UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 9, 2015

 

 

O DYSSEY M ARINE E XPLORATION , I NC .

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   001-31895   84-1018684

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

5215 West Laurel Street

Tampa, Florida 33607

(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (813) 876-1776

Not Applicable

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

The share and per-share information set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K does not give effect to a proposed 1-for-6 reverse stock split to be implemented in connection with the transactions disclosed below.

 

Item 1.01. Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Stock Purchase Agreement

On March 11, 2015, Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Penelope Mining LLC (the “Investor”), and, solely with respect to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (the “Guarantor” or the “Lender”). The Purchase Agreement provides for the Company to issue and sell to the Investor shares of the Company’s preferred stock in the amounts and at the prices set forth below:

 

Series

   No. of Shares      Price
per Share
 

Series AA-1

     101,124,042       $ 1.00   

Series AA-2

     86,677,740       $ 0.50   

The closing of the sale and issuance of shares of the Company’s preferred stock to the Investor is subject to certain conditions, including the Company’s receipt of required approvals from the Company’s stockholders, the receipt of regulatory approval, performance by the Company of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement, receipt of certain third party consents, the listing of the underlying common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Investor’s satisfaction, in its sole discretion, with the viability of certain undersea mining projects of the Company. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Company’s articles of incorporation to (a) effect a 1-for-6 reverse stock split, (b) adjust the Company’s authorized capitalization, and (c) establish a classified board of directors (collectively, the “Amendments”). The Amendments will be set forth in a certificate of amendment (the “Amendment Certificate”) to the Company’s articles of incorporation to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State. Under Section 78.390 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the Amendments must be approved by the holders of at least a majority of the Company’s outstanding voting securities present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders at which a quorum is present. In addition, under NASDAQ Rule 5635, the issuance of the shares of preferred stock must be approved by holders of at least a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders at which a quorum is present. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to promptly file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and mail to its stockholders of record a definitive proxy statement relating to a meeting of the Company’s stockholders (the “Meeting”) for the purpose of, among other things, approving the Purchase Agreement, the Amendments, and the issuance and sale of the shares of preferred stock to the Investor, and to elect individuals designated by the Investor and reasonably acceptable to the Company to the Company’s board of directors, with such individuals constituting a majority of the members of the board of directors.

Each of the Company’s executive officers and directors, who hold in the aggregate approximately 5.8% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) have entered into a voting agreement (the “Voting Agreement”) with Investor pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the Amendment Certificate, the Purchase Agreement, the transactions contemplated thereby, and certain related matters.


The purchase and sale of 35,000,004 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock will occur at an initial closing to be held on the later of (i) 150 days after the signing of the Purchase Agreement, and (ii) three business days after stockholder and any other necessary approvals are obtained, and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to the initial closing set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Agreement provides for the purchase and sale of the remaining 69,305,856 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock according to the following schedule, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement:

 

Date

   No. Series AA-1 Shares      Total Purchase Price  

March 1, 2016

     21,683,868       $ 21,683,868   

September 1, 2016

     21,683,868         21,683,868   

March 1, 2017

     18,214,446         18,214,446   

March 1, 2018

     4,541,856         4,541,856   

The Investor may elect to purchase all or a portion of the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock before the dates set forth above. The Investor has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase all or a portion the 86,677,740 shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock at any time after the closing price of the Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market has been $1.26 or more for 20 consecutive trading days. The Investor’s right to purchase the shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock will terminate on the fifth anniversary of the initial closing under the Purchase Agreement.

The Purchase Agreement contains certain restrictions, subject to certain exceptions described below, on the Company’s ability to initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate an alternative acquisition proposal, to participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding an alternative acquisition proposal, or to enter into any acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement relating to an alternative acquisition proposal. These restrictions will continue until the earlier to occur of the termination of the Purchase Agreement pursuant to its terms and the time at which the initial closing occurs. Notwithstanding this limitation, prior to time stockholder approval is obtained, the Company may under certain circumstances provide information to third parties and participate in discussions and negotiations with respect to any unsolicited alternative acquisition proposal that the Company’s board of directors has determined constitutes or could reasonably be expected to result in a “Superior Proposal” (which is generally defined to refer to a bona fide written acquisition proposal that the Company’s board of directors determines, in its good faith judgment, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor, is (i) more favorable to the Company’s stockholders from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, taking into account all of the terms and conditions of acquisition proposal (including any conditions to any related financing), and (ii) is reasonably likely of being completed in a timely manner in accordance with its terms.

The Purchase Agreement also includes customary termination rights for both the Company and the Investor and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances, including in the event of a termination by the Company in order to accept a Superior Proposal, the Company will be required to pay to the Investor a termination fee of $4.0 million.

The Purchase Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the parties customary for a transaction of this type.

Subject to the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Lender agreed to provide the Company, through a subsidiary of the Company, with loans of up to $14.75 million, the outstanding

 

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amount of which, plus accrued interest, will be repaid from the proceeds from the sale of the shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at the initial closing. The Lender loaned the company $2.0 million upon the signing of the Purchase Agreement, and the additional loans will made according to the following schedule, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement:

 

Date

   Loan Amount  

March 15, 2015

   $ 6,000,000   

April 30, 2015

     3.000,000   

May 31, 2015

     2,000,000   

June 30, 2015

     1,750,000   

The loans must be repaid if the necessary approvals of the transactions are not obtained. The obligation to repay the loans is evidenced by a promissory note (the “Note”) in the amount of up to $14.75 million and bears interest at the rate of 8.0% per annum, and, pursuant to a pledge agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) between the Lender and Odyssey Marine Enterprises Ltd., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“OME”), is secured by a pledge of 54.0 million shares of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panamanian limitada (“Oceanica”), held by OME. In addition, OME and the Lender entered into a call option agreement (the “Oceanica Call”), pursuant to which OME granted the Lender an option to purchase the 54.0 million shares of Oceanica held by OME for an exercise price of $40.0 million at any time during the one-year period after the Oceanica Call was executed and delivered by the parties. The Oceanica Call will terminate if the Investor elects to terminate the Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances.

Class AA Preferred Stock

Pursuant to a certificate of designation (the “Designation”) to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, each share of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock and Series AA-2 Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Class AA Preferred Stock”) will be convertible into one share of Common Stock at any time and from time to time at the election of the holder. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock will rank pari passu with all other shares of Class AA Preferred Stock and senior to shares of Common Stock and all other classes and series of junior stock. If the Company declares a dividend or makes a distribution to the holders of Common Stock, the holders of the Class AA Preferred Stock will be entitled to participate in the dividend or distribution on an as-converted basis. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to vote, in person or by proxy, at any special or annual meeting of stockholders, on all matters voted on by holders of Common Stock, voting together as a single class with other shares entitled to vote thereon. So long as a majority of the shares of the Class AA Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company will be prohibited from taking specified extraordinary actions without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock. In the event of the liquidation of the Company, each holder of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, an amount in cash equal to the greater of (a) the amount paid to the Company for such holder’s shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, plus an accretion thereon of 8.0% per annum, compounded annually, and (b) the amount such holder would be entitled to receive had such holder converted such shares of Class AA Preferred into Common Stock immediately prior to such time at which payment will be made or any assets distributed.

 

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Stockholder Agreement

The Purchase Agreement provides that, at the initial closing, the Company and the Investor will enter into a stockholder agreement (the “Stockholder Agreement”). The Stockholder Agreement will provide that (a) in connection with each meeting of the Company’s stockholders at which directors are to be elected, the Company will (i) nominate for election as members of the Company’s board of directors a number of individuals designated by the Investor (“Investor Designees”) equivalent to the Investor’s proportionate ownership of the Company’s voting securities (rounded up to the next highest integer) less the number of Investor Designees who are members of the board of directors and not subject to election at such meeting, and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such nominees to be elected to the board of directors; (b) the Company will cause one of the Investor Designees to serve as a member of (or at such Investor Designee’s election, as an observer to) each committee of the Company’s board of directors; and (c) each Investor Designee shall have the right to enter into an indemnification agreement with the Company (an “Indemnification Agreement”) pursuant to which such Investor Designee is indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent allowed by Nevada law if, by reason of his or her serving as a director of the Company, such Investor Designee is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding or by reason of anything done or not done by such Investor Designee in his or her capacity as a director of the Company.

The Stockholder Agreement will provide the Investor with pre-emptive rights with respect to certain equity offerings of the Company and restricts the Company from selling equity securities until the Investor has purchased all the Class AA Preferred Stock or no longer has the right or obligation to purchase any of the Class AA Preferred Stock. The Stockholder Agreement will also provide the Investor with certain “first look” rights with respect to certain mineral deposits discovered by the Company or its subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement, the Company will grant the Investor certain demand and piggy-back registration rights, including for shelf registrations, with respect to the resale of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock.

Termination of Mako Option Agreements

Mako Resources, LLC and OME are parties to two Unit Option Agreements (the “Mako Option Agreements”), which were extended in December 2014, pursuant to which Mako currently has the right to purchase an aggregate of six million of the shares of Oceanica from OME. On March 11, 2015, Mako, OME, and the Company entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) pursuant to which the Mako Option Agreements were terminated immediately prior to the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement by the parties thereto. In consideration of the termination, the Company agreed to issue and deliver 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock to Mako.

Amendment and Restatement of Bylaws

Effective March 11, 2015, and as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, the Company’s board of directors adopted and approved amended and restated bylaws of the Company (the “Second Amended and Restated Bylaws”). The Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (a) modified an existing provision to provide that special meetings of the Company’s stockholders may be called by the President of the Company, the Company’s board of directors, or the holders of not less than 1/10th of all shares entitled to vote at a meeting; (b) deleted a provision providing that in the interim between elections of directors by stockholders, newly created directorships and any vacancies in the board of directors may be filled by the vote a majority of the remaining directors then in office; (c) deleted a provision relating to corporate opportunities; and (d) added provisions that provide (i) the courts of the State of Nevada located in Clark County, Nevada are the sole and exclusive forum for specified claims against the Company or its directors, officers, employees, agents, or stockholders, and (ii) if a current or prior stockholder or anyone

 

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on their behalf brings certain claims against the Company or any other stockholder, and the claimant does not obtain a judgment on the merits that substantially achieves the full remedy sought by the claimant, then the claimant shall be obligated to reimburse the Company and any such other stockholder for all fees, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation expenses, incurred in connection with such claim.

* * * * *

The foregoing descriptions of the Purchase Agreement, the Amendment Certificate, the Note, the Pledge Agreement, the Oceanica Call, the forms of the Designation, the Voting Agreement, the Stockholder Agreement, the Indemnification Agreement, and the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws are summaries and do not purport to be complete descriptions of all of the terms of such documents and are qualified in their entirety by reference to such documents, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 3.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 3.2, 10.6, 10.7, and 3.3, respectively. Certain of the agreements include representations and warranties each party has made to the other. The assertions embodied in the representations and warranties are qualified by information in confidential disclosure schedules the parties delivered to each other when they executed the Purchase Agreement. Certain representations and warranties were made as of a specific date, may be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from those generally applicable to stockholders and investors, or may have been used for purposes of allocating risk between the respective parties rather than establishing matters as facts. Accordingly, investors should not rely on the representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts at the time they were made or otherwise, and investors should not rely on the representations and warranties for any other purpose.

 

Item 1.02. Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

The disclosure set forth above under Item 1.01 (Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement) relating to the termination of the Mako Option Agreements is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 1.02.

 

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The disclosure set forth above under Item 1.01 (Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement) relating to the loans provided by the Lender and related matters is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 3.01. Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing.

On March 9, 2015, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of The NASDAQ Stock Market notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price of its common stock has been below $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days, it no longer complies with the requirements for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market set forth in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The notice does not affect the Company’s listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market at this time, and the Company’s common stock will continue to trade under the symbol “OMEX.”

In accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has been provided a period of 180 calendar days, or until September 5, 2015, in which to regain compliance. In order to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days during this 180-day

 

5


period. If the Company does not demonstrate compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) by September 5, 2015, the Staff will determine whether the Company meets the applicable market value of publicly held shares requirement for continued listing and all other applicable standards for initial listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market (except the bid price requirement). If the Company meets such criteria, it may be eligible for an additional 180 day compliance period. If the Company does not regain compliance, its common stock will be subject to delisting. At that time, the Company may appeal to a NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel (“Panel”), and the Company’s common stock would remain listed pending the Panel’s decision following a hearing.

The Company intends to monitor the bid price of its common shares between now and September 5, 2015, and will consider available options to regain compliance with the listing requirements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement or maintain compliance with the other listing requirements.

 

Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The disclosure set forth above under Item 1.01 (Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement) that relates to the issuance and sale of the Class AA Preferred Stock, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock, and the shares of Common Stock issuable to Mako pursuant to the Termination Agreement (collectively, the “Securities”) is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. Assuming the issuance and sale of all the shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, the aggregate gross proceeds will be approximately $144.5 million, before deducting transaction expenses. Neither the Company, the Investor, nor Mako engaged any investment advisors with respect to the sale of the Securities, and no finders’ fees or commissions will be paid to any party in connection therewith. The Securities will be issued and sold by the Company in private placement transactions in reliance upon an exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on representations made to the Company by the Investor and Mako regarding their status as accredited investors.

 

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

The disclosure set forth above under Item 1.01 (Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement) relating to the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.

Not applicable.

 

  (b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

Not applicable.

 

  (c) Shell Company Transactions.

Not applicable.

 

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  (d) Exhibits.

 

    3.1 Form of Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation

 

    3.2 Form of Certificate of Designation

 

    3.3 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws

 

  10.1 Stock Purchase Agreement

 

  10.2 Promissory Note

 

  10.3 Pledge Agreement

 

  10.4 Oceanica Call Option Agreement

 

  10.5 Form of Voting Agreement

 

  10.6 Form of Stockholder Agreement

 

  10.7 Form of Indemnification Agreement

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and its directors and executive officers may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions. Information about the directors and executive officers, including their interests in the transactions, will be included in the Company’s proxy statement relating to the proposed transactions when it becomes available.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This Current Report on Form 8-K may be deemed to be a solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions. In connection with the proposed transactions, the Company intends to file a proxy statement and relevant documents with respect to the meeting of stockholders to be held in connection with the proposed transactions with the SEC. The definitive proxy materials will be mailed to the Company’s stockholders in advance of the meeting. Investors and security holders of the Company are urged to read the proxy statement and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available because they will contain important information about the Company. The proxy statement, when it becomes available, and any other documents filed by the Company with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company by sending a written request to Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., 5215 West Laurel Street, Tampa, Florida 33607, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by calling the Company at (813) 876-1776. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting decision with respect to the proposed transactions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibits furnished or filed herewith that relate to future results and events are forward-looking statements based on the Company’s current expectations. Actual results and events in future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements because of a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to: (1) the

 

7


occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Purchase Agreement; (2) the inability to complete the contemplated transactions due to the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the proposed transactions or the failure to satisfy other conditions; and (3) the effect of the announcement of the proposed transactions on the Company’s operating results and business generally.

Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements represent the Company’s views as of the date on which such statements were made. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, although the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. Additional factors that may cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the SEC on March 17, 2014, under the heading “Item 1A—Risk Factors,” and in subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the SEC by the Company.

[Signature page follows.]

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

O DYSSEY M ARINE E XPLORATION , I NC .
Dated: March 13, 2015 By:

/s/ Philip S. Devine

Philip S. Devine
Chief Financial Officer

 

9

Exhibit 3.1

EXHIBIT B

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.

C18418-1997

AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

CONTINUATION SHEET

Article VII of the Articles of Incorporation is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“Article VII Indemnification; Director and Officer Liability

In addition to any other rights of indemnification permitted by the laws of the State of Nevada or as may be provided for by the Corporation in its bylaws or by agreement, the expenses of officers and directors incurred in defending any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding (including without limitation, an action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, involving alleged acts or omissions of such officer or director in his or her capacity as an officer or director of the Corporation or while serving in any capacity at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent, member, manager, managing member, partner, or fiduciary of, or in any other capacity for, another corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, shall be paid by the Corporation or through insurance purchased and maintained by the Corporation or through other financial arrangements made by the Corporation, as they are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the officer or director to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation. To the extent that an officer or director is successful on the merits in defense of any such action, suit or proceeding, or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the Corporation shall indemnify him or her against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the bylaws, no director or officer may be indemnified for expenses incurred in defending any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding (including without limitation, an action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, that such director or officer incurred in his or her capacity as a stockholder.

The liability of directors and officers of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes. If the Nevada Revised Statutes are hereafter amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of a director or officer, then the liability of a director or officer of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes, as so amended.

Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VII by the stockholders of the Corporation or of the indemnification provisions of the Bylaws by the Board of Directors or the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing prior to the date when such repeal or modification becomes effective.”


Article X of the Articles of Incorporation is hereby amended by inserting the following:

“Article X BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Number of Directors. The total number of directors constituting the entire board of directors of the corporation shall not be less than one (1) nor more than fifteen (15), with the then-authorized number of directors fixed from time to time by the board of directors.

2. Classes of Directors. The board of directors shall be and is divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated: Class I, Class II and Class III.

3. Terms of Office. Each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting following the annual meeting at which such director was elected; provided, that each director initially appointed to Class I shall serve for an initial term expiring at the corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this provision; each director initially appointed to Class II shall serve for an initial term expiring at the corporation’s second annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this provision; and each director initially appointed to Class III shall serve for an initial term expiring at the corporation’s third annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this provision; provided further, that the term of each director shall continue until the election and qualification of a successor and be subject to such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

4. If the number of directors that constitutes the whole board of directors is changed in accordance with this Article X, the majority of the board of directors that adopts the change shall also fix and determine the number of directors comprising each class; provided, however, that any increase or decrease in the number of directors shall be apportioned among the classes as equally as possible. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the entire board of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director.

5. A director may be removed from office only for cause and only by the vote of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding stock entitled to vote in an election of directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any vacancy on the board of directors, however resulting, and any newly created directorship resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the stockholders having the right to vote as a single class, shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the term of the class to which such director shall have been elected.

 

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Article XI of the Articles of Incorporation is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“Article XI REVERSE SHARE SPLIT

Upon the effective date of the filing of this Amendment with the Nevada Secretary of State, in order to effect a reverse stock split of outstanding Common Stock, each six (6) issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock shall be combined into one (1) share of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Common Stock. As soon as practicable after such date, the Corporation shall request in writing the holders of its Common Stock outstanding as of the effective date of this amendment to surrender certificates representing the Corporation’s Common Stock to the Corporation and each such shareholder shall receive upon such surrender a stock certificate or certificates to evidence and represent the number of shares of post reverse split Common Stock to which such shareholder is entitled after this reverse split.”

Article XII of the Articles of Incorporation is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“Article XII CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

Except as an Unaffiliated Director may otherwise agree in writing after the date hereof:

1. Each director of the Corporation that is not an officer, employee or other member of management of the Corporation (each such director, an “Unaffiliated Director”), and each agent and affiliate thereof, shall have the right: (A) to directly or indirectly engage in any activities or lines of business that are the same as or similar to those pursued by, or competitive with, the Corporation and its subsidiaries, (B) to directly or indirectly do business with any client or customer of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, and (C) not to present potential transactions, matters or business opportunities to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, and to pursue, directly or indirectly, any such opportunity for itself, and to direct any such opportunity to another person; provided, that in no event shall any such Unaffiliated Director utilize confidential information of the Corporation in connection with the foregoing.

2. Each such Unaffiliated Director, its agents and affiliates, shall have no duty (contractual or otherwise) to communicate or present any corporate opportunities to the Corporation or any of its stockholders, subsidiaries or affiliates or to refrain from any actions specified in this Article XII, and the Corporation, on its own behalf and on behalf of its stockholders, subsidiaries and affiliates, hereby renounces and waives any right to require such Unaffiliated Director or any of its agents or affiliates to act in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Article XII.

The Articles of Incorporation are hereby amended by inserting the following, immediately following Article XII:

“Article XIII INCORPORATOR

The name and address of the incorporator are: Jon D. Sawyer, 600 – 17th Street, Suite 2700, South Tower, Denver, Colorado 80202.

 

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Exhibit 3.2

EXHIBIT A

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION

OF THE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF THE

SERIES AA-1 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

AND THE

SERIES AA-2 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

OF

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. 1

The undersigned, the Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “ Corporation ”), in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, does hereby certify that, pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors by the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (as may be amended from time to time, the “ Articles ”), the following resolution creating two series of Preferred Stock, designated as Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, was duly adopted on             , 2015, as follows:

 

Section 1. Designation and Number .

(a) Series AA-1 Preferred Stock . One series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Series AA-1 Preferred Stock ”). The number of shares initially constituting the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock shall be 16,854,007, which number may be decreased (but not increased) by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) without a vote of stockholders; provided, however, that such number may not be decreased below the sum of the number of then outstanding shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock plus the number of shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock issuable under the terms of the Purchase Agreement.

(b) Series AA-2 Preferred Stock . One series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Series AA-2 Preferred Stock ”). The number of shares initially constituting the Series AA-2 Preferred Stock shall be 14,446,290, which number may be decreased (but not increased) by the Board without a vote of stockholders; provided, however, that such number may not be decreased below the sum of the number of then outstanding shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock plus the number of shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock issuable under the terms of the Purchase Agreement.

 

1   Note to Draft: Certificate of Designation to be filed after filing the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation giving effect to the Preliminary Transaction.


Section 2. Relative Rights and Ranking .

(a) Each share of each Series of Class AA Preferred Stock shall be identical and treated equally in all respects with each other share of each Series, except that each Series shall have a different Liquidation Preference and each Share may have a different date of issue.

(b) Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall rank pari passu with all other shares of Class AA Preferred Stock and senior to all other classes and series of Junior Stock (as defined below) of the Corporation now or hereafter authorized including, without limitation, the Common Stock.

 

Section 3. Dividends and Distributions .

(a) In the event that the Corporation shall declare a dividend or make any other distribution (including, without limitation, in cash, in capital stock (which shall include, without limitation, any options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock) of the Corporation, whether or not pursuant to a stockholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar arrangement, or other property or assets) to holders of Common Stock, then the Board of Directors shall declare, and the holder of each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the amount of such dividend or distribution received by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which such share of Class AA Preferred Stock is convertible on the record date for such dividend or distribution. Any such amount shall be paid to the holders of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock at the same time such dividend or distribution is made to holders of Common Stock.

(b) The holders of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions except as provided herein.

 

Section 4. Voting Rights .

(a) General Voting Rights . In addition to any voting rights provided by law, so long as any shares of Class AA Preferred Stock are outstanding, each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to (i) receive notice of all special and annual meetings of stockholders in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of the Corporation as if they are holders of Common Stock, and (ii) vote, in person or by proxy, at a special or annual meeting of stockholders, on all matters voted on by holders of Common Stock voting together as a single class with other shares entitled to vote thereon. With respect to any such vote, each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to cast that number of votes per share as is equal to the number of votes that such holder would be entitled to cast had such holder converted such holder’s shares of Class AA Preferred Stock into Common Stock on the record date for determining the stockholders of the Corporation eligible to vote on any such matters.

 

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(b) Series Voting Rights . So long as any shares of any Series are outstanding, the Corporation may not amend, modify or waive (by merger, consolidation or otherwise) the provisions of the Articles, the Corporation’s bylaws or this Certificate of Designation in a way that would adversely affect the rights, preferences or privileges of that Series relative to any other Series without the prior vote or written consent of holders representing at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of such Series, voting together as a separate class.

(c) Class Voting Rights . So long as a majority of the shares of the Class AA Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation are outstanding, the Corporation shall not take, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to take or consummate, any of the actions or transactions described in this Section 4(c) without the prior written consent of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Class AA Preferred Stock (any such action or transactions without such prior written consent being null and void ab initio and of no force or effect):

(i) amend, alter, modify or repeal the Articles, this Certificate of Designation or the by-laws of the Corporation, or amend the organization documents of any Material Subsidiary;

(ii) create, or authorize the creation of, any additional class or series of capital stock of the Corporation (or any security convertible into or exercisable for any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation) or issue or sell, or obligate itself to issue or sell, any securities of the Corporation or any Material Subsidiary (or any security convertible into or exercisable for any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation or any Material Subsidiary), including any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation that ranks superior to or in parity with the Class AA Preferred Stock in rights, preferences or privileges (including with respect to dividends, liquidation, redemption or voting other than pursuant to the Purchase Agreement;

(iii) issue any shares of Class AA Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the Purchase Agreement;

(iv) approve or consummate any Change of Control, merger, or other business combination, or liquidation, winding up, or bankruptcy involving the Corporation (or any of its Material Subsidiaries), or sell all or substantially all of the Corporation’s consolidated assets or all or substantially all of the equity in, or assets of, any Material Subsidiaries;

(v) Transfer any equity in Oceanica or any equity in any Subsidiary that directly or indirectly owns any equity in Oceanica, other than pursuant to agreements listed in the Schedules to the Purchase Agreement, or amend or consent to the amendment of the articles of incorporation or member agreement of Oceanica;

 

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(vi) incur any Debt, or guarantee the Debt, liabilities or obligations of any other Person, in an amount in the aggregate greater than $10,000,000, other than: (A) letters of credit, performance bonds or other similar credit support incurred in the ordinary course of business, or (B) indebtedness that is only recourse to specific assets of the Corporation or any of its Material Subsidiaries which assets do not include any equity in Oceanica or any equity in any Subsidiary that directly or indirectly owns any equity in Oceanica;

(vii) make any single or series of related acquisitions or dispositions during any twelve month period that, individually or in the aggregate, exceed $10,000,000;

(viii) redeem, purchase, acquire, retire or repurchase any equity or rights to acquire equity in the Corporation or any of its Securities, other than (A) the acquisition of options or Common Stock upon the net exercise of any options for Common Stock; or (B) the purchase equity from former employees upon the termination of their employment.

(ix) issue any equity or rights to acquire equity as compensation to employees since January 1, 2015 in excess of [                ] 2 shares of Common Stock.

(x) engage in any transaction with any affiliates of the Corporation (including affiliates of family members of such affiliates), either (a) in an amount greater than $50,000, other than compensation approved by the Board, or (b) other than on an arms’-length basis.

(xi) approve, enter into, modify, amend or terminate any employment agreement with, or consummate any employment agreement involving, the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, or chief financial officer of the Corporation, whether or not the person in question holds such title.

(xii) agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.

 

Section 5. Certain Restrictions .

(a) Whenever dividends that have accrued but not yet been paid on shares of Class AA Preferred Stock as provided in Section 2, at such time and thereafter until all unpaid dividends that have otherwise accrued but not yet been paid, whether or not declared, on the outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment or

 

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Note to draft: insert number of equity equivalents granted on 1-2-15 adjusted for the 1:6 reverse stock split that is part of the Preliminary Transactions.

 

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whenever the Corporation shall not have converted shares of Class AA Preferred Stock at a time required by Section 8, at such time and thereafter until all conversion and obligations provided in Section 8 that have come due shall have been satisfied or all necessary funds have been set apart for payment, the Corporation shall not: (A) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, on any shares of Junior Stock or (B) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, on any shares of Parity Stock, except dividends or distributions paid ratably on the Class AA Preferred Stock and all Parity Stock on which dividends are payable or in arrears, in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all shares of the Class AA Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock are then entitled.

(b) Whenever dividends that have accrued but not yet been paid on shares of Class AA Preferred Stock as provided in Section 2, at such time and thereafter until all unpaid dividends that have otherwise accrued but not yet been paid, whether or not declared, on the outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment, or whenever the Corporation shall not have converted shares of Class AA Preferred Stock at a time required by Section 8, at such time and thereafter until all conversion and obligations provided in Section 8 that have come due shall have been satisfied or all necessary funds have been set apart for payment, the Corporation shall not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of Junior Stock or Parity Stock; provided , however , that the Corporation may accept shares of any Parity Stock or Junior Stock for conversion into Junior Stock.

(c) The Corporation shall not permit any Subsidiary of the Corporation, or cause any other Person, to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of capital stock of the Corporation unless the Corporation could, pursuant to Section 5(b) , purchase such shares at such time and in such manner.

 

Section 6. Reacquired Shares .

Any shares of Class AA Preferred Stock converted, exchanged, purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner whatsoever shall be retired and canceled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All such shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation and, upon the filing of an appropriate Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, may be reissued as part of another series of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation subject to the conditions or restrictions on issuance set forth therein, but in any event may not be reissued as shares of Class AA Preferred Stock or other Parity Stock.

 

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Section 7. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up .

(a) The Liquidation Preference on each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall be its Stated Value plus accretion thereon at the rate of 8% per annum compounded on each December 31 from the date of issue of such share until the date such share is converted as provided in Section 8 (the “ Liquidation Preference ”). For any accretion period which is less than a full year, the Liquidation Preference shall accrete in an amount to be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the actual number of days elapsed.

(b) In the event of a Liquidation, the holders of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, an amount in cash equal to the greater of (i) the Liquidation Preference for such shares prior to such time at which payment shall be made or any assets distributed to the holders of any Junior Stock and (ii) the amount such holder would be entitled to receive had such holder converted such shares of Class AA Preferred into Common Stock pursuant to Section 8(a) immediately prior to such time at which payment shall be made or any assets distributed to the holders of any of the Preferred Stock. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, holders of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any distribution in the event of any Liquidation of the Corporation. If the assets of the Corporation are not sufficient to pay in full the liquidation payments payable to the holders of outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, then the holders of all such shares shall share equally and ratably in such distribution of assets in proportion to the full Liquidation Preference at such time.

(c) For the purposes of this Section 7, any sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of (i) 100% of the outstanding equity securities of the Corporation, (ii) all or substantially all of the property assets of the Corporation or (iii) the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of the Corporation with one or more entity shall be deemed to be a Liquidation.

(d) Nothing herein contained shall in any way or under any circumstances be construed or deemed to require the Board to declare, or the Corporation to pay or set apart for payment, any amounts for the payment of the Liquidation Preference on Class AA Preferred Stock at any time.

 

Section 8. Optional Conversion .

(a) Any holder of Class AA Preferred Stock shall have the right, at its option, at any time and from time to time, to convert, subject to the terms and provisions of this Section 8, any or all of such holder’s shares of Class AA Preferred Stock into one fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock for each share of Class AA Preferred Stock so converted.

 

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(b) Holders of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock to whom shares of Common Stock shall be issued pursuant to Section 8(a) shall be paid cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Common Stock subject to issuance thereunder.

(c) Immediately upon conversion as provided herein, each holder of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such holder’s shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, notwithstanding that the share register of the Corporation shall then be closed or that certificates representing the Common Stock shall not then actually be delivered to such Person. Upon written notice from the Corporation, each holder of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock so converted shall promptly surrender to the Corporation at its principal place of business to be maintained by it (or at such other office or agency of the Corporation as the Corporation may designate by such notice to the holders of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock) certificates representing the shares so converted.

(d) As promptly as practicable after the surrender, as herein provided, of any shares of Class AA Preferred Stock for conversion pursuant to Section 8(a), the Corporation shall deliver to, or upon the written order of, the holder of such shares so surrendered a certificate or certificates representing the number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Class AA Preferred Stock may be or have been converted in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8. Subject to the following provisions of this Section 8(d), such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date that such shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall have been surrendered in satisfactory form for conversion, and the Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of such shares of Class AA Preferred Stock shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such Common Stock at such time.

(e) If the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the date of this Certificate: (i) pays a dividend or make a distribution on Common Stock, in each case, consisting of shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivides its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares of Common Stock (including by means of a stock split), (iii) combines its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares of Common Stock or (iv) issues, in a reclassification of the Common Stock, other securities of the Corporation (including any such reclassification in connection with a consolidation or merger of the Corporation in which the Corporation is the surviving entity), the conversion rights set forth in Section 8(a) shall be adjusted so that each holder of Class AA Preferred Stock shall be entitled upon conversion to receive the kind and number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation which such holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive after the happening of any of the events described above, had conversion occurred immediately prior to the happening of such event or any record date with respect thereto. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 8(e) shall become effective on the effective date of such event retroactive to the record date, if any, for such event.

 

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(f) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available for issuance upon the conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 8(a) such number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock as will from time to time be sufficient to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, and shall take all action required to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock if at any time there shall be insufficient authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to permit such reservation or to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock.

(g) The Corporation shall not, by amendment of its certificate of incorporation or through any consolidation, merger, reorganization, transfer of assets, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms herein, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the holders of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock against dilution or other impairment.

(h) The issuance or delivery of certificates for Common Stock upon the conversion of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 8(a) shall be made without charge to the converting holder of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock for such certificates or for any tax in respect of the issuance or delivery of such certificates or the securities represented thereby, and such certificates shall be issued or delivered in the respective names of, or (subject to compliance with the applicable provisions of federal and state securities laws) in such names as may be directed by, the holders of the shares of Class AA Preferred Stock converted; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate in a name other than that of the holder of the shares of Class AA Preferred Stock converted, and the Corporation shall not be required to issue or deliver such certificate unless or until the Person or Persons requesting the issuance or delivery thereof shall have paid to the Corporation the amount of such tax or shall have established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid.

 

Section 9. Certain Remedies .

Any registered holder of Class AA Preferred Stock shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Certificate of Designation and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Certificate of Designation in any court of the United States or any state thereof having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such holder may be entitled at law or in equity.

 

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Section 10. Definitions .

For the purposes of this Certificate of Designation, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

(a) “ Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Person.

(b) “ Articles of Incorporation ” means the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, dated as of [ ].

(c) “ Business Day ” means any day other than (a) a Saturday or a Sunday or (b) a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by Law or executive order to close; provided, however, that Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12) and election day shall not be excluded from the definition of Business Day by virtue of this clause (b).

(d) “ Change of Control ” shall mean the issuance of equity securities or any other transaction by which any person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) acquires greater voting rights in the Corporation than the rights of the outstanding Class AA Preferred Stock or acquires the right to designate or nominate a greater number of directors than the outstanding Class AA Preferred Stock has the right to elect.

(e) “ Class AA Preferred Stock ” means the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock and the Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock.

(f) “ Common Stock ” shall mean the Common Stock of the Corporation, par value $0.0001 per share.

(g) “ Debt ” shall mean as to any person, without duplication (i) all indebtedness of such person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services as of such date (other than operating leases, trade liabilities and other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary practices) or which is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (ii) the principal component of all obligations of such person under capitalized leases, (iii) all obligations of such person in respect of letters of credit, acceptances or similar obligations issued or created for the account of such person, (iv) all liabilities secured by any lien on any property owned by such person even though such person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof, (v) all guarantee obligations of such person, (vi) all obligation of such person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such person and (vii) interest rate swap transaction, basis swap transaction, forward rate swap transaction, commodity swap transaction, equity transaction, equity index

 

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transaction, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction (including any option with respect to any of these transactions and any combination of any of the foregoing) entered into by such person.

(h) “ Junior Stock ” shall mean any capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock including, without limitation, the Series D Preferred Stock and the Common Stock.

(i) “ Liquidation ” shall mean the voluntary or involuntary liquidation under applicable bankruptcy or reorganization legislation, or the dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

(j) “ Material Subsidiary ” shall mean, any Subsidiary that directly or through its Subsidiaries owns either (a) any equity in Oceanica, or (b) greater than 10% by fair market value determined in good faith by the Board or book value of the consolidated assets of the Corporation.

(k) “ Oceanica ” means Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panamanian limitada.

(l) “ Person ” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, government (or an agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger) of such entity.

(m) “ Preferred Stock ” shall mean shall mean any capital stock of the Corporation ranking senior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Common Stock including, without limitation, the Class AA Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock.

(n) “ Purchase Agreement ” means [ ].

(o) “ Series ” shall mean the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock or the Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock.

(p) “ Stated Value ” shall mean for the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock $6.00 per share and for the Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock $3.00 per share.

(q) “ Stockholder Agreement ” shall mean the Stockholder Agreement, dated [ ], 2015, by and among the Corporation and the holders party thereto, as the same may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

(r) “ Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any person, a corporation or other entity of which 50% or more of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest in owned, directly or indirectly, by such persons.

(s) “ Transfer ” shall mean any direct or indirect sale, assignment, hypothecation, gift, inter vivos transfer, pledge, hedge, mortgage or other encumbrance, or any other disposition whatsoever, whether voluntary or involuntary.

 

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Exhibit 3.3

EXHIBIT B

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.

(A Nevada corporation)

ARTICLE I - STOCKHOLDERS

1. Certificates Representing Stock . Every holder of stock in Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (the “ Corporation ”) shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by the Chairman or one of the Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors, if any, or by the President or a Vice-President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or by agents designated by the Board of Directors, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the Corporation and setting forth any additional statements that may be required by the Nevada Business Corporation Act. If any such certificate is countersigned or otherwise authenticated by a transfer agent or transfer clerk or by a registrar other than the Corporation, a facsimile of the signature of any such officers or agents designated by the Board may be printed or lithographed upon such certificate in lieu of the actual signatures. In case any officer or officers who shall have signed, or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used on, any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Corporation before such certificate or certificates shall have been delivered by the Corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates, or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used thereon, had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the Corporation.

Whenever the Corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class of stock, and whenever the Corporation shall issue any shares of special stock, the certificates representing shares of any such class or series or of any such special stock shall set forth thereon the statements prescribed by the Nevada Business Corporation Act. Any restrictions on the transfer or registration of transfer of any shares of stock of any class or series shall be noted conspicuously on the certificate representing such shares.

The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and the Board of Directors may require the owner of any lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft, or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any new certificate.

2. Fractional Share Interests . The Corporation shall not be obliged to but may execute and deliver a certificate for or including a fraction of a share. In lieu of executing and delivering a certificate for a fraction of a share, the Corporation may pay to any person otherwise entitled to become a holder of a fraction of a share an amount in cash specified for such purpose as the value thereof in the resolution of the Board of Directors, or other instrument pursuant to which such fractional share would otherwise be issued, or, if not specified therein, then as may be determined for such purpose by the Board of Directors of the issuing corporation; or may execute and deliver registered or bear scrip over the manual or facsimile signature of an officer


of the Corporation or of its agent for that purpose, exchangeable as therein provided for full share certificates, but such scrip shall not entitle the holder to any rights as a stockholder except as therein provided. Such scrip may provide that it shall become void unless the rights of the holders are exercised within a specified period and may contain any other provisions or conditions that the Corporation shall deem advisable. Whenever any such scrip shall cease to be exchangeable for full share certificates, the shares that would otherwise have been issuable as therein provided shall be deemed to be treasury shares unless the scrip shall contain other provisions for their disposition.

