UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 11, 2021 (June 7, 2021)

 

 

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   001-40016   87-1005902
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

937 Tahoe Boulevard

Incline Village, Nevada 89451

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (707) 346-3640

Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp.

3rd Floor, 115 Park Street

London, W1K 7AP

United Kingdom

(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:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common stock, no par value per share   VWE   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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

Emerging growth company  ☒

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

 

 

 


INTRODUCTORY NOTE

As previously disclosed, on February 3, 2021, Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. (“BCAC”), VWE Acquisition Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC (“merger sub”), Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (“VWE”), Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP (the “Sponsor”), and Darrell D. Swank as the Seller Representative, entered into a transaction agreement (as amended, the “transaction agreement”). Following approval by the shareholders of BCAC and VWE and the satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions, the transactions contemplated by the transaction agreement were consummated and closed on June 7, 2021 (the “Closing Date”). The closing was the earliest event required to be reported in this report.

Pursuant to the transaction agreement, on or prior to the Closing Date: (1) BCAC changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from the Province of British Columbia to the State of Nevada (the “domestication”); (2) merger sub merged with and into VWE with VWE surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC (the “merger”); and (3) BCAC changed its name to Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. The domestication, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the transaction agreement are collectively referred to herein as the “transactions.” The transactions constituted BCAC’s qualifying acquisition.

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our,” “New VWE Holdco” and the “Company” refer to Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the transactions. Terms used but not defined herein, or for which definitions are not otherwise incorporated herein by reference, have the respective meanings given to such terms in the Company’s consent solicitation statement/prospectus dated May 6, 2021 (the “Prospectus”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 6, 2021.

As a result of and upon the effectiveness of the domestication:

 

   

each Class A restricted voting share of BCAC was converted on a one-to-one basis into a share of common stock, no par value per share, of the Company (“common stock”);

 

   

each Class B share of BCAC (other than those Class B shares surrendered by the Sponsor to BCAC for cancellation pursuant to the transaction agreement) was converted on a one-to-one basis into a share of common stock;

 

   

each share purchase warrant of BCAC (other than those surrendered by the Sponsor to BCAC for cancellation pursuant to the transaction agreement) continued and remained outstanding on a one-for-one basis as a share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a “warrant”); and

 

   

shares of common stock resulting from the conversion of Class A restricted voting shares of BCAC that were previously duly submitted for redemption were redeemed and cancelled by the Company.

As a result of and upon the effective time of the merger (the “effective time”), each share of VWE capital stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (other than excluded shares) was converted into:

 

   

the right to receive a number of shares of common stock equal to the Per Share Merger Consideration less the Per Share Adjustment Escrow Deposit; and

 

   

a contingent right to receive, if and when payable, a number of shares of common stock equal to the Per Share Adjustment Escrow Release and, other than in the case of Wasatch, the Per Share Earnout Shares.

No fractional shares of common stock were issued in connection with the merger and instead, any such fractional share that would otherwise have resulted was rounded down to the nearest whole share.

As soon as practicable following the effective time, and in any event within five business days thereafter, the Company will cause the exchange agent to deliver to each VWE shareholder as of immediately prior to the effective time a letter of transmittal and instructions for use in exchanging such VWE shareholder’s shares of VWE capital stock for such VWE shareholder’s applicable portion of the Closing Merger Consideration. Promptly following receipt of a VWE shareholder’s properly executed letter of transmittal, the exchange agent will deliver such VWE shareholder’s applicable portion of the Closing Merger Consideration.

As a result of and upon the effective time, each option to purchase shares of VWE capital stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time, whether vested or unvested, was cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to (i) the excess, if any, of the deemed fair market value per share of VWE capital stock represented by the Per Share Merger Consideration over the exercise price of such option multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of VWE capital stock subject to such option (without interest and subject to any required withholding tax). If the exercise price of any VWE stock option was equal to or greater than the Per Share Merger Consideration, such option was cancelled without any cash payment being made in respect thereof.

 

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Further pursuant to the transaction agreement, at the closing: (1) the Sponsor surrendered to BCAC for cancellation 3,000,000 Class B shares of BCAC and 4,000,000 share purchase warrants of BCAC, in each case for no value; and (2) VWE repurchased for cancellation shares of VWE Series B stock from TGAM Agribusiness Fund Holdings LP having a value equal to $32.0 million less the Series B Preference Amount at a price per share equal to the Per Share Merger Consideration (as determined as set forth in the transaction agreement).

The foregoing description of the transaction agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the transaction agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

As previously disclosed, on April 22, 2021, BCAC and Wasatch entered into subscription agreements for the sale and purchase, respectively, of 10.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.00 per share at the closing of the transactions for an aggregate amount of $100 million (the “PIPE Investment”). Such PIPE Investment shares were issued and sold to Wasatch on the Closing Date. The offer, issuance and sale of such shares to Wasatch was an institutional private placement conducted pursuant to and in accordance with Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

The foregoing description of the subscription agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the subscription agreements, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.35 and 10.36 and are incorporated herein by reference.

Immediately after giving effect to the transactions, the PIPE Investment, and the redemption of 18,366,645 Class A restricted voting shares of BCAC in connection with the qualifying acquisition (which shares were redeemed for cash at a price of approximately $10.09644396 per share, for an aggregate amount of $185,437,802, there were 60,461,611 shares of common stock outstanding and 26,000,000 warrants outstanding. As a result (and after giving effect to such occurrences), former VWE shareholders owned approximately 44.4% (excluding the PIPE Investment), former holders of Class A restricted voting shares of BCAC owned approximately 29.2%, the Sponsor owned approximately 9.9%, and Wasatch (PIPE Investment only) owned approximately 16.5%, of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

Based on VWE’s cash and cash equivalents of approximately $456,000 as of March 31, 2021, after giving effect to the transactions and taking into account the gross proceeds of $100.0 million from the PIPE Investment and the net proceeds of approximately $178.6 million from the Trust Account (after redemptions of Class A restricted voting shares of BCAC in connection with the merger for an aggregate amount of approximately $185.4 million), less the sum of (i) the total direct and incremental transaction costs of BCAC and VWE estimated at approximately $33.9 million (including $13.5 million of deferred underwriters’ commissions), (ii) $32.0 million in cash paid to repurchase for cancellation shares of VWE Series B stock and (iii) $7.9 million paid to redeem outstanding options to purchase VWE capital stock at the closing of the transactions, the Company would have cash and cash equivalents of approximately $116.8 million and indebtedness of approximately $244.3 million.

The Company’s common stock began trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) on June 8, 2021 under the symbol “VWE”. The Company’s common stock and warrants began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) on June 9, 2021 under the symbols “VWE.U” and “VWE.WT.U”, respectively.

 

Item 1.01.

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Investor Rights Agreement

In connection with the consummation of the transactions, the Roney Investors, the Rudd Investors, the Sebastiani Investors and the Sponsor (collectively, the “Major Investors”) and certain other holders of VWE capital stock entered into an investor rights agreement dated June 7, 2021 (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), which provides for, among other things, voting agreements, resale restrictions and registration rights, and possible redemption of shares of the Company’s common stock relating to the PPP Note and downward Merger Consideration adjustments in excess of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit. The Sponsor and the VWE investors party to the Investor Rights Agreement (collectively, the “Specified Investors”) thereby agreed to act in concert with respect to voting their shares of the Company’s common stock. Such agreement covers voting with respect to the election of directors and, for the Major Investors, voting with respect to other matters. Subject to its terms, the Investor Rights Agreement and the rights set out therein with respect to the election of directors may extend until the 2028 annual meeting of shareholders of the Company.

Upon the closing of the transactions, the Specified Investors beneficially own approximately 48.7% of the Company’s common stock. As a result, the Company is not a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq corporate governance standards. Nevertheless, the Specified Investors will have significant influence in determining the outcome of matters requiring shareholder approval as well as the election of directors due to the Investor Rights Agreement, the rights set out therein and the relative ownership of the Company’s common stock by the Specified Investors.

 

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The material terms of the Investor Rights Agreement are described in the Prospectus in the section titled “Other Agreements—Investor Rights Agreement”, which section is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Investor Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Investor Rights Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Amended and Restated Voting Agreement

In connection with the consummation of the transactions, VWE, the Roney Investors and the Rudd Investors entered into an amended and restated voting agreement (the “Amended and Restated Voting Agreement”), which became effective as of the Closing Date. Under the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement, Patrick Roney has the right to determine how the Roney Investors and the Rudd Investors vote all shares of Company common stock beneficially owned by them, including without limitation in the election of directors. Upon Mr. Roney’s death or incapacity, the trustee of the Rudd Investors that owns the most shares of Company common stock will have the right to determine how the Roney Investors and the Rudd Investors vote all shares of Company common stock beneficially owned by them. The Amended and Restated Voting Agreement will terminate in accordance with its terms upon the termination of the Investor Rights Agreement.

Upon the closing of the transactions, the Roney Investors and the Rudd Investors beneficially own approximately 10.8% and 12.6%, respectively, of the Company’s common stock.

The foregoing description of the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.14 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Joinder and Guaranty

In connection with the consummation of the transactions, the Company entered into a Joinder Agreement and a Continuing Guaranty with Bank of the West and other parties. By virtue of the Joinder Agreement, the Company joined the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 13, 2021 among VWE, subsidiaries of VWE and the banks party thereto (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) as an obligor under the Loan and Security Agreement, becoming subject to all of the representations, warranties and covenants applicable to a borrower thereunder. By entering into the Continuing Guaranty, the Company guaranteed to Bank of the West, as agent, and to the other lenders, the timely payment when due, and performance, of the obligations of the borrowers under the Loan and Security Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Joinder Agreement and the Continuing Guaranty does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Joinder Agreement and the Continuing Guaranty, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.37(b) and 10.37(c), respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.01.

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

The information set forth in the Introductory Note is incorporated into this Item 2.01 by reference.

FORM 10 INFORMATION

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K, and some of the information incorporated herein by reference, includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, the plans, strategies, prospects, market position and results, both business and financial, of the Company. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than those of historical fact, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that its intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot assure you that the Company will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “pro forma,” “project,” “scheduled,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to:

 

   

the combined company’s ability to realize the benefits expected from the merger;

 

   

changes in the market for the Company’s products and services and the combined company’s ability to compete successfully within its industry;

 

   

growth plans, projected costs, strategies and opportunities;

 

4


   

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business;

 

   

the effect of economic conditions on the industries and markets in which the Company operates, including financial market conditions, fluctuations in prices, interest rates and market demand;

 

   

declines or unanticipated changes in consumer demand for the Company’s products;

 

   

the impact of environmental catastrophe, natural disasters, disease, pests, weather conditions and inadequate water supply on the Company’s business;

 

   

potential loss of market share to competitors who have greater financial, technical, marketing and public relations resources available to them than the Company;

 

   

the Company’s significant reliance on its distribution channels;

 

   

declines or unanticipated changes in consumer demand for the Company’s products;

 

   

potential loss of market share to competitors who have greater financial, technical, marketing and public relations resources available to them than the Company;

 

   

the Company’s ability to make payments on its indebtedness, maintain compliance with covenants and other restrictions in its credit facility, and adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness the Company may incur in the future; and

 

   

other factors detailed under the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 59 of the Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference.

These and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K. The risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” of the Prospectus are not exhaustive. Other sections of the Prospectus describe additional factors that could adversely affect the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all such risk factors on the business of the Company, or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

In addition, statements of belief and similar statements reflect the beliefs and opinions the Company, as applicable, on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to the Company, as of the date such statements are made, and while the Company believes such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and statements should not be read to indicate that the Company has conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and you are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

Business

The Company’s business is described in the Prospectus in the section titled “Description of VWE’s Business” and that information is incorporated herein by reference. The Company has completed the acquisition of Kunde Family Winery, which transaction is further described in the Prospectus.

Risk Factors

The risk factors related to the Company’s business and operations and the transactions are set forth in the Prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Information

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth in Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the financial information of BCAC, VWE and the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is further made to the disclosure contained in the Prospectus in the sections titled “Selected Historical Financial Data of BCAC,” “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data of VWE,” “Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information,“BCAC Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

5


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

Reference is made to the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of March 31, 2021 and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, included in Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Reference also is made to the disclosure contained in the Prospectus in the sections titled “BCAC Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which are incorporated herein by reference.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Reference is made to the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of March 31, 2021 and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, included in Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Reference also is made to the disclosure contained in the Prospectus in the sections titled “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Properties

The properties of the Company are described in the Prospectus in the section titled “Description of VWE’s Business—Vineyards and Production Facilities,” which information is incorporated herein by reference. Kunde Family Winery has also been acquired by the Company.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth information known to the Company regarding the beneficial ownership of Company common stock as of the Closing Date by:

 

   

each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of outstanding Company common stock;

 

   

each of the Company’s executive officers and directors; and

 

   

all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group.

Beneficial ownership for the purposes of the following table is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. A person is a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of the security, or has the right to acquire such securities within 60 days. Accordingly, the following table does not reflect record or beneficial ownership of the Company’s warrants, as such warrants are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

A total of 60,461,611 shares of Company common stock were issued and outstanding as of the completion of the transactions. An additional 26,000,000 shares of common stock were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. In addition, the number of shares and the percentages of beneficial ownership below:

 

   

(i) give effect to the issuance of 906,345 shares of VWE Series A stock in connection with the Kunde acquisition, which were converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at the effective time of the merger, (ii) give effect to the issuance of 233,862 shares of VWE Series A common stock upon the conversion, before the consummation of the transactions, of the unpaid principal amount of the VWE secured convertible promissory note held by Jayson Woodbridge and of interest accrued thereon, (iii) include 652,497 shares of the Company’s common stock that are redeemable by the Company for no consideration from each VWE shareholder party to the Investor Rights Agreement to the extent any portion of the PPP Note has not been forgiven prior to the earlier of (A) the date that is 18 months after the closing of the Merger or (B) VWE’s receipt of notice from the applicable lender or applicable governmental entity that any or all of the PPP Note will not be forgiven and (iv) give effect to the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the subscription agreements dated April 22, 2021 between BCAC and Wasatch (as defined herein); and

 

   

do not give effect to (i) the issuance to executive officers of the Company of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, as such options will not be exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K, (ii) the issuance of any Earnout Shares (as defined on page 8 of the Prospectus) or (iii) the potential for redemptions from each VWE shareholder party to the Investor Rights Agreement to the extent the Merger Consideration is adjusted downward in excess of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit.

 

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Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is c/o Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., 937 Tahoe Boulevard, Incline Village, NV 89451. Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that each person named in the table below has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Company common stock beneficially owned by them.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

   Number of Shares
of
Common Stock
     % of
Total
Voting
Power
 

Executive Officers and Directors of the Company

     

Patrick Roney (1)(7)(11)(12) (13)(14)

     29,426,950        48.7

Terry Wheatley

             

Katherine DeVillers

             

Jeff Nicholson

             

Paul Walsh

             

Mark W.B. Harms (2)

     29,426,950        48.7

Robert L. Berner III (2)

     29,426,950        48.7

Candice Koederitz

             

Jon Moramarco

             

Timothy Proctor

             

Lisa Schnorr

             

Jonathan Sebastiani (3)

     1,134,946        1.9

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (13 Persons)

     29,426,950        48.7

Five Percent or More Holders

     

Roney Trust (4)(11)(14)

     6,516,072        10.8

Laura G. Roney (5)(11)

     6,516,072        10.8

Rudd Trust (6)(12)(14)

     7,600,117        12.6

Darrell D. Swank (6)(7)(12)(13)

     9,799,980        16.2

Steven Kay (6)(7)(12)(13)

     9,799,980        16.2

Cronus & Co. f/b/o Wasatch Ultra Growth Fund (8)(15)

     4,500,000        7.4

Clear Moon & Co. f/b/o Wasatch Small Cap Growth Fund (8)(15)

     5,500,000        9.1

Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP (2)

     6,000,000        9.9

Paradice Investment Management LLC (16)

     3,960,400        6.6

Major Investors (9)

     23,874,727        39.5

Specified Investors (10)

     29,426,950        48.7

 

(1)

Patrick A. Roney shares voting power and dispositive power with his wife, Laura G. Roney, over the 6,516,072 shares owned by the Roney Trust. In his capacity as the Roney Representative (as defined in the Prospectus), Patrick Roney has voting power over all shares owned by the Specified Investors pursuant to and for the purposes specified in the Investor Rights Agreement, including for the purpose of voting for the Roney Nominees (as defined in the Prospectus). See Prospectus section titled “Other Agreements—Investor Rights Agreement—Voting Agreements,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Mr. Roney disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(2)

Mark W.B. Harms and Robert L. Berner III share voting and dispositive power over the 6,000,000 shares (and over 8,000,000 shares underlying warrants held by the Sponsor and first exercisable on August 11, 2021) owned by Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP (referred to herein as the Sponsor). The Sponsor also has voting power over all shares owned by the Specified Investors pursuant to and for the purposes specified in the Investor Rights Agreement, including for the purpose of voting for the Sponsor Nominees (as such term is defined in the Investor Rights Agreement). See Prospectus section titled “Other Agreements—Investor Rights Agreement—Voting Agreements,” which is incorporated herein by reference. The address of the Sponsor is c/o Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., 595 Burrard Street, Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre, Vancouver, BC V7X1L3. Each of Messrs. Harms and Berner disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

 

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(3)

Jonathan Sebastiani has sole voting and dispositive power over the 684,881 shares owned by Sonoma Brands II, LP, the 410,715 shares owned by Sonoma Brands VWE Co-Invest, L.P. and the 39,350 shares owned by Sonoma Brands II Select, L.P. Mr. Sebastiani disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(4)

Patrick Roney and his wife, Laura Roney, are co-trustees of the Roney Trust and share voting and dispositive power over the shares to be owned by the Roney Trust.

(5)

Laura Roney shares voting and dispositive power with her husband, Patrick Roney, over the 6,516,072 shares owned by the Roney Trust.

(6)

Darrell D. Swank and Steven Kay are co-trustees of the Rudd Trust and share voting and dispositive power over the shares owned by the Rudd Trust. The address of the Rudd Trust is c/o LRIco Services, LLC, 2416 E. 37th St. N., Wichita, KS 67219.

