New York with an MBA in 1998. He completed his B.S. in accounting from Brooklyn College. He is a CFA and a CPA. Zhiyi “Jonathan” Zhang (COO & Executive Director): Jonathan is the executive director of Nature’s Miracle and the founder of Visiontech , a Nature’s Miracle company. He has extensive contacts and a working relationship within the indoor growing community in Nort h A merica. He also has over twenty years of experience in the lighting industry. Over the last ten years, he has built Visontech and its associated brand “ efinity ”. Wei “Gavin” Yang (Director ): Gavin is the founder of Hydroman , Inc., a Nature’s Miracle company. Before founding Hydroman in 2020, he was a vice president at Megaphoton , Inc., a leading manufacturer of grow lights in China. Megaphoton has provided private - label to U.S. and Canadian market for over ten years. Prior to this experience, he was the director in charge of business development at Yaolai International Entertainment Company in Beijing. He graduated from China Geology University in Beijing and obtained an MBA from Beijing Univ ers ity. Vic Doudakian : Vic is currently the Vice President of Nature’s Miracle, as a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience in t he agricultural industry. Previously, Vic led the sales team for North American sales and has been responsible for the strategic di rection, vision, growth, and performance of the premier grow light brand “ Efinity ”. 22 Piero Broccardo (CFO): Piero is a CFO with over twenty years of experience in the technology, transactional software, consumer product, and private equity - backed industries. Over his twenty - year career, Piero has held key senior financial leadership roles including fundraising, developing pricing models, and SEC reporting. Piero holds an MBA in International Business and Finance from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from California State University, Fullerton.
DRAFT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director: Chuck Hausman Chuck Hausman is the CEO of K . Mizra which he founded in 2019 . Since it’s founding K . Mizra has focused on acquiring high value, high quality patents with a global reach . Prior to forming K . Mizra , Chuck specialized in IP enforcement and monetization at a number of companies . Beginning at the Recording Industry Association of America, Chuck was Deputy Director at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) where he further expanded the intellectual property rights of movie studios . Following the MPAA, Chuck worked at Philips Intellectual Property and Standards Group . Following his time at Philips, Chuck worked as world - wide program manager for a Pool licensing consortium known as One - Red . Following One - Red, Chuck worked for a Non Practicing Entity known as Sisvel . At Sisvel Chuck served as President of US operations . Chuck oversaw the administration of multiple litigation and licensing programs while at Sisvel . Chuck graduated with BS in accounting from Tulane University and JD from Southwestern University School of Law . He is admitted to California Bar Association ( 1996 ) . Director: Wei Deng Mr . Wei Deng has 28 years of professional experience in finance and Real Estate investment with operating expertise in general business management and Private Equity Fund management . He currently serves as the President of Century Bridge Capital, a private equity real estate investment firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas . Prior to this job, he was representing the Asian Real Estate fund of The Carlyle Group and was responsible for direct investments across all property types (Office, Retail, Residential and Hotel/Serviced Apartments) in China . Director: Zhiyi “Jonathan” Zhang Mr . Zhang is the founder of Visiontech , a Nature’s Miracle company . He has extensive contacts and working relationship within the indoor growing community in North America . He has over twenty years of experience in the light industry . Over the last ten years, he has built Visiontech and its associated brand “ effinity ” . 23
DRAFT INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS (1): Compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) for three years ending in 2022 24 1 6 2 5 3 4 Strong annual revenue growth combined with robust profitability; estimated ~140% EBITDA CAGR (1) Critical infrastructure provider for agriculture technology businesses Logistics network throughout North America. 4 warehouses in U.S. and 3 in Canada Market leader within the grow light and greenhouse solutions space Capital investment would allow the Company to achieve a higher level of growth Experienced management team with strong track record