3. Stock Transfers . Upon compliance with provisions restricting the transfer or registration of transfer of shares of stock, if any, transfers or registration of transfers of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be made only on the stock ledger of the Corporation by the registered holder thereof, or by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary of the Corporation or with a transfer agent or a registrar, if any, and on surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares of stock properly endorsed and the payment of all taxes, if any, due thereon.

4. Record Date for Stockholders . For the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or the allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty days nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the date on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the date on which the meeting is held; the record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of directors is necessary, shall be the day on which the first written consent is expressed; and the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

5. Meaning of Certain Terms . As used in these Bylaws in respect of the right to notice of a meeting of stockholders or a waiver thereof or to participate or vote thereat or to consent to dissent in writing in lieu of a meeting, as the case may be, the term “share” or “shares” or “share of stock” or “shares of stock” or “stockholder” or “stockholders” refers to an outstanding share or shares of stock and to a holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of stock when the Corporation is authorized to issue only one class of shares of stock, and said reference is also intended to include any outstanding share or shares of stock and any holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of stock of any class upon which or upon whom the Articles of Incorporation confers such rights where there are two or more classes or series of shares of stock or upon which or upon whom the Nevada Business Corporation Act confers such rights notwithstanding that the Articles of Incorporation may provide for more than one class or

 

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series of shares of stock, one or more of which are limited or denied such rights thereunder; provided, however, that no such right shall vest in the event of an increase or a decrease in the authorized number of shares of stock of any class or series which is otherwise denied voting rights under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation.

6. Stockholder Meetings .

Time . The annual meeting shall be held on the date and at the time fixed, from time to time, by the directors, provided, that the first annual meeting shall be held on a date within thirteen months after the organization of the Corporation, and each successive annual meeting shall be held on a date within thirteen months after the date of the preceding annual meeting. A special meeting shall be held on the date and at the time fixed by the directors.

Place . Annual meetings and special meetings shall be held at such place, within or without the State of Nevada, as the directors may, from time to time, fix. Whenever the directors shall fail to fix such place, the meeting shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Nevada.

Call . Special meetings may be called by the President, the Board of Directors or holders of not less than 1/10th of all shares entitled to vote at a meeting.

Notice or Waiver of Notice . Notice of all meetings shall be in writing and signed by the President or a Vice-President, or the Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary, or by such other person or persons as the directors shall designate. Such notice shall state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called and the time when, and the place, where it is to be held. A copy of such notice shall be either delivered personally to, or shall be mailed postage prepaid, to each stockholder not less than ten nor more than sixty days before such meeting. If mailed, it shall be directed to a stockholder at his address as it appears upon the records of the Corporation. Any stockholder may waive notice of any meeting by a writing signed by him, or his duly authorized attorney, either before or after the meeting; and whenever notice of any kind is required to be given under the provisions of the Nevada Business Corporation Act, a waiver thereof in writing and duly signed whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.

Conduct of Meeting . Meetings of the stockholders shall be presided over by one of the following officers in the order of seniority and if present and acting - the Chairman of the Board, if any, the Co-Chairmen of the Board, if any, the President, a Vice-President, or, if none of the foregoing is in office and present and acting, by a chairman to be chosen by the stockholders. The Secretary of the Corporation, or in his absence, an Assistant Secretary, shall act as secretary of every meeting, but if neither the Secretary nor an Assistant Secretary is present the chairman of the meeting shall appoint a secretary of the meeting.

Proxy Representation . Every stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy appointed by an instrument in writing in all matters in which a stockholder is entitled to participate, whether by voting or participating at a meeting, or expressing consent or dissent without a meeting. Every proxy must be executed by the stockholder or by his attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of eleven months from the date of its

 

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creation, unless coupled with an interest or unless the stockholder specifies in it therein the length of time for which it is to continue in force, which in no case shall exceed seven years from the date of its creation.

Inspectors . The directors, in advance of any meeting, may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If an inspector or inspectors are not appointed, the person presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors. In case any person who may be appointed as an inspector fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the directors in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the person presiding thereat. Each inspector, if any, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability. The inspectors, if any, shall determine the number of shares of stock outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares of stock represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the person presiding at the meeting, the inspector or inspectors, if any, shall make a report in writing of any challenge, question or matter determined by him or them and execute a certificate of any fact found by him or them.

Quorum . The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock or of the voting power, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders for the transaction of any business unless the action to be taken at the meeting shall require a different proportion. The stockholders present may adjourn the meeting despite the absence of a quorum.

Voting . Each share of stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. In the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast shall elect. Any other action shall be authorized by a majority of the votes cast except where the Nevada Business Corporation Act, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws prescribe a different percentage of votes and/or a different exercise of voting power. In the election of directors, voting need not be by ballot; and, except as otherwise may be provided by the Nevada Business Corporation Act, voting by ballot shall not be required for any other action.

7. Stockholder Action Without Meetings . Except as may otherwise be provided by the Nevada Business Corporation Act, any action required or permitted to be taken by the vote of stockholders at a meeting, may be taken without a meeting if authorized by the written consent of stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting power; provided that if a different proportion of voting power is required for such action at a meeting, then that proportion of written consents shall be required. In no instance where action is authorized by written consent need a meeting of stockholders be called or notice given. The written consent must be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders. Any written consent shall be subject to the requirements of Section 78.320 of the Nevada Business Corporation Act and of any other applicable provision of law.

 

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ARTICLE II - DIRECTORS

1. Functions and Definition . Except as provided in the Articles of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors shall have authority to fix the compensation of the members thereof for services in any capacity. The use of the phrase “whole Board” herein refers to the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

2. Qualifications and Number . Each director must be at least 18 years of age. A director need not be a stockholder or a resident of the State of Nevada. Subject to the Articles of Incorporation, the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall be determined and may be increased or decreased, to not less than one director, by resolution of the Board of Directors.

3. Election and Term . Directors may be elected in the manner prescribed by the provisions of Sections 78.320 through 78.335 of the Nevada Business Corporation Act. The first Board of Directors shall hold office until the first election of directors by stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. Thereafter, except as provided in the Articles of Incorporation, directors who are elected at an election of directors by stockholders, and directors who are elected in the interim to fill vacancies and newly created directorships, shall hold office until the next election of directors by stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

4. Meetings .

Time . Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly elected Board shall be held as soon after its election as the director may conveniently assemble.

Place . Meetings shall be held at such place within or without the State of Nevada as shall be fixed by the Board.

Call . No call shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, if any, the Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors, if any, or the President, or of a majority of the directors in office.

Notice or Actual or Constructive Waiver . No notice shall be required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Written, oral or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given for special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the directors thereat. Notice if any need not be given to a director or to any member of a committee of directors who submits a written waiver of notice signed by him before or after the time stated therein.

Quorum and Action . A majority of the whole Board shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the directors in office shall constitute a quorum, provided, that such majority shall constitute at least one-third of

 

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the whole Board. A majority of the directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn a meeting to another time and place. Except as the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws may otherwise provide, and except as otherwise provided by the Nevada Business Corporation Act, the act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. The quorum and voting provisions herein stated shall not be construed as conflicting with any provisions of the Nevada Business Corporation Act and these Bylaws which govern a meeting of directors held to fill vacancies and newly created directorships in the Board or action of disinterested directors.

Members of the Board or of any committee which may be designated by the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board or of any such committee, as the case may be, by means of a conference telephone network or a similar communications method by which all persons participating in the meeting hear each other. Participation in a meeting by said means shall constitute presence in person at any such meeting. Each person participating in a meeting by such means shall sign the minutes thereof.

Chairman of the Meeting . The Chairman of the Board, if any, and if present and acting, shall preside at all meetings. Otherwise, the Co- Chairmen of the Board, if any, and if present and acting, or one of the Co- Chairmen, if only one is present and acting, or the President, if present and acting, or any other director chosen by the Board, shall preside.

5. Removal of Directors . Any or all of the directors may be removed for cause or without cause by the holders of at least two thirds of the voting power of the outstanding stock of the Corporation. One or more of the directors may be removed for cause by the Board of Directors.

6. Committees . Whenever its number consists of two or more, the Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation and each committee to have such powers and duties as the Board shall determine. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution or resolutions of the Board, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal or stamp of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers on which the Corporation desires to place a seal or stamp.

7. Written Action . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if, before or after the action, a written consent thereto is signed by all the members of the Board or committee, as the case may be. The written consent must be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS

1. Officers . The Corporation shall have a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Resident Agent, and, if deemed necessary, expedient or desirable by the Board of Directors, a Chairman of the Board or Co-Chairmen of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, an Executive Vice-President, one or more other Vice-Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries, one or

 

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more Assistant Treasurers, and such other officers, agents and factors with such titles as the resolution choosing them shall designate. Each of any such officers, agents and factors shall be chosen by the Board of Directors or chosen in the manner determined by the Board of Directors.

2. Qualifications . Except as may otherwise be provided in the resolution choosing him, no officer other than the Chairman of the Board, if any, or Co-Chairmen of the Board, if any, need be a director.

Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, as the directors may determine.

3. Term of Office . Unless otherwise provided in the resolution choosing him, each officer, except the Resident Agent, shall be chosen for a term which shall continue until the meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor shall have been chosen and qualified. The Resident Agent shall serve until his or its successor shall have been chosen and qualified.

Any officer may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors or in the manner determined by the Board.

Any vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors or in the manner determined by the Board.

4. Duties and Authority . All officers of the Corporation shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management and operation of the Corporation as shall be prescribed in the resolution designating and choosing such officers and prescribing their authority and duties, and shall have such additional authority and duties as are incident to their office except to the extent that such resolutions or instruments may be inconsistent therewith. In the event that Co-Chairmen are elected, instead of a unitary Chairman, and if there are two or more Co-Chairmen, they shall constitute an “Office of the Chairman of the Board.” The decision of any individual Co-Chairman on matters within their authority may be overruled by a majority vote of the Co-Chairmen then in Office if there are three or more Co-Chairmen. If there are two Co-Chairmen and they are unable to agree on a decision, or if a deadlock in the vote of the Co-Chairmen as to a decision otherwise exists, the decision shall be referred to the full Board of Directors for resolution.

ARTICLE IV - PRINCIPAL AND REGISTERED OFFICES

Initially, the principal office and place of business of the Corporation will be located in the State of Florida at 3507 Frontage Road, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607. The Company’s registered office in the State of Nevada is located at The Corporation Trust Company of Nevada, 1 East First Street, Reno, Nevada 89501. Other offices and places of business may be established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors or as the business of the Corporation may require.

The Corporation shall maintain at said registered office a copy of its Articles of Incorporation, and all amendments thereto, and a copy of these Bylaws, and all amendments thereto, as certified by the Secretary of the Corporation. The Corporation shall also keep at said registered office a stock ledger or a duplicate stock ledger, revised annually, containing the

 

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names, alphabetically arranged, of all persons who are stockholders of the Corporation, showing their places of residence, if known, and the number of shares held by them respectively or a statement setting out the name of the custodian of the stock ledger or duplicate stock ledger, and the present and complete post office address, including street and number, if any, where such stock ledger or duplicate stock ledger is maintained.

ARTICLE V - CORPORATE SEAL OR STAMP

The Corporate seal or stamp shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may prescribe.

ARTICLE VI - FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be January 1 through December 31 of each year.

ARTICLE VII - CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY

1. Forum Selection. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the courts of the State of Nevada located in Clark County, Nevada shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Nevada Business Corporation Act, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to said court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein.

2. Fees. In the event that (i) any current or prior stockholder or anyone on their behalf (a “ Claiming Party ”) initiates or asserts any claim or counterclaim (each a “ Claim ”) or joins, offers substantial assistance to or has a direct financial interest in any Claim against the Corporation or any other stockholder (including any Claim purportedly filed on behalf of the Corporation or any stockholder), other than a Claim based on an express written contract to which the Claiming Party and the Corporation are signatories, and (ii) the Claiming Party (or the third party that received substantial assistance from the Claiming Party or in whose Claim the Claiming Party had a direct financial interest) does not obtain a judgment on the merits that substantially achieves, in substance and amount, the full remedy sought, then each Claiming Party shall, be obligated jointly and severally to reimburse the Corporation and any such stockholder for all fees, costs and expenses of every kind and description (including, but not limited to, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation expenses) that the Corporation may incur in connection with such Claim.

ARTICLE VIII - CONTROL OVER BYLAWS

The power to amend, alter and repeal these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws shall be vested in the Board of Directors subject to the Bylaws, if any, adopted by the stockholders.

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank.]

 

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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., a Nevada corporation, as in effect on the date hereof.

WITNESS my hand and the seal or stamp of the Corporation.

Dated this 11th day of March, 2015.

 

/s/ Melinda J. MacConnel

(SEAL) Melinda J. MacConnel, Secretary

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Bylaws]

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION VERSION

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.,

PENELOPE MINING LLC

AND

MINERA DEL NORTE, S.A. DE C.V., AS GUARANTOR AND LENDER

DATED AS OF MARCH 11, 2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I.   
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES   

Section 1.1.

Investor Commitment

  2   

Section 1.2.

Initial Closing

  2   

Section 1.3.

Deliveries at the Initial Closing

  3   

Section 1.4.

Preliminary Transactions

  4   

Section 1.5.

Investor Observer Rights

  4   
ARTICLE II.   
SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS   

Section 2.1.

Funding at Subsequent Closings

  4   

Section 2.2.

Investor Call Right

  5   

Section 2.3.

Subsequent Closings

  5   

Section 2.4.

Deliveries at Each Subsequent Closing

  6   
ARTICLE III.   
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY   

Section 3.1.

Organization, Existence and Good Standing

  6   

Section 3.2.

Authorization

  7   

Section 3.3.

No Conflict or Violation

  7   

Section 3.4.

Governmental Consents and Approvals

  8   

Section 3.5.

Capitalization and Voting Rights

  8   

Section 3.6.

Subsidiaries

  10   

Section 3.7.

Oceanica

  10   

Section 3.8.

Company Reports; Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities

  12   

Section 3.9.

Orders and Proceedings

  13   

Section 3.10.

Permits; Compliance with Laws

  13   

Section 3.11.

Contracts

  14   

Section 3.12.

Employees; Employee Compensation

  15   

Section 3.13.

Related Party Transactions

  16   

Section 3.14.

Intellectual Property

  17   

Section 3.15.

Taxes

  18   

Section 3.16.

Environmental Matters

  19   

Section 3.17.

Insurance

  20   

Section 3.18.

Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering

  20   

Section 3.19.

Interim Operations; Absence of Certain Changes

  21   

Section 3.20.

Brokers

  21   

Section 3.21.

Valid Issuance of Preferred Stock and Common Stock

  21   

Section 3.22.

Offering

  21   

Section 3.23.

Information Supplied

  22   

Section 3.24.

Opinion of Financial Advisor

  22   

Section 3.25.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

  22   

 

( i )


ARTICLE IV.   
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE INVESTOR   

Section 4.1.

Organization, Existence and Good Standing

  23   

Section 4.2.

Authorization

  23   

Section 4.3.

No Conflict or Violation

  23   

Section 4.4.

Governmental Consents and Approvals

  23   

Section 4.5.

Reliance Upon Investor’s Representations

  24   

Section 4.6.

Receipt of Information

  24   

Section 4.7.

Investment Experience

  24   

Section 4.8.

Qualifications of Investor

  24   

Section 4.9.

Restricted Securities

  24   

Section 4.10.

Litigation

  25   

Section 4.11.

Takeover Laws

  25   
ARTICLE V.   
AGREEMENTS OF THE COMPANY   

Section 5.1.

Interim Operations of the Company

  25   

Section 5.2.

Proxy Statement; Stockholder Meeting

  27   

Section 5.3.

Alternative Proposals

  28   

Section 5.4.

Investigations; Pre-Closing Access

  31   

Section 5.5.

Certain Filings; Commercially Reasonable Efforts

  31   

Section 5.6.

Transaction Litigation

  34   

Section 5.7.

State Takeover Laws

  34   

Section 5.8.

Oceanica Articles Amendment

  34   

Section 5.9.

2015 Stock Incentive Plan

  34   

Section 5.10.

Use of Proceeds

  34   
ARTICLE VI.   
CONDITIONS TO THE INITIAL CLOSING   

Section 6.1.

Mutual Conditions

  35   

Section 6.2.

Investor Conditions

  35   

Section 6.3.

Company Conditions

  36   
ARTICLE VII.   
CONDITIONS TO THE SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS   

Section 7.1.

Mutual Conditions

  37   

Section 7.2.

Investor Conditions

  37   

Section 7.3.

Company Conditions

  38   
ARTICLE VIII.   
TERMINATION PRIOR TO CLOSING   

Section 8.1.

Termination of Agreement

  39   

Section 8.2.

Effect of Termination

  40   

Section 8.3.

Survival

  41   

 

( ii )


ARTICLE IX.   
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION   

Section 9.1.

Survival of Representations and Warranties

  41   

Section 9.2.

Indemnification by the Company

  42   

Section 9.3.

Indemnification by Investor

  42   

Section 9.4.

Minimum Indemnification Threshold and Limits

  42   

Section 9.5.

Claims Notice

  42   

Section 9.6.

Covered Litigation

  43   
ARTICLE X.   
GUARANTY   

Section 10.1.

Guaranty

  43   

Section 10.2.

Certain Guaranty Matters

  43   
ARTICLE XI.   
LOAN   

Section 11.1.

Loan

  44   

Section 11.2.

Initial Loan Closing

  44   

Section 11.3.

Deliveries at the Initial Loan Closing

  45   

Section 11.4.

Deliveries at a Subsequent Loan Closing

  46   
ARTICLE XII.   
MISCELLANEOUS   

Section 12.1.

Rules of Construction

  47   

Section 12.2.

Entire Agreement

  48   

Section 12.3.

Notices

  48   

Section 12.4.

Fees, Costs and Expenses

  49   

Section 12.5.

Publicity and Reports

  50   

Section 12.6.

Amendments; Waiver

  50   

Section 12.7.

Binding Effect; Assignment

  50   

Section 12.8.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

  50   

Section 12.9.

No Recourse Against Nonparty Affiliates

  51   

Section 12.10.

Governing Law

  51   

Section 12.11.

Exclusive Forum in Designated Courts

  51   

Section 12.12.

Consent to Service of Process

  52   

Section 12.13.

Waiver of Jury Trial

  52   

Section 12.14.

Specific Performance

  52   

Section 12.15.

Remedies Cumulative

  52   

Section 12.16.

Counterparts

  52   

Section 12.17.

Signatures/E-delivery; Reproduction of Documents

  52   

Section 12.18.

Severability

  53   

Section 12.19.

Adjustments for Share Splits, etc.

  53   

Section 12.20.

Release

  53   

 

( iii )


ADDENDA

ANNEXES

 

Annex A Definitions
Annex B Cross Reference Sheet of Terms Defined Herein
Annex C Milestones
Annex D Subsequent Loan Funding Schedule

EXHIBITS – FORMS OF

 

Exhibit A Certificate of Designation
Exhibit B Articles Amendment and Amended and Restated Bylaws
Exhibit C Stockholder Agreement
Exhibit D Indemnification Agreement
Exhibit E Oceanica Articles Amendment and Membership Agreement
Exhibit F Note
Exhibit G Pledge Agreement

 

( iv )


STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of March 9, 2015, by and among Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “ Company ”), Penelope Mining LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Investor ”), and Minera del Norte S.A. de C.V., a Mexican societe anonime, (with respect to Article X , the “ Guarantor ” and with respect to Article XI , the “ Lender ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in Annex A hereto. For the convenience of the parties a cross-reference sheet of terms defined herein is attached as Annex B hereto.

RECITALS:

WHEREAS , the Company has authorized the sale and issuance of an aggregate of: up to 16,854,007 shares of Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Series AA-1 Preferred Stock ”) and up to 14,446,290 shares of Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Series AA-2 Preferred Stock ” and, together with the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock, the “ Class AA Preferred Stock ”);

WHEREAS , the Company desires to sell the Class AA Preferred Stock to the Investor, and the Investor desires to purchase the Class AA Preferred Stock from the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS , on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Lender is willing to make Loans to BahamasCo at the direction of the Company;

WHEREAS , on the date hereof, Investor has purchased a call option (the “ Oceanica Call ”) from BahamasCo to purchase all of BahamasCo’s equity in Oceanica;

WHEREAS , concurrently herewith, Oceanica and all of its members have amended the articles of incorporation of Oceanica (the “ Oceanica Articles Amendment ”) and the membership agreement of Oceanica (the “ Oceanica Membership Agreement ”) to be in the form included as Exhibit E hereto, and Oceanica and Investor have entered into a Mandate Agreement relating to the business of Oceanica (the “ Mandate Agreement ”);

WHEREAS , the Company has informed the Investor that without the Loans and the Contemplated Transactions, it would be subject to financial distress;

WHEREAS , the board of directors of the Company has unanimously determined that this Agreement, the Oceanica Call and the Contemplated Transactions are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders and has resolved to recommend that the Company’s stockholders grant the Stockholder Approval and has directed that a meeting be called for the purposes of obtaining the Stockholder Approval; and

WHEREAS , the Company has amended and restated its bylaws prior to executing and delivering this Agreement, in the form as Exhibit B hereto (the “ Amended and Restated Bylaws ”);

 

1


WHEREAS , concurrently herewith, and as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Investor and Guarantor to enter into this Agreement, each of the directors and executive officers of the Company have entered into a voting agreement (each a “ Voting Agreement ”) with Investor pursuant to which, among other things, each such person, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Voting Agreement, has agreed to (a) vote their shares of Common Stock in favor of adoption of the Stockholder Approval and (b) take certain other actions as contemplated by the Voting Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES

Section 1.1. Investor Commitment. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Investor commits to purchase up to $101,124,042.00 (the “ Commitment ”) of Class AA Preferred Stock as follows:

(a) Investor shall purchase at the Initial Closing 5,833,334 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock (the “ Initial Closing Shares ”) at a purchase price of $6.00 per share (the “ Series AA-1 Price ”); and

(b) Following the purchase of the Initial Closing Shares, at the Subsequent Closings Investor shall purchase at the Series AA-1 Price 11,020,673 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock (together with the Initial Closing Shares “ Committed Series AA-1 Shares ”).

It is understood and agreed that the number of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock available for purchase by the Investor and the purchase price therefor set forth in this Agreement are calculated after giving effect to the Preliminary Transactions and no adjustment of such share numbers or purchase price shall be made based on the consummation of the Preliminary Transactions.

Section 1.2. Initial Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Initial Closing Shares (the “ Initial Closing ”) shall be held at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the later of (a) the third Business Day following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Initial Closing set forth in Article VI (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Closing) and (b) 150 days following the date of this Agreement; provided, that (i) Investor may waive the requirements of clause (b), and (ii) the Initial Closing may occur on such other date or at such other time and place as the Company and Investor may mutually agree in writing in their sole discretion. The date on which the Initial Closing actually occurs is referred to as the “ Initial Closing Date .”

 

2


Section 1.3. Deliveries at the Initial Closing.

(a) At the Initial Closing, the Company shall deliver to Investor:

(i) a certified copy of the Certificate of Designation for the Class AA Preferred Stock in the form of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing its filing with, and acceptance by, the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada subsequent to the consummation of the Preliminary Transactions (the “ Certificate of Designation ”);

(ii) a certified copy of the amendment (the “ Articles Amendment ”) of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended from time to time (the “ Articles ”), in the form of Exhibit B hereto, evidencing its filing with, and acceptance by, the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada;

(iii) a stock certificate representing the Initial Closing Shares, duly executed by the Company, registered in the name of Investor or its nominee;

(iv) an opinion of Nevada counsel to the Company as to the valid issuance, full payment for, and non-assessability of the Class AA Preferred Stock to be issued by the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including the Initial Closing Shares being issued by the Company to Investor on the Initial Closing Date, and as to such other customary matters as Investor shall request;

(v) a counterpart of the Stockholder Agreement, duly executed by the Company, in the form of Exhibit C hereto (the “ Stockholder Agreement ”);

(vi) evidence reasonably satisfactory to Investor as to the election of the Investor Designees to the Company’s Board of Directors, and that such Investor Designees constitute a majority of the Board of Directors;

(vii) a counterpart of an Indemnification Agreement in favor of each Investor designee to the Company’s Board of Directors, in the form of Exhibit D hereto, duly executed by the Company (the “ Indemnification Agreement ”); and

(viii) all other instruments and certificates that the Company is required to deliver pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(b) At the Initial Closing, Investor shall deliver to the Company:

(i) payment in full of the purchase price for the Initial Closing Shares, which shall be delivered in the form of wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by the Company; provided, however, that the Company hereby irrevocably instructs Investor to deduct from such wire and pay over to Lender such amount as is sufficient to pay all amounts due with respect to the Loans or under the Note.

 

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(ii) a counterpart of the Stockholder Agreement, duly executed by the Investor; and

(iii) all other instruments and certificates that Investor is required to deliver pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Section 1.4. Preliminary Transactions . Prior to the consummation of the Initial Closing, the Company shall undertake the following transactions (the “ Preliminary Transactions ”):

(a) file, or cause to be filed, the Articles Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada providing for, among other things: (i) a 1-for-6 reverse stock split of the Common Stock, upon which every six shares of issued and outstanding Common Stock shall be automatically combined into one issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, without any change in the par value per share; and (ii) classifying the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board of Directors ”) into three different classes, with the entire Board of Directors being elected at the Stockholder Meeting, and thereafter, with one Class subject to election in each year, with Class I being subject to election in 2016; and

(b) include in the Proxy Statement designees of Investor, reasonably acceptable to the Board of Directors (the “ Investor Designees ”), for election as the Class III Directors and as a majority of the Class II Directors (and in the aggregate constituting a majority of the Board of Directors).

Section 1.5. Investor Observer Rights . From and after the date hereof and until the earlier to occur of (a) the Initial Closing and (b) the failure to obtain Stockholder Approval at the Stockholder Meeting, the Investor shall have the right to designate one (1) representative (the “ Investor Observer ”) to attend and observe all meetings of the Board of Directors and any committees thereof (excluding any committee formed to consider a transaction between the Investor and the Company). The Investor Observer shall be given notice of (in the same manner that notice is given to other members of the Board of Directors) all meetings (whether in person, telephonic or otherwise) of the Board of Directors, including all committee meetings. The Investor Observer shall receive a copy of all notices, agendas and other material information distributed to the Board of Directors and any committees thereof (excluding any committee formed to consider a transaction between the Investor and the Company), whether provided to directors in advance or, during or after any meeting, regardless of whether the Investor Observer shall be in attendance at the meeting.

ARTICLE II.

SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS

Section 2.1. Funding at Subsequent Closings . During the Takedown Period, Investor shall purchase from the Company Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at the Series AA-1 Price at one or more Subsequent Closings at such times and in such amounts as set forth on Annex C . For the avoidance of doubt, Investor shall not be obligated to: (i) purchase a number of shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock in excess of the Committed Series AA-1 Shares less the number of shares

 

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of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock previously purchased at a Subsequent Closing, or (ii) purchase Class AA Preferred Stock with an aggregate purchase price greater than Investor’s Commitment less the aggregate purchase price for Class AA Preferred Stock previously paid hereunder (the “ Remaining Commitment ”).

Section 2.2. Investor Call Right . During the Takedown Period, Investor shall have the right (the “ Investor Call Right ”), but not the obligation, at any time and from time to time, to require the Company to sell to it: (i) all or any portion of the unissued Committed Series AA-1 Shares at the Series AA-1 Price (which shall reduce Investor’s obligation to purchase such Committed Series AA-1 Shares at Subsequent Closings), and (ii) subject to the closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ having been greater than or equal to $7.56 per share for a period of twenty (20) consecutive Business Days on which the NASDAQ is open, up to 14,446,290 shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $3.00 per share. Investor may exercise the Investor Call Right by providing written notice to the Company specifying a proposed Subsequent Closing Date not less than ten (10) Business Days subsequent to the date of such notice. The notice may provide that closing of the Investor Call Right is subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions.

Section 2.3. Subsequent Closings.

(a) The closing of the purchase and sale of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 2.1 or the exercise of an Investor Call Right (each a “ Subsequent Closing ”) shall be held at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the later of: (i) the date specified in Annex C or the notice exercising the Investor Call Right, as applicable, (ii) the Business Day following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Subsequent Closing set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Subsequent Closing), and (iii) such later date as determined pursuant to paragraph (b) below; provided, that a Subsequent Closing may occur on such other date or at such other time and place as the Company and Investor may mutually agree in writing in their sole discretion. The date on which a Subsequent Closing actually occurs is referred to as a “ Subsequent Closing Date .”

(b) The Company shall delay any Subsequent Closing Date until the expiration or termination of governmentally imposed waiting periods and the obtaining of governmental approvals, including pursuant to the HSR Act, if any, to allow the Company to make one or more required governmental filings or obtain one or more required governmental approvals and to allow the Investor to make and obtain such filings and approvals, in connection with such Subsequent Closing (provided that the Investor reasonably believes, based on the advice of counsel, that such Investor must make or obtain any such filings or approvals, and the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to make each such required governmental filing and seek each such required governmental approval as promptly as possible). In no event shall the Investor be deemed to be in breach of this Agreement as a result of the Investor’s inability to consummate a Subsequent Closing prior to such compliance by the Company.

 

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Section 2.4. Deliveries at Each Subsequent Closing.

(a) At each Subsequent Closing, the Company shall deliver to Investor:

(i) a stock certificate representing the Class AA Preferred Stock being purchased, duly executed by the Company, registered in the name of Investor or its nominee; and

(ii) all other instruments and certificates that the Company is required to deliver pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(b) At each Subsequent Closing, Investor shall deliver to the Company:

(i) wire transfer of immediately available funds, to an account designated by the Company, the purchase price for the Class AA Preferred Stock to be purchased by Investor on the Subsequent Closing Date; and

(ii) all other instruments and certificates that Investor is required to deliver pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

ARTICLE III.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except as set forth on the correspondingly numbered section of the Disclosure Schedule delivered to the Investor in connection herewith, the Company represents and warrants to the Investor the following:

Section 3.1. Organization, Existence and Good Standing.

(a) The Company is duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the Laws pursuant to which it was formed, and has all requisite corporate power and corporate authority to carry on its businesses as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly licensed or qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation or other equivalent entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business transacted by it or the character of the properties owned or leased by it requires such licensing or qualification, except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise), affairs, properties, assets or Liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a “ Material Adverse Effect ”).

(b) The Company is not, nor has it been within the past five (5) years, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(c) On or prior to the date hereof, the Amended and Restated Bylaws (i) have been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors as the bylaws of the Company and (ii) are in full force and effect.

 

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Section 3.2. Authorization.

(a) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, including with respect to the Company, the power and authority to issue and sell the Class AA Preferred Stock and to issue the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.

(b) Except with respect to the Stockholder Approval, all action on the part of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, their respective officers, directors and stockholders necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, is a party, and the performance of all obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries hereunder and thereunder, and the authorization, issuance (or reservation for issuance), sale and delivery of the Class AA Preferred Stock in accordance with this Agreement and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof has been taken. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company, and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party, when executed and delivered, will constitute, assuming this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Investor, and are, valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms except: (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; and (ii) as limited by Laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies (the “ Enforceability Exceptions ”).

(c) The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”), by resolutions unanimously adopted at a meeting duly called and held, has (i) determined and declared that this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions, including the issuance of the Class AA Preferred Stock and the adoption of the Articles Amendment, are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its Stockholders, (ii) authorized and approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, (iii) directed that the approval of the issuance of the Class AA Preferred Stock and the adoption of this Agreement, the Articles Amendment and the Preliminary Transactions be submitted to a vote at the Stockholder Meeting, and (iv) recommended to the Stockholders that they grant the Stockholder Approval. Such resolutions have not been rescinded, modified or withdrawn in any way as of the date of this Agreement.

Section 3.3. No Conflict or Violation. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company and its Subsidiaries of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party and the consummation by the Company and its Subsidiaries of the Contemplated Transactions in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof will not (with notice or lapse of time, or both) (a) conflict with or violate any provision of (i) the Articles or bylaws of the Company or (ii) any equivalent organizational or governing document of any Subsidiary of

 

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the Company, (b) require any consent or approval under, violate, conflict with or result in any breach of or any loss of any benefit under, or constitute a default under, or result in termination or give to others any right of termination, vesting, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien upon any of the respective properties, rights or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) conflict with or violate any Order binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (d) assuming that all consents listed on Schedule 3.4 have been obtained and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (a)(ii), (b), (c) and (d), for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, impairments or revocations that would not reasonably be expected to be material.

Section 3.4. Governmental Consents and Approvals. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.4 , the execution, delivery and performance by the Company and its Subsidiaries of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party and the consummation by the Company and its Subsidiaries of the Contemplated Transactions in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof will not (with notice or lapse of time, or both) require any Permit or filing or registration with or notification to any Governmental Agency with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries except (a) for the filing of the Certificate of Designation and the Articles Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, (b) the filing of the Oceanica Articles Amendment with the Public Registry of the Republic of Panama and (c) where the failure to obtain such Permits, or to make such filings, registrations or notifications would not reasonably be expected to be material.

Section 3.5. Capitalization and Voting Rights.

(a) As of the date hereof, the equity capitalization of the Company consists of:

(i) 150,000,000 authorized shares of common stock par value $.0001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), of which 89,582,502 shares are issued and outstanding; and

(ii) 9,810,000 shares of preferred stock par value $.0001 per share, 134,800 of which have been designated as “Series D Preferred Stock” (together with the Class AA Preferred Stock, the “ Preferred Stock ”) and 32,400 of which are issued and outstanding. Each share of Series D Preferred Stock is convertible into one share of Common Stock.

(b) The outstanding Common Stock and Preferred Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, and were issued in accordance with the registration or distribution provisions of the applicable securities Laws or pursuant to valid exemptions therefrom.

(c) As of the date hereof, except as set forth on Schedule 3.5(c) there is no:

(i) outstanding option, warrant, right (contingent or other, including conversion, exchange, participation, right of first refusal, co-sale or pre-emptive rights or rights regarding phantom stock or stock appreciation rights) or agreement for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any Common Stock, Preferred Stock or any other shares or securities of the Company, or any options, warrants or rights convertible into or exchangeable for any thereof;

 

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(ii) commitment by the Company to issue shares, subscriptions, warrants, options, convertible or exchangeable securities or other such rights or to distribute to holders of its equity securities any evidence of indebtedness or assets;

(iii) bond, debenture, note or other indebtedness of the Company that entitles the holder thereof to vote (or is convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, securities having the right to vote) with the Stockholders on any matter;

(iv) outstanding contractual obligations, commitments or arrangements of any character (contingent or otherwise) that are binding on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in, the Company; or

(v) obligation, contingent or otherwise, by reason of any agreement to register the offer and sale or resale of any of the Company’s capital stock or other equity or voting securities under the Securities Act.

(d) After giving effect to the Preliminary Transaction, the outstanding equity capitalization of the Company will consist of:

(i) 150,000,000 authorized shares of Common Stock, of which except as a result of the exercise of options or warrants or the settlement of restricted stock units, in each case, as listed on Schedule 3.5(c) , 14,930,418 shares will be issued and outstanding and 618,068 will be issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options or settlement of restricted stock units; and

(ii) 50,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, (x) 9,810,000 of which will have been designated as “Series D Preferred Stock” and 32,400 of which will be issued and outstanding, (y) 16,854,007 of which will have been designated as “Series AA-1 Preferred Stock” and none of which will be issued and outstanding and (z) 14,446,290 of which will have been designated as “Series AA-2 Preferred Stock” and none of which will be issued and outstanding.

(iii) Each outstanding option, warrant, right (contingent or other, including conversion, exchange, participation, right of first refusal, co-sale or pre-emptive rights or rights regarding phantom stock or stock appreciation rights) or agreement for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any Common Stock listed on Schedule 3.5(c) , shall become exercisable for, or convertible into, one-sixth of the number of shares of Common Stock for which it was exercisable or convertible prior to the Preliminary Transactions and for a price no less than six times the applicable price in effect immediately prior to the Preliminary Transactions.

 

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(e) The Company has not and does not intend to accelerate any rights or waive any conditions existing under any outstanding option, warrant, right or agreement (contingent or otherwise, including exercise, vesting, payment, conversion, exchange, participation, right of first refusal, co-sale or pre-emptive rights or rights regarding phantom stock or stock appreciation rights) for the purchase or acquisition from the Company of any Common Stock, Preferred Stock or any other shares or securities of the Company, or any options, warrants or rights convertible into or exchangeable for any thereof.

Section 3.6. Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.6 sets forth, as of the date hereof, a true and complete list of all Subsidiaries of the Company, including the jurisdiction of organization of each such Subsidiary. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.6 , the Company or a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company owns all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in each Subsidiary. The Company has made available to Investor true and complete copies of the articles of incorporation and bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, of each Subsidiary. Each Subsidiary of the Company: (a) is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, (b) has all requisite corporate power and authority and all authorizations, licenses and permits necessary to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its businesses as now conducted and (c) is duly qualified or licensed to do business in every jurisdiction in which its ownership, leasing or operation of property or assets or the conduct of businesses as now conducted requires it to be qualified or licensed, other than in the case of the Intermediate Holdcos, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.7. Oceanica. As of the date hereof and as of the Initial Closing Date:

(a) The Company owns all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Marine Exploration Holdings, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“ MEH ”), free and clear of all Liens, and MEH owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd., a Bahamian company (“ BahamasCo ” and together with MEH, the “ Intermediate Holdcos ”) free and clear of all Liens. BahamasCo owns 54,000,000 shares of Oceanica, free and clear of all Liens except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 .

(b) The outstanding equity capitalization of Oceanica is as set forth on Schedule 3.7(b) . The Company has terminated the Mako Option for no consideration other than up to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the “ Mako Option Termination ”).