(7)

Consists of (i) 7,600,117 shares owned by the Rudd Trust and (ii) 2,199,863 shares owned by the SLR Trust. Darrell D. Swank and Steven Kay are co-trustees of these trusts and share voting and dispositive power over the shares held by such trusts. Patrick Roney also is co-trustee of the SLR Trust, with such power over that trust. All of the trustees disclaim beneficial ownership of all such shares. The address of Mr. Swank is c/o LRIco Services, LLC, 2416 E. 37th Street N., Wichita, KS 67219. The address of Mr. Kay is 100 The Embarcadero, Penthouse, San Francisco, CA 94105-1291.

(8)

The address of each such holder is c/o Wasatch Global Investors, 505 Wakara Way, 3rd Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.

(9)

The Major Investors are the Sponsor, the Roney Trust, Sean Roney, the Rudd Investors, Sonoma Brands II, L.P., Sonoma Brands II Select, L.P., and Sonoma Brands VWE Co-Invest, L.P.

(10)

The Specified Investors are the Sponsor and all holders of VWE capital stock at the May 6, 2021 record date for shareholder consent to the transactions, excluding Wasatch. In connection with the consummation of the transactions, the Specified Investors voted their shares in concert pursuant to and for the purposes specified in the Investor Rights Agreement. See Prospectus section titled “Other Agreements—Investor Rights Agreement—Voting Agreements,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

(11)

“Roney Trust” means the Patrick A. Roney and Laura G. Roney Trust.

(12)

“Rudd Trust” means Marital Trust D under the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust U/A/D 3/31/1999, as amended (as successor to the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust U/A/D 3/31/1999, as amended).

(13)

“SLR Trust” means the SLR Non-Exempt Trust U/A/D 4/21/2018 (as successor to the SLR 2012 Gift Trust U/A/D 12/31/2012). Patrick A. Roney, Darrell D. Swank and Steven Kay are co-trustees of the SLR Trust. They disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held by such trust.

(14)

Each of the Rudd Investors and the Roney Investors (each as defined in the Prospectus) is a party to an amended and restated voting agreement with VWE effective as of June 7, 2021 (the “Voting Agreement”). Under the Voting Agreement, Patrick Roney may determine how all shareholders party to such agreement shall vote, act or consent. The “Rudd Investors” are the Rudd Trust and the SLR Trust. The “Roney Investors” are the Roney Trust and Sean Roney (who owns 423,729 shares). See Prospectus section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transaction – VWE – Agreements with Stockholders” for further details.

(15)

“Wasatch” refers to any or all of Casing & Co. f/b/o Wasatch Microcap Fund, Cronus & Co. f/b/o Wasatch Ultra Growth Fund and Clear Moon & Co. f/b/o Wasatch Small Cap Growth Fund, as the context may require. The latter two such funds were the Wasatch funds that purchased shares in the PIPE Investment on the Closing Date.

(16)

Based on information contained in the Schedule 13G filed by Paradice Investment Management LLC on June 9, 2021, reporting shared dispositive power over 3,960,400 shares and shared voting power over 2,634,118 shares. The address of such shareholder is 250 Fillmore Street, Suite 425, Denver, Colorado 80206.

Directors and Executive Officers

The Company’s directors and executive officers after the consummation of the transactions are described in the Prospectus in the section titled “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Executive Officers and Directors After the Transactions” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Director Independence

Information with respect to the independence of the Company’s directors is set forth in the Prospectus in the section titled “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Controlled Company Exemption” and “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Board Composition and Independence of Non-Employee Directors” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Information with respect to the composition of the board of directors after the completion of the transactions is set forth in the Prospectus in the section titled “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Board Composition and Term” and “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Board Committees” and that information is incorporated herein by reference. Upon the closing of the transactions, the Company is not a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq corporate governance standards.

 

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Executive Compensation

Information with respect to the compensation of the named executive officers of the Company after the consummation of the transactions is set forth in the Prospectus in the section titled “VWE Executive Compensation” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

On June 4, 2021, the BCAC board of directors considered and approved the Omnibus Incentive Plan, which became effective immediately subject to shareholder approval. The description of the Omnibus Incentive Plan is set forth in the Prospectus section entitled “VWE Executive Compensation – 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan,” which is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the full text of the Omnibus Incentive Plan is filed as Exhibit 10.15 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

On June 4, 2021, the BCAC board of directors also approved the grant of options to purchase the Company’s common stock under the Omnibus Incentive Plan to Patrick Roney, Terry Wheatley, Jeff Nicholson and Kathy DeVillers, as follows: The grants were effective on June 7, 2021. The number of shares underlying such options is 860,560 for Mr. Roney, 505,968 for Mrs. Wheatley, 708,697 for Mr. Nicholson and 658,076 for Ms. DeVillers. The options, which have an exercise price per share of $10.50, will vest with respect to 25% of the total optioned shares 18 months after the grant date and with respect to an additional 25% of the total optioned shares on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, but will become exercisable only to the extent the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common stock over a 30-consecutive-trading-day period following the grant date is at least $12.50.

Director Compensation

Information with respect to the compensation of the directors of the Company after the consummation of the transactions is set forth in the Prospectus in the sections titled “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Compensation of Directors and Officers” and “The Merger – Interests of VWE Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

Certain relationships and related party transactions of the Company are described in the Prospectus in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and that description is incorporated herein by reference.

Agreements with Stockholders. VWE has entered into a number of transactions with Bin to Bottle, covering services related to the storage and bottling of alcoholic beverages. For the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, VWE made payments of $35,100 and $257,569, respectively, to Bin to Bottle. Bin to Bottle is owned in part by Mr. Patrick Roney, who is the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company.

In January 2016, D209, owned by the SLR No. 209 Trust, the LR Living Trust and VWE entered into a support and production agreement (the “Kirkland Agreement”). Under the Kirkland Agreement, D209 agreed to provide certain services related to VWE’s Kirkland branded spirits including overall management of the production process and advice and consulting regarding bottling, packaging and distribution. In November 2018, for a purchase price of $658,367, VWE acquired certain assets of D209 from D209 and the LR Living Trust, including key trademarked intellectual property. As part of the purchase agreement, the parties agreed to terminate the Kirkland Agreement for $250,000 in additional payments and VWE’s agreement to reimburse the SLR 209 Trust for 50% of expenses related to canceling an unrelated third-party consulting agreement such that the total payment VWE made to the LR Living Trust in finalizing the asset purchase agreement, inclusive of the purchase price was $908,367, plus the reimbursement of such expenses. In addition, VWE agreed to ongoing quarterly payments of $3 for every nine liter case of gin sold under the D209 trademarks by VWE for three calendar years following the sale (through November 2021). Such payment for case fees resulted in payments in the amounts of $1,143 and $3,651 for the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Samantha Rudd is the sole trustee of the SLR No. 209 Trust and is also a VWE director. Darrell Swank is one of two co-trustees of the LR Living Trust and is also a VWE director. VWE continues to make payments to the LR Living Trust pursuant to this agreement.

Kunde Family Winery Relationship. VWE acquired Kunde on April 19, 2021, whereupon the “related party” feature of the relationship between VWE and Kunde as separate enterprises ceased to exist. Until the acquisition, VWE provided certain administrative and management services to Kunde in return for management fees that totaled $114,500 for the period January 1 to May 31, 2021 and $190,917 for the period January 1 to May 31, 2020. During the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, Kunde paid VWE $171,514 and $287,538, respectively, for actual shipping services Kunde received through Town Green Shipments. VWE provided Kunde with wine storage and handling services. For the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, Kunde paid VWE $58,307 and $282,962, respectively, for actual storage and handling services provided at VWE’s warehouse.

VWE served as a pass-through for Kunde with automated invoicing of Kunde’s products sold to distributors. VWE invoiced distributors for Kunde-identified items. VWE’s ERP automated system immediately set up the Kunde account received for Kunde’s portion of the transactions, as well as the payable to Kunde (as a vendor). The Kunde payable portion had an “on hold” flag placed on it. Upon receipt of a payment from any Kunde distributor or customer, payment of any Kunde portion was applied to Kunde on the VWE books. Once the payment was applied, the payable to Kunde on its vendor account was released from hold and a check was issued to Kunde. This was a direct pass-through of funds.

 

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VWE also hosted Kunde’s payroll as a pass-through, such that VWE ran a payroll for Kunde’s employees and Kunde reimbursed the expenses to VWE. The pass-through amounts for the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, were $239,259 and $226,984, respectively.

In addition, VWE paid Kunde for certain services related to the storage and handling of alcoholic beverages. During the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021, and 2020, VWE made payments of $7,938 and $44,915, respectively.

On December 31, 2020, VWE entered into a marketing and distribution arrangement with Kunde. Under that arrangement, Kunde paid VWE a commission for certain distribution sales. VWE recognized $1,625,000 in revenue from the arrangement in the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2021, with $1,625,000 included in accounts receivable at March 31, 2021. The arrangement terminated when VWE acquired Kunde on April 19, 2021. Revenue recognized in April 2021 for the period covering April 1, 2021 through April 18, 2021 was $97,100 included in accounts receivable.

Mr. Roney, throughout this period, was President of Kunde. He also was the Chief Executive Officer and a director of VWE and he is the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company The Roney Trust and the Rudd Trust were significant shareholders of Kunde and were and are significant shareholders of the Company.

Loans and Guarantees from Related Parties. In January 2018, VWE and related entities issued a promissory note, as amended, in favor of the LR Living Trust in the original principal amount of $9,000,000. This note was assigned to from the LR Living Trust to the Rudd Trust effective as of December 31, 2019. The interest rate on the loan is equal to the prime rate of interest published by the Wall Street Journal (the “Prime Rate”) plus 4% as computed on a 360-day year with the interest rate being adjusted for all outstanding advances as of the first day of each calendar quarter. Any amount that is not paid when due bears interest at the Prime Rate plus 5%. VWE made an interest payment during the period January 1 to May 31, 2020 in the amount of $1,633,312 and representing all accrued interest as of December 31, 2019. The principal amount of $9,000,000 and accrued interest of 920,247 was paid on May 31, 2021.

In January 2018, VWE and related entities issued a promissory note in favor of Mr. Patrick Roney in the original principal amount of $1,000,000. The interest rate on the loan is equal to the Prime Rate plus 4% as computed on a 360-day year with the interest rate being adjusted for all outstanding advances as of the first day of each calendar quarter. Any amount not paid when due at the Prime Rate plus 5%. On March 9, 2021, VWE paid $488,730 of principal and 267,570 in accrued interest to Patrick Roney. On May 31, 2021, VWE paid the remaining principal of $511,270 and accrued interest of $10,217 to settle the outstanding note.

Loan to Related Party. In 2014, VWE made two unsecured loans to Terry Wheatley, one for $560,000 and the other for $110,000, in connection with VWE’s acquisition of her company, Canopy Brands. In June 2018, the terms of the loans were amended such that the interest accrued on both loans (totaling $86,269), was added to the outstanding principal amount on the loans, resulting in a new loan for the outstanding principal amount of $756,289. The principal amount of this loan was repaid in full in 2021 before the April 28, 2021 filing by the Sponsor with the SEC of the Sponsor’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260). Interest on the loan in the amount of $87,032 was forgiven by VWE at that time. Terry Wheatley is the President of the Company.

Immediate Family Member Employment Agreements. VWE provides at will employment to Mr. Sean Roney, who provides administrative and general services to VWE, manages VWE’s trademarks and acts as brand manager for Sabotage, Sean Roney, who is the son of Mr. Patrick Roney, has served VWE from 2010 to present. During the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, he was paid a salary of $61,000 and $63,700, respectively.

In 2018, VWE employed Chris Sebastiani, the brother of Jonathan Sebastiani, as the General Manager of Viansa, responsible for direct-to-consumer sales and marketing of the Viansa brand. During the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, VWE paid Mr. Sebastiani $65,700 and $65,700, respectively. This arrangement remains in effect in 2021.

Family Member Business Arrangements. In connection with its acquisition of Terry Wheatley’s business in 2014, VWE began to pay an unincorporated business named Tough Enough to Wear Pink for sponsorship services in connection with the latter’s breast cancer awareness campaign in the western community. Tough enough to Wear Pink is the marketing platform for VWE’s Purple Cowboy brand. During the periods January 1 to May 31, 2021 and 2020, VWE paid $125,000 and $125,000, respectively, to Tough Enough to Wear Pink for its services. These payments were made to Lacey and Wade Wheatley, who are the daughter-in-law and son of Terry Wheatley.

Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to the information regarding legal proceedings in the sections of the Prospectus titled “Information about BCAC – Legal Proceedings” and “Description of VWE’s Business – Legal Proceedings” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

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

Information about the ticker symbol, number of shareholders and dividends for BCAC’s securities is set forth in the Prospectus in the section titled “Market Price and Dividend Information” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10


The Company’s common stock began trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “VWE” on June 8, 2021. Shares of the Company’s common stock and the Company’s warrants were listed on the TSX on June 9, 2021 under the symbols “VWE.U” and “VWE.WT.U”, respectively.

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on shares of its common stock to date. The payment of cash dividends in the future will depend upon the Company’s revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition. The payment of any dividends will be at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth below under Item 3.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the issuance and sale by the Company of certain unregistered securities, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Description of Registrant’s Securities to Be Registered

The description of the Company’s securities is contained in the Prospectus in the section titled “Description of New VWE Holdco Securities” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Immediately following the completion of the transactions, there were 60,461,611 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding and 26,000,000 warrants issued and outstanding.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws implement the indemnification provisions permitted by Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) by providing that the Company will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the NRS against expense, liability, and loss reasonably incurred or suffered by them in connection with their service as an officer or director. The Company intends to maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy pursuant to which its directors and officers are insured against liability for actions taken in their capacities as directors and officers.

The Company expects to enter into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and officers that largely mirror the indemnification rights provided for in its articles of incorporation and bylaws. The form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.16 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Further information about the indemnification of the Company’s directors and officers is set forth in the Prospectus in the section titled “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

The information set forth under Item 4.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.02.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On June 11, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing its financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.5 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.02.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The information set forth in the Introductory Note with respect to the PIPE Investment is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.03.

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

On June 4, 2021, BCAC changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from the Province of British Columbia to the State of Nevada. We refer to the Company prior to the domestication as “BCAC” and following the domestication as “New VWE Holdco.” As part of the transactions, merger sub merged with and into VWE with VWE surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC (the merger) and BCAC changed its name to Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. and adopted the articles of incorporation and bylaws attached hereto as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively.

The Company’s common stock is listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “VWE.” The Company’s common stock and warrants are listed on the TSX under the symbols “VWE.U” and “VWE.WT.U,” respectively. Upon consummation of the transactions, the CUSIP number relating to the Company’s common stock changed to 92747V 106 and the CUSIP number relating to the Company’s warrants changed to 92747V 114.

 

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New Charter and Bylaws

Upon the consummation of the transactions, rights of shareholders of the Company are no longer governed by BCAC’s articles or by VWE’s articles and bylaws, and are instead governed by the Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, which, among other things:

(a) change the Company’s name to Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.;

(b) authorize the Company to issue up to (i) 200,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share, and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share;

(c) prohibit cumulative voting;

(d) designate the Second Judicial District Court of Washoe County, Nevada as the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, subject to certain limitations; and

(e) include other differences from the BCAC articles and the VWE articles and bylaws detailed under the section titled “Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights” beginning on page 279 of the Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference.

This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, which are included as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2 hereto, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4.01.

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

On June 4, 2021, the board of directors of BCAC approved the engagement of Moss Adams LLP (“Moss Adams”), effective on the Closing Date, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2021. Accordingly, RSM US, LLP (“RSM”), BCAC’s independent registered public accounting firm prior to the transactions, was informed that it would be replaced by Moss Adams as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective on the Closing Date.

The report of RSM on BCAC’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficiency) and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from July 8, 2019 (date of incorporation) through December 31, 2019, and the related notes to the financial statements, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles, except for the following.

The report of RSM on BCAC’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficiency) and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from July 8, 2019 (date of incorporation) through December 31, 2019 contained a separate paragraph stating that “The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company’s mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution if it does not complete a business combination by May 15, 2021 raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.”

During the period from July 8, 2019 (inception) to March 31, 2021, there were no disagreements between BCAC and RSM on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of RSM, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its reports on BCAC’s financial statements.

During the period from July 8, 2019 (inception) to March 31, 2021, there were no “reportable events” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act).

The Company has provided RSM with a copy of the foregoing disclosures and has requested that RSM furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the Company set forth above and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of RSM’s letter, dated June 11, 2021, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

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Item 5.01.

Changes in Control of Registrant.

The information set forth in the Introductory Note is incorporated into this Item 5.01 by reference.

The Roney Representative who holds authority under and pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement is Patrick Roney so long as he is alive and not incapacitated. Control of the Company could change upon his death or incapacity. See the Prospectus section titled “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions – Controlled Company Exemption” for further details.

 

Item 5.02.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Board and Management Changes

Upon the consummation of the transactions, Peter Caldini, Geoffrey Parkin and Ian Starkey resigned as directors of BCAC, and Mark Harms and Maja Spalevic resigned as executive officers of BCAC. Paul Walsh, Mark Harms, Robert Berner and Timothy Proctor remained on the board of the Company. Patrick Roney, Candice Koederitz, Jon Moramarco, Lisa Schnorr and Jonathan Sebastiani were also appointed as directors of the Company, joining Messrs. Walsh, Harms, Berner and Proctor on the Company’s board. Mr. Walsh was appointed Chairman of the board. Directors will be elected annually to serve one-year terms, except when nominated to fill vacancies.

Upon the consummation of the transactions, the Company established three board committees: the audit committee, the compensation committee, and the nominating and governance committee. Candice Koederitz, Jon Moramarco and Lisa Schnorr were appointed to serve on the Company’s audit committee, with Ms. Schnorr serving as the chair and qualifying as an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. Robert Berner and Timothy Proctor were appointed to serve on the Company’s compensation committee, with Mr. Berner serving as the chair. Paul Walsh and Jonathan Sebastiani were appointed to serve on the Company’s nominating and governance committee, with Mr. Walsh serving as the chair. All members of each such committee as constituted immediately after the transactions are independent as defined by Nasdaq listing rules.