(c) As of the date hereof, except as set forth on Schedule 3.7(c) there is no:

(i) outstanding option, warrant, right (contingent or other, including conversion, exchange, participation, right of first refusal, co-sale or pre-emptive rights or rights regarding phantom stock or stock appreciation rights) or agreement for the purchase or acquisition from any of the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica of any equity, or any options, warrants or rights convertible into or exchangeable for any such equity;

 

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(ii) commitment by the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica to issue shares, subscriptions, warrants, options, convertible or exchangeable securities or other such rights or to distribute to holders of its equity securities any evidence of indebtedness or assets;

(iii) bond, debenture, note or other indebtedness of the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica that entitles the holder thereof to vote (or is convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, securities having the right to vote) with the holders of equity in the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica on any matter;

(iv) outstanding contractual obligation, commitment or arrangement of any character (contingent or otherwise) that are binding on the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica; and

(v) obligation, contingent or otherwise, by reason of any agreement to register the offer and sale or resale of any of the capital stock of the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica under the Securities Act.

(d) Set forth on Schedule 3.7(d) is a true and complete list of each Permit Oceanica has obtained, or made filings to obtain, in connection with the construction, development and operation of the Don Diego Project (each, a “ Project Permit ”). True and complete copies of all such Permits and filings and all material written correspondence with any Governmental Agency regarding any Project Permit has been furnished to Investor. No Governmental Agency has provided the Company, Oceanica or any of their Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of the Company any other Person, written notice that such Governmental Agency does not intend to issue any Project Permit or any other Permit that is reasonably necessary for the construction, development and operation of the Don Diego Project. There is no Proceeding pending or threatened (in writing or otherwise) (i) with respect to any alleged error or omission contained in any filing related to any Project Permit, or (ii) following the issuance of any Project Permit, with respect to any alleged failure to be in compliance with the terms thereof, or which is likely to result in the revocation or termination of such Project Permit.

(e) Oceanica or a Subsidiary thereof has the exclusive ownership of the mineral rights related to the Don Diego Project covering not less than 300,000 hectares, each of which are listed on Schedule 3.7(e) (the “ Project Mineral Rights ”), free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens. The Project Mineral Rights are sufficient to conduct the Don Diego Project in a manner consistent with the business plans of the Company.

(f) The Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would cause the Technical Report: Revised Assessment of the Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit, Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), dated June 30, 2014, to not be true and correct in all material respects.

 

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Section 3.8. Company Reports; Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities.

(a) The filings, including all material forms, registration, proxy and information statements, prospectuses, reports, agreements (oral or written) and all documents, exhibits, amendments and supplements appertaining thereto, filed or furnished by the Company since January 1, 2014 under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (the “ Company Reports ”), have been timely filed or furnished (as applicable) with the SEC and complied, as of their respective filing dates, in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder, in each case as in effect on the dates so filed, including any amendments of such Company Reports filed with the SEC. None of the Company Reports contained, at the time such Company Report was filed, or if amended or restated, at such time when finally amended, restated or subsequently mailed to securityholders, any untrue statement of any material fact or omitted to state any 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. All such Company Reports complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be.

(b) As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters from the SEC staff with respect to the Company Reports, and to the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any Company Report is the subject of an ongoing SEC review or outstanding SEC investigation.

(c) Each of the consolidated financial statements, consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows (including, in each case, any related notes and schedules thereto) of the Company included in or incorporated by reference into the Company Reports: (i) complied, as of the respective filing dates thereof, in all material respects with the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto as in effect on the respective filing dates thereof, (ii) were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied during the periods involved (“ GAAP ”), except as may be footnoted therein, (iii) fairly presented, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company, as of the respective dates thereof, and the consolidated results of operations, retained earnings (accumulated deficit) and cash flows, as the case may be, of the Company for the respective periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received, in writing, any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls. To the Knowledge of the Company, no attorney representing the Company or its Subsidiaries has reported evidence of a material violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents to the Board of Directors or any committee thereof pursuant to the rules of the SEC adopted under Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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(d) The Company has (A) implemented and maintains (x) disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries is made known on a timely basis to the management of the Company and (y) a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and (B) disclosed to the Company’s outside auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors (x) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and (y) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

(e) There are no Liabilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries of a nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) other than: (i) Liabilities set forth in the consolidated balance sheet, including the notes thereto, of the Company included in the most recent Company Reports; (ii) Liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices since the date of such balance sheet; (iii) Liabilities under Contracts, none of which arise out of any breach, default or non-performance by the Company or its Subsidiaries; and (iv) Liabilities disclosed on the Schedules to this Agreement.

Section 3.9. Orders and Proceedings. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.9 , there are no outstanding Orders to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets is subject or bound that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and there are no Proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to which any of their respective properties or assets is subject or bound that, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.10. Permits; Compliance with Laws.

(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries hold all Permits necessary to own, lease and operate their respective properties and assets, and to lawfully carry on and operate their respective businesses as currently conducted, and all such Permits are in full force and effect except where the failure to hold such Permits has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of all such Permits, except for such non-compliance as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice during the period beginning on the date that is three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement from any Governmental Agency threatening to suspend, revoke, withdraw, not renew, impose any sanctions or fines in connection with, modify in any material and adverse respect or limit any Permit, except where such notice would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10: (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and for the past three years have been, in material compliance with all material Laws applicable to them; and (ii) during the past three years, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice from any Governmental Agency or any other Person regarding any actual, alleged, possible, or potential violation of, or failure to materially comply with, any material Law, except for such non-compliance as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.11. Contracts.

(a) Except for Contracts filed as exhibits to the Company Reports or as set forth on Schedule 3.11 , as of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, and neither the Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective properties or assets, are expressly bound by any Contract that:

(i) is a “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act);

(ii) contains any covenant limiting, to a degree that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, the ability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business, or to compete with any Person or in any geographic area;

(iii) contains any indemnification of, advancement of expenses (other than the advancement of business expenses in the ordinary course) to or exculpation of Liability of any current or former director, officer or employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(iv) requires the future acquisition from another Person or future disposition to another Person of assets or capital stock or other equity interest of another Person;

(v) relates to an acquisition or similar transaction which contains indemnities or “earn-out” obligations after the date hereof with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(vi) provides for payments to or by any Person based on sales, purchases, or profits, other than direct payments for goods;

(vii) provides for the employment of any stockholder, director, officer, consultant or key employee not terminable without penalty or Liability arising from such termination or any severance or change-in-control contract or arrangement;

 

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(viii) relates to the Don Diego Project; or

(ix) relates to cleanup, abatement or other actions in connection with any Liability under any Environmental Laws.

Each Contract of the type described in this Section 3.11 , including any such Contract entered into after the date hereof, is referred to herein as a “ Material Contract.

(b) A true and complete copy of each Material Contract in effect as of the date of this Agreement, including any material amendments thereto, has been made available to Investor.

(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in breach of or default under the terms of any Material Contract where such breach or default has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no other party to any Material Contract is in breach of or default under the terms of any Material Contract where such breach or default would have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not have or would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, each Material Contract is a valid and binding obligation of the Company or its Subsidiary party thereto, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, of each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect; provided, that such enforcement may be subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

Section 3.12. Employees; Employee Compensation.

(a) Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries are delinquent in payments to any of the employees, former employees or any independent contractors of either of the Company or its Subsidiaries for any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other direct compensation for any services performed for the Company or its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof or amounts required to be reimbursed to such employees, former employees or independent contractors. There is no strike or other labor dispute involving the Company or its Subsidiaries pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, nor are the Company or its Subsidiaries aware of any labor organization activity involving the employees of either.

(b) Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries have contributed to or are required to contribute to any multiemployer plan within the meaning of and subject to section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA or Section 414(f) of the Code (a “ Multiemployer Plan ”). Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate (as defined below) has incurred any Liability resulting from a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan, and none of them has incurred, or is reasonably likely to incur, any Liability due to the termination or reorganization of a Multiemployer Plan which has not been satisfied in full, and to the Knowledge of Company, no event has occurred that would subject the Company or any ERISA Affiliate to any such liability.

 

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(c) None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any corporation, trade, business, or entity that would be deemed a “single employer” with the Company or any Subsidiary within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m), or (o) of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA (each, an “ ERISA Affiliate ”), or any of their respective predecessors has contributed to, contributes to, has been required to contribute to, or otherwise participated in or participates in or in any way has any Liability, directly or indirectly, with respect to any plan subject to Section 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code, Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA, including, without limitation, a “multiple employer plan” (as defined in Section 413 of the Code), a “multiple employer welfare arrangement (as defined in Section 3(40) of ERISA), any single employer pension plan (within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) which is subject to Sections 4063, 4064 and 4069 of ERISA or Section 413(c) of the Code, or a plan maintained in connection with any trust described in Section 501(c)(9) of the Code.

(d) Each Plan complies with, and has been established, operated and administered in accordance with its terms and the requirements of, ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws.

(e) Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability for any tax or penalty imposed by Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA with respect to any Plan.

(f) Each Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received an IRS determination letter concluding that such Plan so qualifies in form, and no event has occurred and no condition exists that, to the Company’s Knowledge, would cause such Plan to lose its qualified status.

(g) Except as may be required under Section 4980B of the Code, Section 601 of ERISA or other applicable foreign, state or local law, the Company does not have any Liability for post-retirement medical or life insurance benefits or coverage for any current or former employee, officer or director of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or any dependent of any such employee.

Section 3.13. Related Party Transactions. Except as specifically disclosed in the Company Reports:

(a) No employee, officer, stockholder or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or member of his or her immediate family, is indebted to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, nor are the Company or any of its Subsidiaries indebted (or committed to make loans or extend or guarantee credit) to any of them, other than: (i) for payment of salary for services rendered to the Company or its Subsidiaries by officers, directors or employees; (ii) reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by officers, directors or employees on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries; and (iii) for other standard employee benefits made generally available to all employees.

(b) To the Company’s Knowledge, none of such persons has any ownership interest, directly or indirectly, in any firm, corporation or other entity with which the Company or its Subsidiaries are affiliated or with which the

 

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Company or its Subsidiaries have a business relationship, or in any firm, corporation or other entity that competes with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except: (i) that employees, stockholders, officers or directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries and members of their immediate families may have an immaterial beneficial ownership interest in publicly traded companies that may compete with the Company or its Subsidiaries; and (ii) non-employee directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries may serve as directors or managers of, and may have ownership interests in, any Person that competes with the Company or its Subsidiaries.

(c) To the Knowledge of the Company, no officer, director or stockholder or any member of their immediate families is a party to or is, directly or indirectly, interested in any agreement, understanding or proposed transaction with the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than such written agreements as relate to any such person’s ownership of securities of the Company or any Subsidiary).

Section 3.14. Intellectual Property.

(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, all Intellectual Property used in the operation of and that is material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries is either (i) owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries (the “ Owned Intellectual Property ”) or (ii) used by the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to a valid Contract or other right (the “ Licensed Intellectual Property ”). The Owned Intellectual Property and the Licensed Intellectual Property is sufficient to conduct the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries own and possess all right, title and interest in and to the Owned Intellectual Property free and clear of all Liens.

(c) The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable actions to maintain and protect each item of Owned Intellectual Property (including all material trade secrets and confidential information), except to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and to the Knowledge of the Company, there has not been any unauthorized use, disclosure or appropriation of the Owned Intellectual Property or Licensed Intellectual Property, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each current and past employee, officer or consultant or any other Person who developed any Owned Intellectual Property has executed all Contracts necessary to transfer such Owned Intellectual Property to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

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(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the use of the Owned Intellectual Property does not misappropriate, infringe, induce infringement of or otherwise violate any Intellectual Property or other proprietary rights of any other Person, and there is no such Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no existing fact or circumstance that would be reasonably expected to give rise to any such Proceeding. To the Knowledge of the Company, no Person is infringing or otherwise violating any Owned Intellectual Property or any rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries in any Licensed Intellectual Property and there is no pending claim challenging the ownership or validity of any Owned Intellectual Property, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.15. Taxes. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect:

(a) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has timely filed or joined in the filing of (taking into account extensions) all Tax Returns required to have been filed by it and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has timely paid all Taxes owed by it and, with respect to any period for which Tax Returns have not yet been filed or for which Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries are not yet due or owing, adequate accruals for such Taxes on the most recent consolidated financial statements, as disclosed in the Company Reports, as required by GAAP have been made.

(b) There are no pending actions or actions threatened in writing for the assessment or collection of Taxes with respect to any of the Company and its Subsidiaries and all deficiencies for Taxes asserted or assessed in writing against any of the Company and its Subsidiaries have been fully and timely paid, settled or properly reflected in the most recent consolidated financial statements.

(c) There are no Liens for Taxes against any of the assets of any of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than Permitted Liens.

(d) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has complied with all applicable Tax laws relating to the payment and withholding of Taxes and has duly and timely withheld and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority all amounts required to be so withheld and remitted under all applicable Tax laws.

(e) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or arrangement relating to the apportionment, sharing, assignment or allocation of any Taxes (other than (i) a Contract among the Company and its Subsidiaries or (ii) any agreement or arrangement pertaining to the sale or lease of assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries or pursuant to any commercial financing arrangement or any other agreement or arrangement where the inclusion of a Tax allocation or indemnification provision is customary or incidental to an agreement or arrangement the primary nature of which is not Tax sharing or indemnification).

 

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(f) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for Tax purposes (other than the group the common parent of which is the Company).

(g) Since January 1, 2009, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any transaction that constitutes (i) a “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b) or (ii) a “confidential corporate tax shelter” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 301.6111-2(a)(2).

Section 3.16. Environmental Matters.

(a) Except to the extent that violations or non-compliance do not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with and are in compliance with all Laws applicable to it or any of its properties, assets, operations and businesses relating to the environment or environmental protection (collectively, “ Environmental Laws ”) including Environmental Laws relating to air, water and land and the generation, storage, use, handling, transportation, treatment or disposal of “Hazardous Wastes”, “Hazardous Materials” and “Hazardous Substances” (as such terms are defined in any applicable Environmental Law) including petroleum and petroleum products.

(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have received any notice from any Governmental Agency of any contravention by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any Environmental Laws.

(c) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries have obtained and adhered to all Permits and other approvals necessary to treat, transport, store, dispose of and otherwise handle Hazardous Wastes, Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Substances, and have reported to the appropriate authorities, to the extent required by all Environmental Laws, all past and present sites owned and operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries where Hazardous Wastes, Hazardous Materials or Hazardous Substances have been treated, stored, disposed of or otherwise handled.

(d) There have been no releases or threats of releases (as defined in Environmental Laws) at, from, in or on any property owned or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries except as permitted by Environmental Laws (none of which has had, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect).

(e) No on-site or off-site location to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have transported or disposed of Hazardous Wastes, Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Substances or arranged for the transportation of Hazardous Wastes, Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Substances is the subject of any federal, state, local or foreign enforcement action or any other investigation which could lead to any material claim against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any clean-up cost, remedial work, damage to natural resources, property damage or personal injury.

(f) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have any contingent liability in connection with any release of any Hazardous Wastes, Hazardous Materials or Hazardous Substance into the environment.

 

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Section 3.17. Insurance. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (a) the Company and its Subsidiaries maintain insurance policies in such amounts and against such risks as are customary in the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate and (b) each such insurance policy is legal, valid, binding and enforceable. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no material claim by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any of the Company’s insurance policies as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed in writing by the underwriters of such policies. All premiums (or installments thereof) due as of the date hereof under all such insurance policies have been paid in full, and the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, have otherwise complied with the terms and conditions of all such insurance policies, except for any such failure to so pay or otherwise comply that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. As of the date of this Agreement, the Company has not received written notice from any insurance carrier: (i) threatening a suspension, revocation, termination, cancellation or modification of any such insurance policies or a material increase in any premium in connection therewith, or (ii) informing the Company or any of its subsidiaries that any existing coverage will or may not be available in the future on substantially the same terms as now in effect, in each case except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.18. Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering.

(a) Neither the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, nor any director or officer of any of the Company or its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any stockholder, employee, vendor, sub-contractor or representative acting on behalf of any of the Company and its Subsidiaries, has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a material violation of any Anti-Corruption Law, Anti-Money Laundering Law, or OFAC Law, whether within the United States of America or elsewhere.

(b) The Company has established and maintains procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to ensure that the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or OFAC Laws.

(c) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries has found material violations of any Anti-Corruption Law, Anti-Money Laundering Law or OFAC Law in an internal investigation, made a voluntary or other disclosure to a Governmental Agency related to any Anti-Corruption Law, Anti-Money Laundering Law or OFAC Law or received any written official notice, citation, complaint or report related to alleged violations of any Anti-Corruption Law, Anti-Money Laundering Law or OFAC Law and either filed with a court, tribunal, or other Governmental Agency or transmitted by a Governmental Agency. The Company has no Knowledge that it or any of its Subsidiaries is under investigation by any Governmental Agency for possible violations of any Anti-Corruption Law, Anti-Money Laundering Law or OFAC Law.

 

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(d) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries, nor any director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no employee or agent of any of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is (i) a blocked person or denied party under any Anti-Money Laundering Law or (ii) a Person with whom dealing or engaging in transactions is prohibited or sanctioned under any Laws of the United States of America or any other applicable jurisdiction. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Contract or other agreement or has engaged in any transaction or other business dealing with any country that, at the time of the relevant transaction, was subject to comprehensive (as opposed to list-based) OFAC Laws.

Section 3.19. Interim Operations; Absence of Certain Changes. From the date of the most recent balance sheet included in a Company Report prior to the date of this Agreement to the date of this Agreement: (a) the Company and its Subsidiaries have conducted their business, in all material respects, in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice, and have not taken any action that would have been prohibited by Section 5.1 if such Section had been applicable to the Company and its Subsidiaries during such period; and (b) there has not been any occurrence that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.20. Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.20 , no person, firm or corporation has or, as a result of any action taken by the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their authorized representatives, will have, in the context of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any right, interest or valid claim against or upon the Company, its Subsidiaries or the Investor for any commission, fee or other compensation as a finder or broker or in any similar capacity.

Section 3.21. Valid Issuance of Preferred Stock and Common Stock.

(a) The shares of Class AA Preferred Stock that are being purchased by the Investor hereunder, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and will be free of all Liens other than restrictions as set forth in this Agreement, the Articles or the other Transaction Documents and under applicable state and federal securities Laws.

(b) The Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock being purchased pursuant to this Agreement, upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Articles, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will be free of all restrictions imposed by or through the Company other than restrictions set forth in this Agreement, the Articles or the other Transaction Documents and under applicable state and federal securities Laws.

Section 3.22. Offering. Assuming the accuracy of the Investor’s representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, the offer, sale and issuance of the shares of Class AA

 

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Preferred Stock as contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from the registration and prospectus requirements of the Securities Act, and any other applicable securities Law, and will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities and blue sky Laws. Neither the Company nor any Person acting on its behalf will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemption. The issuance of the Class AA Preferred Stock to the Investor will not be integrated with any other issuance of the Company’s securities (past, current or future) for purposes of any stockholder approval provisions applicable to the Company or its securities.

Section 3.23. Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by any of the Company and its Subsidiaries specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement will, at the time the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the Stockholders and at the time of the Stockholder Meeting, 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, except that no representation or warranty is made by the Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by Investor for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.

Section 3.24. Opinion of Financial Advisor. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, Hyde Park Capital Advisors, LLC has delivered to the Company its opinion, as of the date hereof, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the matters set forth therein, the consideration to be received by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and in the Contemplated Transactions is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Common Stock.

Section 3.25. Anti-Takeover Provisions. Assuming the accuracy of the Investor’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.11 of this Agreement, the Company has taken all actions necessary to render inapplicable to this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions, and inapplicable to Investor and the Class AA Preferred Stock to be issued to Investor (and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Class AA Preferred Stock) in connection with this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions, any and all “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition,” “business combination” and other similar statutes or regulations of any state or jurisdiction (collectively, “ Takeover Laws ”); and without limiting the foregoing, the Board of Directors has taken all actions necessary so that following the receipt of the Stockholder Approval the restrictions on business combinations contained in Sections 78.378-78.3793 and 78.411-78.444 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, and, accordingly, any other section or any other Nevada Takeover Law or similar statute or regulation will not apply with respect to, or as a result of, the execution of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents or the consummation of the Contemplated Transactions, without any further action on the part of the Stockholders or of the Board of Directors.

 

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ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE INVESTOR

The Investor hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date hereof that:

Section 4.1. Organization, Existence and Good Standing. Investor is duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the Laws pursuant to which it was formed, and has all requisite corporate power and corporate authority to carry on its businesses as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. Investor is duly licensed or qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation or other equivalent entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business transacted by it or the character of the properties owned or leased by it requires such licensing or qualification, except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have an Investor Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.2. Authorization. Investor has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party. Any and all corporate or partnership action on the part of Investor necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of all obligations of Investor hereunder at the Closing has been, or will by the Closing have been, taken. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered and constitutes, and the Transaction Documents to which Investor is a party when executed and delivered will constitute, assuming due execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, valid and legally binding obligations of Investor, enforceable against Investor in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

Section 4.3. No Conflict or Violation. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.3 , the execution, delivery and performance by Investor and Guarantor of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party and the consummation by the Investor and Guarantor of the Contemplated Transactions in accordance with the terms hereof, or thereof, will not (with notice or lapse of time, or both) (a) conflict with or violate any provision of (i) the limited liability company agreement of Investor or (ii) any equivalent organizational or governing document of Guarantor, (b) require any consent or approval under, violate, conflict with or result in any breach of or any loss of any benefit under, or constitute a default under, or result in termination or give to others any right of termination, vesting, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien upon any of the respective properties, rights or assets of the Investor or Guarantor, (c) conflict with or violate any Order binding upon the Investor or Guarantor, or (d) assuming that all consents listed in Schedule 4.4 have been obtained and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to the Investor or Guarantor, except in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (b), (c) and (d), for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, impairments or revocations that would not reasonably be expected to have an Investor Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.4. Governmental Consents and Approvals. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.4 , the execution, delivery and performance by the Investor and its Affiliates of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party and the consummation by the Investor and its Affiliates of the Contemplated Transactions in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof will not (with notice or lapse of time, or both) require any Permit or filing or registration with or notification to any Governmental Agency with respect to the Investor and Guarantor where the failure to obtain such Permits, or to make such filings, registrations or notifications would not reasonably be expected to have an Investor Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4.5. Reliance Upon Investor’s Representations. Investor understands that the Class AA Preferred Stock may not be registered under the Securities Act on the ground that the sale provided for in this Agreement and the issuance of securities hereunder is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof and/or Rule 506 of the Securities Act.

Section 4.6. Receipt of Information. Investor believes it has received all the information the Investor considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to purchase the Class AA Preferred Stock. Investor further represents that Investor has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Company regarding the terms and conditions of the offering of the Class AA Preferred Stock and the business, properties, prospects and financial condition of the Company and to obtain additional information (to the extent the Company possessed such information or could acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense) necessary to verify the accuracy of any information furnished to Investor or to which Investor had access. The foregoing, however, does not limit or modify the representations and warranties of the Company in ARTICLE III of this Agreement or the right of Investor to rely thereon.

Section 4.7. Investment Experience. Investor confirms that it has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that Investor is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Class AA Preferred Stock and of making an informed investment decision and understands that: this investment is suitable only for an investor which is able to bear the economic consequences of losing its entire investment; the purchase of the Class AA Preferred Stock to be purchased by the Investor hereunder is a speculative investment which involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment; there are substantial restrictions on the transferability of, and there will be no public market for, the Class AA Preferred Stock, and accordingly, it may not be possible for the Investor to liquidate its investment in case of emergency; and this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents create a complex set of rights and obligations of the Investor.

Section 4.8. Qualifications of Investor. Investor is an “Accredited Investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act (without reliance on Rule 501(a)(4) thereof). The Investor will provide reasonable information requested by the Company in connection with any filing required to be made with applicable securities regulators in connection with any issuance of Class AA Preferred Stock hereunder. Investor is not a “Bad Actor” within the meaning of Rule 506 of the Securities Act.

Section 4.9. Restricted Securities . Investor understands that no securities of the Company may be sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom, and that in the absence of either an effective registration statement covering the Class AA Preferred Stock or the Common Stock into which it may have been converted, as applicable, compliance with such distribution requirements or an available exemption from registration under the Securities Act, the Class AA Preferred Stock or the Common Stock into which it may have been converted, as applicable, must be held indefinitely. Investor understands that the Class AA Preferred Stock and the Common Stock into

 

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which it may have been converted will carry legends required by Law. In particular, the Investor is aware that the Class AA Preferred Stock may not be sold pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act unless all of the conditions of that rule are met.

Section 4.10. Litigation . There are no outstanding Orders to which the Investor or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective properties or assets is subject or bound that would reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair or delay the Investor’s or its Affiliates’ ability to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party or consummate the Contemplated Transactions, and there are no Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Investor, threatened against the Investor or any of its Affiliates or to which any of their respective properties or assets is subject or bound that would, individually or in the aggregate, have an Investor Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.11. Takeover Laws . As of the date hereof, Investor and its Affiliates do not own, beneficially or of record, greater than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock.

ARTICLE V.

AGREEMENTS OF THE COMPANY

Section 5.1. Interim Operations of the Company.

(a) From the date hereof to the Initial Closing Date, the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

(i) subject to the covenants and agreements contained herein, conduct its business according to its ordinary and usual course of business consistent with past practice;

(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to (x) preserve substantially intact its business organization, keep available the services of and maintain good relationship with its current officers and employees and preserve its relationships with Governmental Agencies, (y) maintain in effect all of its material Permits, and (z) maintain in full force and effect all material insurance policies; and

(iii) except to the extent prohibited by the terms of Contracts binding on the Company or its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof: (x) conduct all of its business and operations relating to the Don Diego Project through BahamasCo and Oceanica, (y) conduct all of its business and operations not relating to the Don Diego Project through Subsidiaries other than the Intermediate Holdcos, and (z) solely with respect to the Company, shall not incur any liabilities (including guaranteeing any of the obligations of any of its Subsidiaries) or enter into any Contracts, except through its Subsidiaries, except for liabilities and Contracts arising from its status as a public company.

 

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(b) From the date hereof to the Initial Closing Date, the Company shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to (x) take any action requiring the consent of the holders of the Class AA Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation (as if such restrictions were in effect as of the date hereof), or (y) without limiting the foregoing:

(i) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or split, combine, reclassify or amend the terms of any securities or equity equivalents of the company (other than in connection with the cashless exercise of options for Common Stock);

(ii) increase or accelerate the vesting, payment or exercise of the compensation or benefits payable or available, including under any stock option, restricted stock, phantom, or other equity-based plan, to any current or former employee or other service provider;

(iii) transfer or create or suffer to exist any Liens on the direct or indirect equity in the Intermediate Holdcos or Oceanica or amend, modify, extend or waive the terms of any warrant, option or other right in favor of a third party to acquire any direct or indirect equity in Oceanica;

(iv) other than transactions solely among the Company and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, declare, set aside, make or pay any dividends or other distributions with respect to shares of their respective capital stock;

(v) propose or adopt any amendment to its certificate of incorporation, articles of association, bylaws or other organizational documents (except to the extent necessary to authorize or permit any actions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents), as applicable;

(vi) fail to maintain insurance consistent with past practice to the extent available on commercially reasonable terms;

(vii) amend, modify or waive any term or provision of the Monaco Option;

(viii) enter into any transaction, arrangement or understanding that would be subject to disclosure pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K;

(ix) engage in an Insolvency Event or permit an Insolvency Event to occur; or

(x) authorize, or agree or announce any intention to take, any of the foregoing actions.

(c) From the date hereof to the date of the Stockholder Approval, the Company shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to:

(i) except as provided on Schedule 5.2(c), make any expenditure greater than $50,000.00; or

(ii) for any expenditure listed on Schedule 5.2(c), exceed the amount budgeted for such expenditure by $50,000.00 or more.

 

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Section 5.2. Proxy Statement; Stockholder Meeting.

(a) The Company shall take all action necessary to duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of the Stockholders (the “ Stockholder Meeting ”) as promptly as reasonably practicable following the date hereof for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the holders of a majority of its outstanding Series D Preferred Stock and Common Stock voting as a single class in accordance with applicable Law and NASDAQ Listing Rules of (i) the adoption of this Agreement, (ii) the adoption of the Articles Amendment, (iii) the Preliminary Transaction, (iv) the election of the Investor Designees to the Board of Directors, and (v) the issuance of the Class AA Preferred Stock to Investor (the “ Stockholder Approval ”). Unless the Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or modified its Recommendation in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions of, Section 5.3(d) , the Company shall (A) include in the Proxy Statement the recommendation of the Board of Directors that the Stockholders approve and adopt this Agreement, the issuance of the Class AA Preferred Stock, the Articles Amendment and the election of the Investor Designees (the “ Recommendation ”) and (B) use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from the Stockholders proxies in favor of the approval of this Agreement and take all other action reasonably necessary or advisable to secure the Stockholder Approval. The Company may only adjourn or postpone the Stockholder Meeting to the extent necessary to ensure that any required supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement is provided to the Stockholders or, if as of the time for which the Stockholder Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Proxy Statement), there are insufficient shares of Common Stock represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at such meeting; provided, that no adjournment may be to a date on or after the Early Outside Date.

(b) In connection with the Stockholder Meeting, the Company shall as promptly as reasonably practicable (i) prepare the Proxy Statement and file the Proxy Statement with the SEC; provided that the Proxy Statement shall be filed not later than ten (10) Business Days following the date hereof, (ii) respond to any comments or requests for additional information received from the SEC with respect to such filing and promptly provide copies of such comments or requests, and any other correspondence with the SEC, to the Investor, (iii) prepare and file any amendments or supplements necessary to be filed in response to any SEC comments or as required by Law, (iv) after confirmation from the SEC that it has no further comments on, or that it is not reviewing, the Proxy Statement, use reasonable best efforts to mail to the Stockholders the Proxy Statement and all other customary proxy or other materials for meetings such as the Stockholder Meeting, (v) to the extent required by applicable Law, prepare, file and distribute to the Stockholders any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement if any event shall occur which requires such action at any time prior to the Stockholder Meeting and (vi) otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all Law applicable to the Stockholder Meeting.

 

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(c) Investor shall cooperate with the Company in connection with the preparation of the Proxy Statement, including promptly furnishing the Company upon request with any and all information as may be required to be set forth in the Proxy Statement under applicable Law. The Company will provide the Investor a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon the Proxy Statement or, if applicable, any amendments or supplements thereto, prior to filing the Proxy Statement (or such amendments or supplements, as applicable) with the SEC and prior to mailing the Proxy Statement to the Stockholders and the Company shall reasonably consider and incorporate all comments reasonably proposed by Investor with respect to the Proxy Statement and, if applicable, any such amendments or supplements.

Section 5.3. Alternative Proposals.

(a) Except as expressly permitted by this Section 5.3 , from the date hereof until the Initial Closing Date, the Company shall not, and the Company shall cause its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly take any action that would reasonably be expected to encourage or facilitate any inquiry or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or would reasonably be expected to result in, an Alternative Proposal, (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations with any Person with respect to, or provide any information or data concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries to any Person relating to, any proposal or offer that constitutes, or would reasonably be expected to result in, an Alternative Proposal (other than to state that the Company is not permitted to have discussions), (iii) enter into any acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement entered into in accordance with Section 5.3(b) ) relating to an Alternative Proposal (an “ Alternative Acquisition Agreement ”) or (iv) publicly propose to do any of the actions prohibited by any of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii). Subject to Section 5.3(b) , the Company and its Subsidiaries shall, and the Company shall instruct and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives to, immediately cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person that may be ongoing with respect to any Alternative Proposal, or any inquiry or proposal that may reasonably be expected to lead to an Alternative Proposal. Promptly following execution of this Agreement, the Company shall request the prompt return or destruction of all confidential information previously furnished to any Person in connection with a potential Alternative Proposal and terminate all physical and electronic dataroom access previously granted to any such Person or his or her Representatives.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.3 , prior to the time the Stockholder Approval is obtained, if the Company receives a bona fide written Alternative Proposal from any Person, which Alternative Proposal did not result from any breach of this Section 5.3 , the Company and its Representatives may correspond with such Person in writing solely to clarify the terms and conditions thereof so as to determine whether such Alternative Proposal constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal and, subject to compliance with this Section 5.3 ,

 

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(i) the Company and its Representatives may provide information (including non-public information and data) regarding, and afford access to, the business, properties, assets, books, records and personnel of the Company to such Person if the Company receives from such Person (or has received from such Person) an executed Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement; provided, that the Company shall, substantially concurrently with the time it is provided to such Person, make available the Investor any information concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries that is provided to any Person given such access that was not previously made available to the Investor, and (ii) the Company and its Representatives may engage in, enter into or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations with such Person with respect to such Alternative Proposal, if and only to the extent that prior to taking any action described in clause (i) or (ii) above, the Board of Directors determines in good faith (after consultation with outside counsel and its financial advisors) that such Alternative Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal or would reasonably be expected to result in a Superior Proposal and that the failure to take the actions set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law.

(c) The Company shall promptly (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) notify the Investor of (i) any request for information from the Company or any of its Representatives by any Person that, to the Knowledge of the Company, is seeking to make, or has made, an Alternative Proposal, (ii) the receipt of any Alternative Proposal, specifying the material terms thereof and the identity of the Person making such Alternative Proposal and (iii) any material modifications to the financial or other material terms and conditions of such Alternative Proposal.

(d) Except as set forth in this Section 5.3 , neither the Board of Directors nor any committee thereof shall (x) (A) change, withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify, in a manner adverse to Investor (or publicly propose or resolve to change, withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify), the Recommendation, (B) fail to include the Recommendation in the Proxy Statement, (C) approve or recommend, or publicly propose to approve or recommend to the stockholders of the Company, an Alternative Proposal, (D) if a tender offer or exchange offer for shares of capital stock of the Company that constitutes an Alternative Proposal is commenced, fail to recommend against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by the Company stockholders (including, for these purposes, by disclosing that it is taking no position with respect to the acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by its stockholders, which shall constitute a failure to recommend against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer; provided that a customary “stop, look and listen” communication by the Board of Directors pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) of the Exchange Act shall not be prohibited), within ten (10) Business Days after commencement of such tender offer or exchange offer, (E) within three (3) Business Days of a written request by Investor for the Board of Directors to reaffirm the Recommendation following the date any Alternative Proposal or any material modification thereto is first published or sent or given to the Stockholders, fail to, or fail to cause the Company to, issue a press release that reaffirms the Recommendation (which request may only be made once with respect to any Alternative Proposal and each material modification thereof) or (F) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing (any action set forth in the foregoing clauses (A) through (F), a “ Change of

 

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Recommendation ”) or (y) authorize, adopt or approve or publicly propose to authorize, adopt or approve, an Alternative Proposal, or cause or permit the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any Alternative Acquisition Agreement or any other Contract requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Contemplated Transactions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, prior to the time the Stockholder Approval is obtained, the Board of Directors may, if the Company receives an Alternative Proposal that the Board of Directors determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside counsel and its financial advisors) constitutes a Superior Proposal, to the extent that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law, authorize, adopt, or approve such Superior Proposal and cause or permit the Company to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(c)(i) in order to enter into an Alternative Acquisition Agreement with respect to such Superior Proposal; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may take such actions only if:

(i) the Company shall have complied with its obligations under this Section 5.3 ;

(ii) the Company shall have provided prior written notice to Investor of the Board of Directors’ intention to take such actions at least five (5) Business Days in advance of taking such action (it being understood and agreed that any material change with respect to the financial or other terms and conditions of such Superior Proposal shall require a separate, prior written notice to Investor at least two (2) Business Days in advance of taking such action), which notice shall specify, as applicable, a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of the Alternative Proposal received by the Company that constitutes a Superior Proposal, including an unredacted copy of the relevant proposed transaction agreements with, and the identity of, the party making the Alternative Proposal;

(iii) after providing such notice and prior to taking such actions, the Company shall have negotiated, and shall have caused its Representatives to negotiate, with Investor and its Representatives in good faith (to the extent Investor desires to negotiate) during such five (5) Business Day period or two (2) Business Day period, as the case may be, to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents as would permit the Board of Directors not to take such actions; and

(iv) the Board of Directors shall have considered in good faith any changes to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents that may be offered in writing by the Investor by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day of such five (5) Business Day period or the second (2nd) Business Day of such two (2) Business Day period, as the case may be, and shall have determined in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel and its financial advisors, that the Alternative Proposal received by the Company would continue to constitute a Superior Proposal, in each case, if such changes offered in writing by the Investor were given effect.

 

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(e) Subject to the provisos in this Section 5.3(e) , nothing contained in this Section 5.3 shall be deemed to prohibit the Company, the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, from (i) complying with its disclosure obligations under applicable Law with regard to an Alternative Proposal, including taking and disclosing to its stockholders a position contemplated by Rule 14d-9 or Rule 14e-2(a) under the Exchange Act (or any similar communication to stockholders in connection with the making or amendment of a tender offer or exchange offer), or (ii) making any “stop, look and listen” communication to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) under the Exchange Act (or any similar communications to the stockholders of the Company); provided, that in each case or clauses (i) and (ii), the Board of Directors expressly, publicly reaffirms the Recommendation after the issuance of such a statement after or as part of such communication; provided further, that neither the Board of Directors nor any committee thereof shall effect a Change of Recommendation unless the applicable requirements of Section 5.3(d) shall have been satisfied.

(f) The Company acknowledges and agrees that any violation of the restrictions set forth in this Section 5.3 by any Representatives of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 5.3 .

Section 5.4. Investigations; Pre-Closing Access.

Prior to the Initial Closing Date, the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to: (i) provide to Investor and its Representatives reasonable access to the Representatives, properties, offices, facilities and books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (ii) permit Investor and its Representatives to conduct such further examination or investigation of the assets, Liabilities, business, operations, properties, offices and books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as Investor may reasonably request. Any investigation, examination or interview by Investor of employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries or access pursuant to this Section 5.4 shall be conducted or occur at reasonable times during regular business hours upon reasonable prior notice. The Company shall reasonably cooperate with each of Investor’s Representatives in connection with such review and examination and any such investigation, examination or interview shall be subject to this Section 5.4 and the terms and conditions of the Non-Disclosure Agreement and applicable Law.

Section 5.5. Certain Filings; Commercially Reasonable Efforts.

(a) In furtherance and not in limitation of the covenants of the parties contained in this Agreement, each of the Company and Investor shall (A) use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with each other in timely making all filings set forth on Schedule 3.4 , (B) use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with each other in timely making all other filings with, and timely seeking all other consents, permits, authorizations or approvals from, Governmental Agencies as necessary or appropriate to consummate the Contemplated Transactions and (C) supply to any Governmental Agency as promptly as practicable any additional information or documents that may be requested pursuant to any Law or by such Governmental Agency.

 

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(b) HSR . Each of the Company and Investor, as applicable, shall upon the written request of either party in advance of a Subsequent Closing the consummation of which in the opinion of such party, based on the advice of counsel, would require approval, or termination of the waiting period, under the HSR Act, as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten (10) Business Days of the delivery of such notice, file, or cause to be filed (and not withdraw), a Notification and Report Forms under the HSR Act with the Federal Trade Commission (the “ FTC ”) and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “ Antitrust Division ”) in connection with the Contemplated Transactions and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (A) respond as promptly as practicable to all inquiries received from the FTC and the Antitrust Division for additional information or documentation, (B) cause the waiting period under the HSR Act to terminate, be waived or expire at the earliest possible date, and (C) avoid each and every impediment under the HSR Act with respect to the Contemplated Transactions so as to enable the such Subsequent Closing to occur as soon as reasonably possible.

(c) Reservation for Issuance; NASDAQ Listing . The Company shall reserve that number of shares of Common Stock sufficient for issuance upon exercise or conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock owned at any time by the Investor without regard to any limitation on such exercise or conversion. The Company shall cause the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the exercise or conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock to be approved for listing on NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance.

(d) Further Actions . In furtherance, and not in limitation, of the covenants of the parties contained in this Agreement:

(i) the Company and Investor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions and do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or advisable to ensure that the conditions set forth in Article VI are satisfied and to consummate the Initial Closing as soon as reasonably possible (and in no event later than the Early Outside Date), including using commercially reasonable efforts to take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary to resolve such objections, if any, as any antitrust enforcement Governmental Agency or competition Governmental Agency or any other Governmental Agency or Person may assert under any Law with respect to the Contemplated Transactions and to avoid or eliminate each and every impediment under any Law that may be asserted by any Governmental Agency with respect to the Contemplated Transactions so as to enable the Initial Closing to occur as soon as practicable (and in any event no later than the Early Outside Date).

(ii) Subject to applicable Law and the instructions of any Governmental Agency, the Company and Investor shall keep each other apprised of the status of matters relating to the completion of the Contemplated Transactions, including, to the extent permitted by Law, promptly furnishing each other with copies of notices or other communications sent or received by it or any

 

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of its Affiliates, to or from any Governmental Agency with respect to such transactions (with any competition sensitive or other confidential information redacted therefrom). The Company and Investor shall each permit the other to review in advance any proposed communication to any Governmental Agency (with any competition sensitive or other confidential information redacted therefrom), and shall consider in good faith their comments thereon. Each of the Company and Investor agrees not to participate in any substantive meeting or discussion, either in person or by telephone, with any Governmental Agency in connection with the Contemplated Transactions unless it consults with the other parties in advance and, to the extent not prohibited by Law or the relevant Governmental Agency, gives the other parties (or their external legal counsel) the opportunity to attend and participate.

(iii) The Company and Investor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions and do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or advisable to obtain all consents and provide all notices required in connection with the Contemplated Transactions under any Contracts to which such party is a party or by which its assets or properties are bound; provided that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall Investor or any of its respective Affiliates be required to, and the Company shall not without Investor’s prior written consent, pay any non- de minimis consent fees under, or agree to any material amendments or modifications of, any such Contracts in order to obtain any consents of the counterparties thereto.

(e) If any administrative or judicial action or proceeding or other Order, including any proceeding by a private party, is instituted or made (or threatened to be instituted or made) challenging any of the Contemplated Transactions, each of the Company and Investor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take promptly any and all steps reasonably necessary to contest and resist any such action or proceeding 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 Contemplated Transactions, and shall cooperate with each other in connection with, and shall keep each other informed of, all such steps. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this Section shall limit a party’s right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(i) so long as such party has, prior to such termination, complied with its obligations under this Section.

(f) Investor shall be entitled to direct any proceedings or negotiations with any Governmental Agency or related to any Governmental Agency proceeding where the proceedings or negotiations relate to filings or approvals in connection with the Contemplated Transactions.

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Investor shall be under no obligation to take any action, refrain from taking any action, or agree to any measure requested or directed by any Governmental Agency, including (i) proposing, negotiating, committing to or effecting, by consent agreement or decree,

 

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undertaking, hold separate order or otherwise, the sale, divestiture or disposition of any material assets or businesses of the Investor or its Affiliates or the Company or controlled Affiliates of the Company, or (ii) otherwise taking, or undertaking or committing to take, any actions that would limit the freedom of action of the Investor or its Affiliates or the Company or controlled Affiliates of the Company with respect to, or would impose obligations with respect to the future conduct or would limit its ability to retain, one or more of their respective businesses or assets, in order to obtain or expedite any approval, consent or authorization from a Governmental Agency or other Person pursuant to a Law or to avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of, any injunction, temporary restraining order or other Order in any Proceeding or decision if such action or measure would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the business, financial or other condition or prospects of the Investor or its Affiliates or the Company or controlled Affiliates of the Company.

Section 5.6. Transaction Litigation. The Company shall promptly advise the Investor of any Proceeding commenced or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened by a Stockholder against the Company or its officers or directors relating to any of the Contemplated Transactions and shall keep the Investor promptly and reasonably informed regarding any such Proceeding. The Company shall give Investor the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any such Proceeding and shall give due consideration to the Investor’s views with respect thereto. Neither the Company nor any of its Representatives shall compromise, settle, come to an arrangement regarding, or offer or agree to compromise, settle or come to an arrangement regarding any such Proceeding or consent to the same, unless Investor shall otherwise have consented in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned).

Section 5.7. State Takeover Laws. If any “fair price,” “moratorium,” “business combination” or “control share acquisition” statute or other similar statute or regulation is or may become applicable to the Contemplated Transactions, the parties shall use reasonable best efforts to (a) take such actions as are reasonably necessary so that Contemplated Transactions may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and (b) otherwise take all such actions as are reasonably necessary to eliminate or minimize the effects of any such statute or regulation on the Contemplated Transactions.

Section 5.8. Oceanica Articles Amendment. Promptly following the date hereof, the Company shall cause the Oceanica Articles Amendment to be filed with the Public Registry of the Republic of Panama and shall deliver to Investor a certified copy thereof evidencing its filing with, and acceptance by, the Public Registry of the Republic of Panama.

Section 5.9. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan. Prior to the Initial Closing Date, the Company shall amend the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan to provide that the Contemplated Transactions shall not be deemed to be a “Change in Control” under such plan or any award granted thereunder.

Section 5.10. Use of Proceeds . The Company will directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries use the proceeds from the sale of the Initial Closing Shares as set forth on Schedule 5.10 .

 

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ARTICLE VI.

CONDITIONS TO THE INITIAL CLOSING

Section 6.1. Mutual Conditions. The obligation of each of the Company and Investor to consummate the Initial Closing is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) Stockholder Approval . The Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained.

(b) [Reserved]

(c) Injunction . There shall not be in effect any Order or other Law enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Contemplated Transactions.

(d) Preliminary Transactions . The Preliminary Transactions shall have been consummated and, only as a condition to Investor’s obligations, the Investor Designees shall have been elected as members of the Board of Directors and shall constitute a majority of the Board of Directors.

(e) Takedown Period . No event that would cause the termination of the Takedown Period shall have occurred.

Section 6.2. Investor Conditions. The obligation of Investor to consummate the Initial Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Investor in its sole discretion) of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties .

(i) The Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Initial Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the Initial Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date; and

(ii) The representations and warranties contained in Article III of this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties listed in Section 6.2(a)(i) ) shall be true and correct (without regard to any “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” qualifications contained in them) on and as of the Initial Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the Initial Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date, and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b) Compliance with Covenants . The Company shall have complied in all material respects with its covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with prior to the Initial Closing Date.

(c) Proceedings . Holders of greater than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock shall not have exercised (or notified the Company of their intention to exercise) appraisal rights in connection with the Stockholder Approval. There shall not be pending any Proceeding seeking damages from the Company or any person indemnified with the Company based upon, or arising out of, the Contemplated Transactions.

(d) No Material Adverse Effect . Since September 30, 2014, there has not been any act, event or occurrence that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Listing . The Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock shall have been approved for listing on NASDAQ. Trading in the Common Stock shall not have been suspended by NASDAQ.

(f) Officer’s Certificate . The Company shall have delivered to Investor a certificate, signed by an executive officer of the Company, dated as of the Initial Closing Date, certifying the matters set forth in Section 6.2(a) through and including (e) .

(g) Third Party Consents . The Company shall have received and delivered to Investor copies of the third party consents listed on Schedule 6.2(g) .

(h) Investor Consents . Investor shall have received the consent of certain of its parent entity’s creditors, and such consents shall be satisfactory to the Investor in its Sole Discretion.

(i) Don Diego Consent . The Investor shall, in its Sole Discretion, be satisfied with the viability of the Don Diego Project (including, but not limited to, the status of the application for and the terms of all necessary Permits related to the Don Diego Project).

Section 6.3. Company Conditions. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Initial Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Company in its sole discretion) of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties contained in Article IV of this Agreement shall be true and correct (without regard to any “materiality” or “Investor Material Adverse Effect” qualifications contained in them) on and as of the Initial Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the Initial Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date, and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an Investor Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b) Compliance with Covenants . Investor shall have complied in all material respects with its covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with prior to the Initial Closing Date.

(c) Officer’s Certificate . Investor shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, signed by an executive officer of Investor, dated as of the Initial Closing Date, certifying the matters set forth in Section 6.3(a) and (b) .

ARTICLE VII.

CONDITIONS TO THE SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS

Section 7.1. Mutual Conditions. The obligation of each of the Company and Investor to consummate each Subsequent Closing is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) Injunction . There shall not be in effect any Order or other Law enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of such Subsequent Closing.

(b) Initial Closing . The Initial Closing shall have occurred.

(c) Takedown Period . The Takedown Period shall not have terminated.

(d) Governmental Consents and Approvals . The Governmental Agency approvals, notifications, waiting periods and conditions set forth on Schedule 7.1(d) , to the extent required to consummate such Subsequent Closing, shall have been obtained, complied with and/or satisfied.

Section 7.2. Investor Conditions. The obligation of Investor to consummate each Subsequent Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Investor in its sole discretion) of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties .

(i) The representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.5 , 3.8 , 3.18 , 3.21 and 3.22 shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Subsequent Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the Subsequent Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date; and

(ii) The representations and warranties contained in Article III of this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties listed in Section 7.2(a)(i) ) shall be true and correct (without regard to any “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” qualifications contained in them) on and as of the Subsequent Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the Subsequent Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date, and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b) Compliance with Covenants . The Company shall have complied in all material respects with its covenants contained in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be complied with prior to the Subsequent Closing Date.

(c) Proceedings . There shall not be pending any Proceeding seeking damages from the Company or any person indemnified with the Company based upon, or arising out of, the Contemplated Transactions.

(d) No Material Adverse Effect . Since September 30, 2014, there has not been any act, event or occurrence that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Common Stock . Trading in the Common Stock shall not have been suspended by NASDAQ.

(f) Officer’s Certificate . The Company shall have delivered to Investor a certificate, signed by an executive officer of the Company, dated as of the Subsequent Closing Date, certifying the matters set forth in Section 7.2(a) through and including (e) .

(g) Investor Consents . Investor shall have received the consent of certain of its parent entity’s creditors, and such consents shall be satisfactory to the Investor in its Sole Discretion.

(h) Don Diego Consent . The Investor shall, in its Sole Discretion, be satisfied with the viability of the Don Diego Project (including, but not limited to, the status of the application for and the terms of all necessary Permits related to the Don Diego Project).

Section 7.3. Company Conditions. The obligation of the Company to consummate each Subsequent Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Company in its sole discretion) of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties contained in Article IV of this Agreement shall be true and correct (without regard to any “materiality” or “Investor Material Adverse Effect” qualifications contained in them) on and as of the Subsequent Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made anew on and as of the Subsequent Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date, and except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an Investor Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Compliance with Covenants . Investor shall have complied in all material respects with its covenants contained in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be complied with prior to the Subsequent Closing Date.

(c) Officer’s Certificate . Investor shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, signed by an executive officer of Investor, dated as of the Subsequent Closing Date, certifying the matters set forth in Section 7.3(a) and (b) .

 

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ARTICLE VIII.

TERMINATION PRIOR TO CLOSING

Section 8.1. Termination of Agreement . This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned prior to the Initial Closing as follows:

(a) at any time, by mutual written consent of the Company and Investor.

(b) by Investor or the Company, by written notice to the other, if:

(i) at any time, there shall be any final and non-appealable Order, which prohibits or restrains Investor and/or the Company from consummating the Initial Closing or any of the other Contemplated Transactions; or

(ii) following the Stockholder Meeting, if the Stockholders shall have failed to approve this Agreement by the Stockholder Approval at the Stockholder Meeting.

(c) by the Company, by written notice to the Investor, if:

(i) at any time prior to receipt of the Stockholder Approval, the Board of Directors has determined to enter into an Alternative Acquisition Agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 5.3(d) ; provided that the Company shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(c)(i) unless (A) the Company has complied with the requirements of Section 5.3 and (B) concurrently with such termination, the Company pays the fee specified in Section 8.2(a)(i) ; or

(ii) at any time, after September 30, 2015 (such date, the “ Outside Date ”) provided that the Company’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(c)(ii) shall not be available if the Company’s breach or failure to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement has been a principal cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Initial Closing to take place on or before the Outside Date.

(d) by Investor, by written notice to the Company, if:

(i) prior to obtaining the Stockholder Approval at the Stockholder Meeting, a Change of Recommendation occurs;

(ii) at any time, the Company shall have breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 would not be satisfied and either (1) such breach is not reasonably capable of

 

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being cured or (2) in the case of a breach of a covenant or agreement, if such breach is reasonably capable of being cured, such breach shall not have been cured prior to the earlier of (x) twenty (20) days following notice of such breach and (y) the Early Outside Date;

(iii) at any time, if the Investor, in its Sole Discretion, determines that the conditions to closing in Section 6.2(h) , Section 6.2(i) , Section 7.2(g) or Section 7.2(h) , have not been satisfied; or

(iv) at any time after the 120 th day following the date of this Agreement (such date, the “ Early Outside Date ”) provided that the Investor’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(d)(iv) shall not be available if the Investor’s breach or failure to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement has been a principal cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Initial Closing to take place on or before the Early Outside Date.

Section 8.2. Effect of Termination.

(a) Fees Payable .

(i) Termination Fee . In the event that this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 8.1(c)(i) or by the Investor pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(i) or Section 8.1(d)(ii) , then the Company shall pay to the Investor the Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds concurrent with such termination and the written designation by the Investor of the account to which such Termination Fee shall be paid.

(ii) Termination Fee Upon Consummation of Alternative Proposal . In the event that all of the following conditions are met:

(A) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(c)(ii) , Section 8.1(b)(ii) or Section 8.1(d)(iv);

(B) the Company or any other Person shall have made an Alternative Proposal (whether or not publicly announced) on or after the date of this Agreement but prior to the date of termination of this Agreement, and such Alternative Proposal shall not have been withdrawn by the date of termination of this Agreement; provided, that for purposes of this Section 8.2(a)(ii) , the references to “15%” in the definition of “Alternative Proposal” shall be deemed to be references to “50%”; and

(C) within twelve (12) months of such termination, the Company shall have entered into, or consented to, a definitive agreement with respect to, or consummated a transaction regarding, any Alternative Proposal (whether or not such Alternative Proposal was received or, if applicable, originally announced, or made known, subsequent to the execution of this Agreement); then

 

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the Company shall pay to the Investor the Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds concurrent with the earlier to occur of the entry into of a definitive agreement with respect to, or the consummation of, such Alternative Proposal and the written designation by the Investor of the account to which such Termination Fee shall be paid.

(b) The Company acknowledges and agrees that the agreements contained in this Section 8.2 are an integral part of the Contemplated Transactions and that without these agreements Investor would not have entered into this Agreement and that the fees payable pursuant to this Section 8.2 are not penalties, but rather are liquidated damages in a reasonable amount that will compensate for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement, and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. In addition, if the Company is required to pay a fee pursuant to this Section 8.2 , it shall also pay interest on, and the Investor’s cost of collection of, such unpaid amounts for the period commencing on the date such amounts became past due at a rate equal to the rate of interest publicly announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in the City of New York from time to time during such period, as such bank’s Prime Lending Rate.

(c) In no event shall the Company be required to pay to Investor more than one Termination Fee.

Section 8.3. Survival. If this Agreement is terminated and the Initial Closing does not occur, this Agreement shall become null and void and of no further force and effect, and there shall be no Liability or obligation hereunder on the part of the Company, Investor, any Company Related Party or any Investor Related Party or any of their respective successors or assigns; provided that (a) the Non-Disclosure Agreement and the provisions of Section 8.2 , this Section 8.3 and Articles IX and XI shall survive any such termination and (b) nothing herein shall relieve the Company of any liability for Losses suffered by the Investor arising out of or relating to any willful or intentional breach by the Company of any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement prior to termination.

ARTICLE IX.

SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.1. Survival of Representations and Warranties . All of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties hereto contained in this Agreement shall survive each Closing Date, and in the case of representations and warranties made on a particular Closing Date (other than Fundamental Representations) shall expire 18 months following such Closing Date; provided that any written notice of breach given prior to the applicable expiration date shall extend the survival of such representation and warranty until the subject of such notice is determined by a final non-appealable Order or settlement between the parties.

 

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Section 9.2. Indemnification by the Company . Subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IX , the Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Investor and the Investor Related Parties (collectively, the “ Investor Indemnitees ”) from and against:

(a) after the Initial Closing Date, all Losses, resulting from: (i) any breach by the Company of any representations and warranties contained in Article III hereof (it being agreed that for all purposes of this Article IX , any and all “Material Adverse Effect”, “materiality” or similar qualifications that are contained in any of the representations and warranties contained in Article III shall be disregarded), or (ii) any breach by the Company of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement; and

(b) all Losses arising out of Covered Litigation.

Section 9.3. Indemnification by Investor . Subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IX , the Investor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and the Company Related Parties (collectively, the “ Company Indemnitees ”) from and against, after the Initial Closing Date, all Losses, resulting from: (i) any breach by Investor of any representations and warranties contained in Article IV hereof, or (ii) any breach by Investor of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement.

Section 9.4. Minimum Indemnification Threshold and Limits .

(a) The Company shall not be obligated to indemnify any Investor Indemnitee pursuant to Section 9.2(a) (except with respect to Fundamental Representations) unless and until the aggregate amount of the Losses incurred by such Investor Indemnitee resulting from the matters exceeds $500,000 (the “ Deductible ”), in which case Company shall have an indemnification obligation for all Losses that exceed the Deductible.

(b) The Company shall not be obligated to indemnify any Investor Indemnitee pursuant to Section 9.2(a) in an amount in excess of the aggregate purchase price by Investor with respect to the Class AA Preferred Stock.

(c) Investor shall not be obligated to indemnify any Company Indemnitee pursuant to Section 9.3 unless and until the aggregate amount of the Losses incurred by such Company Indemnitee resulting from such matters exceeds an amount equal to the Deductible, in which case Investor shall have an indemnification obligation for all such amounts that exceed the Deductible.

(d) Investor shall not be obligated to indemnify any Company Indemnitee pursuant to Section 9.3 in an amount in excess of the Remaining Commitment at the time of indemnification.

Section 9.5. Claims Notice . In the event that either an Investor Indemnitee or a Company Indemnitee wishes to assert a claim for indemnification hereunder with respect to any Liability or Loss, such party seeking indemnification (the “ Indemnified Party ”) shall deliver written notice (a “ Claims Notice ) to the other party no later than ten (10) Business Days after such claim becomes known to the Indemnified Party, specifying the facts constituting the basis for, and the amount (if known) of the claim asserted. Failure to deliver a Claims Notice with respect to a claim in a timely manner, as specified in the preceding sentence, shall not be deemed a waiver of the Indemnified Party’s right to indemnification hereunder for Losses in connection with such claim, but the amount of reimbursement to which the Indemnified Party is entitled shall be reduced by the amount, if any, by which the Indemnified Party’s Losses would have been less had such Claims Notice been timely delivered.

 

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Section 9.6. Covered Litigation.

(a) The Company shall not consent to the entry of any judgment or settle any Covered Litigation to which it is a party unless such settlement includes: (i) no admission of liability on the part of the Investor Indemnitees; (ii) no remedy against the Investor Indemnitees, other than monetary payments that are fully indemnified by the Company hereunder; and (iii) a full release of the Investor Indemnitees.

(b) The Investor Indemnitees may not settle any Covered Litigation without the consent of the Company, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided that such consent shall not be required if the settlement includes: (i) no admission of liability on the part of the Investor Indemnitees; and (ii) a full release of the Investor Indemnitees.

(c) The Company and the Investor shall make mutually available to each other all relevant information in their possession relating to any Covered Litigation (except to the extent that such action would result in a loss of attorney-client privilege) and shall cooperate with each other in the defense thereof. The Company shall be entitled to participate in (but not to control) the defense of any Covered Litigation.

ARTICLE X.

GUARANTY

Section 10.1. Guaranty. For value received, the Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Company all obligations of the Investor pursuant to or arising from this Agreement (collectively, the “ Investor Obligations ”). The Company may bring a separate action against the Guarantor for any accrued but unpaid Investor Obligations without making any demand upon the Investor, and without separately proceeding against the Investor, and without pursuing any other remedy.

Section 10.2. Certain Guaranty Matters.

(a) The Company shall have the right, without notice to the Guarantor, to: (i) renew, extend, accelerate, waive, compromise, release, restructure and otherwise modify, or refuse to modify, the Investor Obligations, the liability of any Person therefor as principal, guarantor, surety or otherwise, and/or any security therefor; and (ii) pursue or not pursue, or make elections among, the Company’s remedies against any such Persons, even if any rights that the Guarantor may have, including subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity, contribution and/or participation in security, are impaired or extinguished. The Guarantor waives any right or defense that might arise by reason of the Company’s exercise of any such rights.

(b) The Guarantor’s liability shall not be affected by any circumstance constituting legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor or surety other than payment in full of the Investor Obligations. The Guarantor hereby waives, and agrees not to exercise, any rights it may have arising from or based on: (i) any right to require the

 

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Company to proceed against the Investor or any other guarantor or other person, or to pursue any other remedy whatsoever; (ii) any defense based upon any legal disability of, any discharge or limitation of the liability of, any restraint or stay applicable to actions against, or the lack of authority or termination of existence of, the Investor or any guarantor or other Person; (iii) any right of setoff, recoupment or counterclaim, other than any right of setoff that may be applicable under this Agreement; (iv) presentment, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of protest, notice of dishonor and notice of any action or inaction; (v) any defense based upon negligence of the Company, including any failure to file a claim in any bankruptcy; (vi) all rights of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity and/or contribution, and all rights to enforce any remedy that the Company may have against the Investor or another Person, other than any right of indemnity that may be applicable under this Agreement; and (vii) any defense related to any change in the Person(s) primarily liable for the Investor Obligations, whether by reason of a change in the structure of the Investor, assumption of the Investor Obligations by another Person, or otherwise. The Guarantor will not institute, and will cause its Affiliates not to institute, any Proceedings asserting that the guaranty contained in this Section 10.2 or any term or condition set forth herein is illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with its terms.

(c) The Guarantor’s liability shall continue in effect notwithstanding payment or performance by the Investor such that, if any such payment or performance is avoided or recovered from or returned by the Company in connection with the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Investor or otherwise, the Guarantor shall remain liable as though such payment or performance had not occurred. The Company may elect in its sole discretion whether to contest a demand or claim that payment or performance should be avoided, recovered or returned.

(d) The Guarantor’s obligations under this Section 10.2 shall not be altered, limited, stayed or affected by any proceeding, voluntary or involuntary, involving the bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, reorganization, liquidation, or arrangement of the Investor, or by any defense the Investor may have to the Investor Obligations by reason of any order, decree, or decision of any court or administrative body resulting from any such proceeding. Any stay of enforcement or stay of acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Investor Obligations as against the Investor or any other Person, in bankruptcy or otherwise, shall not affect the Guarantor’s liability under this Agreement or the time for performance by the Guarantor hereunder.

ARTICLE XI.

LOAN

Section 11.1. Loans. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Lender commits to Loan to the Company, in one or more transactions (each such transaction, a “ Loan ”), up to $14,750,000. The Company has irrevocably instructed Lender that any Loan shall be made directly to BahamasCo.

Section 11.2. Initial Loan Closing . The initial Loan shall be in the amount of $2,000,000 (the “ Initial Loan ”). The closing of the Initial Loan (the “ Initial Loan Closing ”) shall

 

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be held on the date hereof at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Initial Closing set forth in Section 6.1(c) and ( e ) and Sections 6.2(a) , (b) , (d) , (f) , (g)  and ( i ) (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Initial Closing) and the Pledged Oceanica Shares being owned by BahamasCo free and clear of all Liens other than: (i) the Monaco Option and the Monaco Pledge, to the extent enforceable, and (ii) the Oceanica Call (and for the avoidance of doubt the Mako Option Termination shall have occurred); provided, that for purposes of determining the satisfaction of such conditions all references to the “Initial Closing” or the “Initial Closing Date” shall be deemed to be references to the “Initial Loan Closing” or the “Initial Loan Closing Date” as applicable; provided further, that the Initial Loan Closing may occur on such other date or at such other time and place as the Company and Lender may mutually agree in writing in their sole discretion. The date on which the Initial Loan Closing actually occurs is referred to as the “ Initial Loan Closing Date .”

Section 11.3. Deliveries at the Initial Loan Closing.

(a) At the Initial Loan Closing, the Company shall, or shall cause BahamasCo to, deliver to Lender:

(i) a promissory note of BahamasCo in favor of Lender in the form of Exhibit F hereto (the “ Note ”);

(ii) a pledge agreement, pledging 54,000,000 shares of Oceanica stock (the “ Pledged Oceanica Shares ”), to secure repayment of the Note and performance of the Oceanica Call, in the form of Exhibit G hereto (the “ Pledge Agreement ”);

(iii) a certificate for the Pledged Oceanica Shares and all other collateral documents required under the terms of the Pledge Agreement;

(iv) customary legal opinions from Klonaris & Co., Bahamian counsel to the Company, and Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee, Panamanian counsel to the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender;

(v) evidence reasonably satisfactory to Lender that the Amended and Restated Bylaws have been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors as the bylaws of the Company;

(vi) customary secretary’s certificates attaching authorizing resolutions, charter documents and incumbency information relating to BahamasCo, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender; and

(vii) evidence reasonably satisfactory to Lender that the Mako Option Termination shall have occurred;

(viii) all other instruments and certificates that the Company or BahamasCo is required to deliver pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Note or the Pledge Agreement.

 

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(b) At the Initial Loan Closing, Lender shall deliver:

(i) to BahamasCo the Initial Loan by wire transfer of immediately available funds; and

(ii) all other instruments and certificates that Lender is required to deliver pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Section 11.4. Subsequent Loan Closing.

(a) The Company agrees to and acknowledges that any additional Loans (each, a “ Subsequent Loan ”) from Lender shall be made at such times and in such amounts as set forth on Annex D , subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(i) the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Initial Closing set forth in Section 6.1(c) and ( e ) and Sections 6.2(a) , (b) , (d) , (f) , (g)  and ( i ) (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Initial Closing); provided, that for purposes of determining the satisfaction of such conditions all references to the “Initial Closing” or the “Initial Closing Date” shall be deemed to be references to the “Subsequent Loan Closing” or the “Subsequent Loan Closing Date” as applicable.

(ii) the Pledged Oceanica Shares being owned by BahamasCo free and clear of all Liens other than: (i) the Monaco Option and the Monaco Pledge, to the extent enforceable, and (ii) the Oceanica Call (and for the avoidance of doubt the Mako Option Termination shall have occurred);

(iii) there shall be no breach of, or default under, any Transaction Document by the Company or any of its Affiliates; and

(iv) the registration of the Pledge in the Panamanian Public Registry shall be in effect and continuing and there shall be no prior pledge registered.

(b) The closing of any Subsequent Loans (each, a “ Subsequent Loan Closing ”) shall be held at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on such dates and in such amounts as set forth on Annex D , subject to the satisfaction of foregoing conditions. The date on which a Subsequent Loan Closing actually occurs is referred to as the “ Subsequent Loan Closing Date .”

(c) At any Subsequent Loan Closing, the Company shall, or shall cause BahamasCo to, deliver to Lender such documents as Lender shall reasonably request.

(d) At any Subsequent Loan Closing, Lender shall deliver to BahamasCo, at the direction of the Company, such Subsequent Loan by wire transfer of immediately available funds.

 

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ARTICLE XII.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1. Rules of Construction.

(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, a Section, an Exhibit or a Schedule, such reference shall be to an Article of, a Section of, or an Exhibit or a Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

(b) Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

(c) Whenever the word “ or ” is used in this Agreement, it shall not be deemed exclusive.

(d) All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any other Transaction Document or in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement and any other Transaction Document are applicable to the singular as well as to the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such terms. Whenever the context requires, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

(e) Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, all references to any Law are to such Law as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time to time, and all references to any section of any Law include any successor to such section.

(f) Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, all references to any agreement are to such agreement and include any exhibits, annexes and schedules attached to such agreement, in each case, as the same is in effect as of the date of this Agreement and in the case of any such agreement to which the parties are other than all of the parties to this Agreement, without giving effect to any subsequent amendment or modification.

(g) All references to “$” or “dollars” mean the lawful currency of the United States of America.

(h) Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, as consistently applied by the Company.

 

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(i) No specific provision, representation or warranty shall limit the applicability of a more general provision, representation or warranty. It is the intent of the parties that each representation, warranty, covenant, condition and agreement contained in this Agreement shall be given full, separate, and independent effect and that such provisions are cumulative.

(j) The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents with the assistance of counsel and other advisors and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be construed as jointly drafted by the parties hereto and thereto, 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 or any other Transaction Document.

(k) The table of contents and the headings contained in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.

Section 12.2. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Schedules hereto and thereto, and the other agreements included as exhibits hereto and thereto constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and, understandings, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (other than the Certificate of Designation or the Articles Amendment), the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

Section 12.3. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) on the date sent by facsimile (with confirmation of transmission) or electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient during a Business Day, and otherwise on the next Business Day, if sent after normal business hours of the recipient, provided that in the case of electronic mail, each notice or other communication shall be confirmed within one Business Day by dispatch of a copy of such notice pursuant to one of the other methods described herein, (c) if dispatched via a nationally recognized overnight courier service (delivery receipt requested) with charges paid by the dispatching party, on the later of (i) the first Business Day following the date of dispatch, or (ii) the scheduled date of delivery by such service, or (d) on the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing, if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid to the party to receive such notice, at the following addresses, or such other address as a party may designate from time to time by notice in accordance with this Section.

(a) If to the Company, to:

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.

5215 W. Laurel Street

Suite 210

Tampa, Fl 33607

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

 

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with a copy to:

Akerman LLP

401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 1700

Tampa, FL 33602

Attention: David M. Doney

Facsimile: (813) 218-5404

(b) If to the Investor, to:

Penelope Mining LLC

c/o: Minera del Norte S.A. de C.V.

Campos Eliseos No. 29

Col. Rincon del Bosque

11580 Mexico D.F.

Mexico

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: 52 866 633-8050

with a copy to:

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Maurice M. Lefkort

Facsimile: (212) 728-8111

(c) If to the Lender or Guarantor, to:

Minera del Norte S.A. de C.V.

Campos Eliseos No. 29

Col. Rincon del Bosque

11580 Mexico D.F.

Mexico

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: 52 866 633-8050

Section 12.4. Fees, Costs and Expenses. Upon the first to occur of the Initial Closing Date and termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII , the Company shall reimburse Investor for its and its Affiliates’ reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Contemplated Transaction. Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, all fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the Contemplated Transactions shall be paid by the party incurring such fees, costs and expenses, whether or not the Contemplated Transactions are consummated. In the event of termination of this Agreement or any other

 

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Transaction Document, the obligation of each party to pay its own fees, costs and expenses will be subject to any rights of such party arising from a breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document by any other party.

Section 12.5. Publicity and Reports. Each party agrees that, except as otherwise required by Law, it will not issue any reports, statements or releases, in each case relating to the Contemplated Transactions, without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed. To the extent disclosure is required by Law, the non-disclosing party shall have the right to review any report, statement or release as promptly as possible prior to its publication and to reasonably consult with the disclosing party with respect to the content thereof.

Section 12.6. Amendments; Waiver.

(a) This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended only by a written instrument signed by each of the parties hereto.

(b) A party may by written instrument signed on behalf of such party: (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of another party due to it, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to it contained in this Agreement or any Transaction Document, or (iii) waive compliance with any covenants, obligations, or conditions in its favor contained in this Agreement or in any Transaction Document. No claim or right arising out of this Agreement or any Transaction Document can be waived by a party, in whole or in part, unless made in a writing signed by such party. Neither any course of conduct or dealing nor failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. A waiver given by a party will be applicable only to the specific instance for which it is given.

Section 12.7. Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement, nor any right, duty or obligation of any party hereunder, may be assigned or delegated by the Company without the prior written consent of Investor. Investor may assign its rights and delegate its obligations hereunder; provided that no such assignment or delegation shall relieve Investor of its Investor Obligations. Any purported assignment of rights or delegation of obligations in violation of this Section will be void. References to a party in this Agreement and in any Transaction Document also refer to such party’s successors and permitted assigns.

Section 12.8. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except for the Investor Indemnitees and Company Indemnitees pursuant to Article IX and the Persons expressly referenced in Section 12.9 , nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than the parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under, or in respect of, this Agreement the Transaction Documents or any provision contained herein or therein.

 

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Section 12.9. No Recourse Against Nonparty Affiliates. All claims, obligations, liabilities, or causes of action (whether in contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) that arise out of or relate to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or the negotiation, execution, or performance of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (including any representation or warranty made in, in connection with or as an inducement to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document), may be made only against the parties that are signatories to this Agreement or such other Transaction Document, as the case may be (“ Contracting Parties ”). No Person who is not a Contracting Party, including any officer, employee, member, partner or manager signing this Agreement, the Transaction Documents or any certificate delivered in connection herewith or therewith on behalf of any Contracting Party (“ Nonparty Affiliates ”) shall have any liability (whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) for any claims, obligations, liabilities or causes of action arising out of, or relating in any manner to, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or based on, in respect of, or by reason of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the negotiation, execution, performance, or breach of the Agreement or any other Transaction Document; and, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, each Contracting Party hereby waives and releases all such liabilities, claims, causes of action, and obligations against any such Nonparty Affiliates.

Section 12.10. Governing Law.  This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, and any dispute, controversy or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, or the Contemplated Transactions or the subject matter hereof or thereof or the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto in connection herewith or therewith (in each case whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) shall be governed by the substantive Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereof or of any other jurisdiction that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Delaware.

Section 12.11. Exclusive Forum in Designated Courts. Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to: (i) this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or any of the Contemplated Transactions or the subject matter hereof or thereof, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of this Agreement, or any other Transaction Document, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, or (iii) the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto, in each case, whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise, shall be brought exclusively in either (x) the Delaware Court of Chancery and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware, (y) if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, to the extent that such court has subject matter jurisdiction or (z) if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the courts of the State of Delaware (the “ Designated Court ”). Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Designated Court and agrees that it will not bring any action whether in tort, contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any of the Contemplated Transactions or the subject matter hereof or thereof in any court other than the

 

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Designated Court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Court, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of the Designated Court or from any legal process commenced in such Designated Court (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such Designated Court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or the subject matter hereof or thereof, may not be enforced in or by such Designated Court.

Section 12.12. Consent to Service of Process. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 12.3 and agrees that nothing in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.

Section 12.13. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE.

Section 12.14. Specific Performance. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms and that monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy therefor. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. The parties acknowledge that the awarding of equitable remedies is within the discretion of the applicable court.

Section 12.15. Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the parties are cumulative and not alternative.

Section 12.16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

Section 12.17. Signatures/E-delivery; Reproduction of Documents.

(a) A manually signed copy of this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents delivered by facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement. No legally binding obligation shall be created with respect to a party until such party has delivered or caused to be delivered a manually signed copy of this Agreement.

 

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(b) This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, and all certificates and documents relating hereto and thereto, including, without limitation, (i) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (ii) documents received by each party pursuant hereto, and (iii) financial statements and other information previously or hereafter furnished to each party, may be reproduced by each party by electronic digital storage, computer tapes, photographic, photostatic, optical character recognition, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other similar process, and each party may destroy any original document so reproduced. All parties hereto agree and stipulate that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as would the original itself in any judicial, arbitration or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by each party in the regular course of business) and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

Section 12.18. Severability.

(a) If any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall remain in full force, if the essential terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents for each party remain valid, binding and enforceable. 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.

(b) Any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 12.19. Adjustments for Share Splits, etc. Wherever in this Agreement there is a reference to a specific number of shares of the Company of any Class or series, or a price per share, or consideration received in respect of such shares, then, except in the case of the Preliminary Transactions, upon the occurrence of any subdivision or consolidation of the shares of such Class or series, the specific number of shares or the price so referenced in this Agreement shall automatically be proportionally adjusted to reflect the effect on the outstanding shares of such Class or series of shares by such subdivision or consolidation. For the avoidance of doubt, all references in the Recitals, Article I and Article II to a number of Shares or a price per share of Common Stock is a reference to a number or price determined after giving effect to the Preliminary Transactions.