The non-employee directors of the Company will receive varying levels of compensation for their services as directors and members of board committees. Compensation payable per year for service will be as follows: Except for Paul Walsh, the Chairman of the board of directors, each non-executive director will receive $150,000 in total, composed of $75,000 in cash and $75,000 in restricted stock (based on the variable weighted average market price for the Company’s common stock as measured at the close of the first 30 trading days of the fiscal year). The Chairman will receive $300,000 in total, composed of $150,000 in cash and $150,000 in restricted stock. The chairs of the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating and governance committee will receive additional cash payments of $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. The restricted stock grants will vest one year after date of grant and the stock shall not be resold for at least 18 months following the closing of the merger. Compensation that deviates from these rules may be paid in the event of resignations, vacancies and other situations resulting in service for a partial fiscal year. As permitted by SEC and Nasdaq rules, directors of the Company who are not audit committee members may be paid additional fees and other compensation for services to the Company on special projects and other matters distinct from service on the board or as a member of one or more of the board’s standing committees. The compensation payable to non-employee directors, like compensation payable to employees, may be revised from time to time by the compensation committee of the board of directors.

Additionally, upon consummation of the transactions, Patrick Roney was appointed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer; Terry Wheatley was appointed as President; Kathy DeVillers was appointed as Chief Financial Officer; and Jeff Nicholson was appointed as Chief Operating Officer.

Reference is made to the disclosure in the Prospectus in the section titled “New VWE Holdco Management and Governance After the Transactions,” “Management of BCAC” and VWE Management” for biographical information about each of the directors and officers following the transactions, which is incorporated herein by reference.

2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan of the Company

On June 4, 2021, the BCAC board of directors considered and approved the Omnibus Incentive Plan, which became effective immediately subject to shareholder approval.

 

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The Omnibus Incentive Plan permits the Omnibus Incentive Plan’s administrator (the “Administrator”) to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), performance shares, performance units, shares of common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), cash incentive awards, dividend equivalent units, or any other type of award permitted under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. Under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Administrator may grant any type of award to any participant it selects, but only employees of the Company or its subsidiaries may receive grants of incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Awards may be granted alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or (subject to the repricing prohibition described below) in substitution for any other award (or any other award granted under another plan of the Company or any affiliate, including the plan of an acquired entity).

A total of 11,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, all of which may be issued pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options. The Company does not intend to grant awards under the Plan, however, that exceed 11.1111% of shares outstanding at the time that an additional award or awards would be granted, absent shareholder approval. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Incentive Plan will be reduced on the date of the grant of any award by the maximum number of shares, if any, with respect to which such award is granted. However, if permitted by the rules of an applicable stock exchange, an award that may be settled solely in cash at the time of grant will not deplete the Omnibus Incentive Plan’s share reserve at the time the award is granted. If (a) an award expires, is canceled, or terminates without issuance of shares or is settled in cash, (b) the Administrator determines that the shares granted under an award will not be issuable because the conditions for issuance will not be satisfied, (c) shares are forfeited under an award, (d) an award is exercised on a cashless basis such that the number of shares issuable on exercise or settlement of an award is reduced by such amount of shares as have an aggregate fair market value equal to the exercise price of an option or as a result of the net settlement of a SAR or (e) the number of shares issuable on exercise or settlement of an award is reduced by such amount of shares as have an aggregate fair market value equal to federal, state or local tax withholding obligations in order to satisfy such federal, state or local tax withholding obligations, then those shares are added back to the reserve and may again be used for new awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. However, shares added back to the reserve pursuant to clauses (d) or (e) in the preceding sentence may not be issued pursuant to incentive stock options and only the number of shares issued pursuant to the cashless exercise will be added back to the reserve.

A more complete summary of the terms of the Omnibus Incentive Plan is set forth in the Prospectus in the section titled “VWE Executive Compensation – 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan.” That summary and the foregoing description of the Omnibus Incentive Plan are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is filed as Exhibit 10.15 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Employment Agreements

In connection with the transactions, the Company entered into employment agreements with Patrick Roney, Terry Wheatley, Jeff Nicholson and Kathy DeVillers. The employment agreements with Mrs. Wheatley, Ms. DeVillers and Mr. Nicholson entitle them to base salaries of $413,822, $330,000 and $334,750 per year, and discretionary annual bonuses of up to 30% of their respective base salaries. The employment agreement with Mr. Roney provides for a base salary of $500,000, subject to review and adjustment by the Company’s board of directors from time to time. Mr. Roney is also eligible for a discretionary bonus of up to 40% of its base salary. Each of Patrick Roney, Terry Wheatley, Jeff Nicholson and Kathy DeVillers is eligible to participate in the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Additionally, each of Patrick Roney, Terry Wheatley, Jeff Nicholson and Kathy DeVillers is entitled to accrued benefits and a severance payment equal to three years’ base salary, payable over 36 months, upon a termination of employment by the Company without cause or by the executive with good reason. For purposes of the employment agreements, “cause” is defined generally as a conviction or certain pleas to, a felony or certain other crimes, commission of a fraudulent or illegal act in respect of the Company, failure to perform duties under the employment agreement that was, or reasonably could be expected to be, materially injurious to the business, operations or reputation of the Company, a material violation of the Company’s written policies or procedures or a material breach of the executive’s obligations under the employment agreement. For purposes of the employment agreements, “good reason” is defined generally as a material reduction in the executive’s base salary, a material diminution of the executive’s title, duties, authorities or responsibilities or a material breach of the Company’s obligations under the employment agreement. The executives were required to enter into confidentiality agreements with the Company in connection with these employment agreements.

The foregoing description of the employment agreements with each of Patrick Roney, Kathy DeVillers, Terry Wheatley and Jeff Nicholson does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the text of the employment agreements, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5, Exhibit 10.6, Exhibit 10.7 and Exhibit 10.8, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

The Company expects to enter into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and officers that largely mirror the indemnification rights provided for in its articles of incorporation and bylaws. The Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.16 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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The material terms of the employment agreements with Patrick Roney, Terry Wheatley Kathy DeVillers and Jeff Nicholson, and of certain transaction-related awards granted by VWE prior to the transactions, are described in the Prospectus in the section titled “VWE Executive Compensation—Employment Agreements and Arrangements with the NEOs and Chief Financial Officer” and “VWE Executive Compensation—NEO Fiscal Year 2020 Bonus Compensation” beginning on page 158 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.03.

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

The disclosure set forth in Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated in this Item 5.03 by reference. In connection with the consummation of the transactions, the Company changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to June 30.

 

Item 5.06.

Change in Shell Company Status.

As a result of the transactions, which fulfilled the definition of a “qualifying transaction” as required by BCAC’s organizational documents, the Company ceased to be a shell company upon the consummation of the transactions. The material terms of the transactions are described in the sections titled “The Merger” and “The Transaction Agreement” beginning on page 224 and page 241, respectively, of the Prospectus, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01.

Other Events.

The Company announced the completion of the transactions under the transaction agreement in a press release issued on June 7, 2021. A copy of that press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.4 and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company’s common stock is listed for trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “VWE” and the common stock and warrants are listed on the TSX under the symbols “VWE.U” and “VWE.WT.U”, respectively. Upon consummation of the transactions, the CUSIP number relating to the Company’s common stock changed to 92747V 106 and the CUSIP number relating to the Company’s warrants changed to 92747V 114.

As a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the transaction agreement, the Company is no longer a “foreign private issuer” as that term is defined under applicable U.S. federal securities laws. Accordingly, the Company will make required filings on U.S. domestic forms under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will comply with the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired.

The consolidated financial statements of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. a California corporation, as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 and December 31, 2018 and 2017, and for the year ended June 20, 2020, six months ended June 30, 2019, and years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related notes, and the report of independent registered public accounting firm with respect thereto are set forth in the Prospectus beginning on page F-21 and are incorporated herein by reference.

The consolidated financial statements of Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for the period from July 8, 2019 (date of inception) through December 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes, and the report of independent registered public accounting firm with respect thereto are set forth in the Prospectus beginning on page F-2 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

15


The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 2021 and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related notes, are attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (b)

Pro forma financial information.

Certain unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of the Company is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (d)

Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  2.1†    Transaction Agreement dated February 3, 2021, together with Amendment to Transaction Agreement dated April  19, 2021, among Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, VWE Acquisition Sub Inc., Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP (solely for the limited purposes set forth therein), and Darrell D. Swank (solely in the capacity of Seller Representative) (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Consent Solicitation Statement of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and Prospectus of Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) on May 6, 2021).*†
  3.1    Articles of Incorporation of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
  3.2    Bylaws of Incorporation of Vintage Wine Estates,  Inc., a Nevada corporation (incorporated by reference to Annex C to the Consent Solicitation Statement of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and Prospectus of Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) on May 6, 2021).*
  4.1    Specimen of Common Stock Certificate
  4.2    Specimen of Warrant Certificate (included as Schedule “A” to Exhibit 4.3 hereto).*
  4.3    Warrant Agency Agreement, dated as of August  15, 2019, between Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. and TSX Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.31 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 40-F (File No. 000-56227), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on November 27, 2020).*
10.1    Founder Support Agreement dated February  3, 2021 among Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.2    Company Support Agreement dated February  3, 2021 among Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP, the VWE shareholders listed on the signature pages thereto, Patrick A. Roney and Sonoma Brands Partners II, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.3    Investor Rights Agreement among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP, Patrick A. Roney in his capacity as the Roney Representative and the parties listed on the signature pages thereto.
10.4    Consulting Agreement dated as of February  1, 2021 between Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. and Peter Caldini (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.5    Employment Agreement between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and Patrick Roney (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.6    Employment Agreement between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and Kathy DeVillers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.7    Employment Agreement between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and Terry Wheatley (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*◆
10.8    Employment Agreement between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and Jeff Nicholson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*◆
10.9    Loan and Security Agreement dated as of July  18, 2019 by and among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Girard Winery, LLC, Mildara Blass, Inc., Grove Acquisition, LLC, Sabotage Wine Company, LLC, Grounded Wine Project, LLC, Splinter Group Napa, LLC, Bank of the West, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Book Runner, Syndication Agent and Documentation Agent, Bank of the West and City National Bank as Joint Lead Arrangers, and the lenders party thereto, and the financial institutions from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.10    Amendment Number One to Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder Agreement, dated as of September  10, 2019, by and among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, MasterClass Marketing, LLC, Bank of the West and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*

 

16


10.11   Incremental Increase to Revolver Commitments and Amendment Number Two to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November  19, 2019, by and among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Bank of the West and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.12   Amendment Number Three to Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver, dated as of July  13, 2020, by and among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Bank of the West and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.13   Amendment Number Four to Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver, dated as of February  25, 2021, by and among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Bank of the West and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.14   Amended and Restated Voting Agreement among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Marital Trust D under the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust (as successor to the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust) and the SLR Non-Exempt Trust (as successor to the SLR 2012 Gift Trust), and the Patrick A. Roney and Laura G. Roney Trust and Sean Roney.
10.15   2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No.  2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on May 3, 2021).*◆
10.16   Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment No.  2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on April 28, 2021).*◆
10.17   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February  3, 2021 among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Patrick A. Roney, in his capacity as the Roney Representative, and the parties listed therein as Investors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.19   Shareholders Agreement dated as of April  4, 2018 by and between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and the shareholders thereto, as amended from time to time (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.20   Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of April  4, 2018 by and between the Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation and TGAM Agribusiness Fund Holdings LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.21   Management Agreement dated as of July  6, 2018 by and between the Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Sonoma Brands Partners II, LLC, Sonoma Brands II, L.P., Sonoma Brands II Select, LP., and Sonoma Brands VWE Co-Invest, L.P (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*+
10.22   Operating Agreement of Sabotage, LLC dated as of June  6, 2017 by and between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Sabotage, LLC and Sean Roney (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.23(a)   Credit Agreement dated as of January  2, 2018 (the “Roney Credit Agreement”) among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Grove Acquisition, LLC, Girard Winery LLC, Mildara Blass Inc., MasterClass Marketing, LLC and Sales Pros, LLC (collectively, the “Roney Note Borrowers”), and Patrick Roney (the “Roney Note Lender”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.23(b)   Promissory Note dated as of January  2, 2018 issued by the Roney Note Borrowers in favor of the Roney Note Lender, issued pursuant to the Roney Credit Agreement, as amended by that certain (i) First Amendment, dated March  28, 2018, (ii) Second Amendment, dated January 2, 2019, (iii) Third Amendment, dated March 8, 2019, (iv) Fourth Amendment, dated January 15, 2020, (v) Fifth Amendment, dated February  7, 2020, (vi) Sixth Amendment, dated September 1, 2020, and (vii)  Seventh Amendment, dated 31, 2021, in the original principal amount of $1,000,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23(b) to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.24(a)   Credit Agreement dated as of January  2, 2018 (the “Rudd Credit Agreement”) among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Grove Acquisition, LLC, Girard Winery LLC, Mildara Blass Inc., MasterClass Marketing, LLC and Sales Pros, LLC (collectively, the“Rudd Note Borrowers”), and Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust U/A/D March 31, 1999 (the “Rudd Note Lender”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*

 

17


10.24(b)   Promissory Note dated as of January  2, 2018 issued by the Rudd Note Borrowers in favor of the Rudd Note Lender, issued pursuant to the Rudd Credit Agreement, as amended by that certain (i) First Amendment, dated March  18, 2018, (ii) Second Amendment, dated January 2, 2019, (iii) Third Amendment, dated March 8, 2019, (iv) Fourth Amendment, dated January 15, 2020, (v) Fifth Amendment, dated February  7, 2020, (vi) Sixth Amendment, dated September 1, 2020, and (vii) Seventh Amendment, dated January  31, 2021, in the original principal amount of $9,000,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24(b) to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.25   Asset Purchase Agreement dated November  1, 2018 by and among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and Darrell D. Swank and Steven Kay, as Co-Trustees of the Leslie G. Rudd Trust U/A/D/ 3/31/1999, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.26   Subordination Agreement dated July 2019 by and between Darrell D. Swank and Steve Kay, as trustees of the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust U/A/D March 31, 1999 and the Bank of the West and acknowledged and agreed by Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Girard Winery, LLC, Mildara Blass, Inc., Grove Acquisition, LLC, Sabotage Wine Company, LLC, Grounded Wine Project, LLC and Splinter Group Napa, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.27   Subordination Agreement dated July 2019 by and between Pat Roney and the Bank of the West and acknowledged and agreed by Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Girard Winery, LLC, Mildara Blass, Inc., Grove Acquisition, LLC, Sabotage Wine Company, LLC, Grounded Wine Project, LLC and Splinter Group Napa, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.28   Security Agreement dated as of April  4, 2018 by and between Pat Roney and TGAM Agribusiness Fund Holdings LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.29   Share Redemption Agreement dated as of July  6, 2018 by and between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and TGAM (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.30   Subscription Agreement dated as of July  6, 2018 by and between Sonoma Brands VWE Co-Invest, L.P. and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.31   Subscription Agreement dated as of July  6, 2018 by and between Sonoma Brands II, L.P. and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.32   Subscription Agreement dated as of July  6, 2018 by and between Sonoma Brands II Select, L.P. and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.33   Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Joint Escrow Instructions, dated as of November  18, 2020, by and between Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and ZR Waverly OP, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on March 15, 2021).*
10.34(a)   Depositary Agreement dated as of June 7, 2021 among TSX Trust Company, Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation.†
10.34(b)   Security Escrow Agency Agreement dated as of June  7, 2021 among TSX Trust Company, Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP, Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
10.35   Subscription Agreement dated April  22, 2021 between BCAC and Wasatch Funds Trust for Wasatch Ultra Growth Fund (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on May 3, 2021).*
10.36   Subscription Agreement dated April  22, 2021 between BCAC and Wasatch Funds Trust for Wasatch Small Cap Growth Fund (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on May 3, 2021).*
10.37(a)   Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April  13, 2021 among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Bank of the West and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254260), filed by Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. on May 3, 2021).*
10.37(b)   Joinder Agreement dated as of June  7, 2021 among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, Bank of the West, as agent, and certain other parties.
10.37(c)   Continuing Guaranty dated as of June 7, 2021, executed by Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation, in favor of Bank of the West, as agent.
16.1   Letter from RSM US, LLP to the SEC, dated June 11, 2021.
21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
99.1   Unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. as of March 31, 2021 and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
99.2   Company Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021.

 

18


99.3    Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information of the Company.
99.4    Press release dated June 7, 2021.
99.5    Press release dated June 11, 2021.

 

*

Incorporated by reference.

Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The registrant hereby undertakes to furnish copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

+

Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. The omitted information is (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed.

Indicates management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

19


SIGNATURES

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

 

VINTAGE WINE ESTATS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Patrick Roney

Name:

 

Patrick Roney

Title:

 

Chief Executive Officer

Date: June 11, 2021

 

20

Exhibit 3.1

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.

ARTICLE I

The name of the corporation is Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. (the “Company”).

ARTICLE II

The address of the Company’s registered office in the State of Nevada is 701 S. Carson St., 200, Carson City, NV. The name of the Company’s registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.

ARTICLE III

The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 78 of the State of Nevada, as amended (the ACT”).

ARTICLE IV

Section 1. Authorized Capital Stock. The Company is authorized to issue two classes of capital stock, designated Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares of capital stock that the Company is authorized to issue is 202,000,000 shares, consisting of 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, no par value. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon irrespective of the provisions of NRS 78.2055, and no vote of the holders of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock voting separately as a class will be required therefor.

Section 2. Common Stock.

(a) Ranking. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock of any series as may be designated by the Board upon any issuance of the Preferred Stock of any series.

(b) Voting. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder as of the record date for such meeting. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation to the contrary, the holders of Common Stock will not be entitled to vote on any amendment to these Articles of Incorporation


(including any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or the ACT.

(c) Dividends. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, holders of shares of Common Stock will be entitled to receive such dividends and distributions and other distributions in cash, stock or property of the Company when, as and if declared thereon by the Board from time to time out of assets or funds of the Company legally available therefor.

(d) Liquidation. Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock will be entitled to receive the assets and funds of the Company available for distribution in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary. A liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, as such terms are used in this Article IV, Section 2(d), will not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other person or a sale, lease, exchange or conveyance of all or a part of its assets.