Section 12.20. Release. In consideration of, among other things, Investor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the Company, any party claiming on behalf of the Company, the Company’s equityholders and residual claimants and the respective successors and assigns of each (collectively, the “ Releasors ”), hereby forever agrees and covenants not to sue or

 

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prosecute against the Releasees (as defined in this Section 12.20 ) and hereby forever waives, releases and discharges each Releasee from, any and all claims (including, without limitation, cross-claims, counterclaims, rights of set-off and recoupment), actions, causes of action, suits, debts, accounts, interests, liens, promises, warranties, damages and consequential and punitive damages, demands, agreements, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, controversies, torts, variances, trespasses, judgments, executions, costs, expenses or claims whatsoever (collectively, the “ Claims ”), that such Releasor now has or hereafter may have, of whatsoever nature and kind, whether known or unknown, whether arising at law or in equity, against Investor in any capacity and its shareholders and “controlling persons” (within the meaning of the federal securities laws), and their respective successors and assigns and each and all of the officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, advisors, auditors, consultants, Affiliates and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Releasees ”), based in whole or in part on facts whether or not now known, existing on or before the date hereof, that relate to, arise out of or otherwise are in connection with this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents or any transactions contemplated thereby or any acts or omissions in connection therewith or the negotiation thereof, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not release Investor or Guarantor from the express obligations of either under this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents. The provisions of this Section 12.20 shall survive the expiration and termination of this Agreement and any of the Transaction Documents.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

 

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

 

COMPANY :
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
By:

/s/ Mark D. Gordon

Name: Mark D. Gordon
Title: President and CEO

 

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


INVESTOR :
PENELOPE MINING LLC
By:

/s/ Andres Gonzalez Saravia

Name: Andres Gonzalez Saravia
Title: Attorney in fact
GUARANTOR, SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO ARTICLE X :
MINERA DEL NORTE S.A. DE C.V.
By:

/s/ Alonso Ancira Elizondo

Name: Alonso Ancira Elizondo
Title: Authorized Person
LENDER, SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO ARTICLE XI :
MINERA DEL NORTE S.A. DE C.V.
By:

/s/ Alonso Ancira Elizondo

Name: Alonso Ancira Elizondo
Title: Authorized Person

 

[Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement]


ANNEX A

DEFINITIONS

Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement ” means a confidentiality agreement having provisions that are no less favorable in the aggregate to the Company than those contained in the Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Affiliate ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, Investor and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other, shall not be deemed to be “Affiliates” of one another.

Alternative Proposal ” means (a) any proposal or offer from any Person (other than the Investor) with respect to a merger, consolidation, business combination or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries representing more than 15% of the consolidated total assets (including equity of securities) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (b) any acquisition by any Person or group of Persons (other than the Investor) resulting in, or proposal or offer to acquire by tender offer, share exchange or in any manner (including by spin-off, joint venture, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, exclusive lease or license or otherwise), which if consummated would result in, any Person or group of Persons (other than the Investor) becoming the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, equity and/or voting securities representing more than more than 15% of all of the outstanding equity and/or voting securities of the Company (by vote or value) or more than 15% of the consolidated total assets (including equity of securities) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case of clauses (a) and (b), other than the Contemplated Transactions.

Anti-Corruption Laws ” means Laws or Orders relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption (governmental or commercial) that apply to the business and dealings of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, Laws that prohibit the payment, offer, promise or authorization of the payment or transfer of anything of value (including gifts or entertainment), directly or indirectly, to any foreign government official, foreign government employee or commercial entity to obtain a business advantage.

Anti-Money Laundering Laws ” means any Laws or Orders relating to anti-money laundering or terrorism financing that apply to the business and dealings of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

Business Day ” means any day except (a) a Saturday or Sunday or (b) a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market is closed for trading.

Change of Control ” means the consummation of any transaction or series of related transactions involving (i) any purchase or acquisition (whether by way of tender offer, exchange offer, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, scheme or arrangement, acquisition, business combination or similar transaction or otherwise) by any Person or group (within the meaning of 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than Guarantor and its Affiliates, of any of (A) securities

 

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representing a majority of the outstanding voting power of the Company entitled to elect the Board of Directors or (B) the majority of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer, exclusive worldwide license or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, taken together as a whole, to such Person or group, (iii) any merger, consolidation, amalgamation, scheme or arrangement, acquisition, business combination or similar transaction in which the holders of Common Stock of the Company immediately prior to the transaction, as a group, do not hold securities representing a majority of the outstanding voting power entitled to elect the board of directors of the surviving entity in such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, scheme or arrangement, acquisition, business combination or similar transaction or (iv) a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

Class ” means any class of capital stock of the Company designated as such in any of the Articles.

Closing ” means the Initial Closing and any Subsequent Closing.

Closing Date ” means any date on which a Closing shall occur.

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Company Related Party ” means any past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, manager, general or limited partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney or other Representative of the Company, and any its Affiliates (including any person negotiating or executing this Agreement on behalf of the Company).

Contemplated Transactions ” means the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents, including the Preliminary Transaction.

Contract ” means any contract, lease, deed, mortgage, license, instrument, note, commitment, undertaking, indenture, joint venture or any other agreement, commitment or legally binding arrangement, whether written or oral.

Covered Litigation ” means any claim by a Stockholder against Investor or any Investor Related Party arising out of or related to the Contemplated Transactions.

Disclosure Schedule ” means the disclosure schedule attached hereto.

Don Diego Project ” means the Don Diego West offshore phosphate project, located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 50 km southwest off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Employee Pension Benefit Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(2) of ERISA.

Employee Welfare Benefit Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(1) of ERISA.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

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

 

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Fundamental Representations ” means those representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.3 , 3.4 , 3.5 , 3.7 , 3.8 , 3.18 , 3.20 , 3.21 , 3.22 , 3.24 and 3.25 .

Governmental Agency ” means any: (x) multinational, federal, state, regional, municipal, local or other government, governmental or public department, central bank, court, tribunal, arbitral body, commission, board, bureau or agency, domestic or foreign; (y) subdivision, agent, commission, board or authority of any of the foregoing; or (z) quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory, expropriation or taxing authority under or for the account of any of the foregoing.

HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

Insolvency Event ” means:

(a) the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing;

(b) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 60 days; or

(c) an order for relief shall be entered against the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries under the federal bankruptcy Laws now or hereafter in effect or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries admits in writing that it cannot pay its debts when due.

Intellectual Property ” shall mean all of the following, owned, used or licensed by the Company as licensee or licensor: (i) the name “Odyssey Marine Exploration”, all fictional business names, trademarks and service marks (registered or unregistered), trade dress, trade names and other names and slogans embodying business or product goodwill or indications of origin, all applications or registrations in any jurisdiction pertaining to the foregoing and all goodwill associated therewith; (ii) patents, patentable inventions, discoveries, improvements, ideas, know-how, formula methodology, processes, technology and computer programs, software and databases (including source code, object code, development documentation, programming tools, drawings, specifications and data) and all applications or registrations in any jurisdiction

 

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pertaining to the foregoing, including all reissues, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, renewals or extensions thereof; (iii) trade secrets, know-how, including confidential and other non-public information, and the right in any jurisdiction to limit the use or disclosure thereof, (iv) copyrights in writings, designs, mask works or other works, and registrations or applications for registration of copyrights in any jurisdiction; (v) licenses, immunities, covenants not to sue and the like relating to any of the foregoing; (vi) Internet websites, domain names and registrations or applications for registration thereof; (viii) social networking accounts; (viii) books and records describing or used in connection with any of the foregoing; and (ix) claims or causes of action arising out of or related to infringement or misappropriation of any of the foregoing.

Investor Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse effect on the ability of Investor to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents.

Investor Related Party ” means any past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, manager, general or limited partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney or other Representative of the Investor, and any of their respective Affiliates (including any person negotiating or executing this Agreement on behalf of the Investor).

IRS ” means Internal Revenue Service.

Knowledge ” means that a matter is, as of the applicable date, actually known to, or based on their position and responsibilities would reasonably be expected to be known by, an executive officer of the Company.

Law ” means: (1) laws (including common law), statutes, by-laws, rules, regulations, orders, ordinances, codes, treaties, decrees, judgments, awards or requirements, in each case of any Governmental Agency, and terms and conditions of any grant of approval, permission, authority or license of any Governmental Agency; and (2) all policies, notices, guidelines, protocols or directions of any Governmental Agency which are binding on the Person referred to in the context in which it is used.

Liabilities ” means liabilities, obligations or commitments of any nature whatsoever, asserted or unasserted, known or unknown, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, matured or unmatured or otherwise.

Lien ” means any charge, claim, community property interest, condition, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, or restriction of any kind, including any restriction on use, voting, transfer, receipt of income, or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

Losses ” means, collectively, any loss, liability, damages, diminution in value, amount paid in settlement, claim, obligation, cost or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses and costs of collection), but excluding any special, punitive, incidental, multiple or consequential damages, except to the extent awarded to a third party.

 

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Mako Option ” means the right of Mako Resources, LLC to purchase, on or before March 15, 2015, up to 6,000,000 quotas in Oceanica owned by BahamasCo for a price of $3.38 per quota.

Material Subsidiary ” means a Subsidiary:

(a) that represents 10% or more of the assets or revenues of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;

(b) for which the Company has guaranteed such Subsidiary’s obligations; or

(c) is an Intermediate Holdco.

Monaco Option ” means, to the extent enforceable under applicable Law, the purported right of Monaco Financial, LLC to purchase, on or before the date that is the maturity date of any outstanding note under the Loan Agreement dated as of August 14, 2014, by and between the Company and Monaco Financial, LLC, up to 3,174,603 quotas in Oceanica owned by BahamasCo for a price equal to the lesser of $3.15 per quota or the price per quota obtained in certain public offerings.

Monaco Pledge ” means, to the extent enforceable under applicable Law, the purported Lien granted to Monaco Financial, LLC by BahamasCo on 10,000,000 quotas in Oceanica, as a security for $10.0 million of indebtedness owed by the Company to Monaco Financial, LLC, pursuant to the Loan Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2014 by and between Monaco Financial, LLC and the Company.

NASDAQ ” means the NASDAQ stock market.

NASDAQ Listing Rules ” means the official listing rules of NASDAQ, as amended from time to time.

Non-Disclosure Agreement ” means that certain Letter Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2014, by and between the Company and Mexicans & Americans Trading Together, Inc.

Obligations ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Note.

Oceanica ” means Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panamanian limitada.

OFAC Laws ” means any statutory and regulatory requirements of the laws administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Order ” means any judgment, writ, decree, injunction, order, compliance agreement or settlement agreement of or with any Governmental Agency.

Permit ” means any permit, approval, consent, authorization, license, variance, or permission required by a Governmental Agency under any Law.

 

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Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any asset, (i) covenants, conditions, restrictions, encroachments, encumbrances, easements, rights of way, licenses, grants, building or use restrictions, exceptions, reservations, limitations or other imperfections of title (other than a Lien securing any indebtedness) with respect to such asset which, individually or in the aggregate, does not materially detract from the value of, or materially interfere with the present occupancy or use of, such asset and the continuation of the present occupancy or use of such asset; (ii) unfiled mechanic’s, materialmen’s and similar Liens with respect to amounts not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings and, for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company included in the Company Reports; (iii) liens for Taxes not yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings and, for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company included in the Company Reports; and (iv) liens securing rental payments under capital lease arrangements, which capital lease arrangements are reflected in accordance with GAAP on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company included in the Company Reports.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or any other entity or organization.

Plan ” means an Employee Pension Benefit Plan or an Employee Welfare Benefit Plan, where no distinction is required by the context in which the term is used.

Proceedings ” means any action, suit, litigation, arbitration, legal administrative or other civil or criminal proceeding, at law or in equity, or, to the extent within the Knowledge of the Company or the knowledge of the Investor, as applicable, any investigation by or before any Governmental Agency.

Proxy Statement ” means a proxy statement, together with any amendments or supplements thereto and any other related proxy materials, relating to the Stockholder Approval.

Representatives ” means the directors, officers, employees and independent contractors, agents or advisors (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants, and investment bankers) of the specified party or any of its Subsidiaries.

SEC ” or “ Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar successor federal statute and the rules and regulations thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Sole Discretion ” of a party means the sole discretion of such party, which shall, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, not be subject to the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing of such party.

Stockholders ” means the stockholders of the Company.

 

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Subsidiary ” means, with respect to a Person other than a natural person: (a) any body corporate of which more than 50% of the outstanding shares ordinarily entitled to elect a majority of the board of directors thereof (whether or not shares of any other class or classes shall or might be entitled to vote upon the happening of a certain event or contingency) are at the time owned directly or indirectly by such specified body corporate, (b) any body corporate, partnership, joint venture or other entity over which the Person in question exercises direction or control or which is in a like relation to a subsidiary described in clause (a); and (c) any “subsidiary” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Superior Proposal ” means a bona fide, written and binding Alternative Proposal that the Board of Directors determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside financial and legal advisors), taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal (including any conditions to any related financing) and the Person making the proposal, is (a) more favorable to the Stockholders from a financial point of view than the Contemplated Transactions (after giving effect to all adjustments to the terms thereof that may be offered by the Investor in writing pursuant to Section 8.2 ) and (b) is reasonably likely to be consummated in a timely manner on the terms proposed in such Alternative Proposal; provided, however, for purposes of this definition of Superior Proposal, the term Alternative Proposal shall have the meaning assigned to such term herein, except that the references to “15%” in such definition shall be deemed references to “50%”.

Takedown Period ” means the period commencing on the Initial Closing Date and ending upon the first to occur of: (a) the date on which the Remaining Commitment of the Investor is zero dollars; (b) the occurrence of a Change of Control; (c) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII; (d) the occurrence of an Insolvency Event, or (e) the fifth anniversary of the Initial Closing.

Tax Return ” means any report, return, information return, forms, declarations, claims for refund, statements or other information (including any amendments thereto and including any schedule or statement thereto) required to be supplied to a Governmental Agency in connection with Taxes.

Taxes ” means all federal, state, local, foreign and other taxes, assessments and water and sewer charges and rents, including without limitation, income, gross receipts, excise, employment, sales, use, transfer, license, payroll, franchise, severance, stamp, withholding, Social Security, unemployment, real property, personal property, property gains, registration, capital stock, value added, single business, occupation, workers’ compensation, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax, including without limitation, any interest, penalties or additions thereto.

Termination Fee ” means $4,000,000.00.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Stockholder Agreement, the Indemnification Agreement, Oceanica Call, the Mandate, the Oceanica Articles Amendment, the Oceanica Membership Agreement, the Note, the Pledge Agreement, the Voting Agreement and any and all certificates, agreements, documents or other instruments to be executed and delivered by any Person in connection with such documents, any exhibits, attachments or schedules to any

 

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of the foregoing and any other written agreement that is expressly identified as a Transaction Document, as any of the foregoing may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Voting Stock ” means shares of the Common Stock and any other securities of the Company having the ordinary power to vote in the election of members of the Board of Directors and any securities convertible, exchangeable for or otherwise exercisable to acquire voting securities.

 

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ANNEX B

CROSS REFERENCE SHEET OF TERMS DEFINED HEREIN

 

Terms

  

Section

Agreement    Preamble
Alternative Acquisition Agreement    Section 5.3(a)
Amended and Restated Bylaws    Recitals
Antitrust Division    Section 5.5(b)
Articles    Section 1.3(a)(ii)
Articles Amendment    Section 1.3(a)(ii)
BahamasCo    Section 3.7(a)
Board of Directors    Section 1.4
Certificate of Designation    Section 1.3(a)(i)
Change of Recommendation    Section 5.3(d)
Claims Notice    Section 9.5
Class AA Preferred Stock    Recitals
Claims    Section 12.20
Commitment    Section 1.1
Committed Series AA-1 Shares    Section 1.1(b)
Common Stock    Section 3.5(a)(i)
Company    Preamble
Company Indemnitees    Section 9.3
Company Reports    Section 3.8(a)
Contracting Parties    Section 12.9
Deductible    Section 9.4(a)
Designated Court    Section 12.11
Early Outside Date    Section 8.1(d)(iv)
Enforceability Exceptions    Section 3.2(b)
Environmental Laws    Section 3.16
ERISA Affiliate    Section 3.12(c)
FTC    Section 5.5(b)
GAAP    Section 3.8(c)
Guarantor    Preamble
Indemnification Agreement    Section 1.3(a)(ix)
Indemnified Party    Section 9.5
Information Statement    Section 5.2(b)
Initial Closing    Section 1.2
Initial Closing Date    Section 1.2
Initial Closing Shares    Section 1.1(a)
Initial Loan Closing    Section 11.2(a)
Initial Loan Closing Date    Section 11.2(a)
Intermediate Holdcos    Section 3.7(a)
Investor    Preamble
Investor Call Right    Section 2.2(a)

 

B - 1


Terms

  

Section

Investor Designees    Section 1.4
Investor Indemnitees    Section 9.2
Investor Obligations    Section 10.1
Investor Observer    Section 1.5
Licensed Intellectual Property    Section 3.14(b)
Loan    Section 11.1(a)
Mako Option Termination    Section 3.7
Mandate Agreement    Recitals
Material Adverse Effect    Section 3.1(a)
Material Contract    Section 3.11
MEH    Section 3.7(a)
Milestones    Section 2.1(b)(iii)
Multiemployer Plan    Section 3.12(b)
Nonparty Affiliates    Section 12.9
Note    Section 11.3(a)(i)
Oceanica Articles Amendment    Recitals
Oceanica Call    Recitals
Oceanica Membership Agreement    Recitals
Outside Date    Section 8.1(c)(ii)
Owned Intellectual Property    Section 3.14(b)
Pledge Agreement    Section 11.3(a)(ii)
Pledged Oceanica Shares    Section 11.3(a)(ii)
Preferred Stock    Section 3.5(a)
Preliminary Transaction    Section 1.4
Project Mineral Rights    Section 3.7(e)
Project Permit    Section 3.7(d)
Recommendation    Section 5.2(a)
Releasors    Section 12.20
Releasees    Section 12.20
Remaining Commitment    Section 2.1(a)
Series AA-1 Preferred Stock    Recitals
Series AA-2 Preferred Stock    Recitals
Series AA-1 Price    Section 1.1(a)
Series AA-2 Price    Section 1.1(c)
Stockholder Agreement    Section 1.3(a)(vii)
Stockholder Approval    Section 5.2(a)
Stockholder Meeting    Section 5.2(a)
Subsequent Loan    Section 11.1
Subsequent Loan Closing    Section 11.2(b)
Subsequent Closing    Section 2.3(a)
Subsequent Closing Date    Section 2.3(a)
Takeover Laws    Section 3.25
Voting Agreement    Recitals

 

B - 2


ANNEX C

MILESTONES

 

Date (or if not a Business Day, the immediately succeeding Business Date)

   Aggregate Purchase Price      Series AA-1 Shares  

March 1, 2016

   $ 21,683,868         3,613,978   

September 1, 2016

   $ 21,683,868         3,613,978   

March 1, 2017

   $ 18,214,446         3,035,741   

March 1, 2018

   $ 4,541,856         756,976   

 

C - 1


ANNEX D

SUBSEQUENT LOAN FUNDING SCHEDULE

 

Date

   Amount      Total Outstanding Principal  

March 31, 2015

   $ 6,000,000.00       $ 8,000,000.00   

April 30, 2015

   $ 3,000,000.00       $ 11,000,000.00   

May 31, 2015

   $ 2,000,000.00       $ 13,000,000.00   

June 30, 2015

   $ 1,750,000.00       $ 14,750,000.00   

 

D - 1


EXHIBIT A

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION

 

Ex. A - 1


EXHIBIT B

ARTICLES AMENDMENT

 

Ex. B - 1


EXHIBIT C

STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT

 

Ex. C - 1


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

Ex. D - 1


EXHIBIT E

FORM OF OCEANICA ARTICLES AMENDMENT AND MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

 

Ex. E - 1


EXHIBIT F

NOTE

 

Ex. F - 1


EXHIBIT G

PLEDGE

 

Ex. G - 1

Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTION COPY

ODYSSEY MARINE ENTERPRISES, LTD.

PROMISSORY NOTE

March 11, 2015

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Promissory Note (this “ Note ”), for good and valuable consideration received, Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd., a Bahamas company (the “ Company ”), whose address is Lyford Financial Centre, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-7776, Nassau, Bahamas, promises to pay to Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (the “ Lender ”), the principal amount of fourteen million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($14,750,000), or so much thereof as shall have been advanced to the Company by the Lender and be outstanding hereunder, together with interest accrued on the unpaid principal amount outstanding under this Note from time to time from the date hereof until paid in full at the rate of eight percent (8%) per annum (the “ Interest Rate ”), payable on the terms set forth in Section 2 herein.

The obligations of the Company under this Note are secured by that certain Pledge Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and Lender (as amended or restated from time to time, the “ Pledge Agreement ”). Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “ Guarantor ”) shall be a party to this Note for the purposes of Section 6 hereof.

The following is a statement of the rights of the Holder and the terms and conditions to which this Note is subject, and to which the Holder, by the acceptance of this Note agrees:

1. Certain Definitions . Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this Note, the following terms will have the following meanings:

(a) “ Adjusted Principal Balance ” means the entire outstanding principal balance under this Note at the time in question plus accrued interest and fees.

(b) “ Bankruptcy Code ” means the United States Federal Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended or supplemented (as now or hereafter in effect).

(c) “ Business Day ” means any day except (a) a Saturday or Sunday or (b) a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market is closed for trading.

(d) “ Change in Control ” means the earlier of the entry into a definitive agreement providing for, or the effective date of: (i) a sale, lease, transfer or other disposition in one or a series of related transactions of any of the Company’s equity interests in Oceanica (other than pursuant to an agreement listed on Schedule 1.1 , (ii) Marine Explorations Holding, LLC ceasing to own beneficially and of record 100% of the equity interests in the Company, (iii) Guarantor ceasing to own beneficially and of record 100% of the equity interests in Marine Explorations Holding, LLC, or (iv) any Person or group (other than Lender and its affiliates) becoming the holder of in excess of 20% of the voting stock or outstanding equity interests of Guarantor.


(e) “ Debt ” means as to any person, without duplication (a) all indebtedness of such person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services as of such date (other than operating leases, trade liabilities and other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary practices) or which is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (b) the principal component of all obligations of such person under capitalized leases, (c) all obligations of such person in respect of letters of credit, acceptances or similar obligations issued or created for the account of such person, (d) all liabilities secured by any lien on any property owned by such person even though such person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof, (e) all guarantee obligations of such person, (d) all obligation of such person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such person and (e) interest rate swap transaction, basis swap transaction, forward rate swap transaction, commodity swap transaction, equity transaction, equity index transaction, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction (including any option with respect to any of these transactions and any combination of any of the foregoing) entered into by such person.

(f) “ Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code and all other applicable liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer or conveyance, suspension of payments, or similar laws from time to time in effect affecting the rights of creditors generally.

(g) “ Encumbrance ” means any charge, claim, community property interest, condition, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, or restriction of any kind, including any restriction on use, voting, transfer, receipt of income, or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

(h) “ Event of Default ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3 hereof.

(i) “ Financing ” means a transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which the Company, Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries of either, as applicable, issues or sells any (i) debt securities or other debt instruments of the Company, Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries of either; (ii) equity securities of the Company, Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries of either; (iii) debt instruments which have the right to convert into any class of capital stock of the Company, Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries of either; or (iv) other convertible securities that have the right to convert into any class of capital stock of the Company, Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries of either.

(j) “ GAAP ” means, collectively the (a) generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, that are applicable and (b) such other accounting methods consistently applied and maintained throughout the period indicated and consistent with the prior financial practices of the Company.

(k) “ Governmental Agency ” means any: (x) multinational, United States, non-United States, federal, state, regional, municipal, local or other government, governmental or public department, central bank, court, tribunal, arbitral body, commission, board, bureau or agency,

 

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domestic or foreign; (y) subdivision, agent, commission, board or authority of any of the foregoing; or (z) quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory, expropriation or taxing authority under or for the account of any of the foregoing.

(l) “ Holder ” when the context refers to a holder of this Note, will mean any person who at the time in question is the registered holder of this Note.

(m) “ Investor ” means Penelope Mining LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Lender.

(n) “ Law ” means: (i) laws (including common law), statutes, by-laws, rules, regulations, orders, ordinances, codes, treaties, decrees, judgments, awards or requirements, in each case of any Governmental Agency, and terms and conditions of any grant of approval, permission, authority or license of any Governmental Agency; and (ii) all policies, notices, guidelines, protocols or directions of any Governmental Agency which are binding on the Person referred to in the context in which it is used.

(o) “ Loan Documents ” means this Note, the Pledge Agreement, the Call Option Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015 between the Company and Lender, and the Stock Purchase Agreement, and all other documents, agreements and instruments delivered in connection therewith.

(p) “ Loans ” means, collectively, the Initial Loan and any and all Subsequent Loans made pursuant to this Note.

(q) “ Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise), affairs, properties, assets or liabilities of (i) the Company alone or (ii) the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Note or any of the other Loan Documents.

(r) “ Maturity Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .

(s) “ Obligations ” means, collectively, (a) all present and future liabilities and other obligations of the Company to Lender under the Loan Documents, whether those obligations are direct, indirect, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, joint, several, or joint and several, due or to become due, created directly or acquired by assignment or otherwise, and (b) all present and future costs, attorneys’ fees, and expenses reasonably incurred by Lender and relating to the Company’s payment of any of the Obligations, including, without limitation (to the extent lawful), all present and future amounts that would become due but for the operation of §§502 or 506 or any other provision of Title 11 of the United States Code and all present and future accrued and unpaid interest, including, without limitation, all post-maturity interest and any post-petition interest in any proceeding under Debtor Relief Laws to which the Company becomes subject.

(t) “ Oceanica ” means Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panamanian limitada.

(u) “ Order ” means any judgment, writ, decree, injunction, order, compliance agreement or settlement agreement of or with any Governmental Agency.

 

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(v) “ Permitted Encumbrance ” means (a) any Encumbrance existing on the date hereof and disclosed in Schedule 1.1 , (b) any Encumbrance arising under this Note or the other Loan Documents; and (iii) liens for Taxes not yet delinquent.

(w) “ Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other organization, whether or not a legal entity, and any Governmental Agency.

(x) “ Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(y) “ Stock Purchase Agreement ” means the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015, by and among Guarantor, Lender and Investor.

(z) “ Subsidiaries ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ parent ”), at any date, any other Person the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP and including, without limitation, each Person as to which the parent owns more than 50% of the equity interests or otherwise controls.

2. Maturity, Payment of Interest and Prepayment .

(a) Unless otherwise converted as provided herein, the Adjusted Principal Balance will be due and payable in full on (i) September 30, 2015 or (ii) if and only if the Investor shall have terminated the Stock Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof, March 30, 2016 (the “ Maturity Date ”).

(b) If the Stock Purchase Agreement is terminated for any reason, then from and after the date of such termination each of the Company and Guarantor, as applicable, shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, use any and all proceeds from a Financing to repay the outstanding Adjusted Principal Balance of this Note.

(c) The unpaid principal balance of this Note at any time shall be the aggregate amount of all Loans made by Lender to the Company from time to time less the total amount of principal payments made hereon by the Company. The date and amount of each such Loan and each payment on account of principal thereof may be endorsed by Lender on the grid attached to and made a part of this Note, and when so endorsed shall represent evidence thereof binding upon the Company in the absence of manifest error. Any failure by Lender to so endorse shall in no way mitigate or discharge the obligation of the Company to repay any Loans actually made.

(d) The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest (computed on the basis of a 365/366 day year) at the Interest Rate stated above from the date hereof until the payment in full of the Adjusted Principal Balance. From and after the earlier of the Maturity Date and the occurrence of an Event of Default, all obligations due and payable hereunder (whether interest, principal or otherwise) shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Interest Rate plus 2% per annum, payable on demand and compounding monthly.

(e) Interest shall be payable in arrears to the Lender on the Maturity Date.

(f) The Company may prepay this Note in whole or in part at any time so long as the Company provides written notice to the Lender of such prepayment at least 10 days prior to the proposed prepayment date.

 

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3. Events of Default . If there shall be any Event of Default (as defined below), this Note shall accelerate and the Adjusted Principal Balance, (x) in the case of clauses (d), (f), (g), (h), (k) and (m), shall become immediately due and payable, and (y) in all other cases, upon written notice from Holder shall become immediately due and payable. It shall be an “ Event of Default ” under this Note if:

(a) the Company fails to pay any amount payable hereunder on the date due and payable;

(b) the Company or Guarantor shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement herein contained, or shall fail to perform or observe any other covenant contained herein or in any other Loan Document and such failure shall not be remedied within five (5) Business Days after written notice is sent to the Company;

(c) an event of default or material breach by the Company, Guarantor or any of their affiliates under any of the other Loan Documents shall have occurred and all grace periods, if any, applicable thereto shall have expired;

(d) the Stock Purchase Agreement shall have been terminated, other than, following a vote of the stockholders of Guarantor at the “Stockholder Meeting” at which the “Stockholder Approval” was not obtained (as such quoted terms are defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement).

(e) any representation, warranty, statement, certificate, schedule or report made herein or in any other Loan Document by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or furnished by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries hereunder or thereunder shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect as of the time made or deemed to have been made or furnished and if capable of being remedied, the same shall not be remedied within five (5) Business Days after written notice is sent to the Company, or, if earlier, the date an officer of the Company obtains actual knowledge thereof;

(f) there shall have occurred the dissolution, termination of existence of, or the insolvency of, or the making of an assignment or trust mortgage for the benefit of creditors by, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(g) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) apply for or consent to the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, liquidator or similar official of itself or of all or a substantial part of its property, (ii) be generally not paying its debts as such debts become due, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (iv) commence a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Code, (v) take any action or commence any case or proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (vi) fail to contest in a timely or appropriate manner, or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed against it in an involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code or other Debtor Relief Law, (vii) take any action under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization similar to any of the foregoing, or (viii) take any corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

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(h) a proceeding or case shall be commenced, without the application or consent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking (i) the liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up, or composition or readjustment of its debts, (ii) the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like of it or of all or any substantial part of its assets, or (iii) similar relief in respect of it, under any Debtor Relief Law, and such proceeding or case shall continue undismissed, or unstayed and in effect, for a period of sixty (60) days; or an order for relief shall be entered in an involuntary case under such Debtor Relief Law, against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or action under the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, similar to any of the foregoing shall be taken with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(i) an entry of judgment or award against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be made (i) which exceeds $100,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any time, (ii) which has been in force more than sixty (60) days (or, if the applicable appeal period is shorter, for such shorter period) or on which execution has been levied, (iii) in respect of which the Company or such Subsidiary shall not at the time in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for review and in respect of which no stay of execution shall have been obtained pending such appeal or review, and (iv) the judgment or award shall have arisen out of liabilities not fully covered by insurance unless the insurer shall have acknowledged in writing that full coverage (subject to any deductibles applicable thereto) exists with respect to such judgment or award;

(j) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented from conducting all or any material part of its business affairs;

(k) a Change in Control shall occur;

(l) there shall be instituted in any court criminal proceedings against the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any officer, director, manager or principal thereof, or the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any officer, director, manager or principal thereof shall be indicted for any crime, in either case for which a forfeiture of a material portion of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s property is a potential penalty or if adversely determined would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(m) (i) there shall exist an event of default under any other agreement relating to Debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries where the outstanding principal amount of such Debt is greater than $100,000, and all grace periods, if any, applicable thereto shall have expired; (ii) the maturity of any such Debt shall have been accelerated; or (iii) without the prior, written approval of Holder, the Company shall have made any payment with respect to any such Debt more than five (5) Business Days in advance of its scheduled payment date.

 

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4. Representations and Warranties of the Company

The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Lender as follows:

(a) Organization and Standing . The Company is duly organized and existing under the laws of the Bahamas and is in good standing under such laws. The Company has the requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets, and to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Corporate Power . Each of the Company and the Guarantor have all requisite corporate power to execute and deliver the Loan Documents and to carry out and perform their obligations under the terms of the Loan Documents. The Company has all requisite corporate power to sell and issue this Note. Each of the Loan Documents constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company and the Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles of law.

(c) No Conflicts . Neither the Company, the Guarantor nor any of their Subsidiaries is in violation of or default on any term of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or other charter documents, as each is in effect as of the date hereof (collectively, the “ Charter Documents ”), or any provision of any material mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation or other restriction to which the Company, the Guarantor or such Subsidiary is a party or by which it is bound or of any material provision of any Law applicable to the Company, the Guarantor or any such Subsidiary. Each of (A) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company and the Guarantor of the Loan Documents, (B) the compliance herewith and therewith, (C) the issuance by the Company of this Note, and (E) the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (A) through (D), will not result in any violation of or result in a breach of any of the terms of, or constitute a default under, (i) any provision of any material Law applicable to the Company, the Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the Charter Documents, or (iii) any provision of any material mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, instrument, or other restriction to which the Company, the Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries is a party or by which they are bound.

(d) Litigation . There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings pending or actually known to be threatened in writing against or to the knowledge of the Company affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any properties or rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, by or before any Governmental Agency which if adversely determined would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Compliance With Laws . The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has conducted and continues to conduct its business in all material respects in accordance with all Laws and Orders applicable to the Company and each of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any such Law or Order in any material respect.

 

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(f) Conduct of Business; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities . The Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding Oceanica and its Subsidiaries): (x) conduct no business other than holding equity interests in Oceanica, and (y) have no liabilities or obligations, contingent or otherwise, other than (i) liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.1 or 5(a) , (ii) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the ordinary course of business, not required by GAAP to be set forth on a consolidated Balance Sheet, (iii) immaterial fess, costs, and expenses associated with the maintenance of the existence of such Persons, and (iv) liabilities under the Loan Documents.

(g) No Encumbrances . The Company and each of its Subsidiaries (other than Oceanica and its Subsidiaries) have good and valid title to its properties and assets, free and clear of any Encumbrance, except for Permitted Encumbrances.

(h) Tax Returns and Taxes . All federal, state and other taxes, assessments and other governmental charges upon the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties which are due and payable or claimed to be due have been paid to federal, state or local taxing authorities (including, without limitation, taxes on properties, franchises, licenses, sales and payrolls), other than any such tax, assessment or charge that is subject to an ongoing bona fide dispute. All charges, accruals and reserves for taxes reflected in the Balance Sheet are adequate to cover the tax liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date(s) thereof. There are no tax liens upon any of the properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no pending tax examinations nor have any tax claims been asserted by any taxing authority against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, nor is there any basis for any such claim.

(i) Compliance with OFAC Rules and Regulations . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (i) an “enemy” or an “ally of the enemy” within the meaning of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act, (ii) in violation of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”) regulations, or (iii) a “Sanctioned Person” or a “Sanctioned Entity” as defined in applicable OFAC regulations.

(j) Use of Proceeds; Solvency . The Company hereby agrees that the money loaned to the Company hereunder shall be used in compliance with applicable Law. After giving effect to the loan provided for in this Note and the intended use of proceeds, the Company will be “solvent” within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code.

5. Additional Covenants .

(a) Debt . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall incur, assume or suffer to exist any Debt other than (i) Debt existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 5(a) , and (ii) Debt under this Note.

(b) Transactions Outside of the Ordinary Course of Business . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) permit or suffer any merger, reorganization, change in senior management or other similar transaction, (ii) make or agree to make any asset sale or disposition, (iii) acquire all or any portion of the equity interests or Debt of any Person, (iv) make any advance or loan to any Person (other than an advance to Guarantor), (v) acquire any portion of the assets of any Person, and (vi) in the case of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than Oceanica and its Subsidiaries) conduct any business other than holding equity interests in Oceanica

 

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and performing their obligations under the contracts listed on Schedule 1.1 or 5(a) and under the Loan Documents. The Company hereby agrees that amounts advanced to the Company hereunder shall be used in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.1(c) of the Stock Purchase Agreement.

(c) Encumbrances . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall permit or suffer to exist any Encumbrance on any of its properties other than Permitted Encumbrances.

(d) Restricted Payments .

(i) The Company shall not declare or pay any distribution or make any other payment on account of its equity interests, purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire or retire for value any of its equity interests; and

(ii) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) any other Debt, other than scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Debt listed on Schedule 5(a) .

(e) Notice Requirements . The Company shall notify the Lender in writing, promptly after any officer of the Company obtains actual knowledge thereof and with full details, of:

(i) any contingent liability(ies) involving liability in excess of $100,000 with respect to the Company (a “ Material Amount ”), which is not covered by insurance;

(ii) any litigation or arbitration or other proceeding pending or commenced before any Governmental Agency relating to the Company, Oceanica or any of their respective Subsidiaries;

(iii) the acceleration of the maturity of any Debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether or not disputed);

(iv) the occurrence of a default under any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(v) any Encumbrance asserted, and any attachment, levy, execution or other legal process levied against the Collateral or any other material property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and

(vi) any change in (i) the legal name of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the address of the chief executive office of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) the jurisdiction of formation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) the location of any Collateral or the records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to accounts.

(f) Payment of Taxes and Claims. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries shall pay each tax or other assessment or governmental charge or levy imposed upon the Company

 

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or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective property prior to the time when any material penalties or interest (except interest during extensions of time for filing of tax returns) accrue with respect thereto, as well as any lawful claim for labor, materials or supplies which if unpaid might become a lien or charge upon the properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any part thereof.

(g) Compliance With Law . The Company and each of its Subsidiaries shall comply in all material respects with the requirements of all present and future applicable Laws

(h) Access to Records . The Lender shall, upon reasonable notice to the Company and at reasonable times, be provided with access to all tax, financial and other books and records of, and senior officers of, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries.

6. Guaranty .

(a) For value received, the Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Lender all Obligations. The Lender may bring a separate action against the Guarantor for any accrued but unpaid Obligations without making any demand upon the Company, and without separately proceeding against the Company, and without pursuing any other remedy.

(b) The Lender shall have the right, without notice to the Guarantor, to: (i) renew, extend, accelerate, waive, compromise, release, restructure and otherwise modify, or refuse to modify, the Obligations, the liability of any Person therefor as principal, guarantor, surety or otherwise, and/or any security therefor; and (ii) pursue or not pursue, or make elections among, the Lender’s remedies against any such Persons, even if any rights that the Guarantor may have, including subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity, contribution and/or participation in security, are impaired or extinguished. The Guarantor waives any right or defense that might arise by reason of the Lender’s exercise of any such rights.

(c) The Guarantor’s liability shall not be affected by any circumstance constituting legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor or surety other than payment in full of the Obligations. The Guarantor hereby waives, and agrees not to exercise, any rights it may have arising from or based on: (i) any right to require the Lender to proceed against the Company or any other guarantor or other person, or to pursue any other remedy whatsoever; (ii) any defense based upon any legal disability of, any discharge or limitation of the liability of, any restraint or stay applicable to actions against, or the lack of authority or termination of existence of, the Company or any guarantor or other Person; (iii) any right of setoff, recoupment or counterclaim; (iv) presentment, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of protest, notice of dishonor and notice of any action or inaction; (v) any defense based upon negligence of the Lender, including any failure to file a claim in any bankruptcy; (vi) all rights of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity and/or contribution, and all rights to enforce any remedy that the Lender may have against the Company or another Person; and (vii) any defense related to any change in the Person(s) primarily liable for the Obligations, whether by reason of a change in the structure of the Company, assumption of the Obligations by another Person, or otherwise. The Guarantor will not institute, and will cause its affiliates not to institute, any Proceedings asserting that the guaranty contained in this Section 6 or any term or condition set forth herein is illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

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(d) The Guarantor’s liability shall continue in effect notwithstanding payment or performance by the Company such that, if any such payment or performance is avoided or recovered from or returned by the Lender in connection with the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or otherwise, the Guarantor shall remain liable as though such payment or performance had not occurred. The Lender may elect in its sole discretion whether to contest a demand or claim that payment or performance should be avoided, recovered or returned.

(e) The Guarantor’s obligations under this Section 6 shall not be altered, limited, stayed or affected by any proceeding, voluntary or involuntary, involving the bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, reorganization, liquidation, or arrangement of the Company, or by any defense the Company may have to the Obligations by reason of any order, decree, or decision of any court or administrative body resulting from any such proceeding. Any stay of enforcement or stay of acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Obligations as against the Company or any other Person, in bankruptcy or otherwise, shall not affect the Guarantor’s liability under this Note or the time for performance by the Guarantor hereunder.

7. Assignment . The rights and obligations of the Company and the Holder of this Note will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors, assigns, heirs, administrators and transferees of the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company may not assign, pledge or otherwise transfer this Note without the prior written consent of the Holder.

8. Waivers . Other than as set forth herein, the Company hereby irrevocably waives notice of intent to demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest, notice of set off, notice of protest, notice of dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, and all other notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, collection and/or enforcement of this Note.

9. Waiver and Amendment . No provision of this outstanding Note shall be waived or modified without the written consent of the Company and the Holder.

10. Exculpation . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Note, neither Lender nor any present or future shareholder, director, officer or partner of Lender or of any entity which is now or hereafter a shareholder, director, officer or partner of Lender, shall have any personal liability, directly or indirectly, under or in connection with this Note or any agreement made or entered into under or in connection with the provisions of this Note, or any amendment or amendments to any of the foregoing made at any time or times, heretofore or hereafter, and the Company hereby forever and irrevocably waives and releases any and all such personal liability. The limitation of liability provided in this paragraph is in addition to, and not in limitation of, any limitation on liability applicable to Lender provided by law or by any other contract, agreement or instrument.

11. Lost Documents . Upon receipt by the Company of evidence and indemnity satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of, and upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver in lieu of this Note a new note of the same series and of like tenor and unpaid principal amount and dated as of the date to which interest, if any, has been paid on the unpaid principal amount of this Note.

 

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12. Severability . If any provision of this Note becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, portions of such provision, or such provision in its entirety, to the extent necessary, shall be severed from this Note, and such court will replace such illegal, void or unenforceable provision of this Note with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the same economic, business and other purposes of the illegal, void or unenforceable provision. The balance of this Note shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

13. Counterparts . This Note may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be enforceable against the parties actually executing such counterparts, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

14. Costs . If, and as often as, this Note is referred to an attorney for the collection of any sum payable hereunder, or to defend or enforce any of Lender’s rights hereunder, or to commence an action, cross-claim, third-party claim or counterclaim by Lender against the Company relating to this Note, the Company agrees to pay to Lender all reasonable out-of-pocket third-party costs incurred in connection therewith including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees (including such fees incurred in appellate, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings), with or without the institution of any action or proceeding, and in addition all documented costs, disbursements and allowances provided by law.

15. Sole and Absolute Discretion . Any option, consent, approval, discretion or similar right of Lender set forth in this Note may be exercised by Lender in its sole discretion, unless the provisions of this Note or the other Loan Documents specifically require such option, consent, approval, discretion or similar right to be exercised in Lender’s reasonable discretion.

16. Loan Documents . The parties hereto are entitled to all of the benefits, and subject to all of the limitations, provided in the Loan Documents, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as though set forth herein in their entirety.

17. Marshaling . Lender shall not be required to marshal any present or future security for the Obligations, or to resort to such security or guarantees in any particular order. To the extent that it lawfully may, the Company hereby agrees that it will not invoke any law that might cause delay in or impede the enforcement of the rights of Lender under this Note or under any other instrument evidencing any of the Obligations or pursuant to which any of the Obligations were issued or by which any of the Obligations are secured or guaranteed, and to the fullest extent it lawfully may, the Company irrevocably waives the benefits of all such laws.

18. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial, Etc.

(a) Governing Law. This Note, and all claims arising out of or relating to it, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, excluding that body of law relating to conflict of laws.

(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION/SERVICE OF PROCESS . THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK, FOR

 

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THE PURPOSES OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE, THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREOF. THE COMPANY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW (A) HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT, BY WAY OF MOTION, AS A DEFENSE, OR OTHERWISE, IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN THE ABOVE-NAMED COURTS ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT SUBJECT PERSONALLY TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS, THAT ITS PROPERTY IS EXEMPT OR IMMUNE FROM ATTACHMENT OR EXECUTION, THAT THE SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM, THAT THE VENUE OF THE SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS IMPROPER OR THAT THIS NOTE, THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREOF (AS APPLICABLE) MAY NOT BE ENFORCED IN OR BY SUCH COURT, (B) HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING INSTITUTED BY A LENDER IN STATE COURT TO FEDERAL COURT, OR TO REMAND AN ACTION INSTITUTED IN FEDERAL COURT TO STATE COURT AND (C) HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ANY OFFSETS OR COUNTERCLAIMS EXCEPT COUNTERCLAIMS THAT ARE COMPULSORY OR OTHERWISE ARISE FROM THE SAME SUBJECT MATTER. THE COMPANY AGREES THAT ITS SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION IS MADE FOR THE EXPRESS BENEFIT OF LENDER. FINAL JUDGMENT AGAINST THE COMPANY IN ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE, AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION (X) BY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ON THE JUDGMENT, A CERTIFIED OR TRUE COPY OF WHICH SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF THE FACT AND OF THE AMOUNT OF INDEBTEDNESS OR LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY THEREIN DESCRIBED, OR (Y) IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY OR PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF SUCH OTHER JURISDICTION.

(c) WAIVER WITH RESPECT TO DAMAGES . THE COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT LENDER DOES NOT HAVE ANY FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIP WITH, OR FIDUCIARY DUTY TO, THE COMPANY ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS NOTE OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE COMPANY SHALL NOT ASSERT, AND THE COMPANY HEREBY WAIVES, ANY CLAIMS AGAINST LENDER, ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (AS OPPOSED TO DIRECT OR ACTUAL DAMAGES) ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS A RESULT OF, THIS NOTE, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, ANY AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

(d) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . THE COMPANY HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT THAT THE COMPANY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION ARISING IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS NOTE OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, OR ANY OTHER STATEMENTS OR ACTIONS OF THE LENDER. THE COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE LENDER TO DISBURSE THE MONEY EVIDENCED BY THIS NOTE AND TO ENTER INTO THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

 

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19. Release . In consideration of, among other things, Lender’s execution and delivery of this Note, concurrently with the advancement of any Loan by Lender, the Company, the Company’s equityholders and residual claimants and each Guarantor, on behalf of itself and the respective successors and assigns of each (collectively, the “ Releasors ”), hereby forever agrees and covenants not to sue or prosecute against the Releasees (defined below) and hereby forever waives, releases and discharges each Releasee from, any and all claims (including, without limitation, cross-claims, counterclaims, rights of set-off and recoupment), actions, causes of action, suits, debts, accounts, interests, liens, promises, warranties, damages and consequential and punitive damages, demands, agreements, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, controversies, torts, variances, trespasses, judgments, executions, costs, expenses or claims whatsoever (collectively, the “ Claims ”), that such Releasor now has or hereafter may have, of whatsoever nature and kind, whether known or unknown, whether arising at law or in equity, against Lender in any capacity and its shareholders and “controlling persons” (within the meaning of the federal securities laws), and their respective successors and assigns and each and all of the officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, advisors, auditors, affiliates, consultants and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Releasees ”), based in whole or in part on facts whether or not now known, existing on or before the date of the most recent advance of Loans hereunder, that relate to, arise out of or otherwise are in connection with this Note or any transactions contemplated hereby or any acts or omissions in connection therewith or the negotiation thereof, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not release Lender from the express obligations under this Note. The provisions of this Section 19 shall survive the repayment of this Note.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company has caused this Note to be issued as of the day and year as first written above.

 

ODYSSEY MARINE ENTERPRISES, LTD.
By:

 

Name:
Title:
Address:
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
By:

 

Name:
Title:
Address:

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
MINERA DEL NORTE, S.A. DE C.V.
By:

/s/ Alonso Ancira Elizondo

Name: Alonso Ancira Elizondo
Title: Authorized Person
Address:

 

[Signature Page to Promissory Note]


LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL

 

Date                    

  Loan
        No.        
        Amount of    
Loan
      Amount of    
Principal Paid
  Unpaid
    Principal    
Balance
  Notation
    Made By    
         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Schedule 1.1(d)

Current Agreements Providing for the Purported Transfer of Oceanica Equity (to the Extent Enforceable Under Applicable Law)

 

    The Loan Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2014, by and between Guarantor and Monaco Financial, LLC.

 

** The joinder by the by the Company of the foregoing agreements or the recordation of a pledge with respect to those agreements on the records of Oceanica shall not constitute Permitted Encumbrances.


Schedule 5(a)

Existing Debt

None.

Exhibit 10.3

EXECUTION VERSION

PLEDGE AGREEMENT

PLEDGE AGREEMENT , dated as of March 11, 2015 (this “Agreement”), between MINERA DEL NORTE, S.A. DE C.V. , a Mexican societe anonime (hereinafter referred to as “ PLEDGEE ”), ODYSSEY MARINE ENTERPRISES LTD. , a corporation existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, (hereinafter referred to as “ ODYSSEY ” or “ PLEDGOR ”), and OCEANICA RESOURCES, S. DE R.L. , a sociedad de responsabilidad limitada existing under the laws of the Republic of Panama (hereinafter referred to as “ OCEANICA ”).

PLEDGEE , PLEDGOR and OCEANICA are referred to herein, individually, as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, ODYSSEY is the owner of certain participation quotas (the “Pledged Quotas”) described in Schedule I hereto and issued by OCEANICA as stated in Schedule I; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), among Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., the guarantor named therein and PLEDGEE , PLEDGEE has agreed to advance to PLEDGOR, in one or more transactions, up to FOURTEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY UNITED STATES DOLLARS (US$14,750,000) on or after the date hereof (each advance received by PLEDGOR from PLEDGEE , an “Advance”) and it is a condition precedent to the making of any Advance by PLEDGEE that PLEDGOR shall have made the pledge contemplated by this Agreement.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Call Option Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Call Option Agreement”), by PLEDGOR in favor of PLEDGEE , PLEDGOR has agreed to sell to PLEDGEE certain participation quotas described therein, subject to the purported prior rights, to the extent enforceable under applicable Law, of (i) Monaco Financial LLC to purchase up to 3,174,603 quotas pursuant to the Monaco Option as described in the Call Option Agreement (the “Monaco Option”) and (ii) Monaco Financial, LLC to hold a Lien on 10,000,000 quotas in Oceanica granted by Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (“OMEX”) as a security for $10.0 million of indebtedness owed by OMEX to Monaco Financial, LLC, pursuant to the Loan Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2014, by and between Monaco Financial, LLC and the Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc (the “Monaco Pledge”).


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and in order to induce PLEDGEE to make any and all Advances and enter into the Call Option Agreement, PLEDGOR hereby agrees as follows:

SECTION 1. Pledge. In order to secure the Obligations, PLEDGOR hereby pledges to PLEDGEE , and grants to PLEDGEE a security interest in the Pledged Quotas and the certificates representing the Pledged Quotas and all instruments and other property (including cash and cash equivalents received upon the disposition of any of the Pledged Collateral) from time to time received or receivable in exchange for any or all of the Pledged Quotas, including pursuant to the Monaco Option and the Call Option Agreement (the “Pledged Collateral”).

SECTION 2. Security for Obligations. This Agreement secures the payment and performance of all obligations of PLEDGOR to PLEDGEE now or hereafter existing under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Call Option Agreement, the Note (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) or any other agreement with respect to the Advances or the transactions contemplated by any of the foregoing, whether for principal or interest or fees or otherwise, and all obligations of PLEDGOR now or hereafter existing under this Agreement (all such obligations of the PLEDGOR being the “Obligations”).

SECTION 3. Delivery of Pledged Collateral; Filings. All certificates or instruments representing or evidencing the Pledged Collateral shall be delivered to and held by PLEDGEE pursuant hereto. Oceanica will (i) on or prior to the date hereof, annotate the Pledge over the Pledged Quotas in the Stock Registry of the Oceanica and (ii) as soon as practicable after the date hereof, and in any event within five business days, register the Pledge in the Panamanian Public Registry. Any and all Pledged Collateral (including, without limitation, dividends, interest, other cash distributions, and proceeds of sale pursuant to the Monaco Option or the Call Option Agreement) at any time received or held by PLEDGOR shall be so received or held in trust for PLEDGEE , shall be segregated from other property of PLEDGOR and shall be forthwith delivered to PLEDGEE in the same form as so received or held, with any necessary indorsements.

SECTION 4. Representations and Warranties of PLEDGOR . PLEDGOR represents and warrants as follows:

(a) that it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the its jurisdiction of formation and its duly qualified to do business and its in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the business it conducts make such qualifications necessary.

(b) the execution, delivery and performance by PLEDGOR of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of PLEDGOR and do not and will not: (i) contravene PLEDGOR’s constitutional documents; (ii) violate in any material respect any provision of any applicable law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction or decree, presently in effect and binding on PLEDGOR ; or (iii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, lease or instrument to which PLEDGOR is party or by which it or its property may be bound or affected;

 

Page 2 of 10


(c) the Pledged Quotas have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable;

(d) PLEDGOR is the sole holder of record of the Pledged Quotas and legal and beneficial owner of the Pledged Collateral free and clear of any liens, encumbrances, security interest, options, warrants or other charges or rights of third parties whatsoever, except for: (i) the security interest created by this Agreement; (ii) with respect to 10,000,000 quotas, the Monaco Pledge, to the extent enforceable under applicable Law; and (iii) with respect to 3,174,603 quotas, the Monaco Option, to the extent enforceable under applicable Law.

(e) this Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of PLEDGOR , enforceable against PLEDGOR in accordance with its terms subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally;

(f) upon the taking of the following action, the pledge of the Pledged Quotas pursuant to this Agreement creates a valid and perfected security interest in the Pledged Collateral securing the payment of the Obligations: (i)  PLEDGEE having possession of the certificate for the Pledged Quotas, (ii) the Pledge over the Pledged Quotas has been annotated in the Stock Registry of Oceanica, and (iii) the Pledge being recorded in the Panamanian Public Registry]; the pledge of the Pledged Quotas pursuant to this Agreement creates a valid first priority security interest in the Pledged Collateral securing the payment of the Obligations, subject only to with respect to 10,000,000 quotas, the Monaco Pledge, to the extent the Monaco Pledge is enforceable under applicable Law;

(g) No authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority, regulatory body or other person or entity, other than the members of OCEANICA listed in Schedule II, is required for the Pledge by PLEDGOR of the Pledged Collateral pursuant to this Agreement or for the due execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by PLEDGOR , and

(h) the exercise by PLEDGEE of any of its rights and remedies hereunder will not contravene any law or contractual restrictions binding on or affecting PLEDGOR .

SECTION 5. Representations and Warranties of OCEANICA. OCEANICA represents and warrants as follows:

 

  (a) That it agrees and acknowledges the Pledge made by PLEDGOR to PLEDGEE in the terms agreed upon by the Parties within this Agreement.

 

Page 3 of 10


  (b) That all the members of OCEANICA set forth in Schedule II authorize and agree on the following: (i) that they give their express consent for PLEDGOR to pledge the Pledged Quotas, (ii) that any Event of Default will give PLEDGEE the right to exercise its remedies with respect to the Pledged Collateral as set forth in Section 14 or as otherwise available to it under applicable law, (iii) that they expressly authorize and consent PLEDGEE to become a member of OCEANICA in case of any Event of Default, and iv) that they waive their preferential right over the Pledge Quotas.

SECTION 6. Further Assurances . (a)  PLEDGOR agrees that at any time and from time to time, at the expense of PLEDGOR , PLEDGOR will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further actions, that may be necessary or desirable or that PLEDGEE may reasonably request, in order to perfect and protect any security interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable PLEDGEE to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any Pledged Collateral.

(b) PLEDGOR hereby authorizes PLEDGEE or its designee to file or make any required filing or application necessary or desirable to perfect and protect any security interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable PLEDGEE to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any Pledged Collateral.

(c) Upon receipt by PLEDGOR of any material notice, report or other communication from OCEANICA relating to all or any part of the Pledged Collateral that can reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Collateral, PLEDGOR shall deliver such notice, report or other communication to PLEDGEE as soon as possible, but in no event later than five (5) days following the receipt thereof by PLEDGOR .

SECTION 7. Event of Default The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an event of default under this Agreement (each, an “Event of Default):

(a) The occurrence of any “Event of Default” under and as defined in the Note.

(b) Breach by PLEDGOR of any obligation set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement, this Agreement or the Call Option Agreement, including, without limitation, any termination or acceleration of this Agreement in accordance with Sections 12 or 13 hereof.

SECTION 8. Voting Rights. (a) So as long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, PLEDGOR shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Call Option Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Note.

 

Page 4 of 10


(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all rights of PLEDGOR to exercise the voting and other consensual rights that it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 8(a), shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in PLEDGEE , who shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting or other consensual rights. PLEDGOR shall execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to PLEDGEE all such proxies and other instruments as PLEDGEE may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling PLEDGEE to exercise the voting and other rights which it is entitled to exercise pursuant to the preceding sentence.

SECTION 9. Transfers and Other Liens; Issue of Substituted Quotas. (a)  PLEDGOR agrees that it will not (i) sell (except pursuant to the terms of the Monaco Option, to the extent enforceable by applicable Law, or the Call Option Agreement) or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, any of the Pledged Collateral, or (ii) create or permit to exist any lien, security interest, or other charge or encumbrance upon or with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral, except for the security interest under this Agreement.

(b) PLEDGOR agrees that it will, so long as any Obligations remain outstanding pledge to PLEDGEE hereunder, immediately upon their acquisition thereof, any and all participation quotas issued in substitution for the Pledged Quotas.

SECTION 10. PLEDGEE May Perform. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, if PLEDGOR fails to perform any agreement contained herein, PLEDGEE , after giving three (3) Business Day’s notice to PLEDGOR of its intention to perform, may itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement, and the expenses of PLEDGEE incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by PLEDGOR under Section 15.

SECTION 11. Reasonable Care. PLEDGEE shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Pledged Collateral in PLEDGEE’s possession if the Pledged Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which PLEDGEE accords its own property, except that PLEDGEE shall not be excused from liability for its gross negligence or willful misconduct. It is hereby understood that PLEDGEE shall not have any responsibility for (i) ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other matters relative to any Pledged Collateral, whether or not PLEDGEE has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters, or (ii) taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any Pledged Collateral.

SECTION 12. Termination . This agreement can be terminated at any time by PLEDGEE constituting sufficient cause for PLEDGEE to demand full and immediate payment, regardless of the duration of the agreement, for any of the following:

(a) Any delays in the payment of any of the Obligations.

 

Page 5 of 10


(b) If PLEDGEE deems PLEDGOR’s financial condition has deteriorated up to a point where PLEDGOR is not capable of paying its Obligations to PLEDGEE or any other creditor.

(c) The installment of any bankruptcy proceedings, insolvency, attachments or creditor’s meetings against the PLEDGOR .

(e) If PLEDGOR does not abide by any and all obligations under this contract.

SECTION 13. Automatic Acceleration . As stipulated in Section 12 herein, PLEDGEE’s demand of full and immediate payment will make all amounts owed past due and payable, for which PLEDGOR waives domicile, renounces to all service of process and jurisdiction requirements and the right of exception for the installment of executive proceedings against PLEDGEE .

SECTION 14. Remedies upon Default. If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:

(a) PLEDGEE may exercise in respect of the Pledged Collateral all rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to PLEDGEE at that time, and PLEDGEE may also, upon giving at least twenty (20) business days’ notice to PLEDGOR of the time and place of a public sale, sell the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof in one or more tranches at public sale for cash, and at such price or prices as are commercially reasonable provided such price or prices are no less than the price valuation obtained by PLEDGEE for the Pledged Collateral from an independent valuer prior to any such sale taking place and a copy of such valuation has been delivered to PLEDGOR five (5) business days prior to the date of any public sale.

(b) All cash proceeds received by PLEDGEE in respect of any sale of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral shall be applied (after payment of any amounts payable to PLEDGEE pursuant to Section 14) in whole by PLEDGEE against, all or any part of the Obligations in such order as PLEDGEE shall elect. Any surplus of such cash or cash proceeds held by PLEDGEE and remaining after payment in full of all the Obligations shall be paid over to PLEDGOR .

SECTION 15. Expenses. PLEDGOR will upon demand pay to PLEDGEE the amount of any and all reasonable expenses, including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel and of any experts and agents, which PLEDGEE may incur in connection with (i) the exercise of or enforcement of any of the rights of PLEDGEE hereunder or (ii) failure by PLEDGOR to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

 

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SECTION 16. Security Interest Absolute. All rights of PLEDGEE and security interests hereunder, and all obligations of PLEDGOR hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:

(a) Any lack of validity or enforceability of the terms of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto, and

(b) Any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of PLEDGOR in respect of the Obligations or in respect of this Agreement.

SECTION 17. Amendments Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement nor consent to any departure by PLEDGOR herefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by PLEDGEE and PLEDGOR , and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

SECTION 18. Addresses for Notices. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be delivered to the following persons and in accordance with the communication details stated herein:

If to PLEDGEE :

Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V.

Campos Eliseos No. 29

Col. Rincon del Bosque

11580 Mexico D.F.

Mexico

Attn: Mr. Andres Gonzalez Saravia

Facsimile: 52 (866) 633-8050

With a copy to:

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Maurice M. Lefkort

Facsimile: (212) 728-8111

 

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If to PLEDGOR :

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.

5215 W. Laurel Street

Suite 210

Tampa, Fl 33607

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

with copies to:

Akerman LLP

401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 1700

Tampa, FL 33602

Attention: David M. Doney

Facsimile: (813) 218-5404

SECTION 19. Continuing Security Interest. This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Pledged Collateral and shall (a) remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the Obligations, (b) be binding upon PLEDGOR , its successors and assigns, and (c) inure to the benefit of PLEDGEE and its successors , transferees and assigns. Upon the payment in full of the Obligations, PLEDGOR shall be entitled to the return, upon their request and their expense, of the Pledged Collateral or such of the Pledged Collateral as shall not have been sold or otherwise applied pursuant to the terms hereof.

SECTION 20. Governing Law Terms. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Panama.

SECTION 21. Exclusive Forum in Designated Courts . Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to: (i) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of this Agreement, or (iii) the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto, in each case, whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise, shall be brought exclusively in either (x) the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, to the extent that such court has subject matter jurisdiction, or (y) the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in the courts of the State of New York in the County of New York) (the “Designated Court”). Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Designated Court and agrees that it will not bring any action whether in tort, contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof in any court other than the Designated Court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any

 

Page 8 of 10


action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Court, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of the Designated Court or from any legal process commenced in such Designated Court (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such Designated Court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such Designated Court.

SECTION 22. Consent to Service of Process . Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 18 and agrees that nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.

SECTION 23. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE.

SECTION 24. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any Person or any circumstance, is found to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, (i) a suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be valid or enforceable, such provision and (ii) the remainder shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application thereof, in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 25. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall, taken together, be considered one and the same agreement. The execution of this Agreement by any of the Parties may be evidenced by way of a facsimile transmission of such Party’s signature, or a photocopy of such facsimile transmission, or by way of an e-mail in a portable document format (PDF), and such facsimile or e-mail signature shall be deemed to constitute the original signature of such Party thereto.

 

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SECTION 26. Authorization . The Parties hereby expressly authorize Mario A. Vlieg, to appear before a Notary Public in the Republic of Panama to notarize, as well as to record this Pledge Agreement before the Panamanian Public Registry.

[ Remainder of page left intentionally blank ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.

 

MINERA DEL NORTE, S.A. DE C.V. ODYSSEY MARINE ENTERPRISES LTD. OCEANICA RESOURCES, S. DE R. L.
By:

/s/ Lilia Aminta de Salcedo

By:

/s/ Mark D. Gordon

By:

/s/ Greg Stemm

Name: Lilia Aminta de Salcedo Name: Mark D. Gordon Name: Greg Stemm
Title: Attorney in Fact Title: Director & Vice President Title: Secretary

 

Melinda J. MacConnel

Alice Copeland

Witness Witness Witness

 

[ Signature page to Pledge Agreement ]


SCHEDULE I

PLEDGED QUOTAS BY PLEDGOR

Odyssey Marine Enterprises Ltd.

 

Company

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

  

Number of Quotas

Oceanica Resources S. de R.L.

   Republic of Panama    54,000,000


SCHEDULE II

OCEANICA’s MEMBERS

Pursuant to Section 5 of this present Pledge Agreement, the signatories to this Schedule II, as listed below, authorize and agree on the following: i) that they give their express consent for PLEDGOR to pledge the Pledged Quotas, ii) that any Event of Default will give right to the PLEDGEE to execute the Pledge, as well as the Pledge Collateral, iii) that they expressly authorize and consent PLEDGEE to become a member of OCEANICA in case of any Event of Default, and iv) that they waive their preferential right over the Pledge Quotas.

 

Company

  

Number of Quotas

  

Authorized Signature

Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd    54,000,000   
Mako Resources, LLC    24,000,000   
DNA LTD, Inc    18,400,000   
Hamdam y Manzanero, SAPI de C.V.    1,500,000   
DFC Inversiones, SAPI de C.V.    1,500,000   
Subsea Minerals, Ltd    100,000   
St. Vincent Bay Exploration Project, Ltd    500,000   
Monaco Financial LLC    100,000   

Exhibit 10.4

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

CALL OPTION AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

ODYSSEY MARINE ENTERPRISES, LTD.

AND

MINERA DEL NORTE, S.A. DE C.V.

DATED AS OF MARCH 11, 2015

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

     1   

Section 1.1.

  Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement, and the following terms, for all purposes of this Agreement, shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1.1 :      1   

ARTICLE II. THE RIGHT

     2   

Section 2.1.

  The Right . Subject to Section 6.1 hereof, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the date that is one year from the date hereof (the “ Expiration Date ”), Purchaser shall have the right to purchase from Holder, and Holder shall be obligated to sell to Purchaser, the Subject Shares in exchange for the Option Consideration (the “ Right ”); provided, however, if the Initial Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) has occurred, then Purchaser may not exercise the Right unless and until any of the conditions to a Subsequent Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) are not satisfied (whether or not the date of determination is a Subsequent Closing Date). In consideration of the granting of the Right, on the date hereof, Purchaser shall pay to Holder $1.00.      2   

Section 2.2.

  Calculation of the Option Consideration . The consideration to be paid by Purchaser to Holder in exchange for the Subject Securities at the Closing (the “ Option Consideration ”) shall be equal to $40,000,000 less any amounts paid or payable to Holder or any of its Affiliates following the date hereof upon the exercise of the Monaco Option less if Monaco has foreclosed on any of the Subject Securities, $10,000,000.      2   

Section 2.3.

  Dividends and Distributions . Upon the exercise of the Right, Purchaser shall be entitled with respect to the Subject Shares purchased, to any proceeds received by Holder in cash, securities or other property as a result of any dividend or other distribution made by the Company to the Company’s holders of Quotas with respect to such Subject Shares from the date hereof and the Closing Date.      2   
ARTICLE III. EXERCISE OF THE RIGHT      2   

Section 3.1.

  The Exercise of the Right . Purchaser may exercise the Right by delivering to Holder a notice, pursuant to Section 7.3 and substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, executed by a duly authorized officer of Purchaser (the “ Exercise Notice ”), specifying a desired date not less than five (5) nor more than twenty (20) Business Days from the date of such Exercise Notice on which Holder desires to consummate the purchase and sale contemplated by the Right (the “ Tentative Closing Date ”).      2   

 

i


Section 3.2.

Conditions to the Obligation of Purchaser . The obligation of Purchaser to purchase the Subject Shares from Holder upon exercise of the Right shall be subject to the satisfaction (unless waived in writing by Purchaser) of each of the following conditions on or prior to the Tentative Closing Date:   3   

Section 3.3.

The Closing .   3   

ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDER

  3   

Section 4.1.

Organization . Holder is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to conduct its business as currently being conducted.   3   

Section 4.2.

Authorization, Validity and Enforceability . Holder has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by its board of directors or other governing body and no other proceedings on its part are necessary to authorize this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Holder, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting rights of creditors generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).   4   

Section 4.3.

No Violation or Breach . The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including delivery of the Subject Shares upon the Closing, do not and will not conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute a default (or an event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a default) or give rise to any right of termination or acceleration of any right or obligation of it under, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon the Subject Shares or any of the Company’s assets or properties by reason of the terms of (a) its or the Company’s articles of incorporation, member agreement by-laws or other charter or organizational document, (b) any contract, agreement, lease, license, mortgage, note, bond, debenture, indenture or other instrument or obligation to which it or the Company is a party or by or to which it or the Company or any of their respective assets or properties may be bound or subject, (c) any Order applicable to it or the Company or (d) any license, permit, order, consent, approval, registration, authorization or qualification with or under any Governmental Agency.   4   

Section 4.4.

Consents and Approvals . No consent, approval, authorization, license or order of, registration or filing with, or notice to, any Governmental Agency is necessary to be obtained, made or given by it in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby. Holder has obtained all approvals required under the Company’s organizational documents or applicable Law to the transfer of the Subject Shares to Purchaser upon exercise of the Right.   4   

 

ii


Section 4.5.

Ownership of Subject Shares . Holder is the record and beneficial owner of the Subject Shares as of the date hereof and has (and will have as of the Closing Date) good, valid and transferable title to such Subject Shares as of the date hereof (and as of the Closing Date), in each case, free and clear of all Liens, other than restrictions on transfer created by applicable securities laws and Liens created by the Monaco Option and, only with respect to the date hereof, Liens created by the Monaco Pledge.   4   

Section 4.6.

Subject Shares Nonassessable . The Subject Shares are, as of the date hereof, validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof.   5   

ARTICLE V. COVENANTS

  5   

Section 5.1.

Further Assurances . Each of the parties hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to do such additional things and execute such documents as are reasonably necessary or proper to carry out and effectuate the intent of this Agreement or any part hereof.   5   

Section 5.2.

Governmental Approval . Upon receipt by Holder of an Exercise Notice, Purchaser and Holder shall each promptly: (a) inform the other of any approval of any Governmental Agency necessary or appropriate in connection with the purchase and sale of the Subject Shares, of which such party has actual knowledge, and (b) use reasonable best efforts to obtain any such approvals.   5   

Section 5.3.

Holder Transfer Restrictions . Holder shall not Transfer any of the Subject Shares, except pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Monaco Option.   5   

Section 5.4.

Voting Restrictions . If any matter is submitted by the Company to the vote of the holders of Quotas, Holder shall vote the Subject Shares (and shall submit written consents with respect to the Subject Shares) as directed by Purchaser.   5   

Section 5.5.

No Impairment . Holder will not, and will cause the Company not to, by amendment of its articles of incorporation or bylaws or through reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, sale of assets or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Agreement, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of Holder against impairment.   5   

Section 5.6.

No Amendment. Holder shall not amend the Monaco Option without Purchaser’s prior written consent.   5   

Section 5.7.

Monaco Option; Monaco Pledge. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that to the extent the Monaco Option is not exercised and remains in full force and effect prior to the Closing, the Quotas acquired upon the exercise of the Right may be subject to the Monaco Option. The Company will use the Option Consideration received at the Closing to discharge all Liens on the Subject Securities created by the Monaco Pledge, and the Subject Securities delivered to Purchaser at the Closing shall be free and clear of any Liens created by the Monaco Pledge.   5   

 

iii


ARTICLE VI. TERMINATION   6   

Section 6.1.

Termination of Agreement . This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned prior to the Closing as follows:   6   
ARTICLE VII. Miscellaneous   6   

Section 7.1.

Rules of Construction .   6   

Section 7.2.

Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and, understandings, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.   7   

Section 7.3.

Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) on the date sent by facsimile (with confirmation of transmission) or electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient during a Business Day, and otherwise on the next Business Day, if sent after normal business hours of the recipient, provided that in the case of electronic mail, each notice or other communication shall be confirmed within one Business Day by dispatch of a copy of such notice pursuant to one of the other methods described herein, (c) if dispatched via a nationally recognized overnight courier service (delivery receipt requested) with charges paid by the dispatching party, on the later of (i) the first Business Day following the date of dispatch, or (ii) the scheduled date of delivery by such service, or (d) on the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing, if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid to the party to receive such notice, at the following addresses, or such other address as a party may designate from time to time by notice in accordance with this Section.   7   

Section 7.4.

Amendments; Waiver .   8   

Section 7.5.

Binding Effect; Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement, nor any right, duty or obligation of any party hereunder, may be assigned or delegated by Holder without the prior written consent of Purchaser. Purchaser may assign its rights and delegate its obligations hereunder. Any purported assignment of rights or delegation of obligations in violation of this Section will be void. References to a party in this Agreement also refer to such party’s successors and permitted assigns.   9   

Section 7.6.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than the parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under, or in respect of, this Agreement or any provision contained herein.   9   

Section 7.7.

Governing Law . This Agreement and any dispute, controversy or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof or the relationship among the parties hereto in connection herewith (in each case whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) shall be governed by the substantive Laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles thereof or of any other jurisdiction that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of New York.   9   

 

iv


Section 7.8.

Exclusive Forum in Designated Courts . Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to: (i) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of this Agreement, or (iii) the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto, in each case, whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise, shall be brought exclusively in either (x) the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, to the extent that such court has subject matter jurisdiction, or (y) the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in the courts of the State of New York in the County of New York) (the “ Designated Court ”). Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Designated Court and agrees that it will not bring any action whether in tort, contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof in any court other than the Designated Court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Court, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of the Designated Court or from any legal process commenced in such Designated Court (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such Designated Court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such Designated Court.   9   

Section 7.9.

Consent to Service of Process . Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 7.3 and agrees that nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.   10   

Section 7.10.

Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE.   10   

 

v


Section 7.11.

Specific Performance . The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms and that monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy therefor. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. The parties acknowledge that the awarding of equitable remedies is within the discretion of the applicable court.   10   

Section 7.12.

Remedies Cumulative . The rights and remedies of the parties are cumulative and not alternative.   10   

Section 7.13.

Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.   10   

Section 7.14.

Signatures/E-delivery; Reproduction of Documents .   10   

Section 7.15.

Severability .   11   

Section 7.16.

Survival . All of the representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect forever thereafter.   11   

 

vi


CALL OPTION AGREEMENT

CALL OPTION AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) dated as of March 11, 2015 by Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. (“ Holder ”) and Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“ Purchaser ”).

WHEREAS, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement, dated as of the date hereof by and among, Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., the indirect parent of Holder, Purchaser, and Penelope Mining LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), Purchaser under certain circumstances has agreed to advance loans to Holder (the “ Loans ”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the execution of the Purchase Agreement and the delivery of the Loans, Purchaser has required that Holder grant Purchaser an option on the equity of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panama limitada (the “ Company ”) held by Holder.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement, and the following terms, for all purposes of this Agreement, shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1.1 :

Lien” means any charge, claim, community property interest, condition, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, or restriction of any kind, including any restriction on use, voting, transfer, receipt of income, or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

Monaco Option ” means, to the extent enforceable under applicable Law, the purported right of Monaco Financial, LLC to purchase, on or before the date that is the maturity date of any note, now or in the future outstanding, under the Loan Agreement dated as of August 14, 2014, by and between the Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and Monaco Financial, LLC, up to 3,174,603 quotas in the Company owned by Holder for a price equal to the lesser of $3.15 per quota or the price per quota obtained in certain public offerings.

Monaco Pledge ” means, to the extent enforceable under applicable Law, the purported Lien granted to Monaco Financial, LLC by BahamasCo on 10,000,000 quotas in Oceanica, as a security for $10.0 million of indebtedness owed by the Company to Monaco Financial, LLC, pursuant to the Loan Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2014 by and between Monaco Financial, LLC and the Company.

Quotas ” means units of equity interest in the Company.


Subject Shares ” means the 54,000,000 Quotas less any Quotas delivered to Monaco Financial, LLC following the date hereof upon the exercise of the Monaco Option; Subject Shares shall include any securities, property or other rights into which such Quotas may have been converted or exchanged.

Transfer ” means any direct or indirect transfer, sale, assignment, gift, pledge, mortgage, hypothecation, granting of a Lien or other disposition of any interest.

ARTICLE II.

THE RIGHT

Section 2.1. The Right . Subject to Section 6.1 hereof, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the date that is one year from the date hereof (the “ Expiration Date ”), Purchaser shall have the right to purchase from Holder, and Holder shall be obligated to sell to Purchaser, the Subject Shares in exchange for the Option Consideration (the “ Right ”); provided, however, if the Initial Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) has occurred, then Purchaser may not exercise the Right unless and until any of the conditions to a Subsequent Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) are not satisfied (whether or not the date of determination is a Subsequent Closing Date). In consideration of the granting of the Right, on the date hereof, Purchaser shall pay to Holder $1.00.

Section 2.2. Calculation of the Option Consideration . The consideration to be paid by Purchaser to Holder in exchange for the Subject Securities at the Closing (the “ Option Consideration ”) shall be equal to $40,000,000 less any amounts paid or payable to Holder or any of its Affiliates following the date hereof upon the exercise of the Monaco Option less if Monaco has foreclosed on any of the Subject Securities, $10,000,000.