Section 3. Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) is hereby authorized to issue the shares of Preferred Stock in such series and to fix from time to time before issuance the number of shares to be included in any such series and the designation, powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. The authority of the Board with respect to each such series will include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the determination of any or all of the following:

(a) the number of shares of any series and the designation to distinguish the shares of such series from the shares of all other series;

(b) the voting powers, if any, and whether such voting powers are full or limited in such series;

(c) the redemption provisions, if any, applicable to such series, including the redemption price or prices to be paid;

(d) whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or noncumulative, the dividend rate of such series, and the dates and preferences of dividends on such series;

(e) the rights of such series upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Company;

(f) the provisions, if any, pursuant to which the shares of such series are convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock, or any other security, of the Company or any other corporation or other entity, and the rates or other determinants of conversion or exchange applicable thereto;

 

2


(g) the right, if any, to subscribe for or to purchase any securities of the Company or any other corporation or other entity ;

(h) the provisions, if any, of a sinking fund applicable to such series; and

(i) any other relative, participating, optional, or other special powers, preferences or rights and qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof;

all as may be determined from time to time by the Board and stated or expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such Preferred Stock (collectively, a “Preferred Stock Designation”).

ARTICLE V

The Board (including the affirmative vote of at least one of the Sponsor Nominees, as defined in the Investor Rights Agreement, so long as Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP has a right to nominate one or more Sponsor Nominees) may make, amend, and repeal the Bylaws of the Company. Any Bylaw made by the Board under the powers conferred hereby may be amended or repealed by the Board (except as specified in any such Bylaw so made or amended) or by the stockholders in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing and anything contained in these Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws to the contrary, Sections 1, 2, 8 and 9 of Article II, Sections 2, 3 and 12 of Article III and Article IX of the Bylaws may not be amended or repealed by the stockholders, and no provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted by the stockholders, without (a) until the date of the first annual meeting of the stockholders that is held after the fifth anniversary of the effectiveness of these Articles of Incorporation (the “Sunset Date”), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock (as defined below), voting together as a single class, and (b) following the Sunset Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class. The Company may in its Bylaws confer powers upon the Board in addition to the foregoing and in addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon the Board by applicable law. For the purposes of these Articles of Incorporation, “Voting Stock” means stock of the Company of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

ARTICLE VI

Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, (a) any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company may be taken only at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company and may not be taken without a meeting by means of any consent in writing of such stockholders and (b) special meetings of stockholders of the Company may be called only (i) by the Chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”), (ii) by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Chief Executive Officer”), or (iii) by the Secretary of the Company (the “Secretary”) acting at the request of the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the total number of directors that the Company would have if there were no vacancies on the Board. At any annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders of the Company, only such business will be conducted or considered as has been brought before such meeting in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Company.

 

3


ARTICLE VII

Section 1. General. The business and affairs of the Company will be managed by or under the direction of the Board.

Section 2. Number. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under circumstances specified in a Preferred Stock Designation, the number of the directors will be fixed from time to time in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Company.

Section 3. Election and Terms of Service.

(a) Subject to the rights, if any, of (i) the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under circumstances specified in a Preferred Stock Designation and (ii) stockholders pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement entered into by the Company and certain stockholders in the year 2021 (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), directors may be elected by the stockholders only at an annual meeting of stockholders. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless requested by the presiding officer or by the holders of a majority of the Voting Stock present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders at which directors are to be elected. If authorized by the Board, such requirement of a written ballot will be satisfied by a ballot submitted by electronic transmission as long as any such electronic transmission either sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder or proxy holder.

(b) All directors elected at meetings of stockholders will be elected by plurality vote of all votes cast at such meeting to hold office for terms expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified.

Section 4. Nomination of Director Candidates. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors must be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Company.

Section 5. Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to (a) the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under circumstances specified in a Preferred Stock Designation and (b) the terms of the Investors Rights Agreement, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal, or other cause will be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board, or by a sole remaining director. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until such director’s successor has been elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board may shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

4


Section 6. Removal. Subject to (a) the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under circumstances specified in a Preferred Stock Designation, (b) the Investor Rights Agreement with respect to removal of a Sponsor Nominee or a Roney Nominee (as defined in the Investor Rights Agreement), and (c) Article VII, Section 7 and Section 8: (i) any director may be removed from office by the stockholders only for cause until the Sunset Date and, following the Sunset Date, any director may be removed from office by the stockholders with or without cause and, in either case (before or after the Sunset Date), only in the manner provided in clause (ii) of this Article VII, Section 6; and (ii) at any annual meeting or special meeting of the stockholders, the notice of which states that the removal of a director or directors is among the purposes of the meeting and identifies the director or directors proposed to be removed, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, may remove such director or directors for cause.

Section 7. Removal of Sponsor Nominees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article VII, Section 6, any Sponsor Nominee may be removed for any reason following the expiration of the Sponsor Director Designation Period (as defined in the Investor Rights Agreement) with the approval of a majority of the directors (other than the Sponsor Nominees).

Section 8. Removal of Roney Nominees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article VII, Section 6, any Roney Nominee may be removed for any reason following the expiration of the Roney Director Designation Period (as defined in the Investor Rights Agreement) with the approval of a majority of the directors (other than the Roney Nominees).

ARTICLE VIII

To the full extent permitted by the ACT and any other applicable law currently or hereafter in effect, no director will be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for or with respect to any breach of fiduciary duty or other act or omission as a director. No repeal or modification of this Article VIII will adversely affect the protection of any director provided hereby in relation to any breach of fiduciary duty or other act or omission as a director occurring prior to the effectiveness of such repeal or modification. If any provision of the ACT is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of directors will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the ACT, as so amended.

ARTICLE IX

Section 1. Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise subject to or involved in any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or an officer of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another company or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “Indemnitee”), whether the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, will be indemnified by

 

5


the Company to the fullest extent permitted or required by the ACT and any other applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection therewith (“Indemnifiable Losses”); provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 4 of this Article IX with respect to Proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Company will indemnify any such Indemnitee pursuant to this Section 1 in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnitee only if such Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

Section 2. Right to Advancement of Expenses. The right to indemnification conferred in Section 1 of this Article IX will include the right to advancement by the Company of any and all expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred in defending any such Proceeding in advance of its final disposition (an “Advancement of Expenses”); provided, however, that, if the ACT so requires, an Advancement of Expenses incurred by an Indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such Indemnitee, including without limitation service to an employee benefit plan) will be made pursuant to this Section 2 only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking (an “Undertaking”), by or on behalf of such Indemnitee, to repay, without interest, all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (a “Final Adjudication”) that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 2. An Indemnitee’s right to an Advancement of Expenses pursuant to this Section 2 is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct and is not conditioned upon any prior determination that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under Section 1 of this Article IX with respect to the related Proceeding or the absence of any prior determination to the contrary.

Section 3. Contract Rights. The rights to indemnification and to the Advancement of Expenses conferred in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article IX are contract rights and such rights will continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and will inure to the benefit of the Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.

Section 4. Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim under Section 1 or 2 of this Article IX is not paid in full by the Company within 60 calendar days after a written claim has been received by the Company, except in the case of a claim for an Advancement of Expenses, in which case the applicable period will be 20 calendar days, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Company to recover an Advancement of Expenses pursuant to the terms of an Undertaking, the Indemnitee will be entitled to the fullest extent permitted or required by the ACT, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader reimbursements of prosecution or defense expenses than such law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment), to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (a) any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the Indemnitee to

 

6


enforce a right to an Advancement of Expenses) it will be a defense that, and (b) any suit brought by the Company to recover an Advancement of Expenses pursuant to the terms of an Undertaking, the Company will be entitled to recover such expenses, without interest, upon a Final Adjudication that, the Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the ACT. Neither the failure of the Company (including its Board or a committee thereof, its stockholders or independent legal counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the ACT, nor an actual determination by the Company (including its Board or a committee thereof, its stockholders or independent legal counsel) that the Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, will create a presumption that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the Indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by an Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an Advancement of Expenses hereunder, or brought by the Company to recover an Advancement of Expenses hereunder pursuant to the terms of an Undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such Advancement of Expenses, will be on the Company.

Section 5. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to indemnification and to the Advancement of Expenses conferred in this Article IX will not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. Nothing contained in this Article IX will limit or otherwise affect any such other right or the Company’s power to confer any such other right.

Section 6. Insurance. The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the ACT.

Section 7. No Duplication of Payments. The Company will not be liable under this Article IX to make any payment to an Indemnitee in respect of any Indemnifiable Losses to the extent that the Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (net of any expenses incurred in connection therewith and any repayment by the Indemnitee made with respect thereto) under any insurance policy or from any other source in respect of such Indemnifiable Losses.

ARTICLE X

The Company reserves the right at any time from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in these Articles of Incorporation, and any other provisions authorized by the ACT may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law; and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation in their present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in this Article X. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any

 

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affirmative vote of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock required by law, (a) until the Sunset Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power, and (b) following the Sunset Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power, in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, will be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, any of Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII, Article IX, this Article X and Article XI, or in each case, the definition of any capitalized terms used therein or any successor provision (including, without limitation, any such article or section as renumbered as a result of any amendment, alteration, change, repeal or adoption of any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation). Any amendment, repeal or modification of any of Article V, Article VIII, Article IX and this Article X will not adversely affect any right or protection of any person existing thereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, repeal or modification.

ARTICLE XI

Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (a) the Second Judicial District Court, in and for the State of Nevada, located in Washoe County, Nevada, will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action, suit or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action, suit or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or stockholder of the Company to the Company or to the Company’s stockholders, or (iii) any action, suit or proceeding arising pursuant to any provision of the ACT or the Bylaws or these Articles of Incorporation (as either may be amended and/or restated from time to time); and (b) subject to the preceding provisions of this Article XI, the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of clause (a) of the immediately preceding sentence is filed in a court other than the courts in the State of Nevada (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder will be deemed to have consented to (1) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the State of Nevada in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the provisions of clause (a) of the immediately preceding sentence and (2) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any security of the Company will be deemed to have notice of and consented to this Article XI. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Article XI will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts of the United States have exclusive jurisdiction. Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

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Exhibit 4.1

 

LOGO

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC. (INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEVADA) THIS CERTIFIES THAT * * SPECIMEN * * NUMBER CERT.9999 SHARES **9,000,000,000***** ***9,000,000’000**** ****9,000,000,000*** *****9,000,000,000** ******9,000,000’000* is the registered owner of CUSIP: 92747V106 ISIN: US92747V1061 * NINE BILLION AND 00/100 * FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE COMMON SHARES IN THE CAPITAL OF VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC. transferable only on the books of the Corporation by the registered holder in person or by duly authorized Attorney on surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate is not valid until countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Corporation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be signed by its duly authorized officers. DATED: JANUARY 01,2009 COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED by TSX Trust Company Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Transfer agent and Registrar COUNTERSIGNED by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Co. 1 State Street, 30th Floor New York, NY 10004 Co-Transfer Agent By AUTHORIZED OFFICER By AUTHORIZED OFFICER Patrick Roney Chief Executive Officer Kathy DeVillers Chief Financial Officer The Shares represented by this Certificate are transferable at the offices of TSX Trust Company, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and at the offices of Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York, USA SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE VOIR LES INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE AU VERSO 6239026


LOGO

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER OF TRANSFEREE (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE) —————————————-‘Shares of the Capilal Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to transfer the said Stock on the Books of the within named Corporation, with full power of substitution in the premises. Dated: Signature: NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITIEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE, IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER, AND MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A SCHEDULE 1 CANADIAN CHARTERED BANK OR AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM. Guaranteed by: 999999 ACCT9999 TIR5405 CERT.9999 RESTRICTIONS SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS - INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE THIS IS WATERMARKED PAPER DO NOT ACCEPT WITHOUT NOTHING WATERMARK. HOLD TO LIGHT TO VERIFY WATERMARK. PAPIER FILIGRANE, NE PAS ACCEPTER SANS VERIFIER LA PRESENCE DU FILIGRANE. POUR CE FAIRE, PLACER A LA LUMIERE.

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Version

INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated June 7, 2021, is among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Parent”), Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP (“Sponsor”), Patrick A. Roney in his capacity as the Roney Representative and the parties listed as VWE Investors on the signature pages hereto (collectively, the “VWE Investors”) and the party listed as Fund Investor on the signature pages hereto (the “Fund Investor”, together with Sponsor and the VWE Investors, the “Investors”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein or in Annex A have the meanings given in the Transaction Agreement.

RECITALS

A. Parent, Sponsor, VWE Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), are the primary parties to a Transaction Agreement, dated February 3, 2021 (the “Transaction Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent; and

B. The Transaction Agreement contemplates that Parent, Sponsor and the VWE Investors (the “Parties”) have entered into this Agreement, which is effective and conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing without further action.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS

1.1 Specified Investor Lock-up. During the Lock-up Period, subject to Section 1.3, each Specified Investor agrees that such Specified Investor will not Transfer any (i) Common Shares or any equity securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable (directly or indirectly) for Common Shares that were issued to such Specified Investor pursuant to the Merger on the Closing Date (including shares resulting from the Domestication described in Section 1.2(a)(iii) of the Transaction Agreement), (ii) Earnout Shares, and (iii) Common Shares issued with respect to such securities referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) by way of any share split, share dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, share exchange, share reconstruction, amalgamation, contractual control arrangement or similar event (“Transaction Common Shares”).

1.2 Hedging Included. The foregoing restriction also prohibits each Specified Investor from engaging in any hedging or other transaction during the Lock-up Period which is designed to or which reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of such Specified Investor’s Transaction Common Shares even if such Transaction Common Shares would be disposed of by someone other than the Specified Investor. Such prohibited hedging or other transactions during such periods


would include any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including any put or call option) with respect to any of such Specified Investor’s Transaction Common Shares or with respect to any security that includes, relates to or derives any significant part of its value from such Transaction Common Shares.

1.3 Lock-up Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, subject to the conditions below, each Specified Investor may Transfer its Transaction Common Shares during the applicable Lock-up Period in connection with (i) transfers or distributions to such Specified Investor’s direct or indirect Affiliates or to the estates of any of the foregoing; (ii) transfers by bona fide gift to a member of such Specified Investor’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is such Specified Investor or members of such Specified Investor’s immediate family for estate planning purposes; (iii) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death of such Specified Investor; (iv) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (v) transfers to Parent’s or Sponsor’s officers, directors or their Affiliates, (vi) pledges of Transaction Common Shares as security or collateral in connection with a borrowing or the incurrence of any indebtedness by such Specified Investor (provided, however, that such borrowing or incurrence of indebtedness is secured by either a portfolio of assets or equity interests issued by multiple issuers), (vii) transfers pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, stock sale, recapitalization, consolidation or other transaction involving a Change in Control (provided, however, that in the event that such tender offer, merger, recapitalization, consolidation or other such transaction is not completed, Transaction Common Shares subject to this Agreement will remain subject to this Agreement), (viii) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the U.S. Exchange Act (provided, however, that such plan does not provide for the transfer of Transaction Common Shares during the Lock-up Period), (ix) transfers to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the exercise of rights to purchase Common Shares or the vesting of stock-based awards; provided, however, that, in the case of any transfer pursuant to the foregoing clauses (i) through (v), it will be a condition to any such transfer that (A) the transferee or donee agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement (including the restrictions set forth in the preceding sentence) to the same extent as if such person were a party hereto and (B) each party (donor, donee, transferor or transferee) will not be required by Law to make, and will agree not to voluntarily make, any filing or public announcement of the transfer or disposition prior to the expiration of the Lock-up Period, other than ordinary course beneficial ownership filings as required by Law or listing requirements. In the case of any Specified Investor that is an entity, the Transfers permitted by this Section 1.3 will also apply to the person or entity that is the ultimate beneficial owner of all or a portion of the equity interests therein and therefore any such Transfers will be deemed permitted pursuant to this Section 1.3.

1.4 Transfers After Lock-up Period. After the applicable Lock-up Period, the Specified Investors will collaborate in good faith on sales of Transaction Common Shares (excluding (a) sales of fewer than 1% of the Common Shares outstanding pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans, (b) other open-market sales of fewer than 1% of outstanding Common Shares in any calendar quarter, and (c) sales pursuant to the registration rights granted in Article IV) with the objective of preventing artificial depression of Common Share trading prices for a substantial period.


ARTICLE II PARENT BOARD AND OTHER VOTING MATTERS

2.1 Initial Parent Board. Immediately following the consummation of the Merger, and pursuant to Section 5.17(a) of the Transaction Agreement, the Parent Board will be composed of the directors specified on Annex 5.17(a) to the Transaction Agreement.

2.2 Roney Directors. Until the annual meeting of Parent’s shareholders (the “Parent Shareholders”) held in 2028 (the “2028 Annual Meeting”):

(a) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Roney Representative may designate up to five individuals (collectively, the “Roney Nominees”), for inclusion by Parent and the Parent Board (at least two of whom will qualify as independent directors under Nasdaq listing requirements to the extent then applicable to the Common Shares), acting through the nominating and governance committee of the Parent Board or (if there is none) through another committee of the Parent Board composed entirely of independent directors (the “Nominating Committee”), in the slate of nominees recommended to the Parent Shareholders for election as directors at any annual or special meeting of the Shareholders at which directors of Parent are to be elected. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the combined beneficial ownership (as defined in SEC Rule 13d-3 but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding Common Shares over which the Roney Representative has control solely pursuant to Section 2.2(c) or Section 2.5) of the Sebastiani Investors, the Roney Investors and the Rudd Investors:

(i) (A) is reduced by at least 50%, but less than 75%, from that owned on the Closing Date (excluding reductions to the extent due to (1) the sale of Common Shares in which the Roney Representative has no pecuniary interest or (2) issuances unrelated to a Material Stock Acquisition) and (B) represents at least the Minimum Number, the Roney Representative will, without further action, only be entitled to designate up to three Roney Nominees;

(ii) (A) is reduced by at least 75% from that owned on the Closing Date (excluding reductions to the extent due to (1) the sale of Common Shares in which the Roney Representative has no pecuniary interest or (2) issuances unrelated to a Material Stock Acquisition) and (B) represents at least the Minimum Number, the Roney Representative will, without further action, only be entitled to designate up to two Roney Nominees; and

(iii) represents less than the Minimum Number, the Roney Representative will, without further action, no longer have any designation rights hereunder.