Section 2.3. Dividends and Distributions . Upon the exercise of the Right, Purchaser shall be entitled with respect to the Subject Shares purchased, to any proceeds received by Holder in cash, securities or other property as a result of any dividend or other distribution made by the Company to the Company’s holders of Quotas with respect to such Subject Shares from the date hereof and the Closing Date.

ARTICLE III.

EXERCISE OF THE RIGHT

Section 3.1. The Exercise of the Right . Purchaser may exercise the Right by delivering to Holder a notice, pursuant to Section 7.3 and substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, executed by a duly authorized officer of Purchaser (the “ Exercise Notice ”), specifying a desired date not less than five (5) nor more than twenty (20) Business Days from the date of such Exercise Notice on which Holder desires to consummate the purchase and sale contemplated by the Right (the “ Tentative Closing Date ”).

 

2


Section 3.2. Conditions to the Obligation of Purchaser . The obligation of Purchaser to purchase the Subject Shares from Holder upon exercise of the Right shall be subject to the satisfaction (unless waived in writing by Purchaser) of each of the following conditions on or prior to the Tentative Closing Date:

(a) Injunction . There shall not be in effect any Order or other Law enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Closing.

(b) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of Holder contained in Article IV shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date, with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date.

(c) Compliance with Covenants . The Holder shall have complied in all material respects with its covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with prior to the Closing Date.

(d) Officer’s Certificate . The Holder shall have delivered to Purchaser a certificate, signed by an executive officer of Holder, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying the matters set forth in Section 3.2(b) and (c) .

Section 3.3. The Closing .

(a) The closing of the exercise of the Right (the “ Closing ”) shall occur at 10:00 a.m. local time on the Tentative Closing Date, or if the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 have not been satisfied by such date, within three (3) Business Days after such conditions are satisfied or waived (the “ Closing Dat e”). The Closing shall occur at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019 or at such other location as the parties hereto shall agree.

(b) On the Closing Date, Holder shall deliver to Purchaser a certificate for the Subject Shares, evidencing good, valid and transferable title to the Subject Shares, duly endorsed in blank with appropriate transfer powers, free and clear of all Liens, other than (i) the Monaco Option, to the extent not previously exercised, and (ii) restrictions on transfer created by applicable securities laws.

(c) On the Closing Date, Purchaser shall deliver to Holder: (i) the Note, marked as “canceled”, for which Holder shall receive a credit against Option Consideration in an amount equal to all amount due under the Note; and (ii) an amount in cash equal to the remaining balance of the Option Consideration by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Holder.

ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDER

Holder represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

Section 4.1. Organization . Holder is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to conduct its business as currently being conducted.

 

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Section 4.2. Authorization, Validity and Enforceability . Holder has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by its board of directors or other governing body and no other proceedings on its part are necessary to authorize this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Holder, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting rights of creditors generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

Section 4.3. No Violation or Breach . The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including delivery of the Subject Shares upon the Closing, do not and will not conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute a default (or an event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a default) or give rise to any right of termination or acceleration of any right or obligation of it under, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon the Subject Shares or any of the Company’s assets or properties by reason of the terms of (a) its or the Company’s articles of incorporation, member agreement by-laws or other charter or organizational document, (b) any contract, agreement, lease, license, mortgage, note, bond, debenture, indenture or other instrument or obligation to which it or the Company is a party or by or to which it or the Company or any of their respective assets or properties may be bound or subject, (c) any Order applicable to it or the Company or (d) any license, permit, order, consent, approval, registration, authorization or qualification with or under any Governmental Agency.

Section 4.4. Consents and Approvals . No consent, approval, authorization, license or order of, registration or filing with, or notice to, any Governmental Agency is necessary to be obtained, made or given by it in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby. Holder has obtained all approvals required under the Company’s organizational documents or applicable Law to the transfer of the Subject Shares to Purchaser upon exercise of the Right.

Section 4.5. Ownership of Subject Shares . Holder is the record and beneficial owner of the Subject Shares as of the date hereof and has (and will have as of the Closing Date) good, valid and transferable title to such Subject Shares as of the date hereof (and as of the Closing Date), in each case, free and clear of all Liens, other than restrictions on transfer created by applicable securities laws and Liens created by the Monaco Option and, only with respect to the date hereof, Liens created by the Monaco Pledge.

 

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Section 4.6. Subject Shares Nonassessable . The Subject Shares are, as of the date hereof, validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof.

ARTICLE V.

COVENANTS

Section 5.1. Further Assurances . Each of the parties hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to do such additional things and execute such documents as are reasonably necessary or proper to carry out and effectuate the intent of this Agreement or any part hereof.

Section 5.2. Governmental Approval . Upon receipt by Holder of an Exercise Notice, Purchaser and Holder shall each promptly: (a) inform the other of any approval of any Governmental Agency necessary or appropriate in connection with the purchase and sale of the Subject Shares, of which such party has actual knowledge, and (b) use reasonable best efforts to obtain any such approvals.

Section 5.3. Holder Transfer Restrictions . Holder shall not Transfer any of the Subject Shares, except pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Monaco Option.

Section 5.4. Voting Restrictions . If any matter is submitted by the Company to the vote of the holders of Quotas, Holder shall vote the Subject Shares (and shall submit written consents with respect to the Subject Shares) as directed by Purchaser.

Section 5.5. No Impairment . Holder will not, and will cause the Company not to, by amendment of its articles of incorporation or bylaws or through reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, sale of assets or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Agreement, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of Holder against impairment.

Section 5.6. No Amendment. Holder shall not amend the Monaco Option without Purchaser’s prior written consent. 

Section 5.7. Monaco Option; Monaco Pledge. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that to the extent the Monaco Option is not exercised and remains in full force and effect prior to the Closing, the Quotas acquired upon the exercise of the Right may be subject to the Monaco Option. The Company will use the Option Consideration received at the Closing to discharge all Liens on the Subject Securities created by the Monaco Pledge, and the Subject Securities delivered to Purchaser at the Closing shall be free and clear of any Liens created by the Monaco Pledge.

 

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ARTICLE VI.

TERMINATION

Section 6.1. Termination of Agreement . This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned prior to the Closing as follows:

(a) at any time, by mutual written consent of Holder and Purchaser;

(b) by Holder, upon written notice to Purchaser, in the event that Purchaser elects to terminate the Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof; or

(c) at the Expiration Date, if an Exercise Note has not been delivered prior to the Expiration Date.

ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1. Rules of Construction .

(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, a Section, an Exhibit or a Schedule, such reference shall be to an Article of, a Section of, or an Exhibit or a Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

(b) Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

(c) Whenever the word “ or ” is used in this Agreement, it shall not be deemed exclusive.

(d) The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as to the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such terms. Whenever the context requires, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

(e) Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, all references to any Law are to such Law as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time to time, and all references to any section of any Law include any successor to such section.

(f) Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, all references to any agreement are to such agreement and include any exhibits, annexes and schedules attached to such agreement, in each case, as the same is in effect as of the date of this Agreement and in the case of any such agreement to which the parties are other than all of the parties to this Agreement, without giving effect to any subsequent amendment or modification.

 

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(g) All references to “$” or “dollars” mean the lawful currency of the United States of America.

(h) Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, as consistently applied by the Company.

(i) No specific provision, representation or warranty shall limit the applicability of a more general provision, representation or warranty. It is the intent of the parties that each representation, warranty, covenant, condition and agreement contained in this Agreement shall be given full, separate, and independent effect and that such provisions are cumulative.

(j) The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents with the assistance of counsel and other advisors and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be construed as jointly drafted by the parties hereto and thereto, 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 or any other Transaction Document.

(k) The table of contents and the headings contained in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.

Section 7.2. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and, understandings, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

Section 7.3. Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) on the date sent by facsimile (with confirmation of transmission) or electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient during a Business Day, and otherwise on the next Business Day, if sent after normal business hours of the recipient, provided that in the case of electronic mail, each notice or other communication shall be confirmed within one Business Day by dispatch of a copy of such notice pursuant to one of the other methods described herein, (c) if dispatched via a nationally recognized overnight courier service (delivery receipt requested) with charges paid by the dispatching party, on the later of (i) the first Business Day following the date of dispatch, or (ii) the scheduled date of delivery by such service, or (d) on the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing, if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid to the party to receive such notice, at the following addresses, or such other address as a party may designate from time to time by notice in accordance with this Section.

 

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(a) If to Holder, to:

c/o Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.

5215 W. Laurel Street

Suite 210

Tampa, Fl 33607

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

with a copy to:

Akerman LLP

401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 1700

Tampa, FL 33602

Attention: David M. Doney

Facsimile: (813) 218-5404

(b) If to Purchaser, to:

Minera del Norte S.A. de C.V.

Campos Elíseos No. 29

Col. Chapultepec, Polanco

C.P. 11580, Mexico

Attention: Andres Gonzalez-Saravia Coss, Esq.

Facsimile: 52 866 633 8050, confirmed by email to: agonzalez@gan.com.mx

with a copy to:

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Maurice M. Lefkort

Facsimile: (212) 728-8111

Section 7.4. Amendments; Waiver .

(a) This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended only by a written instrument signed by each of the parties hereto.

(b) A party may by written instrument signed on behalf of such party: (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of another party due to it, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to it contained in this Agreement, or (iii) waive compliance with any covenants, obligations, or conditions in its favor contained in this Agreement. No claim or right arising out of this Agreement can be waived by a party, in whole or in part, unless made in a writing signed by such party. Neither any course of conduct or dealing nor failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. A waiver given by a party will be applicable only to the specific instance for which it is given.

 

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Section 7.5. Binding Effect; Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement, nor any right, duty or obligation of any party hereunder, may be assigned or delegated by Holder without the prior written consent of Purchaser. Purchaser may assign its rights and delegate its obligations hereunder. Any purported assignment of rights or delegation of obligations in violation of this Section will be void. References to a party in this Agreement also refer to such party’s successors and permitted assigns.

Section 7.6. No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than the parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under, or in respect of, this Agreement or any provision contained herein.

Section 7.7. Governing Law . This Agreement and any dispute, controversy or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof or the relationship among the parties hereto in connection herewith (in each case whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) shall be governed by the substantive Laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles thereof or of any other jurisdiction that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of New York.

Section 7.8. Exclusive Forum in Designated Courts . Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to: (i) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of this Agreement, or (iii) the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto, in each case, whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise, shall be brought exclusively in either (x) the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, to the extent that such court has subject matter jurisdiction, or (y) the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in the courts of the State of New York in the County of New York) (the “ Designated Court ”). Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Designated Court and agrees that it will not bring any action whether in tort, contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof in any court other than the Designated Court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Court, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of the Designated Court or from any legal process commenced in such Designated Court (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such Designated Court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such Designated Court.

 

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Section 7.9. Consent to Service of Process . Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 7.3 and agrees that nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.

Section 7.10. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE.

Section 7.11. Specific Performance . The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms and that monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy therefor. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. The parties acknowledge that the awarding of equitable remedies is within the discretion of the applicable court.

Section 7.12. Remedies Cumulative . The rights and remedies of the parties are cumulative and not alternative.

Section 7.13. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

Section 7.14. Signatures/E-delivery; Reproduction of Documents .

(a) A manually signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement. No legally binding obligation shall be created with respect to a party until such party has delivered or caused to be delivered a manually signed copy of this Agreement.

(b) This Agreement and all certificates and documents relating hereto and thereto, including, without limitation, (i) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (ii) documents received by each party pursuant hereto, and (iii) financial statements and other information previously or hereafter furnished to each party, may be reproduced by each party by electronic digital storage, computer tapes, photographic, photostatic, optical character recognition, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other similar process, and each party may destroy any original document so reproduced. All parties hereto agree and stipulate that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as would the original itself in any judicial, arbitration or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by each party in the regular course of business) and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

 

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Section 7.15. Severability .

(a) If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force, if the essential terms and conditions of this Agreement for each party remain valid, binding and enforceable. 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.

(b) Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 7.16. Survival . All of the representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect forever thereafter.

 

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

 

ODYSSEY MARINE ENTERPRISES, LTD.
By:

/s/ Mark D. Gordon

Name: Mark D. Gordon
Title: Vice President
MINERA DEL NORTE, S.A. de C.V.
By:

/s/ Alonso Ancira Elizondo

Name: Alonso Ancira Elizondo
Title: Authorized Person

[Signature Page to Call Option Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF EXERCISE NOTICE

[LETTERHEAD OF PURCHASER]

Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd.

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise as of this      day of             ,          the Right contained in that certain Option Agreement, dated as of [            ], 20[    ] by and between Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. and Minera del Norte, S.A de C.V. Such Right is exercised with a Tentative Closing Date of                     , which is not less than five (5) nor more than twenty (20) Business Days from the date of this Exercise Notice.

 

Minera del Norte, S.A de C.V.
By:

 

Name:
Title:

Exhibit 10.5

EXECUTION VERSION

V OTING A GREEMENT

 

 

THIS VOTING AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of March 9, 2015, is made and entered into between the undersigned stockholder (“ Stockholder ”) of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “ Company ”), and Penelope Mining LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Investor ”). All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).

Recitals:

A. The Company, Investor, and Mineral del Norte, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican sociedad anonima , intend to enter into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), providing for, among other things, the purchase by Investor of up to 31,300,297 shares of Class AA Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement (the “ Investment ”).

B. A condition to closing the Investment is the amendment of the Company’s existing Articles of Incorporation to (i) effect a 1-for-6 reverse stock split, (ii) adjust the Company’s authorized capitalization, (iii) establish a classified board of directors, and (iv) reflect such other amendments as may be necessary to consummate the Investment (the “ Charter Amendments ”).

C. In order to induce Investor to enter into the Purchase Agreement and consummate the Investment, Stockholder is willing to make certain representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements with respect to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Stockholder as described on the signature page hereto (the “ Shares ”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Representations of Stockholder. Stockholder represents and warrants to Investor that:

(a) Stockholder owns beneficially (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), all of the Shares free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and except pursuant to this Agreement, there are no options, warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character to which Stockholder is a party relating to the pledge, disposition or voting of any of the Shares.

(b) Stockholder does not beneficially own any shares of Common Stock other than (i) the Shares and (ii) any options, warrants or other rights to acquire any additional shares of Common Stock or any security exercisable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock, set forth on the signature page of this Agreement (“ Options ”).

(c) Stockholder has full power and authority and legal capacity to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform fully Stockholder’s obligations hereunder (including the proxy described in Section 2(a) below). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Stockholder and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Stockholder, enforceable against Stockholder in accordance with its terms.


Section 2. Agreement to Vote Shares; Irrevocable Proxy.

(a) Stockholder agrees during the term of this Agreement to vote the Shares (whether at a meeting of stockholders or via written consent in lieu thereof), and to cause any holder of record of Shares to vote such Shares (whether at a meeting of stockholders or via written consent in lieu thereof): (i) in favor of the Investment, the Purchase Agreement, the Charter Amendments, any other Transaction Documents and such other reasonable and related matters put before the Company’s stockholders; and (ii) against (1) any Alternative Proposal, (2) any action, proposal, transaction or agreement which could reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Purchase Agreement or any other Transaction Document or of Stockholder under this Agreement and (3) any action, proposal, transaction or agreement that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the timely consummation of the Investment or the fulfilment of Investor’s or the Company’s conditions under the Purchase Agreement or any other Transaction Document or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of shares of the Company.

(b) Stockholder hereby appoints Investor and any designee of Investor, and each of them individually, as its proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to vote or act by written consent during the term of this Agreement with respect to the Shares in accordance with Section 2(a). This proxy and power of attorney is given to secure the performance of the duties of Stockholder under this Agreement. Stockholder shall take such further action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy. This proxy and power of attorney granted by Stockholder shall be irrevocable during the term of this Agreement, shall be deemed to be coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable proxy and shall revoke any and all prior proxies granted by Stockholder with respect to the Shares. The power of attorney granted by Stockholder herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of Stockholder. The proxy and power of attorney granted hereunder shall terminate upon the termination of this Agreement.

Section 3. No Voting Trusts or Other Arrangement. Stockholder will not, and will not permit any entity under Stockholder’s control to, deposit any of the Shares in a voting trust, grant any proxies with respect to the Shares or subject any of the Shares to any arrangement with respect to the voting of the Shares other than agreements entered into with Investor.

Section 4. Transfer and Encumbrance. Stockholder will not, directly or indirectly, transfer, sell, offer, exchange, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of or encumber (“ Transfer ”) any of the Shares or enter into any contract, option or other agreement with respect to, or consent to, a Transfer of, any of the Shares or Stockholder’s voting or economic interest therein without Investor’s prior written consent. Any attempted Transfer of Shares or any interest therein in violation of this Section 4 shall be null and void.

Section 5. Additional Shares. All shares of Common Stock that Stockholder purchases, acquires the right to vote or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of after the execution of this Agreement shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement and shall constitute Shares for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon any such acquisition, the definition of Shares shall be deemed to include such Common Stock, and stockholder shall notify investor in writing of such acquisition.

Section 6. Waiver of Appraisal and Dissenters’ Rights. Stockholder hereby waives, and agrees not to assert or perfect, any rights of appraisal or rights to dissent in connection with the Investment and/or related transactions that Stockholder may have by virtue of ownership of the Shares.

 

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Section 7. Termination . This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (a) the Initial Closing and (b) the date on which the Purchase Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

Section 8. Specific Performance. Each party hereto acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in money the damage to the other party if a party hereto fails to comply with any of the obligations imposed by this Agreement, that every such obligation is material and that, in the event of any such failure, the other party will not have an adequate remedy at law or damages. Accordingly, each party hereto agrees that injunctive relief or other equitable remedy, in addition to remedies at law or damages, is the appropriate remedy for any such failure and will not oppose the seeking of such relief on the basis that the other party has an adequate remedy at law. Each party hereto agrees that it will not seek, and agrees to waive any requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in connection with the other party’s seeking or obtaining such equitable relief.

Section 9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended or supplemented, and no provisions hereof may be modified or waived, except by an instrument in writing signed by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any provisions hereof by either party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provisions hereof by such party, nor shall any such waiver be deemed a continuing waiver of any provision hereof by such party.

Section 10. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested), (c) on the date sent by facsimile or e-mail of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next business day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient, or (d) on the third day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications must be sent to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10):

 

If to Investor, to: Penelope Mining LLC
c/o: Minera del Norte S.A. de C.V.
Campos Eliseos No. 29
Col. Rincon del Bosque
11580 Mexico D.F.
Mexico
Attention: General Counsel
Facsimile: 52 866 633-8050
with a copy to: Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Attention: Maurice M. Lefkort
Facsimile: (212) 728-8111
If to Stockholder: c/o Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.
5215 W. Laurel Street
Suite 210
Tampa, FL 32207
Attention: Corporate Secretary

 

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Section 11. Miscellaneous.

(a) This Agreement and any dispute, controversy or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof or the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto in connection herewith or therewith (in each case whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) shall be governed by the substantive laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles thereof or of any other jurisdiction that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of New York.

(b) Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to: (i) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of this Agreement, or (iii) the relationship among the parties hereto, in each case, whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise, shall be brought exclusively in either (x) the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, to the extent that such court has subject matter jurisdiction, or (y) the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in the courts of the State of New York in the County of New York) (the “ Designated Court ”). Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Designated Court and agrees that it will not bring any action whether in tort, contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof in any court other than the Designated Court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Court, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of the Designated Court or from any legal process commenced in such Designated Court (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such Designated Court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such Designated Court.

(c) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE.

(d) If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

(e) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(f) Each party hereto shall execute and deliver such additional documents as may be necessary or desirable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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(g) All Section headings herein are for convenience of reference only and are not part of this Agreement, and no construction or reference shall be derived therefrom.

(h) Neither party to this Agreement may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party hereto, except that Investor may assign, in its sole discretion, all or any of its rights, interests and obligations hereunder to any of its Affiliates. Any assignment contrary to the provisions of this Section 11(h) shall be null and void.

[ Signature page follows. ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

I NVESTOR :
PENELOPE MINING LLC
By:

/s/ Andres Gonzalez Saravia

Name:

Andres Gonzalez Saravia

Title:

Attorney in fact


S TOCKHOLDER :

 

Signature of Stockholder

 

Print Name of Stockholder
No. Shares:

 

No. Options:

 


S CHEDULE P URSUANT TO I NSTRUCTION 2

TO

I TEM 601 OF R EGULATION S-K

 

 

In accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Company is only filing one copy of this Voting Agreement because the individuals listed below entered into separate Voting Agreements that are substantially identical in all material respects except as to the parties thereto and other details. The following sets forth the names of the individuals and the number of shares and options held by each of them:

 

Name

   No. Shares      No. Options  

B. Baker

     172,379         10,000   

L. Barton

     198,134         159,989   

M. Cohen

     27,048         10,000   

P. Devine

     73,580         85,019   

M. Gordon

     342,027         342,879   

M. Justh

     110,063         —     

J. Longley

     16,494         62,515   

M. MacConnel

     122,012         255,760   

J. Nudi

     120,881         122,511   

J. Opperman

     5,056         18,457   

D. Saul

     1,111,007         10,000   

J. Sawyer

     207,992         10,000   

G. Stemm

     2,421,006         569,553   

R. Truman

     45,412         111,530   

Exhibit 10.6

EXHIBIT C

STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT

This STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of [            ], 2015 by and between Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Nevada (the “ Company ”), and Penelope Mining LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Investor ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investor are parties to a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2015 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), pursuant to which, upon the satisfaction of the conditions therein, the Investor agreed to purchase up to an aggregate of [16,854,007] shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock and has been granted the right to purchase up to an aggregate of [14,446,290] shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock (the “ Shares ”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the Initial Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), and pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement in order to grant certain rights to the Investor as set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. Certain Definitions . Unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement, and the following terms, for all purposes of this Agreement, shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1 :

Blue Sky Application ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a) .

Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company.

Development Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) .

Filing Deadline ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a) .

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

First-Look Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2 .

First-Look Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 .

Form S-3 ” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor or similar registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the Commission that permits inclusion or incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the Commission.


Free Writing Prospectus ” means an issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act, relating to an offer of Registrable Securities.

Holder ” means any person owning of record Registrable Securities that have not been sold to the public or any transferee or assignee of record of such Registrable Securities to which the registration rights conferred by this Agreement have been transferred or assigned in accordance with Section 9.6 hereof.

Investor Designee ” means those members of the Board of Directors designated for election by the Investor.

Mineral Deposits ” means any concentration of a mineral of sufficient size and grade that it might, under the most favorable of circumstances, be considered to have economic potential, and any rights or entitlements to any such concentration of minerals.

New Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Qualified Equity Offering.”

Participating Holder ” means with respect to any registration, any Holder of Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement.

Private Placement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(ii) .

Pro Rata Board Representation ” means a number (rounded up to the next highest integer) equal to the product of (A) the total number of directors comprising the Board of Directors, and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of votes held by the outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, and the denominator of which is the total number of votes held by the outstanding equity in the Company, including the shares of Class AA Preferred Stock.

Prospectus ” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, all amendments and supplements to such prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement, and all other material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Purchase Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Qualified Equity Offering ” means a public or nonpublic offering by the Company of Common or other equity securities of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company (or securities convertible into or exercisable for such securities) (collectively, “ New Shares ”); provided , however , that none of the following offerings shall constitute a Qualified Equity Offering: (i) any offering, grant or issuance which is approved by the Board of Directors, pursuant to any stock purchase plan, stock ownership plan, stock option plan or other similar plan where Common Stock is or may be issued or offered, or options or other rights to acquire Common

 

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Stock may be granted or offered to, or for the benefit of, any employees, officers, consultants or directors of the Company in their capacity as such, (ii) any offering made as a consideration for the consummation of a merger or acquisition, a partnership or joint venture or strategic alliance by the Company, and not primarily for the purpose of financing, and (iii) the issuance of Common Stock on exercise or conversion of the Warrant or the Class AA Preferred Stock.

Register, ” “ registered ” and “ registration ” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement or document.

Registrable Securities ” means any shares of Common Stock issued (or issuable) upon the conversion or exercise of any Class AA Preferred Stock, any warrant, right or other security which is issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, any such Common Stock, any other Common Stock owned by Investor, and any securities into which such Common Stock may be converted or issued as dividends or distributions with respect to such Common Stock.

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company that covers Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement filed with, or to be filed with, the SEC under the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act, including the related Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Registration Expenses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3 .

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 as promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule that may be promulgated by the SEC.

Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Share Equivalent ” means any stock, warrants, rights, calls, options or other securities exchangeable or exercisable for, or convertible into, directly or indirectly, shares of Common Stock.

Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a) .

Shelf Take-Down ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c) .

Takedown Conditions ” means the conditions to the Investor’s obligation to consummate a Subsequent Closing set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

Transfer ” means any direct or indirect sale, assignment, gift, pledge, transfer or other disposition of any interest in any equity security of the Company.

Warrants ” means that certain Common Stock Purchase Warrant to acquire four million (4,000,000) shares of Common Stock, issued by the Company on March 6, 2014.

 

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2. Board Representation .

2.1 Nomination of Investor Designees . In connection with each meeting of the stockholders of the Company at which directors are to be elected, the Company shall (i) nominate for election as members of the Board of Directors a number of Investor Designees equal to the Pro Rata Board Representation less the number of Investor Designees who are members of the Board of Directors and not subject to election at such meeting, and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such nominees to be elected to the Board of Directors. The nomination of a particular person for service as an Investor Designee shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors (or a committee thereof), such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

2.2 Service on Committees . For so long as such membership does not conflict with any applicable law or regulation or listing requirement of NASDAQ or any other securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed for trading, the Company shall cause one Investor Designee (selected by all the Investor Designees) to serve as a member of, or at such Investor Designee’s election, as an observer to each committee of the Board of Directors.

2.3 Oceanica . The Company shall cause two Investor Designees (selected by all the Investor Designees) to serve as Administrators (or position equivalent to a member of the board of directors) of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L.

2.4 Indemnification . In addition to any other indemnification rights the Investor Designees have pursuant to the Transaction Documents and the Company’s Articles and bylaws, each Investor Designee that serves on the Board of Directors shall have the right to enter into, and the Company agrees to enter into, an Indemnification Agreement, in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Purchase Agreement, concurrent with such Investor Designee becoming a member of the Board of Directors. The Company shall maintain director and officer insurance covering the Investor Designees on the same terms and with the same amount of coverage as is provided to other members of the Board of Directors. The Company shall reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by the Investor Designees in connection with attending (whether in person or telephonically) all meetings of the Board of Directors or committees thereof or other Company related meetings to the same extent as all other members of the Board of Directors are reimbursed for such expenses (or, in case any such expense reimbursement policy shall apply only to non-employee directors, to the same extent as all other non-employee directors). The Investor Designees shall be entitled to the same compensation for service on the Board of Directors, including, without limitation, cash fees, stock options, deferred share units, restricted stock and other equity and equity-related awards, as is provided to other non-employee directors.

2.5 Charter Documents . The Company and the Investor shall take or cause to be taken all lawful action necessary to ensure at all times as of and following the date hereof that the Company’s Articles and bylaws are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents or the Contemplated Transactions.

 

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3. Other Rights Regarding Equity Offerings and Equity in Oceanica.

3.1 Restriction on Other Equity Offerings when the Commitment is Not Fully Drawn . Prior to the termination of the Takedown Period and for as long as the Remaining Commitment is greater than zero, the Company shall not sell any Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company or securities convertible or exercisable for Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company in a Qualified Equity Offering at a price that is greater than the per share purchase price payable by the Investor for the Shares that is then in effect under the Purchase Agreement, unless (a) the Takedown Conditions are not satisfied and (b) the Company has requested that the Investor waive the Takedown Conditions and the Investor has declined to waive such conditions.

3.2 Rights Regarding Equity in Oceanica .

(a) New Oceanica Equity . In the event that Oceanica offers or proposes to offer any equity securities or securities convertible or exchangeable for equity securities (“ New Oceanica Equity ”), and the Company either : (a) after giving effect to the undrawn commitment under the Purchase Agreement does not have sufficient resources to purchase such New Oceanica Equity, or (b) by vote of a majority of the members of its Board of Directors not affiliated with Investor determines not to purchase such New Oceanica Equity, then the Company shall assign to Investor, without the requirement for any further consideration, any and all rights it may have to acquire such New Oceanica Equity pursuant to any participation rights (including pursuant to Section 4 below), preemptive rights or similar rights to acquire such New Oceanica Equity.

(b) Existing Oceanica Equity . In the event that any holder of outstanding equity securities or securities convertible or exchangeable for equity securities of Oceanica (“ Existing Oceanica Equity ”) desires to Transfer all or any portion of the Existing Oceanica Equity, then: (i) the Company hereby assigns to Investor any and all rights it may have to acquire such Existing Oceanica Equity pursuant to any rights of first offer or similar rights, (ii) consents to Investor acquiring such Existing Oceanica Equity, and (iii) agrees not to acquire or offer to acquire such Existing Oceanica Equity, unless it shall have first offered the opportunity to acquire such Existing Oceanica Equity to Investor, and Investor shall have informed the Company in writing that it does not intend to acquire such Existing Oceanica Equity.

4. Participation Rights .

4.1 If the Company at any time or from time to time makes a Qualified Equity Offering, the Investor shall be afforded the opportunity to acquire from the Company, for the same price and on the same terms as such securities are proposed to be offered to others, a portion of the New Shares equal to the percentage determined by dividing (x) the number of shares of Common Stock owned by the Investor or issuable to the Investor upon conversion or exercise of any shares of Preferred Stock or Share Equivalents owned thereby, in each case as of the date of the written notice delivered by

 

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the Company pursuant to Section 5(b) , by (y) the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the date of such written notice, assuming that all shares of Preferred Stock and Share Equivalents that are then outstanding were converted into shares of Common Stock.

4.2 (a) In the event the Company intends to make a Qualified Equity Offering that is an underwritten public offering or a private offering of convertible notes or convertible preferred shares made to financial institutions for resale, no later than three (3) Business Days after the initial filing of a registration statement with the SEC or filing of a prospectus under applicable securities laws, as the case may be, with respect to such underwritten public offering or the commencement of marketing with respect to such Qualified Equity Offering, the Company shall give the Investor written notice of its intention (including, in the case of a public offering and to the extent possible, a copy of the prospectus included in the registration statement filed in respect of such offering) describing, to the extent then known, the anticipated amount of securities, range of prices, timing and other material terms of such offering as well as such other information that the investor may reasonably request to evaluate the proposed issuance. The Investor shall have five (5) Business Days from the date of receipt of any such notice (except in the case of a bought deal or overnight marketed offering, in which case the Investor shall have two (2) Business Days from the date of receipt of any such notice) to notify the Company in writing that it intends to exercise such purchase rights and as to the amount of New Shares the Investor desires to purchase, up to the maximum amount calculated pursuant to Section 4.1 . Such notice shall constitute a non-binding indication of interest of the Investor to purchase the New Shares so specified at the range of prices and other terms set forth in the Company’s notice to it. The failure of the Investor to respond during such five (5) Business Day period (or two (2) Business Days in the case of a bought deal or overnight marketed offering) shall constitute a waiver of the participation rights only in respect of such offering.

(b) If the Company proposes to make a Qualified Equity Offering that is not an underwritten public offering or a private offering of convertible notes or convertible preferred stock made to financial institutions for resale (a “ Private Placement ”), no later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the closing of such Private Placement, the Company shall give the Investor written notice of its intention, describing, to the extent then known, the anticipated amount of securities, price and other material terms upon which the Company proposes to offer the same as well as such other information that the investor may reasonably request to evaluate the proposed issuance. The Investor shall have five (5) Business Days from the date of receipt of the notice required by the immediately preceding sentence to notify the Company in writing that it intends to exercise such purchase rights and as to the amount of New Shares the Investor desires to purchase, up to the maximum amount calculated pursuant to Section 4.1 . Such notice shall constitute a non-binding indication of interest of the Investor to purchase the amount of New Shares so specified (or a proportionately lesser amount if the amount of New Shares to be offered in such Private Placement is subsequently reduced) upon the price and other terms set forth in the Company’s notice to the Investor. The failure of the Investor to respond during the five (5) Business Day period referred to in the second preceding sentence shall constitute a waiver of the rights in respect of such offering only.

 

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4.3 (a) If the Investor exercises its purchase rights provided in Section 4.2(ii) , the closing of the purchase of the New Shares with respect to which such right has been exercised shall be conditioned on the consummation of the Private Placement giving rise to such purchase rights and shall take place simultaneously with the closing of the Private Placement or on such other date as the Company and the Investor shall agree in writing; provided that the actual amount of New Shares to be sold to the Investor pursuant to its exercise of rights hereunder shall be reduced proportionately if the aggregate amount of New Shares sold in the Private Placement is reduced and, at the option of the Investor (to be exercised by delivery of written notice to the Company within five (5) Business Days of receipt of notice of such increase), shall be increased proportionately if such aggregate amount of New Shares sold in the Private Placement is increased. In connection with its purchase of New Shares in connection with a Private Placement, the Investor shall execute an instrument in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Investor containing representations, warranties and agreements of the Investor that are customary for such Private Placement transactions and that is no less favorable to the Investor than the representations, warranties and agreements of the purchasers in the Private Placement.

(b) If the Investor exercises its purchase rights provided in Section 4.2(i) , the Company shall offer the Investor, if such offering is consummated, the New Shares (as adjusted to reflect the actual size of such offering when priced) at the same price as the New Shares are offered to the underwriters or initial purchasers and shall provide written notice of such price to the Investor as soon as practicable prior to such consummation. Contemporaneously with the execution of any underwriting agreement or purchase agreement entered into between the Company and the underwriters or initial purchasers of such offering, the Investor shall enter into an instrument in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Investor acknowledging the Investor’s binding obligation to purchase the New Shares to be acquired by it and containing representations, warranties and agreements of the Investor that are customary in such transactions. Any offers and sales pursuant to this Section 4 in the context of a public offering shall also be conditioned on reasonably acceptable representations and warranties of the Investor regarding its status as the type of offeree to whom a private sale can be made concurrently with a public offering in compliance with applicable securities laws.

4.4 In the event the Investor fails to exercise its purchase rights provided in this Section 4 within the applicable period or, if so exercised, the Investor does not consummate such purchase within the applicable period, the Company shall thereafter be entitled enter into an agreement to sell the New Shares not purchased pursuant to this Section 4 at the price and on the terms and conditions not materially more favorable to the purchasers thereof than those offered to the Investor within ninety (90) days after the conclusion of the applicable period without having to offer such New Shares to the Investor in accordance with this Section 4 . Any New Shares offered or sold by the Company after such ninety (90) day period must be reoffered to the Investor pursuant to this Section 5 .

 

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4.5 The Company and the Investor shall cooperate in good faith to facilitate the exercise of the Investor’s rights hereunder, including securing any required approvals or consents, in a manner that does not jeopardize the timing, marketing, pricing or execution of any offering of the Company’s securities.

4.6 If the Company determines in good faith that circumstances require the Company to sell New Shares to any Person or Persons without first complying with the terms set forth in this Section 5 , the Company shall be permitted to sell such New Shares to such Person or Persons without complying with the terms set forth in this Section 5 in connection with such issuance, provided that promptly following such sale, the Company permits the Investor to purchase its proportionate amount of such New Shares in the manner contemplated by this Section 5 .

5. Inspection Rights .

5.1 The Company shall, and shall cause its officers, Board of Directors and employees to, (i) afford the Investor and its Representatives, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, reasonable access at all reasonable times to its officers, employees, auditors, properties, offices, plants and other facilities (including any ships or marine vessels utilized by the Company in its offshore operations) and to all books and records, and (ii) afford the Investor the opportunity to consult with the Company’s officers from time to time regarding the Company’s affairs, finances and accounts as the Investor may reasonably request upon reasonable notice.

5.2 The right set forth in Section 5.1 above shall not and is not intended to limit any right which the Investor may have with respect to the books and records of the Company, or to inspect its properties or discuss its affairs, finances and accounts under the laws of the State of Nevada or other applicable Law.

6. First-Look .

6.1 The Investor shall have the rights set forth in this Section 6 (the “ First Look Rights ”) with respect to any and all Mineral Deposits discovered by the Company or its Subsidiaries that the Company or any such Subsidiary plans to sell, lease, license, or otherwise contract with a third party to commercially exploit (other than a contract with a third party service provider providing services to the Company or its Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Development Plan ”). The Company shall not implement or enter into a binding contract with respect to a Development Plan without first complying with the First-Look Right.

6.2 If the Company desires to implement or enter into a binding contract with respect to a Development Plan, the Company shall provide the Investor with written notice of the Development Plan, including a copy thereof (“ First-Look Notice ”), and without limiting Section 5 hereof, shall provide the Investor with all information reasonably requested by the Investor and within the Company’s possession or control with respect to the Development Plan and the underlying Mineral Deposit.

 

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6.3 The Investor shall have 30 days to notify the Company in writing that it intends to exercise its First-Look Rights.

(a) If the Investor fails to notify the Company in writing that it is exercising its First-Look Rights, then the Company shall be free to pursue the Development Plan subject of the First-Look Notice pursuant to Section 6(d) below.

(b) If the Investor notifies the Company in writing that it is exercising its First-Look Rights, then Investor and the Company shall negotiate, in good faith, a Development Plan for the Mineral Deposit, which may be the Development Plan proposed by the Company in the First-Look Notice or may be an alternate Development Plan proposed by Investor. If notwithstanding such good faith negotiation the Investor and the Company are unable to reach a binding written agreement with respect to a Development Plan within ninety (90) days of the commencement of such good faith negotiations, the Company shall be free to pursue the Development Plan subject of the First-Look Notice pursuant to Section 6(d) below.

6.4 In the circumstances specified in Section 6(c)(i) and Section 6(c)(ii) , the Company may, for a ninety (90) Business Day period seek to enter into a binding definitive written agreement with a third party for the Development Plan that is not materially more favorable to the third party than the Development Plan that was the subject of the First-Look Notice. If the Company does not enter into a binding definitive written agreement within such period, the First-Look Rights provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and the Mineral Deposits shall not be subject to a Development Plan without the Company again complying with this Section 6 .

7. Registration Rights .

7.1 Shelf Registration .

(a) Registration Statements . Promptly following the date hereof but no later than sixty (60) days after the Initial Closing Date (the “ Filing Deadline ”), the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC one Registration Statement on Form S-3 (or, if Form S-3 is not then available to the Company, on such form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Registrable Securities) for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”). Such Shelf Registration Statement shall include the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities (including the Shares) to be registered therein and the intended methods of distribution thereof, subject to the limitations of Form S-3. To the extent the rules and regulations of the Commission do not permit such Shelf Registration Statement to include all of the Registrable Securities, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to register the maximum amount permitted by the Commission and the Registrable Securities required to be omitted from such Registration Statement shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Investor.

 

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(b) Effectiveness .

(i) The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to have the Shelf Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable. The Company shall notify the Investor by facsimile or e-mail as promptly as practicable, and in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours, after any Registration Statement is declared effective and shall simultaneously provide the Investor with copies of any related Prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep any Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 7.1(a) continuously effective under the Securities Act in order to permit the Prospectus forming a part thereof to be usable by the Holders until the earliest of (i) the date as of which all Registrable Securities have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement or another Registration Statement filed under the Securities Act, (ii) the date as of which each of the Holders is permitted to sell its Registrable Securities without Registration pursuant to Rule 144 either (A) without volume limitation or other restrictions on Transfer thereunder or (B) in a single period of three consecutive months, and (iii) such shorter period as the Investor shall agree in writing (such period of effectiveness, the “ Shelf Period ”). Subject to Section 7.1(b)(ii) , the Company shall not be deemed to have used its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the Shelf Period if the Company voluntarily takes any action or omits to take any action that would result in Shelf Holders not being able to offer and sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement during the Shelf Period, unless such action or omission is required by applicable Law.

(ii) The Company may suspend the use of any Prospectus included in any Registration Statement contemplated by this Section 7 if the Company furnishes to the Investor a certificate signed by the President or Chief Executive Officer of the Company certifying that the Board of Directors of the Company has determined in good faith, after consultation with external legal counsel, that it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders not to suspend the Prospectus because such failure to do so (x) would materially interfere with a proposed significant acquisition, disposition, financing, reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction involving the Company, (y) would require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or (z) would render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, then the Company’s obligation to comply with this Section 7 shall be deferred for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of such certification, provided , however , that the Company shall not exercise such right more than once in any twelve (12)-month period.

(c) Shelf Take-Downs . An underwritten offering or sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement (a “ Shelf Take-Down ”) may be initiated by a Participating Holder (an “ Initiating Shelf Take-Down Holder ”). Upon written request to the Company, the Company shall amend or supplement the Shelf Registration Statement for such purpose as soon as practicable. The Company shall send to such Participating Holder in the Shelf Registration Statement written notice of such Shelf Take-Down and, if within 5 days after the date of such notice, any Participating Holder shall so request in writing, the Company shall include in such Shelf Take-Down

 

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all or any part of the Registrable Securities such Participating Holder requests to be included, subject to Section 7.6(a)(ii) , it being understood the Company shall not be responsible for any underwriting discounts or commissions in connection with any Shelf Take-Down.

7.2 Piggyback Registrations . If the Company determines to prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement relating to an offering for its own account or the account of other Person of any of its Common Stock or any series of equity securities of the Company, now or hereafter in existence, at any time during which there are Registrable Securities outstanding, other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 (each as promulgated under the Securities Act) or their then equivalents relating to equity securities to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business or equity securities issuable in connection with stock option or other employee benefit plans, then the Company shall send to each Holder written notice of such determination and, if within 15 days after the date of such notice, any such Holder shall so request in writing, the Company shall include in such Registration Statement all or any part of the Registrable Securities such Holder requests to be registered, subject to Section 7.6(b)(ii) .

7.3 Expenses . All expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement shall be paid by the Company other than underwriting discounts or commissions deducted from the proceeds in respect of any Registrable Securities, including (i) all registration and filing fees, and any other fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with the SEC, FINRA or any other regulatory authority and, if applicable, the fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” as such term is defined in NASD Rule 2720 (or any successor provision) and of its counsel (except as otherwise set forth herein), (ii) all fees and expenses in connection with compliance with any securities or “Blue Sky” laws (including fees and disbursements of counsel for the underwriters in connection with “Blue Sky” qualifications of the Registrable Securities), (iii) all printing, duplicating, word processing, messenger, telephone, facsimile and delivery expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and of printing Prospectuses and Free Writing Prospectuses), (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of all independent certified public accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and cold comfort letters required by or incident to such performance), (v) Securities Act liability insurance or similar insurance if the Company so desires or the underwriters so require in accordance with then-customary underwriting practice, (vi) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of Registrable Securities on any securities exchange or quotation of the Registrable Securities on any inter-dealer quotation system, (vii) all reasonable fees and disbursements of one legal counsel for the Participating Holders, as selected by the Investor, (viii) any reasonable fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by issuers or sellers of securities, (ix) all fees and expenses of any special experts or other Persons retained by the Company in connection with any registration, (x) all of the Company’s internal expenses (including all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), (xi) all expenses related to the “road-show” for any underwritten offering, including all travel, meals and lodging and (xii) any other fees and disbursements

 

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customarily paid by the issuers of securities. All such expenses are referred to herein as “ Registration Expenses .” The Company shall not be required to pay any underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, if any, attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities.

7.4 Company Obligations . The Company will use reasonable best efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms hereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will, as expeditiously as possible:

(a) prepare the required Registration Statement including all exhibits and financial statements required under the Securities Act to be filed therewith, and before filing a Registration Statement, Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, (x) furnish to the underwriters, if any, and the Participating Holders, if any, copies of all documents prepared to be filed, which documents shall be subject to the review of such underwriters and the Participating Holders and their respective counsel and (y) except in the case of a registration under Section 7.2 , not file any Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendments or supplements thereto to which any Participating Holders or the underwriters, if any, shall reasonably object;

(b) as promptly as practicable file with the SEC a Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Securities including all exhibits and financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith, and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act;

(c) prepare and file with the SEC such pre- and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement, supplements to the Prospectus and such amendments or supplements to any Free Writing Prospectus as may be (y) reasonably requested by any Participating Holder or (z) necessary to keep such Registration effective for the period of time required by this Agreement, and comply with provisions of the applicable securities Laws with respect to the sale or other disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

(d) promptly notify the Participating Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and (if requested) confirm such advice in writing and provide copies of the relevant documents, as soon as reasonably practicable after notice thereof is received by the Company (A) when the applicable Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed or becomes effective, and when the applicable Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto has been filed, (B) of any written comments by the SEC or any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information, (C) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or any order by the SEC preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purposes,

 

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(D) if, at any time, the representations and warranties of the Company in any applicable underwriting agreement cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (E) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction and (F) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction;

(e) promptly notify the Participating Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, when the Company becomes aware of the happening of any event as a result of which the Registration Statement, the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (as then in effect) or any Free Writing Prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of such Prospectus, any preliminary Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, when any Free Writing Prospectus includes information that may conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such time period to amend or supplement such Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus in order to comply with the Securities Act and, in either case as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter, prepare and file with the SEC and furnish without charge to the Participating Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, an amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus which shall correct such misstatement or omission or effect such compliance;

(f) promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement, Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment to the applicable Registration Statement such information as the managing underwriter or underwriters and the Participating Holders agree should be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Securities, and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement, Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement, Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment;

(g) furnish to each Participating Holder and each underwriter, if any, without charge, as many conformed copies as such Participating Holder or underwriter may reasonably request of the applicable Registration Statement and any amendment or post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits (including those incorporated by reference);

(h) deliver to each Participating Holder and each underwriter, if any, without charge, as many copies of the applicable Prospectus (including each preliminary Prospectus), any Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Participating Holder or underwriter may reasonably request (it being understood that the Company consents to the use of such Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by such Participating Holder and

 

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the underwriters, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities thereby) and such other documents as such Participating Holder or underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities by such Participating Holder or underwriter;

(i) on or prior to the date on which the Registration Statement is declared effective, use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, and cooperate with the Participating Holders, the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel, in connection with the registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of each state and other jurisdiction of the United States as any Participating Holder or managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or their respective counsel reasonably request in writing and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to keep such registration or qualification in effect for such period as required by this Agreement, provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to taxation or general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(j) cooperate with the Participating Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends, and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriters may request at least two (2) Business Days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities to the underwriters;

(k) cause the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter or underwriters, if any, to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(l) make such representations and warranties to the Participating Holders and the underwriters or agents, if any, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers in secondary underwritten public offerings;

(m) enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting and indemnification agreements) and take all such other actions as the Investor or the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the registration and disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(n) obtain for delivery to the Participating Holders and to the underwriter or underwriters, if any, an opinion or opinions from counsel for the Company dated the effective date of the Registration Statement or, in the event of an underwritten offering, the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement, in customary form, scope and substance, which opinions shall be reasonably satisfactory to such Participating Holders or underwriters, as the case may be, and their respective counsel;

 

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(o) in the case of an underwritten offering, obtain for delivery to the Company and the managing underwriter or underwriters, with copies to the Participating Holders, a cold comfort letter from the Company’s independent certified public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by cold comfort letters as the managing underwriter or underwriters reasonably request, dated the date of execution of the underwriting agreement and brought down to the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement;

(p) cooperate with each Participating Holder and each underwriter, if any, participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA or any other securities regulatory authority;

(q) comply with all applicable securities laws and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

(r) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement from and after a date not later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

(s) cause all Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange on which any of the Common Stock is then listed or quoted and on each inter-dealer quotation system on which any of the Common Stock is then quoted;

(t) make available, during normal business hours, for inspection and review by the Investor, advisors to and Representatives of the Investor (who may or may not be affiliated with the Investor and who are reasonably acceptable to the Company), all financial and other records, periodic reports and other filings made with the SEC, and all other corporate documents and properties of the Company as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of such review, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees, within a reasonable time period, to supply all such information reasonably requested by the Investor or any such Representative, advisor or underwriter in connection with such Registration Statement (including, without limitation, in response to all questions and other inquiries reasonably made or submitted by any of them), prior to and from time to time after the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement for the sole purpose of enabling the Investor and such Representatives, advisors and underwriters and their respective accountants and attorneys to conduct initial and ongoing due diligence with respect to the Company and the accuracy of such Registration Statement; and

(u) with a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144 (or its successor rule) and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell Registrable Securities to the public without registration, the Company covenants and agrees to: (i) make and keep public information

 

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available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, until the earlier of (A) the date as all of the Registrable Securities may be sold without restriction by the holders thereof pursuant to Rule 144 or any other rule of similar effect or (B) such date as all of the Registrable Securities shall have been resold; (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Exchange Act; and (iii) furnish to the Investor upon request, as long as the Investor owns any Registrable Securities, (A) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, (B) a copy of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and (C) such other information as may be reasonably requested in order to avail the Investor of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration.

7.5 Obligations of the Investor .

(a) The Investor shall furnish in writing to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it, as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of any Registration Statement, the Company shall notify the Investor of the information the Company requires from the Investor if the Investor elects to have any of its Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement. The Investor shall provide such information to the Company at least two (2) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement if the Investor elects to have any of its Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.

(b) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of its election to exclude all of its Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.

(c) The Investor agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of either the commencement of a suspension pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(ii) or the happening of an event contemplated by Section 7.4(d)(C) or Section 7.4(e)7.4(d)(E) hereof, the Investor will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities, until the Investor is advised by the Company that such dispositions may again be made.

 

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7.6 Underwriting .

(a) Shelf Registrations .

(i) If the Initiating Shelf Take-Down Holder so requests, an offering of Registrable Securities shall be in the form of an underwritten offering, and such Initiating Shelf Take-Down Holder shall have the right to select the managing underwriter or underwriters to administer the offering. In the case of an underwritten offering under Section 7.1 , the price, underwriting discount and other financial terms for the Registrable Securities shall be determined by the Initiating Shelf Take-Down Holder.

(ii) If the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities included in a Shelf Take-Down advise the Board of Directors in writing that, in its or their opinion, the number of securities requested to be included in such Shelf Take-Down exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without being likely to have a significant adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, the securities to be included in such Shelf Take-Down (i)  first , shall be allocated pro rata among the Participating Holders that have requested to participate in such Shelf Take-Down based on the relative number of Registrable Securities requested by each Participating Holder to be included in such Shelf Take-Down and (ii)  second , and only if all the securities referred to in clause (i) have been included in such Shelf Take-Down, the number of securities that the Company proposes to include in such Shelf Take-Down that, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without having such adverse effect.

(iii) If requested by the underwriters for any underwritten offering requested by an Initiating Shelf Take-Down Holder under Section 7.1 , the Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with such underwriters for such offering, such agreement to be reasonably satisfactory in substance and form to the Company, the Initiating Shelf Take-Down Holder and the underwriters, and to contain such representations and warranties by the Company and such other terms as are generally prevailing in agreements of that type, including customary indemnities.

(b) Piggyback Registrations .

(i) If the Company proposes to register any of its Common Stock or any other series of equity securities of the Company, now or hereafter in existence, under the Securities Act as contemplated by Section 7.2 and such securities are to be distributed in an underwritten offering through one or more underwriters, the Company shall, if requested by any Holders pursuant to Section 7.2 , use its reasonable best efforts to arrange for such underwriters to include on the same terms and conditions that apply to the other sellers in such registration all the Registrable Securities to be offered and sold by such Holders among the securities of the Company to be distributed by such underwriters in such registration.

(ii) If the managing underwriter or underwriters of any proposed underwritten offering including Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 7.2 informs the Company and each Participating Holder that, in its or their opinion, the number of securities which the Participating Holders intend to include in such offering

 

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exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without being likely to have a significant adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, then the securities to be included in such registration shall be (i)  first , 100% of the securities that the Company intends to include and (ii)  second , and only if all the securities referred to in clause (i) have been included, the number of Registrable Securities that, in the opinion of such managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without having such adverse effect in such registration, which such number shall be allocated pro rata among the Participating Holders that have requested to participate in such registration based on the relative number of Registrable Securities requested by each Participating Holder to be included in such underwritten offering.

(c) Participation in Underwritten Registrations . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.6(a)(ii) and Section 7.6(b)(ii) above, no Person may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements and all applicable securities laws; provided , that this sentence shall not be construed to require any Holder to enter into any standstill or similar agreement with the underwriters. The Participating Holders shall be parties to such underwriting agreement, which underwriting agreement shall (i) contain such representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the Company to and for the benefit of such Participating Holders as are customarily made by issuers to selling stockholders in secondary underwritten public offerings and (ii) provide that any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such underwriters under such underwriting agreement also shall be conditions precedent to the obligations of such Participating Holders. Any such Participating Holder shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters in connection with such underwriting agreement other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Participating Holder, such Participating Holder’s title to the Registrable Securities, such Participating Holder’s authority to sell the Registrable Securities, such Participating Holder’s intended method of distribution, absence of liens with respect to the Registrable Securities, enforceability of the applicable underwriting agreement as against such Participating Holder, receipt of all consents and approvals with respect to the entry into such underwriting agreement and the sale of such Registrable Securities and any other representations required to be made by such Participating Holder under applicable law, rule or regulation, and the aggregate amount of the liability of such Participating Holder in connection with such underwriting agreement shall not exceed such Participating Holder’s net proceeds from such underwritten offering.

(d) Clear Market . With respect to any underwritten offerings, the Company agrees not to, and shall not be obligated to, effect any public sale or distribution, or to file any Registration Statement covering any of its equity securities or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the period not to exceed ten (10) days prior and sixty (60) days following the effective

 

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date of such offering (or such lesser period that the managing underwriters in any underwritten offering permit). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may effect the registration of (A) equity securities and/or options or other rights in respect thereof solely registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8 (or successor form) or (B) shares of equity securities and/or options or other rights in respect thereof to be offered to directors, employees, consultants, customers, lenders or vendors of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in connection with dividend reinvestment plans.

7.7 Indemnification .

(a) Indemnification by the Company . The Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Investor and its officers, directors, members, employees and agents, successors and assigns, and each other person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof; (ii) any “Blue Sky” application or other document executed by the Company specifically for that purpose or based upon written information furnished by the Company filed in any state or other jurisdiction in order to qualify any or all of the Registrable Securities under the securities laws thereof (any such application, document or information herein called a “ Blue Sky Application ”); (iii) the omission or alleged omission to state in a Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (iv) any violation by the Company or its agents of any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act applicable to the Company or its agents and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration; or (v) any failure to register or qualify the Registrable Securities included in any such Registration Statement in any state where the Company or its agents has affirmatively undertaken or agreed in writing that the Company will undertake such registration or qualification on the Investor’s behalf and will reimburse the Investor, and each such officer, director or member and each such controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided , however , that the Company will not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by the Investor or any such controlling person in writing specifically for use in such Registration Statement or Prospectus; and provided , further , that the Company shall not be required to indemnify any Person against any liability arising from any untrue or misleading statement or omission contained in any preliminary Prospectus if such deficiency is corrected on a timely basis in the final prospectus and the indemnified person was promptly advised in writing not to use the incorrect prospectus prior to the use giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder, and such indemnified person, notwithstanding such advice, used such incorrect prospectus.

 

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(b) Indemnification by the Investor . The Investor agrees, severally but not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) resulting from any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information furnished in writing by the Investor to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto. In no event shall the liability of the Investor be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expense paid by the Investor in connection with any claim relating to this Section 7 and the amount of any damages the Investor has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission) received by the Investor upon the sale of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party ( provided , however , that such indemnified party shall, at the expense of the indemnifying company, be entitled to counsel of its own choosing to monitor such defense); provided that, subject to the preceding sentence, any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such person unless (a) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses, or (b) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person or (c) in the reasonable judgment of any such person, based upon written advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest exists between such person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such person); and provided , further , that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially adversely affect the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or litigation. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for fees or expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all such indemnified parties. No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation and no admission of liability on the part of the indemnified party.

 

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(d) Contribution . If for any reason the indemnification provided for in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless, other than as expressly specified therein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act shall be entitled to contribution from any person not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. In no event shall the contribution obligation of a holder of Registrable Securities be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 7 and the amount of any damages such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission) received by it upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.

8. Miscellaneous .

8.1 Rules of Construction .

(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

(b) Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

(c) Whenever the word “or” is used in this Agreement, it shall not be deemed exclusive.

(d) The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as to the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such terms. Whenever the context requires, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

(e) Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, all references to any Law are to such Law as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time to time, and all references to any section of any Law include any successor to such section.

(f) Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, all references to any agreement are to such agreement and include any exhibits, annexes and schedules attached to such agreement, in each case, as the same is in effect as of the date of this Agreement and in the case of any such agreement to which the parties are other than all of the parties to this Agreement, without giving effect to any subsequent amendment or modification.

 

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(g) All references to “$” or “dollars” mean the lawful currency of the United States of America.

(h) Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, as consistently applied by the Company.

(i) No specific provision, representation or warranty shall limit the applicability of a more general provision, representation or warranty. It is the intent of the parties that each representation, warranty, covenant, condition and agreement contained in this Agreement shall be given full, separate, and independent effect and that such provisions are cumulative.

(j) The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement with the assistance of counsel and other advisors and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as jointly drafted by the parties hereto and thereto, 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.

(k) The table of contents and the headings contained in this Agreement is for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

8.2 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Schedules hereto and thereto, and the other agreements included as exhibits hereto and thereto constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and, understandings, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (other than the Certificate of Designation or the Articles of Amendment), the terms of the Purchase Agreement shall be primary and this Agreement shall be secondary.

8.3 Notices . All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made as set forth in Section 11.3 of the Purchase Agreement.

8.4 Fees, Costs and Expenses . Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, all fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such fees, costs and expenses, whether or not such transactions are consummated.

 

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8.5 Amendments; Waiver

(a) This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended only by a written instrument signed by each of the parties hereto.

(b) A party may by written instrument signed on behalf of such party: (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of another party due to it, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to it contained in this Agreement or, or (iii) waive compliance with any covenants, obligations, or conditions in its favor contained in this Agreement. No claim or right arising out of this Agreement can be waived by a party, in whole or in part, unless made in a writing signed by such party. Neither any course of conduct or dealing nor failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. A waiver given by a party will be applicable only to the specific instance for which it is given.

8.6 Bind Effect; Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement, nor any right, duty or obligation of any party hereunder, may be assigned or delegated by the Company without the prior written consent of the Investor. The Investor may assign its rights and delegate its obligations hereunder; provided that no such assignment or delegation shall relieve Investor of its obligations hereunder. Any purported assignment of rights or delegation of obligations in violation of this Section will be void. References to a party in this Agreement also refer to such party’s successors and permitted assigns.

8.7 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Except as explicitly set forth herein, nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than the parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein.

8.8 No Recourse Against Nonparty Affiliates . All claims, obligations, liabilities, or causes of action (whether in contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) that arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, or performance of this Agreement, may be made only against the parties that are signatories to this Agreement (“ Contracting Parties ”). No Person who is not a Contracting Party, including any officer, employee, member, partner or manager signing this Agreement or any certificate delivered in connection herewith on behalf of any Contracting Party (“ Nonparty Affiliates ”) shall have any liability (whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) for any claims, obligations, liabilities or causes of action arising out of, or relating in any manner to, this Agreement or based on, in respect of, or by reason of this Agreement or the negotiation, execution, performance, or breach of the Agreement; and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, each Contracting Party hereby waives and releases all such liabilities, claims, causes of action, and obligations against any such Nonparty Affiliates.

 

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8.9 Exclusive Forum in Designated Courts . Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to: (i) this Agreement, or any of the Contemplated Transactions or the subject matter hereof, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of this Agreement, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, or (iii) the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto, in each case, whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise (collectively, a “ Dispute ”), shall be brought exclusively in either (x) the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, to the extent that such court has subject matter jurisdiction, or (y) the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in the courts of the State of New York in the County of New York) (the “ Designated Court ”). Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Designated Court and agrees that it will not bring any action whether in tort, contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the Contemplated Transactions or the subject matter hereof or thereof in any court other than the Designated Court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Court, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of the Designated Court or from any legal process commenced in such Designated Court (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such Designated Court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or the subject matter hereof or thereof, may not be enforced in or by such Designated Court.

8.10 Consent to Service of Process . Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 11.3 of the Purchase Agreement and agrees that nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.

8.11 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE.

8.12 Specific Performance . The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms and that monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy therefor. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. The parties acknowledge that the awarding of equitable remedies is within the discretion of the applicable court.

 

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8.13 Remedies Cumulative . The rights and remedies of the parties are cumulative and not alternative.

8.14 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

8.15 Signatures/E-delivery; Reproduction of Documents .

(a) A manually signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement. No legally binding obligation shall be created with respect to a party until such party has delivered or caused to be delivered a manually signed copy of this Agreement.

(b) This Agreement and all certificates and documents relating hereto and thereto, including, without limitation, (i) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (ii) documents received by each party pursuant hereto, and (iii) financial statements and other information previously or hereafter furnished to each party, may be reproduced by each party by electronic digital storage, computer tapes, photographic, photostatic, optical character recognition, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other similar process, and each party may destroy any original document so reproduced. All parties hereto agree and stipulate that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial, arbitration or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by each party in the regular course of business) and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

8.16 Severability .

(a) If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force, if the essential terms and conditions of this Agreement for each party remain valid, binding and enforceable. 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.

(b) Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

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[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Stockholder Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first written above.

 

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
By:

 

Name:
Title:
PENELOPE MINING LLC
By:

 

Name:
Title:

[Signature Page to Stockholder Agreement]

Exhibit 10.7

EXHIBIT D

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), which provides for indemnification, expense advancement and other rights under the terms and conditions set forth, is made and entered into this      day of             , 20[15] by and between Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “ Company ”), and                      (“ Indemnitee ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Indemnitee is serving as a director of the Company, and as such is performing a valuable service for the Company;

WHEREAS, competent and experienced persons are reluctant to serve corporations as directors or officers or in other fiduciary capacities at the request of their companies unless they are provided with adequate protection from claims and actions against them arising out of their service to the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has determined that the ability to attract and retain qualified persons to serve as directors and officers is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be adequate rights to advancement and indemnification in respect of such claims;

WHEREAS, Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Revised Statutes permits the Company to indemnify and advance defense costs to its officers and directors and to indemnify and advance expenses to persons who serve at the request of the Company as directors, officers, employees, or agents-of other corporations or enterprises; and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to have Indemnitee continue to serve in an Official Capacity (as defined below), and Indemnitee desires to continue so to serve the Company, provided, and on the express condition, that Indemnitee is furnished with the indemnity, advancement, and other rights set forth in this Agreement.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Indemnitee’s continued service to the company in Indemnitee’s Official Capacity, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “ Change of Control ” means a change in control of the Company occurring after the Effective Date of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 5.01 of Current Report on Form 8-K (or in response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “ Act ”), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided, however, that, without limitation, a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if after the Effective Date (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities


of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities without the prior approval of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors in office immediately prior to such person attaining such percentage; (ii) the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, sale of assets or other reorganization, or a proxy contest, as a consequence of which members of the Board of Directors in office immediately prior to such transaction or event constitute less than a majority of the Board of Directors thereafter; or (iii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (including for this purpose any new director whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of such period) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided, further, however, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in the event that Mineral del Norte S.A. de C.V. or any of its affiliates acquires control of the Company.

(b) “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought by Indemnitee.

(c) “ Effective Date ” means the date first above written.

(d) “ Expenses ” include all direct and indirect costs including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, advisory fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, bond premiums, the costs of collecting, processing, producing, and hosting electronic materials and documents, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with investigating, prosecuting, defending (or preparing to investigate, prosecute, or defend) a Proceeding, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding.

(e) “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party, or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(f) “ Official Capacity ” means Indemnitee’s corporate status as an officer or director and any other fiduciary capacity in which Indemnitee serves the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, or any other entity or enterprise (including an employee benefit plan) which Indemnitee serves in such capacity at the request of the Company’s CEO, its Board of Directors or any committee of its Board of Directors the Company. “Official Capacity” also refers to actions that Indemnitee takes or does not take while serving in such capacity.

 

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(g) “ Proceeding ” includes any actual or threatened inquiry, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, whether or not initiated prior to the Effective Date, except a proceeding initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 to enforce his or her rights under this Agreement. “ Proceeding ” also includes any corporate internal investigation from and after the time in which the Indemnitee has received or is entitled to receive the warning mandated in Upjohn Co. v. United States, 449 U.S. 383 (1981).

2. Indemnification.

(a) General . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes as such law may from time to time be amended. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the indemnification provided in this Section if, by reason of his or her Official Capacity, Indemnitee is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding or by reason of anything done or not done by Indemnitee in his or her Official Capacity. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all costs, judgments, penalties, fines, liabilities, amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of Indemnitee in any Proceeding, and Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, if Indemnitee is determined to have met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 6(a).

(b) Exceptions . Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification of Expenses:

 

  i. to the extent such indemnification of Expenses is expressly prohibited by Nevada law or the public policies of Nevada, the United States of America, or agencies of any governmental authority in any jurisdiction governing the matter in question;

 

  ii. in connection with any Proceeding, or part thereof (including claims and permissive counterclaims) initiated by Indemnitee, except a judicial proceeding pursuant to Section 7 to enforce rights under this Agreement, unless the Proceeding (or art thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company;

 

  iii. with respect to any claim, issue, or matter as to which Nevada law expressly prohibits such indemnification by reason of any adjudication of liability of Indemnitee to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Designated Court (as defined below), or the court in which such action or suit was brought, determines upon application that, despite an adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification for such Expenses as such court deems proper.

3. Advancement of Expenses.

(a) General . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Company shall advance Expenses to Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes as such law may from time to time be amended. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the advancement

 

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provided in this Section if by reason of his or her Official Capacity, Indemnitee is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding or by reason of anything done or not done by Indemnitee in his or her Official Capacity. The Company shall advance to Indemnitee Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding.

(b) Undertaking in Connection with Request for Advancement . As a condition precedent to the Company’s advancement of Expenses to Indemnitee, Indemnitee shall provide the Company with (a) a written claim for Expenses incurred or paid by an Indemnitee in respect of the Proceeding as Indemnitee incurs them and (b) an undertaking, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit 1, by or on behalf of Indemnitee to reimburse such amount if it is finally determined, after all appeals to a court of competent jurisdiction are exhausted, that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses by the Company as provided by this Agreement or otherwise. Indemnitee’s undertaking to reimburse any such amounts is not required to be secured. In making a written claim for advancement, Indemnitee need not submit to the Company information that counsel for Indemnitee deems is privileged and exempt from compulsory disclosure in any proceeding.

4. Indemnification for Expenses of Successful Party.

Notwithstanding the limitations of any other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, including, without limitation, the dismissal of any action without prejudice, or if it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is otherwise entitled to be indemnified against Expenses, Indemnitee shall be Indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith, including the cancellation of any obligation to repay advances for expenses incurred in defense of the claim. If Indemnitee is partially successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding, such indemnification shall be apportioned appropriately to reflect the degree of success.

5. Indemnification for Expenses Incurred in Serving as a Witness.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification and advancement against all Expenses reasonably incurred for serving as a witness by reason of Indemnitee’s Official Capacity in any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee is not a party.

6. Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification.

(a) Standard of Conduct . Except as provided in Section 5 above, Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement only upon a determination that Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

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(b) Manner of Determining Eligibility . Upon written request of the Indemnitee for indemnification, the entitlement of Indemnitee to such requested indemnification shall be determined by:

 

  i. the Board of Directors of the Company by a majority vote of Disinterested Directors (defined above), whether or not such majority constitutes a quorum; or

 

  ii. a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by majority vote of such Disinterested Directors, whether or not such majority constitutes a quorum; or

 

  iii. Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, or designated committee of the Board, with a copy to Indemnitee, which Independent Counsel shall be selected by majority vote of the Company’s directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present, or a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, or Committee of Disinterested Directors; or

 

  iv. the Company’s stockholders, by a majority vote of those in attendance at a meeting at which a quorum is present; or

 

  v. in the event that a Change of Control has occurred, by Independent Counsel (selected by Indemnitee) in a written opinion to the Board of Directors of the Company, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Indemnitee.

(c) Change of Control . The Company agrees that if there is a Change in Control of the Company (other than a Change in Control which has been approved by a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors who were directors immediately prior to such Change in Control) then with respect to all matters thereafter arising concerning the rights of the Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement or any other agreements, Company by-law, provision in the articles of incorporation of the Company or any other document now or hereafter in effect relating to such indemnification, the Company shall seek legal advice only from Independent Counsel selected by Indemnitee. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to indemnify fully such counsel against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

(d) Payment of Costs of Determining Eligibility . The Company shall pay all costs associated with its determination of lndemnitee’s eligibility for indemnification.

(e) Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings . The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of Indemnitee’s request for indemnification, advise in writing the Board of Directors or such other person or persons empowered to make the determination requested in Section 6(b), and the Company shall thereafter promptly make such determination or initiate the appropriate process for making such determination. The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

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7. Remedies of Indemnitee.

(a) In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to Section 3, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) or (c) within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 within fifteen (15) business days after receipt by the Company of written request therefor, or (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 2 is not made within fifteen (15) business days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, Indemnitee shall be entitled to seek an adjudication by the Designated Court of Indemnitee’s right to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication.

(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7, shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that Indemnitee’ has acted in bad faith and in a manner not in the best interests of or opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, in respect of a criminal Proceeding, by clear and convincing evidence that Indemnitee acted without a reasonable belief that Indemnitee’s conduct was not criminal. The Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding pursuant to this Section, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 2 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).

(c) Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to the action or constitute evidence that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct. If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 5 that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

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(d) The Company will be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this section that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

(e) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law and this Agreement against all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company’s receipt of such written request) advance to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and this Agreement, such Expenses that are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification agreement or provision of the Company’s articles of incorporation or by-laws now or hereafter in effect.

(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding as to which advancement or indemnity is sought.

8. Continuation of Obligation of Company. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained in this Agreement shall continue during the period of Indemnitee’s Official Capacity and shall continue thereafter with respect to any Proceedings based on or arising out of Indemnitee’s Official Capacity. This Agreement will be binding upon all successors and assigns of the Company (including any transferee of all or substantially all of its assets and any successor by merger or operation of law).

9. Notification and Defense of Claim. Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of any Proceeding, Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of the existence thereof; but Indemnitee’s failure so to notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, with respect to any such Proceeding of which Indemnitee notifies the Company:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9(a), to the extent that it may wish, the Company may, separately or jointly with any other indemnifying party, assume the defense of the Proceeding. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of the Proceeding, the Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnitee except as otherwise provided below. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s own counsel in such Proceeding, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Company of its assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee unless (i) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been authorized by the Company, (ii) Indemnitee shall have reasonably determined that there is a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of the Proceeding, and such determination is supported by an opinion of qualified legal counsel addressed to the Company, or (iii) the Company shall not within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of notice from Indemnitee in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of the Proceeding.

 

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(b) The Company is not entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company, or as to which Indemnitee shall have made the determination provided for in subparagraph (a)(ii) above.

(c) Regardless of whether the Company has assumed the defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without the Company’s written consent, and the Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner that would impose any penalty or limitation on, or require any payment from, Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee may unreasonably withhold its consent to any proposed settlement.

(d) Until the Company receives notice of a Proceeding from Indemnitee, the Company shall have no obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses to Indemnitee as to Expenses incurred prior to Indemnitee’s notification of Company.

10. Separability; Prior Indemnification Agreements.

(a) If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that are not by themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) are to be construed so as to give effect to the intent of the parties that the Company provide protection to Indemnitee to the fullest enforceable extent provided for in this Agreement.

(b) Indemnitee’s rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses under this Agreement are not exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Company’s articles of incorporation or by-laws, any other agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. The entry by Indemnitee into this Agreement, and the terms of this Agreement do not, change, limit, or affect in any respect, or terminate, any other agreements between Indemnitee and the Company.

11. Nonattribution of Actions of Any Indemnitee to Any Other Indemnitee. For purposes of determining whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses by the Company under this Agreement or otherwise, no action or inaction of any other indemnitee or group of indemnitees may be attributed to Indemnitee.

 

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12. Insurance.

(a) In all policies of director and officer liability insurance purchased by Company, the Company shall cause Indemnitee to be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s officers and directors (other than in the case of an independent director liability insurance policy if Indemnitee is not an independent or outside director). Company shall promptly notify Indemnitee of any good faith determination not to provide such coverage or of any lapse or termination of any such policy.

(b) Insurance Upon a Change of Control. In the event of and immediately upon a Change of Control, Company (or any successor to the interests of Company by way of merger, sale of assets, or otherwise) shall be obligated to continue, procure, and otherwise maintain in effect for a period of six (6) years from the date on which such Change of Control is effective a policy or policies of insurance (which may be a “tail” policy) (the “Change of Control Coverage”) providing Indemnitee with coverage for losses from alleged wrongful acts occurring on or before the effective date of the Change of Control. If such insurance is in place immediately prior to the Change of Control, then the Change of Control Coverage shall contain limits, retentions or deductibles, terms and exclusions that are no less favorable to Indemnitee than those set forth above. Each policy evidencing the Change of Control Coverage shall be non-cancellable by the insurer except for non-payment of premium. No such policy shall contain any provision that limits or impacts adversely any right or privilege of Indemnitee given by this Agreement.

13. Headings; References; Pronouns. The headings of the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only; they do not constitute part of this Agreement or affect the meaning thereof. References herein to section numbers are to sections of this Agreement. All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, or plural as appropriate.

14. Other Provisions.

(a) This Agreement and any dispute, controversy or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof or the relationship among the parties hereto in connection herewith (in each case whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise) shall be governed by the substantive laws of the State of Nevada without regard to conflict of law principles thereof or of any other jurisdiction that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Nevada.

(b) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced as evidence of the existence of this Agreement.

(c) This Agreement is not an employment agreement between the Company and Indemnitee, and nothing in this Agreement obligates the Company to continue Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Official Capacity.

 

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(d) Upon a payment to Indemnitee under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of Indemnitee to recover against any person for such liability, and Indemnitee shall execute all documents and instruments required and shall take such other actions as may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as may be necessary for the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(e) No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing signed by both parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provision of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar). A waiver made in a signed writing on one occasion is effective only in that instance and does not constitute a waiver on any future occasion or instance.

(f) Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating to: (i) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity of this Agreement, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this agreement to arbitrate, or (iii) the relationship among the parties hereto or thereto, in each case, whether in contract, tort, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise (collectively, a “ Dispute ”), shall be brought exclusively in either (x) the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, to the extent that such court has subject matter jurisdiction, or (y) the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in the courts of the State of New York in the County of New York) (the “ Designated Court ”). Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Designated Court and agrees that it will not bring any action whether in tort, contract, common or statutory law, equity or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the subject matter hereof in any court other than the Designated Court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Designated Court, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of the Designated Court or from any legal process commenced in such Designated Court (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such Designated Court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such Designated Court.

(g) The Company agrees to stipulate in any court or before any arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement and is precluded from making any assertions to the contrary.

(h) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE.

 

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(i) Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement shall extend to Indemnitee’s spouse, members of Indemnitee’s immediate family, and Indemnitee’s representative(s), guardian(s), conservator(s), estate, executor(s), administrator(s), and trustee(s), (all of whom are referred to as “Related Parties”), as the case may be, to the extent a Related Party or a Related Party’s property is subject to a Proceeding by reason of lndemnitee’s Official Capacity.

(j) To the extent that Indemnitee (i) pays Expenses that the Company is obligated to but does not advance, or (ii) incurs expense, liability, or loss for which the Company is obligated to indemnify Indemnitee, Indemnitee will be subrogated to the Company’s rights of recovery against any insurance carrier or other source to the same extent as if the Company had paid such Expense, liability, or loss or advanced such expense under this Agreement.

(k) The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement with the assistance of counsel and other advisors and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as jointly drafted by the parties hereto and thereto, 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.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and as of the day and year first above written.

 

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
By:

 

Name:
Title:
[INDEMNITEE]
By:

 

Name:
Title:

 

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EXHIBIT 1

UNDERTAKING TO REPAY INDEMNIFICATION EXPENSES

I                     , agree to reimburse the Company for all expenses advanced to me or for my benefit by the Company for my defense in any civil or criminal action, suit, or Proceeding, in the event and to the extent that it shall ultimately be determined that I am not entitled to be indemnified by the Company for such expenses.

 

Signature

 

Typed Name

 

Office

 

 

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