(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, so long as the Roney Representative is entitled to designate Roney Nominees pursuant to Section 2.2(a) (the “Roney Director Designation Period”), in furtherance of that right: (i) in connection with each meeting or consent solicitation of Parent Shareholders at or by which directors are to be elected, the Parent Board (including any committee thereof) will nominate and recommend for election and include such recommendation in a timely manner in any proxy statement, consent solicitation or other applicable announcement to Parent Shareholders, and the Specified Investors will vote for, each Roney Nominee and (ii) Parent, acting through the Parent Board (including any committee thereof), will fill any vacancy of a Roney Nominee on the Parent Board with a Roney Nominee upon the Roney Representative’s request.

(c) During the Roney Director Designation Period, by execution of this Agreement, each Specified Investor agrees to appoint the Roney Representative, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, as such Specified Investor’s true and lawful attorney and irrevocable proxy, to the fullest extent of such Specified Investor’s rights with respect to the Common Shares owned by such Specified Investor as of the relevant record date, to vote each of such Common Shares solely for the election or reelection of the Roney Nominees. Such appointment is coupled with an interest hereunder and is intended to be irrevocable for the purposes of this Agreement and for the duration of the Roney Director Designation Period.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Parent will not be obligated to nominate or recommend the election or reelection of a Roney Nominee to the Parent Board (i) whom the Nominating Committee determines would not be qualified under applicable Law, rule or regulation to serve as a director of Parent or (ii) if the Parent Board, the Nominating Committee or another duly authorized committee of the Parent Board, after consultation with outside counsel, determines that so doing would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law or would violate applicable Law.

2.3 Sponsor Directors. Until the 2028 Annual Meeting:

(a) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, for so long as the Common Shares are listed on the TSX, Sponsor may designate up to two Sponsor Nominees (at least one of whom will qualify as an independent director under Nasdaq listing requirements to the extent then applicable to the Common Shares). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the beneficial ownership (as defined in SEC Rule 13d-3 but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding Common Shares over which Sponsor has control solely pursuant to Section 2.3(d)) of Sponsor:

(i) (A) is reduced by at least 75% from that owned on the Closing Date (excluding reductions to the extent due to new issuances unrelated to a Material Stock Acquisition) and (B) represents at least the Minimum Number, Sponsor will, without further action, only be entitled to designate up to one Sponsor Nominee; and

(ii) represents less than the Minimum Number, Sponsor will, without further action, no longer have any designation rights hereunder.


(b) If at any time prior to the 2028 Annual Meeting, the Common Shares are no longer listed on the TSX, this Section 2.3(b) will apply and Section 2.3(a) will be of no further force and effect. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Sponsor may designate up to four Sponsor Nominees, at least one of whom will qualify as an independent director under listing requirements then applicable to the Common Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the beneficial ownership (as defined in SEC Rule 13d-3 but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding Common Shares over which Sponsor has control solely pursuant to Section 2.3(d)) of Sponsor:

(i) (A) is reduced by at least 50%, but less than 75%, from that owned on the Closing Date (excluding reductions to the extent due to issuances unrelated to a Material Stock Acquisition) and (B) represents at least the Minimum Number, Sponsor will, without further action, only be entitled to designate up to two Sponsor Nominees;

(ii) (A) is reduced by at least 75% from that owned on the Closing Date (excluding reductions to the extent due to new issuances unrelated to a Material Stock Acquisition) and (B) represents at least the Minimum Number, Sponsor will, without further action, only be entitled to designate up to one Sponsor Nominee; and

(iii) represents less than the Minimum Number, Sponsor will, without further action, no longer have any designation rights hereunder.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, so long as Sponsor is entitled to designate Sponsor Nominees pursuant to Section 2.3(a) or Section 2.3(b), as applicable, (the “Sponsor Director Designation Period”), in furtherance of that right: (i) in connection with each meeting or consent solicitation of Parent Shareholders at or by which directors are to be elected, the Parent Board (including any committee thereof) will nominate and recommend for election and include such recommendation in a timely manner in any proxy statement, consent solicitation or other applicable announcement to Parent Shareholders, and the Specified Investors will vote for, each Sponsor Nominee and (ii) Parent, acting through the Parent Board (including any committee thereof), will fill any vacancy of a Sponsor Nominee on the Parent Board with a Sponsor Nominee upon Sponsor’s request.

(d) During the Sponsor Director Designation Period, by execution of this Agreement, each Specified Investor agrees to appoint Sponsor, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, as such Specified Investor’s true and lawful attorney and irrevocable proxy, to the fullest extent of such Specified Investor’s rights with respect to the Common Shares owned by such Specified Investor as of the relevant record date, to vote each of such Common Shares solely for the election or reelection of the Sponsor Nominees. Such appointment is coupled with an interest hereunder and is intended to be irrevocable for the purposes of this Agreement and for the duration of the Sponsor Director Designation Period.


(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Parent will not be obligated to nominate or recommend the election or reelection of a Sponsor Nominee to the Parent Board (i) whom the Nominating Committee determines would not be qualified under applicable Law, rule or regulation to serve as a director of Parent or (ii) if the Parent Board, the Nominating Committee or another duly authorized committee of the Parent Board, after consultation with outside counsel, determines that so doing would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law or would violate applicable Law.

2.4 Director Vacancies. Each Specified Investor agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all Common Shares beneficially owned by such Specified Investor, or over which such Specified Investor has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner is necessary to ensure that (a) no Sponsor Nominee or Roney Nominee may be removed from office unless (i) such removal is directed or approved by the affirmative vote of (A) Sponsor, with respect to any Sponsor Nominee, or (B) the Roney Representative, with respect to any Roney Nominee, or (ii) the applicable Director Designation Period has expired and (b) during the applicable Director Designation Period, any vacancies created by the resignation, removal or death of a Roney Nominee or a Sponsor Nominee will be filled pursuant to the provisions of this Article II. Parent and the Parent Board will take all actions necessary to fill such vacancy with such replacement director promptly upon written notice to Parent of the name of such replacement director by Sponsor, with respect to any Sponsor Nominee, or the Roney Representative, with respect to any Roney Nominee, subject, in each case, to the provisions of Section 2.2(d) or Section 2.3(e), as applicable. In the event that the size of the Parent Board is increased or decreased, then the number of individuals that the Roney Representative or Sponsor will have the right to designate under Section 2.2 or Section 2.3, as applicable, will be proportionally adjusted (rounded up or down to the nearest whole number) such that, following such change in the size of the Parent Board, the number of Roney Nominees or Sponsor Nominees, as applicable, as a percentage of the total number of directors on the Parent Board is equal to the number of individuals that the Roney Representative or Sponsor, as applicable, was entitled to designate as a percentage of the total number of directors on the Parent Board immediately prior to such change in size.

2.5 General Proxy. During the General Proxy Period, by execution of this Agreement, each of the Major Investors hereby appoints the Roney Representative, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, as such Major Investor’s true and lawful attorney and irrevocable proxy, to the fullest extent of such Major Investor’s rights with respect to the Common Shares owned by such Major Investor as of the Closing Date or hereafter acquired, to vote each such Common Share at each annual or special meeting of shareholders of Parent (or at any adjournment or postponement thereof or pursuant to any consent in lieu of a meeting) on all matters other than those matters covered by the proxies set forth in Section 2.2 and Section 2.3. Each Major Investor intends this proxy to be irrevocable during the General Proxy Period and coupled with an interest hereunder and hereby revokes any proxy previously granted by such Major Investor with respect to the Common Shares owned by such Major Investor as of the Closing Date or hereafter acquired. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the proxy granted by Sponsor pursuant to this Section 2.5 will not apply to any Reserved Matter.


2.6 Transferred Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Common Shares Transferred for consideration at a time and in a manner not prohibited by this Agreement will be Transferred free and clear of any proxy granted pursuant to this Article II (and any such proxy will be of no further force and effect), excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Transfer at any time of the type described in Section 1.3 (so long as it will be a condition to any such Transfer that the transferee or donee agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if such person were a party hereto).

2.7 Remaining Directors. Any directors not elected pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will qualify as independent directors under listing requirements then applicable to the Common Shares and will be recommended by the Nominating Committee and nominated by the Parent Board for inclusion in the slate of nominees recommended to the Parent Shareholders for election as directors at any annual or special meeting of the Shareholders at which directors of Parent are to be elected.

ARTICLE III REDEMPTION RIGHT; EARNOUT SHARES

3.1 Redemption Right.

(a) PPP Note. The VWE Investors and the Fund Investor acknowledge and agree to be bound by the terms of Section 5.23 of the Transaction Agreement as if it were a party thereto. In accordance with Section 5.23 of the Transaction Agreement, to the extent that any portion of the PPP Note has not been forgiven prior to the Closing, on the earlier of (a) the Surviving Company’s receipt of notice from the applicable lender or the applicable Governmental Entity that any or all of the PPP Note will not be forgiven and (b) the date that is 18 months after the Closing Date (provided that confirmation of forgiveness of the entire amount of the PPP Note by the applicable lender and the applicable Governmental Entity will not have been received by the Surviving Company prior thereto), Parent will redeem from the VWE Investors and the Fund Investor, and the VWE investors and the Fund Investor will tender to Parent, for no consideration, Common Shares (the “PPP Redemption Shares”) having an aggregate value calculated pursuant to Section 5.23(b)(iii)(2) of the Transaction Agreement (valuing each Common Share at $10). The redemption and tender of the PPP Redemption Shares will be pro rata based on the proportionate ownership of each VWE Investor and the Fund Investor of the aggregate Common Shares owned by the VWE Investors and the Fund Investor, in each case, as of immediately after the Effective Time. For the avoidance of doubt, the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.1(a) will not be subject to the transfer limitations set forth in Article I.

(b) The VWE Investors and the Fund Investor acknowledge and agree to be bound by the terms of Section 2.1(f)(ii) of the Transaction Agreement as if it were a party thereto. In accordance with Section 2.1(f)(ii) of the Transaction Agreement, to the extent that there is a Merger Consideration Deficit (such Merger Consideration Deficit to


consist of one NV Parent Common Share for every $10 increment, and provided that no adjustment will be made for any divergence that is in an amount of $9.99 or less, subject to Section 2.8(b) of the Transaction Agreement) in excess of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit, Parent will redeem from the VWE Investors and the Fund Investor, and the VWE Investors and the Fund Investor will tender to Parent, for no consideration, Common Shares (the “Adjustment Redemption Shares”) having an aggregate value equal to such excess, valuing each Common Share at $10. The redemption and tender of the Adjustment Redemption Shares will be pro rata based on the proportionate ownership of each VWE Investor and the Fund Investor of the aggregate Common Shares owned by the VWE Investors and the Fund Investor, in each case, as of immediately after the Effective Time. For the avoidance of doubt, the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.1(b) will not be subject to the transfer limitations set forth in Article I.

3.2 HSR Act Compliance.

(a) Each of the Investors entitled to receive Earnout Shares (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), subject to the terms and conditions of the Transaction Agreement, acknowledges and agrees that receipt of Earnout Shares is subject to compliance with the HSR Act. In the event that any Earnout Shares are issuable pursuant to Section 2.9 of the Transaction Agreement, Parent will not be obligated to issue any Earnout Shares to any Investor until either (i) such Investor has confirmed in writing that no filing is required to be made in connection therewith under the HSR Act or (ii) if filings are required to be made under the HSR Act in connection therewith, all such required filings have been made and the applicable waiting period has expired or been terminated with respect to the issuance of Earnout Shares to such Investor.

(b) If an Investor determines that filings are required to be made under the HSR Act by it pursuant to Section 3.2(a), Parent will use reasonable best efforts to cooperate with such Investor in making the required HSR Act filings. For the avoidance of doubt, such cooperation will not require Parent to agree to any arrangement wherein Parent would be required to sell, hold separate or otherwise conduct its business in a specified manner to resolve any action or proceeding or threat of proceeding under the HSR Act so that such issuance of Earnout Shares may be effectuated.

ARTICLE IV REGISTRATION RIGHTS

4.1 Demand Registration.

(a) Request. With respect to (x) Registrable Securities for which the applicable Lock-up Period has expired pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (y) any Registrable Securities held by the Fund Investor, (i) any Major Investor holding not less than 10% of the Registrable Securities held by all VWE Investors, (ii) Sponsor, or (iii) the Fund Investor (such Investor or Investors being, collectively, a “Demanding Investor”) may make a written request to Parent for the Registration with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Act of all or part of such Demanding Investor’s Registrable Securities, which request will specify the number of shares of Registrable Securities to


be disposed of by such Demanding Investor and the proposed plan of distribution therefor. Upon the receipt of any request for Registration pursuant to this Section 4.1(a), Parent will promptly notify the other Investors of the receipt of such request. Upon the receipt of any request for Registration made in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.1(a), Parent will use its reasonable best efforts to effect, at the earliest practicable date, such Registration under the U.S. Securities Act of:

(i) the Registrable Securities that Parent has been so requested to Register by the Demanding Investor, and

(ii) all Registrable Securities that Parent has been requested to Register by the other Investors pursuant to a written request given to Parent within 15 days after the giving of written notice by Parent to such other Investors of the request by the Demanding Investor;

all to the extent necessary to permit the disposition (in accordance with Section 4.1(b)) of the Registrable Securities so to be Registered; provided that,

(A) Parent will not be required to effect more than a total of six demand Registrations pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) for the VWE Investors and the Fund Investor, collectively, and will not be required to effect more than a total of three demand Registrations pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) for Sponsor;

(B) if the intended method of distribution is an underwritten public offering, then Parent will not be required to effect such Registration pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) unless such underwriting will be conducted on a “firm commitment” basis;

(C) if Parent has previously effected a Registration pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) or has previously effected a Registration of which notice has been given to the Investors pursuant to Section 4.2 or Section 4.3, then Parent will not be required to effect any Registration pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) until a period of 180 days will have elapsed from the date on which such previous Registration ceased to be effective;

(D) any Investor whose Registrable Securities were to be included in any such Registration pursuant to this Section 4.1(a), by written notice to Parent, may withdraw such request and, on Parent’s receipt of notice of such withdrawal with respect to a number of shares of Registrable Securities such that the Investor that has not elected to withdraw does not hold, in the aggregate, the requisite amount of shares of Registrable Securities to require or initiate a request for a Registration under clause (E) of this Section 4.1(a), Parent will not be required to effect such Registration; provided that, if the Investor that has elected to withdraw its request for Registration agrees to pay the Expenses related to such Registration, then the request for Registration will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of Registrations to which such Investor is entitled pursuant to this Section 4.1(a); and


(E) Parent will not be required to effect any Registration to be effected pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) unless the shares of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in such Registration have an aggregate price (calculated based upon the Market Price of such shares of Registrable Securities as of the date of such request) of at least $10,000,000.

(b) Registration Statement Form. Registrations under Section 4.1(a) will be on Form S-1 or, if permitted by law, Form S-3 (or, in either case, any successor forms thereto) and will permit the disposition of the Registrable Securities pursuant to an underwritten offering unless the Demanding Investor determines otherwise, in which case pursuant to the method of disposition determined by such Demanding Investor.

(c) Effective Registration Statement. A Registration requested pursuant to Section 4.1(a) will not be deemed to have been effected:

(i) unless a registration statement with respect thereto has been declared effective by the SEC and remains effective in compliance with the provisions of the U.S. Securities Act and the laws of any state or other jurisdiction applicable to the disposition of the shares of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement until such time as all of such shares of Registrable Securities have been disposed of in accordance with such registration statement or there ceases to be any shares of Registrable Securities;

(ii) if, after it has become effective, such Registration is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or other Governmental Entity or court for any reason other than a violation of applicable Law solely by the Demanding Investor, and such Registration has not thereafter again become effective; or

(iii) if, in the case of an underwritten offering, the conditions to closing specified in an underwriting agreement to which Parent is a party are not satisfied or waived other than by reason of any breach or failure by the Demanding Investor.

Any holder of Registrable Securities to be included in a registration statement may at any time withdraw a request for registration made pursuant to Section 4.1(a) in accordance with Section 4.1(a)(ii)(D).

(d) Selection of Underwriters. The managing underwriter of each underwritten offering, if any, of Registrable Securities to be Registered pursuant to Section 4.1(a) will be a nationally recognized investment bank selected by agreement of Parent and the Selling Investor owning the largest number of shares of Registrable Securities to be Registered.


(e) Priority in Requested Registration. If a Registration under this Section 4.1 involves an underwritten public offering and the managing underwriter of such underwritten offering advises Parent in writing (with a copy to each Selling Investor requesting that Registrable Securities be included in such registration statement) that, in such underwriter’s opinion, the number of shares of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Registration exceeds the number of such securities that can be sold in such offering within a price range that is acceptable to the Selling Investor owning the largest number of shares of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Registration, as stated by such Selling Investor to such managing underwriter, then Parent will include in such registration, to the extent of the number and type of securities that Parent is advised can be sold in such offering, the following: (i) first, all shares of Registrable Securities requested to be Registered and sold for the account of the Demanding Investor; (ii) second, any shares of Registrable Securities that the other Selling Investors have requested be included in such Registration pursuant to Section 4.1(a), (iii) third, any securities to be Registered and sold for the account of Parent, and (iv) fourth, other securities requested to Registered, if any.

4.2 Shelf Registration.

(a) Registration Statement Covering Resale of Registrable Securities. Parent will prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed with the SEC, no later 45 days following the date that Parent becomes eligible to use Form S-3 or its successor form (the “S-3 Eligibility Date”), a registration statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the U.S. Securities Act Registering the resale from time to time by Investors of all of the Registrable Securities then held by or then issuable, including the Common Shares issuable as Earnout Shares, to Investors that are not covered by an effective registration statement on the S-3 Eligibility Date (the “Resale Shelf Registration Statement”). The Resale Shelf Registration Statement will be on Form S-3 or another appropriate form permitting Registration of such Registrable Securities for resale by such Investors. Parent will use reasonable best efforts to cause the Resale Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as possible after filing, and once effective, to keep the Resale Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective under the U.S. Securities Act at all times until the expiration of the Effectiveness Period.

(b) Notification of Effectiveness. Parent will notify the Investors in writing of the effectiveness of the Resale Shelf Registration Statement.

(c) SEC Limitations. Notwithstanding the Registration obligations set forth in this Section 4.2 and Section 4.5, in the event the SEC informs Parent that, as a result of the application of Rule 415, not all of the Registrable Securities can be Registered for resale as a secondary offering on a single registration statement, then Parent agrees to promptly (i) inform each of the holders thereof and use its commercially reasonable efforts to file amendments to the Resale Shelf Registration Statement as required by the SEC and/or (ii) withdraw the Resale Shelf Registration Statement and file a new registration statement (a “New Registration Statement”), in either case covering the maximum number of Registrable Securities permitted to be Registered by the SEC on


Form S-3 or such other form available to Register for resale the Registrable Securities as a secondary offering; provided, however, that prior to filing such amendment or New Registration Statement, Parent will be obligated to use its commercially reasonable efforts to advocate with the SEC for the Registration of all of the Registrable Securities in accordance with any publicly-available written or oral guidance, comments, requirements or requests of the SEC staff (the “SEC Guidance”), including the Manual of Publicly Available Telephone Interpretations D.29. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any SEC Guidance sets forth a limitation of the number of Registrable Securities permitted to be Registered on a particular registration statement as a secondary offering (and notwithstanding that Parent used diligent efforts to advocate with the SEC for the Registration of all or a greater number of Registrable Securities), then, unless otherwise directed in writing by a holder to further limit its Registrable Securities to be included in such registration statement, the number of securities to be Registered on such registration statement will be reduced pro rata in accordance with the number of shares of Registrable Securities that each Investor has requested be included in such registration statement, regardless of the number of shares of Registrable Securities, subject to a determination by the SEC that certain Investors must be reduced first based on the number of Registrable Securities held by such Investors. In the event that Parent amends the Resale Shelf Registration Statement or files a New Registration Statement, as the case may be, under clause (i) or (ii) above, Parent will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC, as promptly as allowed by the SEC or SEC Guidance provided to Parent or to registrants of securities in general, one or more registration statements on Form S-3 or such other form available to Register for resale those Registrable Securities that were not Registered for resale on the Resale Shelf Registration Statement, as amended, or the New Registration Statement.

(d) Takedown.

(i) If Parent receives a request from the holders of Registrable Securities with an estimated market value of at least $1,000,000 (the requesting holder(s) will be referred to herein as the “Requesting Holder”) that Parent effect the Underwritten Takedown of all or any portion of the Requesting Holder’s Registrable Securities, and specifying the intended method of disposition thereof, then Parent will promptly give notice of such requested Underwritten Takedown (each such request will be referred to herein as a “Demand Takedown”) at least 10 Business Days prior to the anticipated filing date of the prospectus or supplement relating to such Demand Takedown to the other Investors and thereupon will use its reasonable best efforts to effect, as expeditiously as possible, the offering in such Underwritten Takedown of, (i) subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 4.6(b)(i), all Registrable Securities for which the Requesting Holder has requested such offering under Section 4.2(a), and (ii) subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 4.6(b)(i), all other Registrable Securities that any Selling Investors have requested Parent to offer by request received by Parent within seven Business Days after such holders receive Parent’s notice of the Demand Takedown, all to the extent necessary to permit the disposition (in accordance with the intended methods thereof as aforesaid) of the Registrable Securities so to be offered. Promptly after the expiration of such seven-Business Day-period, Parent will notify all Selling Investors of the identities of the other Selling Investors and the number of shares of Registrable Securities requested to be included therein.


(ii) Parent will only be required to effectuate two Underwritten Takedowns within any six-month period.

(iii) If the managing underwriter in an Underwritten Takedown advises Parent and the Requesting Holder that, in its view, the number of shares of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such underwritten offering exceeds the largest number of shares that can be sold without having an adverse effect on such offering, including the price at which such shares can be sold, then the shares included in such Underwritten Takedown will be reduced in accordance with the process and priority set forth in Section 4.6(b)(i).

(iv) Registrations effected pursuant to this Section 4.2 will be counted as demand Registrations effected pursuant to Section 4.1.

(v) Selection of Underwriters. The managing underwriter of each underwritten offering, if any, of Registrable Securities to be Registered pursuant to Section 4.2(a) will be a nationally-recognized investment bank selected by agreement of Parent and the Selling Investor owning the largest number of shares of Registrable Securities to be Registered.

4.3 Piggyback Registration.

(a) If Parent proposes to Register any of its securities under the U.S. Securities Act by Registration on any form other than Form S-4 or Form S-8 (or any successor or similar form(s)), whether pursuant to Registration rights granted to other holders of its securities or for sale for its own account, then it will give prompt written notice to each Investor of its intention to do so and of such Investors’ rights under this Section 4.3, which notice, in any event, will be given at least 30 days prior to such proposed Registration. Upon the written request of an Investor that holds Registrable Securities (a “Piggyback Requesting Investor”) made within 15 days after such Investor’s receipt of any such notice from Parent, which request will specify the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such Piggyback Requesting Investor, Parent will, subject to Section 4.6(b), effect the Registration under the U.S. Securities Act of all Registrable Securities that Parent has been so requested to Register by the Piggyback Requesting Investors; provided that:

(i) prior to the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such Registration and promptly following receipt of notification by Parent from the managing underwriter (if an underwritten offering) of the price at which such securities are to be sold, Parent will advise each Piggyback Requesting Investor of such price, and such Piggyback Requesting Investor will then have the right, exercisable in its sole discretion by delivery of written notice


to Parent within five Business Days of such Piggyback Requesting Investor being advised of such price, irrevocably to withdraw its request to have its Registrable Securities included in such registration statement, without prejudice to the rights of any holder or holders of Registrable Securities to include Registrable Securities in any future Registration (or Registrations) pursuant to this Section 4.3 or to cause such Registration to be effected as a Registration under Section 4.1(a), as the case may be;

(ii) if at any time after giving written notice of its intention to Register any securities and prior to the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such Registration, Parent determines for any reason not to Register or to delay Registration of such securities, then Parent may, at its election, give written notice of such determination to each Piggyback Requesting Investor and (A) in the case of a determination not to Register, will be relieved of its obligation to Register any Registrable Securities in connection with such Registration (but not from any obligation of Parent to pay the Expenses in connection therewith), without prejudice, however, to the rights of any Investor to include Registrable Securities in any future Registration (or Registrations) pursuant to this Section 4.3 or to cause such Registration to be effected as a Registration under Section 4.1(a), as the case may be, and (B) in the case of a determination to delay Registering, will be permitted to delay Registering any Registrable Securities for the same period as the delay in Registering such other securities; and

(iii) if such Registration was initiated by Parent for its own account and involves an underwritten offering, then each Piggyback Requesting Investor will sell its Registrable Securities on the same terms and conditions as those that apply to Parent, and the managing underwriter of each such underwritten public offering will be a nationally-recognized investment bank selected by Parent.

(b) No registration effected under this Section 4.3 will relieve Parent of its obligation to effect any demand Registration under Section 4.1(a), and no registration effected pursuant to this Section 4.3 will be deemed to have been effected pursuant to Section 4.1(a).

4.4 Expenses. Parent will pay all Expenses in connection with any Registration initiated pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.2, whether or not such registration ultimately becomes effective or all or any portion of the Registrable Securities originally requested to be included in such Registration is ultimately included in such registration.


4.5 Registration Procedures.

(a) Obligations of Parent. Whenever Parent is required to effect any Registration under the U.S. Securities Act as provided in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2 and Section 4.3, Parent will, as expeditiously as possible:

(i) prepare and file with the SEC (which filing will, in the case of any Registration pursuant to Section 4.1(a), be made on or before the date that is 90 days after the receipt by Parent of the written request from the relevant Demanding Investor) the requisite registration statement to effect such registration and thereafter use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become and remain effective; provided, however, that Parent may discontinue any Registration of its securities other than shares of Registrable Securities (and, under the circumstances specified in Section 4.8(b), its securities that are Registrable Securities) at any time prior to the effective date of the registration statement relating thereto;

(ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the U.S. Securities Act and the U.S. Exchange Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities have been disposed of in accordance with the plan of distribution disclosed in such registration statement (the “Effectiveness Period”);

(iii) furnish to each Selling Investor and each underwriter, if any, the number of copies reasonably requested by such Selling Investor or underwriter of (A) such drafts and final conformed versions of such registration statement and of each such amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits and any documents incorporated by reference), (B) such drafts and final versions of the prospectus contained in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus) and any other prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the U.S. Securities Act, in conformity with the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, and (C) such other documents as such Selling Investor or underwriter may reasonably request in writing;

(iv) use its reasonable best efforts to (A) Register or qualify all Registrable Securities and other securities, if any, covered by such registration statement under such securities laws (or “blue sky” laws) of such states or other jurisdictions within the United States as the Selling Investors reasonably request in writing, (B) keep such registrations or qualifications in effect for so long as such registration statement remains in effect, and (C) take any other action that may be necessary or reasonably advisable to enable such Selling Investors to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the securities to be sold by such Selling Investors, except that Parent will not for any such purpose be required to qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would not (but for the requirements of this subsection) be obligated to be so qualified, to subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or to consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction;


(v) use its reasonable best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities and other securities, if any, covered by such registration statement to be Registered with or approved by such other Governmental Entity as may be necessary in the opinion of counsel to Parent and counsel to the Selling Investors to enable the Selling Investors to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(vi) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and, if obtained, furnish to each Selling Investor, and each such Selling Investor’s underwriters, if any, (A) a signed opinion of counsel for Parent, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such Registration involves an underwritten offering, dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement and addressed to the underwriters), reasonably satisfactory (based on the customary form and substance of opinions of issuers’ counsel customarily given in such offerings) in form and substance to such Selling Investor, and (B) a “cold comfort” letter, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such Registration involves an underwritten offering, dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement and addressed to the underwriters) and signed by the independent Registered public accounting firm that has certified Parent’s financial statements included or incorporated by reference in such registration statement, reasonably satisfactory (based on the customary form and substance of “cold comfort” letters of issuers’ independent Registered public accounting firms customarily given in such offerings) in form and substance to such Selling Investor, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of the independent Registered public accounting firm’s comfort letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuers’ counsel and in independent Registered public accounting firms’ comfort letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities;

(vii) (A) notify each Selling Investor and seller of any other securities covered by such registration statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the U.S. Securities Act, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, and (B) at the written request of any such Selling Investor or any seller of other securities, promptly prepare and furnish to such Selling Investor a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such prospectus, as supplemented or amended, will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made;


(viii) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal at the earliest possible moment of any order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement relating to the Registrable Securities;

(ix) make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earning statement covering a period of at least 12 months, but not more than 18 months, beginning with the first full calendar month after the effective date of such registration statement, which earning statement will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the U.S. Securities Act and Rule 158 promulgated thereunder, and furnish to each Selling Investor and to the managing underwriter, if any, at least 10 days prior to the filing thereof a copy of any amendment or supplement to any registration statement or prospectus containing such earning statement;

(x) otherwise comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and any other Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the offering;

(xi) if the Common Shares are then listed on a national securities exchange, use its reasonable best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement to be listed on such exchange;

(xii) provide a transfer agent and registrar for the Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement no later than the effective date thereof;

(xiii) enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions as the Investor holding the largest number of shares of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement reasonably requests in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities, including customary indemnification;

(xiv) if requested by the managing underwriter(s) or the Selling Investor holding the largest number of shares of Registrable Securities being sold in connection with an underwritten offering, promptly (A) incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriter(s) and such Investor agree should be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Securities (including information with respect to the number of shares of Registrable Securities being sold to such underwriters and the purchase price being paid therefor by such underwriters) and relating to any other terms of the underwritten offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering; and (B) make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as notified of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment; and


(xv) cooperate with the Selling Investors and the managing underwriter, if any, (A) to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold that do not bear any restrictive legends and (B) to enable such Registrable Securities to be in such share amounts and Registered in such names as the managing underwriter or, if none, the Selling Investor holding the largest number of shares of Registrable Securities being sold, may request at least three Business Days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities.

(b) Delivery of Investor Information. As a condition to the obligations of Parent to complete any Registration pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Registrable Securities of an Investor, such Investor must furnish to Parent in writing such information (the “Investor Information”) regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended methods of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it as are necessary to effect the Registration of such Investor’s Registrable Securities and as may be reasonably requested in writing by Parent. At least 30 days prior to the first anticipated filing date of a registration statement for any Registration under this Agreement, Parent will notify in writing each Investor of the Investor Information that Parent is requesting from that Investor, whether or not such Investor has elected to have any of its Registrable Securities included in the registration statement. If within ten days prior to the anticipated filing date Parent has not received the requested Investor Information from an Investor, then Parent may file the registration statement without including Registrable Securities of that Investor.

(c) Prospectus Distribution. Each Investor agrees that, as of the date that a final prospectus is made available to it for distribution to prospective purchasers of Registrable Securities, such Investor will cease to distribute copies of any preliminary prospectus prepared in connection with the offer and sale of such Registrable Securities. Each Investor further agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from Parent of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 4.5(a)(vii), such Investor will discontinue such Investor’s disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement relating to such Registrable Securities until such Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 4.5(a)(vii) and, if so directed by Parent, will deliver to Parent (at Parent’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Investor’s possession of the prospectus relating to such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice. If any event of the kind described in Section 4.5(a)(vii), occurs and such event is the fault solely of an Investor or Investors due to the inaccuracy of the Investor Information provided by such Investor(s) for inclusion in the registration statement, then such Investor (or Investors) will pay all Expenses attributable to the preparation, filing and delivery of any supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 4.5(a)(vii).

4.6 Underwritten Offerings.

(a) Requested Underwritten Offerings. If requested by the underwriters in connection with a request for a Registration under Section 4.1(a) that is a firm commitment underwritten offering, then Parent and each Selling Investor will enter into a firm commitment underwriting agreement with such underwriters for such offering, such agreement to (i) be reasonably satisfactory in substance and form to Parent and


the Selling Investor owning the largest number of shares of Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration and (ii) contain such representations and warranties by Parent and each Selling Investor and such other terms as are customary in agreements of that type, including indemnification and contribution to the effect and to the extent provided in Section 4.9.

(b) Piggyback Underwritten Offerings; Priority.

(i) If Parent proposes to Register any of its securities under the U.S. Securities Act for its own account as contemplated by Section 4.2 and such securities are to be distributed by or through one or more underwriters, and if the managing underwriter of such underwritten offering advises Parent in writing (with a copy to the Piggyback Requesting Investors) that if all shares of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Registration were so included, in such underwriter’s opinion, the number and type of securities proposed to be included in such Registration would exceed the number and type of securities that could be sold in such offering within a price range acceptable to Parent (such writing to state the basis for the underwriter’s opinion and the approximate number and type of securities that may be included in such offering without such effect), then Parent will include in such Registration pursuant to Section 4.2, to the extent of the number and type of securities that Parent is so advised can be sold in such offering, (A) first, securities that Parent proposes to issue and sell for its own account, (B) second, shares of Registrable Securities requested to be Registered by Piggyback Requesting Investors pursuant to Section 4.2, pro rata among the Piggyback Requesting Investors on the basis of the number of shares of Registrable Securities requested to be Registered by all such Piggyback Requesting Investors, and (C) third, other securities, if any.

(ii) Any Investor may withdraw its request to have all or any portion of its Registrable Securities included in any such offering by notice to Parent within 10 days after receipt of a copy of a notice from the managing underwriter pursuant to this Section 4.6(b).

(c) Investors to be Parties to Underwriting Agreement. The holders of Registrable Securities to be distributed by underwriters in an underwritten offering contemplated by Section 4.6(b) will be parties to the underwriting agreement between Parent and such underwriters, and any such Investor, at its option, may reasonably require that any or all of the representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, Parent to and for the benefit of such underwriters will also be made to and for the benefit of such Investor and that any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such underwriters under such underwriting agreement be conditions precedent to the obligations of such Investor. Neither such Investor nor any of its Affiliates will be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with Parent or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Investor or Affiliate, such holder’s shares of Registrable Securities and such holder’s intended plan of distribution.


(d) Holdback Agreements.

(i) Each Investor agrees, unless otherwise agreed to by the managing underwriter for any underwritten offering pursuant to this Agreement, not to effect any sale or distribution of any equity securities of Parent or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for equity securities of Parent, including any sale under Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act, during the 10 days prior to the date on which an underwritten Registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.1 or Section 4.2 has become effective and until 90 days after the effective date of such underwritten registration, except as part of such underwritten Registration or to the extent that such Investor is prohibited by applicable Law from agreeing to withhold securities from sale or is acting in its capacity as a fiduciary or an investment adviser. Without limiting the scope of the term “fiduciary,” a holder will be deemed to be acting as a fiduciary or an investment adviser if its actions or the securities proposed to be sold are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or if such securities are held in a separate account under applicable insurance law or regulation.

(ii) Parent agrees (A) not to effect any public offering or distribution of any equity securities of Parent, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for equity securities of Parent, during the 10 days prior to the date on which any underwritten Registration pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.2 has become effective and until 90 days after the effective date of such underwritten registration, except as part of such underwritten registration, and (B) to cause each holder of any equity securities, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for equity securities, in each case acquired from Parent at any time on or after the Closing Date (other than in a public offering), to agree not to effect any public offering or distribution of such securities during such period.

(iii) The foregoing restrictions are in addition to any share holdback agreements to which an Investor is party.

4.7 Preparation: Reasonable Investigation.

(a) Registration Statements. In connection with the preparation and filing of each registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, Parent will (i) give representatives (designated to Parent in writing) of each Selling Investor, the underwriters, if any, and one firm of counsel, one firm of accountants and one firm of other agents retained on behalf of all underwriters and one firm of counsel, one firm of accountants and one firm of other agents retained on behalf of the Selling Investors (as a group), the reasonable opportunity to participate in the preparation of such registration statement, each prospectus included therein or filed with the SEC, and each amendment thereof or supplement thereto, (ii) upon reasonable advance notice to Parent, give each of them such reasonable access to all financial and other records,


corporate documents and properties of Parent and its Subsidiaries as necessary, in the reasonable opinion of such Selling Investors’ and such underwriters’ counsel, to conduct a reasonable due diligence investigation for purposes of the U.S. Securities Act, and (iii) upon reasonable advance notice to Parent, provide such reasonable opportunities to discuss the business of Parent with Parent’s officers, directors and employees and the independent public accounting firm that has certified Parent’s financial statements as is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of such Selling Investors’ and such underwriters’ counsel, to conduct a reasonable due diligence investigation for purposes of the U.S. Securities Act.

(b) Confidentiality. Each Investor will maintain the confidentiality of any confidential information received from or otherwise made available by Parent to such Investor. Information that (i) is or becomes available to an Investor from a public source other than as a result of a disclosure by such Investor or any of its Affiliates, (ii) is disclosed to an Investor by a third-party source that the Investor reasonably believes is not bound by an obligation of confidentiality to Parent, (iii) is or becomes required to be disclosed by an Investor by law, including by court order, or (iv) is independently developed by an Investor, will not be deemed to be confidential information for purposes of this Agreement. No Investor will grant access, and Parent will not be required to grant access, to information under this Section 4.6 to any Person that will not agree to maintain the confidentiality (to the same extent an Investor is required to maintain confidentiality) of any confidential information received from or otherwise made available to such Investor by Parent under this Agreement.

4.8 Postponements.

(a) Failure to File. If Parent fails to file any registration statement to be filed pursuant to a request for Registration under Section 4.1(a), the Demanding Investor requesting such Registration will have the right to withdraw the request for registration. Any such withdrawal must be made by giving written notice to Parent within 20 days after, in the case of a request pursuant to Section 4.1(a), the date on which a registration statement would otherwise have been required to have been filed with the SEC under Section 4.5(a)(i). In the event of such withdrawal, the request for Registration will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of registrations to which the Investor is entitled pursuant to Section 4.1. Parent will pay all Expenses incurred in connection with a request for Registration withdrawn pursuant to this paragraph.

(b) Adverse Effect. Parent will not be obligated to file any registration statement, or file any amendment or supplement to any registration statement, and may suspend any Selling Investor’s rights to make sales pursuant to any effective registration statement, at any time (but not to exceed two times in any 12-month period) Parent, in the good faith judgment of the Parent Board, reasonably believes that the filing thereof at the time requested, or the offering of securities pursuant thereto, would adversely affect a pending or proposed public offering of Parent’s securities, a material financing, or a material acquisition, merger, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization or similar transaction, or negotiations, discussions or pending proposals


with respect thereto. The filing of a registration statement, or any amendment or supplement thereto, by Parent cannot be deferred, and the Selling Investors’ rights to make sales pursuant to an effective registration statement cannot be suspended, pursuant to the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence for more than 10 days after the abandonment or consummation of any of the foregoing proposals or transactions or for more than 60 days after the date of the Parent Board’s determination referenced in such sentence. If Parent suspends the Selling Investors’ rights to make sales pursuant hereto, the applicable Registration period will be extended by the number of days of such suspension.

4.9 Indemnification.

(a) By Parent. In connection with any registration statement filed by Parent pursuant to Section 4.1 or Section 4.2, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Parent will and hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Investor and seller of any Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement, (ii) each other Person who participates as an underwriter in the offering or sale of such securities, (iii) each other Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of the U.S. Exchange Act) such Investor or seller or any such underwriter, and (iv) their respective shareholders, members, directors, officers, managers, employees, partners, agents and Affiliates (each, a “Parent Indemnitee”), in each case against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof, whether or not such indemnified party is a party thereto), joint or several, and expenses, including the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of legal counsel and reasonable costs of investigation, in each case to which such Parent Indemnitee may become subject under the U.S. Securities Act or otherwise (collectively, a “Loss” or “Losses”), to the extent such Losses arise out of or are based upon (A) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement under which such securities were Registered or otherwise offered or sold under the U.S. Securities Act or otherwise, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus related thereto, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein (collectively, “Offering Documents”), (B) any omission or alleged omission to state in such Offering Documents a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances in which they were made not misleading, or (C) any violation by Parent of any federal or state law, rule or regulation applicable to Parent and relating to action required of or inaction by Parent in connection with any such registration; provided, however, that, Parent will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such Offering Documents in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to Parent in writing by or on behalf of such Parent Indemnitee stating that it is for use therein; and provided, further, that Parent will not be liable to any Person who participates as an underwriter in the offering or sale of shares of Registrable Securities, or who controls (within the meaning of the U.S. Exchange Act) such underwriter, in any such case to the extent that any such Loss arises out of such Person’s failure to send or give a copy of the final prospectus (including any documents incorporated by reference


therein), as the same may be then supplemented or amended, to the Person asserting an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities to such Person if such statement or omission was corrected in such final prospectus. The foregoing indemnity will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Parent Indemnitee and will survive the transfer of such securities by such Parent Indemnitee.

(b) By Investors and Sellers. In connection with any registration statement filed by Parent pursuant to Section 4.1 or Section 4.2 in which an Investor has Registered for sale shares of Registrable Securities, each such Investor or seller of shares of Registrable Securities will, and hereby agrees to, indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted by Law (i) Parent and each of its directors, officers, employees, agents, Affiliates and each other Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of the U.S. Exchange Act) Parent and (ii) each other seller and such other seller’s directors, officers, managers, agents and Affiliates (each, an “Investor Indemnitee”), in each case against all Losses to the extent such Losses arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Offering Document or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein in the light of circumstances in which they were made not misleading, if such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made by Parent in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to Parent in writing by or on behalf of such Investor or other seller of shares of Registrable Securities stating that it is for use therein; provided, however, that the liability of such indemnifying party under this Section 4.9(b) will be limited to the amount of the net proceeds (after giving effect to underwriting discounts and commissions) received by such indemnifying party in the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such liability. The foregoing indemnity will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Investor Indemnitee and will survive the transfer of such securities by such indemnifying party.

(c) Notice of Loss, Etc. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of written notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding involving a Loss referred to in Section 4.9(a) or Section 4.9(b), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of the commencement of such action; but the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein will not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under Section 4.9(a) or Section 4.9(b) except to the extent that the indemnifying party is materially and actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice. In case any such action is brought against an indemnified party, (i) the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and, unless in the indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest exists between the indemnified and indemnifying parties in respect of such Loss, to assume and control the defense thereof, at its own expense, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to the extent that it may wish, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, and (ii) after its assumption of the defense thereof, the indemnifying party will not be liable to the indemnified party for any


legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the latter in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation, unless in the indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties arises in respect of such claim after the assumption of the defense thereof. No indemnifying party will be liable for any settlement of any such action or proceeding effected without the indemnifying party’s written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld. No indemnifying party will, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to the indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such Loss or which requires action on the part of the indemnified party or otherwise subjects the indemnified party to any obligation or restriction to which it would not otherwise be subject.

(d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 4.9(a) or Section 4.9(b) are for any reason be unavailable in respect of any Loss, then, in lieu of the amount paid or payable under Section 4.9(a) or Section 4.9(b), the indemnified party and the indemnifying party under Section 4.9(a) or Section 4.9(b), as applicable, will contribute to the aggregate Losses (including legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating the same) (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of Parent and the prospective sellers of Registrable Securities covered by the registration statement that resulted in such Loss with respect to the statements, omissions or action that resulted in such Loss, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations or (ii) if the allocation provided by the preceding clause (i) is not permitted by applicable Law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by Parent, on the one hand, and such prospective sellers, on the other hand, from their sale of Registrable Securities; provided that, for purposes of this clause (ii), the relative benefits received by the prospective sellers will be deemed not to exceed the amount received by such sellers. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 10(f) of the U.S. Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The obligations, if any, of the Selling Investors to contribute as provided in this subsection (d) are not joint but are several in proportion to the relative value of their respective Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement. In addition, no Person will be obligated to contribute amounts under this Section 4.9(d) in payment for any settlement of any Loss effected without such Person’s consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(e) Other Indemnification. Parent will, in connection with any registration statement filed by Parent pursuant to Section 4.1(a) or Section 4.2, and each Investor who has Registered for sale of Registrable Securities will, with respect to any required Registration or other qualification of securities under any federal or state law or regulation of any Governmental Entity other than the U.S. Securities Act, indemnify Investor Indemnitees and Parent Indemnitees, respectively, against Losses, or, to the extent that indemnification will be unavailable to an Investor Indemnitee or a Parent Indemnitee, contribute to the aggregate Losses of such Investor Indemnitee or Parent Indemnitee in a manner similar to that specified in the preceding subsections of this Section 4.9 (with appropriate modifications).


(f) Indemnification Payments. The indemnification and contribution required by this Section 4.9 will be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of any investigation or defense, as and when any Loss is incurred and is due and payable.

4.10 Registration Rights to Others. If Parent at any time hereafter provides to any holder of any securities of Parent rights with respect to the Registration of such securities under the U.S. Securities Act, then such rights must not be in conflict with or adversely affect any of the rights provided to the holders of Registrable Securities in, or conflict (in a manner that adversely affects holders of Registrable Securities) with any other provisions included in, this Agreement without the prior written consent of Sponsor and the Roney Representative.

4.11 Adjustments Affecting Registrable Securities. Without the written consent of each Investor, Parent will not affect or permit to occur any combination, subdivision or reclassification of Registrable Securities that would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Investors to include shares of such Registrable Securities in any Registration of Parent’s securities under the U.S. Securities Act or the marketability of such Registrable Securities under any such Registration or other offering.

4.12 Rule 144 and Rule 144A. Parent will take all actions reasonably necessary to enable the Investors to sell Registrable Securities without Registration under the U.S. Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act, (b) Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act, or (c) any similar rules or regulations hereafter adopted by the SEC, including Parent’s filing on a timely basis all reports required to be filed under the U.S. Exchange Act. Upon the written request of any Investor, Parent will deliver to such Investor a written statement as to Parent’s compliance with such requirements.

4.13 Calculation of Registrable Securities. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to a percentage or number of shares of Registrable Securities will be calculated based upon the number of shares of Registrable Securities, as the case may be, reported as outstanding in the last periodic report filed with the SEC at the time such calculation is made and will exclude any Registrable Securities owned by Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent.

4.14 Termination of Registration Rights. Parent’s obligations under Section 4.1, Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 to Register Registrable Securities for sale under the U.S. Securities Act with respect to any Investor will terminate on the first date on which no shares of Registrable Securities are held by such Investor.


ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Modification or Amendment. This Agreement may be amended and Parent may take action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, if and only if Parent has obtained the prior written consent of each Major Investor who then holds at least 5% of the outstanding Common Shares and, during the Roney Director Designation Period, the Roney Representative, but neither Section 1.1 nor the definition of Lock-up Period shall be amended without the prior written consent of any Major Investor that would be adversely affected by the amendment.

5.2 Waiver. The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be waived only by a written document executed by the Party or Parties granting such waiver. Each such waiver will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which it was given, and will not constitute a continuing waiver. No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any right, power or remedy under this Agreement, and no course of dealing among the Parties, will operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy of such Party. All remedies hereunder are cumulative, and the election of any remedy by a Party will not constitute a waiver of the right of such Party to pursue other available remedies. For the avoidance of doubt, Parent may not waive its rights pursuant to Article III without the prior consent of Sponsor.

5.3 Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by pdf or other readable electronic format), each such counterpart being deemed to be an original instrument, with the same effect as if the signature thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, and will become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered (including by email or DocuSign) to the other Parties, and all such counterparts will together constitute one and the same agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement will not be effective, and the Parties will have no obligations whatsoever hereunder, unless and until the Closing occurs, it being acknowledged and agreed that the effectiveness of this Agreement is expressly conditioned on the Closing occurring. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon any termination of the Transaction Agreement pursuant to Article VII thereof, and upon such termination will be of no further force or effect. Without limiting the foregoing, any VWE Investor who, pursuant to Section 5.18 of the Transaction Agreement, does not have the right to receive Common Shares at the Closing will be removed as a Party to this Agreement with no further action.

5.4 Governing Law; Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial.

(a) This Agreement will be construed and enforced in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of laws principles that would result in the application of any Law other than the Law of the State of Delaware.

(b) All actions arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be heard and determined in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court within the State of Delaware). The Parties (i) submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware declines to accept jurisdiction over a


particular matter, any federal court within the State of Delaware) for the purpose of any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) irrevocably waive, and agree not to assert by way of motion, defense or otherwise, in any such action, any claim that they are not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that the property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that any such action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of such action is improper or that this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may not be enforced in or by any of the above-named courts. Each of the Parties agrees that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any action or proceeding in the manner provided in Section 5.6 or such other manner as may be permitted by Law will be valid and sufficient service of process.

(c) EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND WILL CAUSE ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS.

5.5 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that the Parties do not perform their obligations under the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. Subject to the other provisions of this Section 5.5, the Parties acknowledge and agree (and further agree not to take any contrary position in any litigation concerning this Agreement) that (a) the Parties will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions, specific performance or other equitable relief, to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof without proof of damages or otherwise, and that such relief may be sought in addition to and will not limit, diminish or otherwise impair, any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement, (b) the provisions set forth herein are not intended to and do not adequately compensate for the harm that would result from a breach of this Agreement and will not be construed to limit, diminish or otherwise impair in any respect any Party’s right to specific enforcement, and (c) the right of specific enforcement is an integral part of this Agreement and without that right, none of Parties would have entered into this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any Party seeking an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 5.5 will not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction. For the avoidance of doubt, the other Parties acknowledge and agree that the rights of Parent pursuant to Article V may be specifically enforced by Sponsor.

5.6 Notices. All notices, requests and other communications among the Parties will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service, or (c) when delivered by email (so long as the sender of any such e-mail has not received an e-mail from the applicable server indicating a delivery failure) and promptly confirmed by delivery in person or by post or overnight courier as aforesaid in


each case, according to the instructions set forth below, or to such other address or addresses as any such Party may from time to time designate to the others in writing. Such notices will be deemed given: at the time of personal delivery, if delivered in person; one Business Day after being sent, if sent by reputable, overnight delivery service; and at the time sent (so long as the sender of any such e-mail has not received an e-mail from the applicable server indicating a delivery failure), if sent by email prior to 5:00 p.m. local time of the recipient on a Business Day; or on the next Business Day if sent by email after 5:00 p.m. local time of the recipient on a Business Day or on a non-Business Day. Such communications will be delivered:

 

  (a)

If to Parent, then to:

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.

937 Tahoe Boulevard

Incline Village, NV 89451

E-mail: pat@vintagewineestates.com

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Foley & Lardner LLP

321 North Clark Street, Suite 3000

Chicago, IL 60654

Attention: Patrick Daugherty

E-mail: pdaugherty@foley.com

 

  (b)

If to the Roney Representative, then to:

Patrick A. Roney

998 Third Green Court

Incline Village, NV 89451

E-mail: pat@vintagewineestates.com

 

  (c)

If to a Roney Investor, then to such Investor (addressed by name) at:

998 Third Green Court

Incline Village, NV 89451

Attention: Patrick A. Roney

E-mail: pat@vintagewineestates.com

 

  (d)

If to a Rudd Investor, then to such Investor (addressed by name) at:

Leslie Rudd Investment Co.

2416 E. 37th Street North

Wichita, KS 67219

Attention: Darrell D. Swank

E-mail: Darrell.Swank@lrico.com


with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Leslie Rudd Investment Co.

2416 E. 37th Street North

Wichita, KS 67219

Attention: Angie Gregory

E-mail: Angie.Gregory@lrico.com

 

  (e)

If to Sponsor, then to:

Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp.

c/o Bespoke Capital Partners

115 Park Street, 3rd Floor

London, W1K 7AP, United Kingdom

Attention: Mark Harms

Email: mark.harms@bespokecp.com

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Jones Day

250 Vesey Street

New York, NY 10281

Attention: Robert A. Profusek

E-mail: raprofusek@jonesday.com

(f) If to Fund Investor, then to the person and at the place specified in the signature pages hereto.

(g) If to a Sebastiani Investor, then to the person and at the place specified in the signature pages hereto.

5.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and, as among the Company, Parent and Sponsor, the Transaction Agreement, constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all other prior agreements, understandings, representations and warranties both written and oral, among the Parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 3, 2021 among certain of the Parties and Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation, is superseded by this Agreement effective and conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing without further action.

5.8 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. The representations, warranties and covenants set forth herein are solely for the benefit of the Parties, in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement, and this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any Person other than the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder.


5.9 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement will be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will 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 invalid or unenforceable, then (a) a suitable and equitable provision will be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid or unenforceable provision and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances will not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor will such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application thereof, in any other jurisdiction.

5.10 Interpretation; Construction.

(a) The headings herein are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and will not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof. Where a reference in this Agreement is made to a Section, such reference will be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” All pronouns and all variations thereof will be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the Person may require. Where a reference in this Agreement is made to any agreement (including this Agreement), contract, statute or regulation, such references are to, except as context may otherwise require, the agreement, contract, statute or regulation as amended, modified, supplemented, restated or replaced from time to time (in the case of an agreement or contract, to the extent permitted by the terms thereof); and to any section of any statute or regulation including any successor to the section and, in the case of any statute, any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder. All references to “days” will be to calendar days unless otherwise indicated as a “Business Day.”

(b) The Parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

5.11 Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. No Party may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement, by operation of Law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Parent and, in the case of an assignment or delegation by the Roney Representative, Sponsor. Any purported assignment in violation of this Agreement is void.

5.12 Remedies. This Agreement may only be enforced, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement may only be brought, against the entities that are expressly named as Parties and then only with respect to the representations, warranties, covenants or other obligations or agreements set forth herein with respect to such Party.


5.13 Further Assurances; Joint Filing Agreement. Without further consideration, each Party will execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such additional documents and instruments and shall take such further actions as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to disclose this Agreement and such transactions and information pertaining thereto as required by law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and with specific reference to Rule 13d-1(k) under the U.S. Exchange Act, each Specified Investor agrees with the other Specified Investors and with the Roney Representative: (i) to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of a statement on Schedule 13D (including any and all amendments thereto) with respect to the Common Shares; (ii) that this Agreement may be included as an exhibit to any and all such joint filings; (iii) to provide all information required with regard to such Specified Investor relative to such statement on Schedule 13D (including any and all amendments thereto); and (iv) that each Person on whose behalf the statement on Schedule 13D is filed is responsible for the timely filing of such statement (and any and all amendments thereto) and for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning such Person contained therein, it being understood that no such Person is or shall be responsible for the completeness or accuracy of the information concerning the other Persons making the filing unless such Person knows or has a reason to believe that such information is inaccurate.

[Signature Pages Follow]


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

 

RONEY REPRESENTATIVE:
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Roney
Name:   Patrick A. Roney
SPONSOR:
BESPOKE SPONSOR CAPITAL LP
By:   /s/ Robert Berner III
Name:   Robert Berner III
Title:   Managing Partner
PARENT:
VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Roney
Name:   Patrick A. Roney
Title:   Chief Executive Officer


FUND INVESTOR:
CASING & CO. F/B/O WASATCH MICROCAP FUND
By:   /s/ Dan Thurber
Name:   Dan Thurber
Title:   General Counsel of Wasatch Global Investors, the investment adviser to the Wasatch Microcap Fund
Notices:
Name:   Dan Thurber
Address:   505 Wakara Way, 3rd Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Email:   dthurber@wasatchglobal.com
VWE INVESTORS:
MARITAL TRUST D UNDER THE LESLIE G. RUDD LIVING TRUST U/A/D 3/31/1999, AS AMENDED
By:   /s/ Darrell D. Swank
Name:   Darrell D. Swank
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Steven Kay
Name:   Steven Kay
Title:   Trustee


SLR NON-EXEMPT TRUST UAD 4/21/2018
By:   /s/ Darrel D. Swank
Name:   Darrell D. Swank
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Steven Kay
Name:   Steven Kay
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Roney
Name:   Patrick A. Roney
Title:   Trustee
PATRICK A. RONEY AND LAURA G. RONEY TRUST
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Roney
Name:   Patrick A. Roney
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Laura G. Roney
Name:   Laura G. Roney
Title:   Trustee
SEAN RONEY
By:   /s/ Sean Roney
Name:   Sean Roney


SONOMA BRANDS II, L.P.

By: Sonoma Brands II GP, LLC,

its general partner

By: Sonoma Brands Partners II, LLC,

its managing member

By:   /s/ Jonathan Sebastiani
Name:   Jonathan Sebastiani
Title:   Managing Member

SONOMA BRANDS II SELECT, L.P.

By: Sonoma Brands II GP, LLC,

its general partner

By: Sonoma Brands Partners II, LLC,

its managing member

By:   /s/ Jonathan Sebastiani
Name:   Jonathan Sebastiani
Title:   Managing Member

SONOMA BRANDS VWE CO-INVEST, L.P.

By: Sonoma Brands II GP, LLC,

its general partner

By: Sonoma Brands Partners II, LLC,

its managing member

By:   /s/ Jonathan Sebastiani
Name:   Jonathan Sebastiani
Title:   Managing Member

Notices:

Name:  
Address:  
Email:  


TGAM AGRIBUSINESS FUND HOLDINGS LP

By: TGAM Agribusiness Fund GP LLC,
its general partner

By: AGR Partners LLC

Its Sole Member

By:   /s/ Ejnar Knudsen

Name:

 

Ejnar Knudsen

Title:

 

President and CEO

LINDA BUTLER

By:   /s/ Linda Butler

Name:

 

Linda Butler

RON COLEMAN

By:   /s/ Ron Coleman

Name:

 

Ron Coleman

VICKI DAIGNEAULT

By:   /s/ Vicki Daigneault

Name:

 

Vicki Daigneault

MARCO DIGIULIO

By:   /s/ Marco Digiulio

Name:

 

Marco Digiulio


MICHELL RUGGIRELLO

By:   /s/ Michell Ruggirello

Name:

 

Michell Ruggirello

ANNE STEWART

By:   /s/ Anne Stewart

Name:

 

Anne Stewart

CHUCK SWEENEY

By:   /s/ Chuck Sweeney

Name:

 

Chuck Sweeney

NELL SWEENEY

By:   /s/ Nell Sweeney

Name:

 

Nell Sweeney


/s/ Jeff Kunde
Jeff Kunde, as Trustee for A & L Kunde Trust #1, for A Kunde and L Kunde GST Exempt GRAT fbo Jeff Kunde, for Voting Trust FBO Jeff Kunde U/T Kunde Living Trust, and for Jeff & Roberta Kunde Living Trust Dated 6-16-95
/s/ Roberta Kunde
Roberta Kunde, as Trustee for Jeff & Roberta Kunde Living Trust Dated 6-16-95
/s/ Marcia Mickelson
Marcia Mickelson, as Trustee for A & L Kunde Trust #3, for A Kunde and L Kunde GST Exempt GRAT fbo Marcia Mickelson, for Voting Trust FBO Marcia Mickelson U/T Kunde Living Trust, and for Jim & Marcia Mickelson Living Trust Dated 4-11-01
/s/ Jim Mickelson
Jim Mickelson, as Trustee for Jim & Marcia Mickelson Living Trust Dated 4-11-01


Annex A

Definitions

The following capitalized terms used herein have the following meanings:

2028 Annual Meeting” is defined in Section 2.2.

Agreement” is defined in the Preamble.

Common Shares” means the shares of common stock of Parent.

Company” is defined in the Recitals.

Demand Takedown” is defined in Section 4.2(d)(i).

Director Designation Period” means either the Roney Director Designation Period or the Sponsor Director Designation Period.

Effectiveness Period” is defined in Section 4.5(a)(ii).

Expenses” means all expenses incurred by Parent incident to Parent’s performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement, including (a) all registration, filing and listing fees, (b) all fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel for Parent and of its independent registered public accounting firm, including the expenses incurred in connection with “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance, and (c) all fees and expenses of other Persons retained by Parent, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions and applicable transfer taxes, if any, which discounts, commissions and transfer taxes will be borne by the seller or sellers of Registrable Securities in all cases, along with all other expenses incurred by them except for the fees and expenses of one law firm engaged to represent all such Selling Investors.

Form S-1” means a registration statement on Form S-1.

Form S-3” means a registration statement on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration that may be available at such time.

Form S-4” means a registration statement on Form S-4.

General Proxy Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending upon the earlier to occur of (a) seven years from the Closing Date and (b) the date on which the Roney Investors cease to own, in the aggregate, 10% or more of the outstanding Common Shares.


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

Initial Major Investor Expiration Date” is defined in clause (a) of the definition of Lock-Up Period.

Initial Non-Founder VWE Investor Expiration Date” is defined in clause (a) of the definition of Lock-Up Period.

Investors” is defined in the Preamble.

Investor Indemnitee” is defined in Section 4.9(b).

Investor Information” is defined in Section 4.5(b).

Lock-up Period” means:

(a) with respect to each Major Investor (other than any Sebastiani Investor), the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on (i) with respect to the first Releasing Portion, the date that is 18 months after the Closing Date (the “Initial Major Investor Expiration Date”), (ii) with respect to the next 16 Releasing Portions, the calendar day in each of the following 16 months that is the same calendar day as the Closing Date was with respect to the month in which the Closing occurred (or, if no such day exists in such month, then the last day of such month), and (iii) with respect to any remaining Transaction Common Shares of such Major Investor (other than any Sebastiani Investor) for which the Lock-up Period has not previously expired under clause (a)(i) or (a)(ii), the date that is 35 months after the Closing Date; and

(b) with respect to each Non-Founder VWE Investor and each Sebastiani Investor, the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on (i) with respect to the first Releasing Portion, the date that is six months after the Closing Date (the “Initial Non-Founder VWE Investor Expiration Date”), (ii) with respect to the next four Releasing Portions, the calendar day in each of the following four months that is the same calendar day as the Closing Date was with respect to the month in which the Closing occurred (or, if no such day exists in such month, then the last day of such month), and (iii) with respect to any remaining Transaction Common Shares of such Non-Founder VWE Investor or such Sebastiani Investor for which the Lock-up Period has not previously expired under clause (b)(i) or (b)(ii), the date that is 11 months after the Closing Date.

Loss” is defined in Section 4.9(a).

Major Investors” means Sponsor, the Sebastiani Investors, the Roney Investors and the Rudd Investors.

Market Price” means, on any date of determination, the average of the daily closing price of the Registrable Securities during the immediately preceding 30 days on which the national securities exchanges are open for trading.


Material Stock Acquisition” means a transaction in connection with which Parent issues Common Shares representing more than 35% of the Common Shares then outstanding. Common Shares that underlie options or other derivative instruments are deemed “outstanding” for purposes of this definition if and to the extent that they are deemed outstanding under SEC Rule 13d-3.

Merger” is defined in the Preamble.

Merger Sub” is defined in the Recitals.

Minimum Number” means 4% of the total number of Common Shares outstanding as of the relevant date or such lower percentage to which the Roney Representative or Sponsor, as applicable, may agree (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) upon the request of the other. Common Shares that underlie options or other derivative instruments are deemed “outstanding” for purposes of this definition if and to the extent that they are deemed outstanding under SEC Rule 13d-3.

New Registration Statement” is defined in Section 4.2(c).

Nominating Committee” is defined in Section 2.2(a).

Non-Founder VWE Investors” means the VWE Investors other than the Sebastiani Investors, the Roney Investors and the Rudd Investors.

Offering Documents” is defined in Section 4.9(a).

Parent” is defined in the Preamble.

Parent Board” means the Board of Directors of Parent, composed of nine directors or such other number of directors as may be specified in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of Parent or as determined by the Parent Board in accordance with such articles or bylaws.

Parent Indemnitee” is defined in Section 4.9(a).

Parties” is defined in the Recitals.

Piggyback Requesting Investor” is defined in Section 4.3(a).

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


Registrable Securities” means the (a) Common Shares issued to the Investors in the Merger (including shares resulting from the Domestication described in Section 1.2(a)(iii) of the Transaction Agreement), (b) the Earnout Shares issuable to the VWE Investors pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, (c) all Common Shares issued to the Fund Investor prior to the date of this Agreement, and (d) all Common Shares issued to any Investor with respect to such securities referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) by way of any share split, share dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, share exchange, share reconstruction, amalgamation, contractual control arrangement or similar event. As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities will cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a registration statement with respect to the sale of such securities has become effective under the U.S. Securities Act and such securities have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such registration statement, (ii) such securities have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for them not bearing a legend restricting further transfer have been delivered by Parent and subsequent public distribution of them will not require Registration under the U.S. Securities Act, (iii) such securities have ceased to be outstanding, or (iv) the Registrable Securities are saleable under Rule 144 without volume limitations under Rule 144.

Releasing Portion” means (a) with respect to each Major Investor (other than a Sebastiani Investor), 1/18 of the Transaction Common Shares held by such Major Investor on the Initial Major Investor Expiration Date (subject to adjustment for any issuance of Earnout Shares, share spilt or similar event or any Transfer of Transaction Common Shares permitted by Article I, in each case after the Initial Major Investor Expiration Date), and (b) with respect to each Non-Founder VWE Investor and each Sebastiani Investor, 1/6 of the Transaction Common Shares held by such Non-Founder VWE Investor or such Sebastiani Investor on the Initial Non-Founder VWE Investor Expiration Date (subject to adjustment for any issuance of Earnout Shares, share spilt or similar event or any Transfer of Transaction Common Shares permitted by Article I, in each case after the Initial Non-Founder VWE Investor Expiration Date).

Requesting Holder” is defined in Section 4.2(d)(i).

Resale Shelf Registration Statement” is defined in Section 4.2(a).

Reserved Matter” means (a) the issuance of equity by Parent or the adoption of any equity plan by Parent, (b) any merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction to which Parent is a party (other than such a transaction resulting in a change of domicile, without more), (c) any transaction pursuant to which any executive officer, director or Affiliate of Parent has an interest that is different from, or in addition to, the interests of Parent shareholders generally, (d) any amendment of Parent’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws (other than an amendment that does not discriminate by its terms against any class, series or group of Parent shareholders or any particular Parent shareholder or adversely affect shareholder rights in a significant respect), and (e) any matter as to which Sponsor is advised in writing by a nationally recognized law firm that the failure to exercise independent judgment would be a breach of any law, exchange listing requirement, fiduciary duty or contract.

Roney Director Designation Period” is defined in Section 2.2(b).


Roney Investors” means the Patrick A. Roney and Laura G. Roney Trust and Sean Roney.

Roney Nominee” is defined in Section 2.2(a).

Roney Representative” means Patrick A. Roney or, if he is not then living or is then incapcitated, the trustee of the Rudd Investor that owns a plurality of the total Common Shares then held by the Rudd Investors.

Rudd Investors” means Marital Trust D under the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust U/A/D 3/31/1999, as amended, the SLR Non-Exempt Trust U/A/D 4/21/2018 and the Rudd Foundation.

S-3 Eligibility Date” is defined in Section 4.2(a).

Sebastiani Investors” means Sonoma Brands II, L.P., Sonoma Brands II Select, L.P., and Sonoma Brands VWE Co-Invest, L.P.

SEC Guidance” is defined in Section 4.2(c).

Selling Investor” means a holder of Registrable Securities requested to be Registered pursuant to this Agreement.

Specified Investors” means the Investors other than the Fund Investor.

Sponsor” is defined in the Preamble.

Sponsor Director Designation Period” is defined in Section 2.3(c).

Sponsor Nominee” means any individual designated by Sponsor for inclusion by Parent and the Parent Board, acting through the Nominating Committee, in the slate of nominees recommended to the Parent Shareholders for election as directors at any annual or special meeting of the Shareholders at which directors of Parent are to be elected.

Transaction Agreement” is defined in the Recitals.

Transaction Common Shares” is defined in Section 1.1.

Transfer” means to (a) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act with respect to any Common Shares, (b) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Common Shares, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b), but not a transfer of an equity interest in an Investor that is an entity.


TSX” means the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Underwritten Takedown” means an underwritten public offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Resale Shelf Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented.

U.S. Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

U.S. Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

VWE Investors” is defined in the Preamble.

Exhibit 10.14

Execution Version

AMENDED AND RESTATED

VOTING AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED VOTING AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is among Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), Marital Trust D under the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust (as successor to the Leslie G. Rudd Living Trust) and the SLR Non-Exempt Trust (as successor to the SLR 2012 Gift Trust) (each, a “Rudd Shareholder” and, together, the “Rudd Shareholders”) and the Patrick A. Roney and Laura G. Roney Trust and Sean Roney (each, a “Roney Shareholder” and, together, the “Roney Shareholders”), each in its or his capacity as a shareholder (each, a “Shareholder” and, collectively, the “Shareholders”) of the Company. Leslie G. Rudd is referred to herein individually as “Rudd” and Patrick A. Roney is referred to herein individually as “Roney.” All provisions of this Agreement shall be effective upon the Closing referred to below.

RECITAL

A. Rudd and Roney founded the Company and managed its growth and development together until Rudd passed away in 2018;

B. The Rudd Shareholders and the Roney Shareholders collectively own a majority of the issued and outstanding Shares (as defined below) in the Company;

C. The Rudd Shareholders and the Roney Shareholders are privy to an Amended and Restated Voting Agreement dated as of April 3, 2018 with and relating to the Company (the “Existing Agreement”).

D. The Rudd Shareholders and the Roney Shareholders have consented to the terms and conditions of that certain Transaction Agreement dated February 3, 2021 among Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (“Parent”), VWE Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”), and the Company, among other parties (the “Transaction Agreement”), and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement (the “Closing”);

E. Among the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement are: the domestication of Parent as a Nevada corporation and the change of its name to Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.; and the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the result that the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent upon the Closing; and

F. Upon the Closing, the Rudd Shareholders and the Roney Shareholders also will become parties to a certain Investor Rights Agreement as defined in the Transaction Agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), which will govern certain voting and other matters that may also be addressed by this Agreement.


AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Voting.

1.1 Voting. Each Shareholder who is a party to this Agreement agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, in each case pursuant to written instructions, all Shares owned by such Shareholder, or over which such Shareholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, as required by this Agreement, including, without limitation, voting for members of the Board of Directors of Parent (the “Board”).

(a) Until his death or incapacity, Roney may, after conferring with the Rudd Representative, exercise the right to determine how all Shareholders who are parties to this Agreement shall vote, act or consent pursuant to this Section 1.1.

(b) Upon the death or incapacity of Roney, the trustee of the Rudd Shareholder that owns the most Shares (the “Rudd Representative”) may exercise the right to determine how all Shareholders who are parties to this Agreement shall vote, act or consent pursuant to this Section 1.1.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Shares” shall mean and include any securities issued by Parent the holders of which are entitled to vote for members of the Board, including, without limitation, all shares of Parent common stock owned upon the Closing or subsequently acquired by a Shareholder, however acquired, whether through stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications, recapitalizations, similar events or otherwise.

1.2 No Liability for Election of Recommended Directors. No Shareholder, nor any Affiliate (as defined below) of any Shareholder, shall have any liability as a result of designating a person for election as a director for any act or omission by such designated person in his or her capacity as a director of Parent, nor shall any Shareholder have any liability as a result of voting for any such designee in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, an individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company, trust or any other entity (collectively, a “Person”) shall be deemed an “Affiliate” of another Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, including, without limitation, any general partner, managing member, officer or director of such Person or any venture capital fund now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners or managing members of, or shares the same management company with, such Person.

2. Irrevocable Proxy and Power of Attorney. Each party to this Agreement hereby constitutes and appoints as the proxies of the party and hereby grants a power of attorney to Roney or the Rudd Representative, as the case may be (each, the “Proxy Holder”), with full power of substitution, with respect to the matters set forth herein, including, without limitation, election of persons as members of the Board and votes on matters of business in accordance with Section 1 hereto, and hereby authorizes the Proxy Holder to represent and vote, if and only if the

 

2


party (a) fails to vote, or (b) attempts to vote (whether by proxy, in person or by written consent), in a manner which is inconsistent with the direction of the Proxy Holder, all of such party’s Shares as determined by the Proxy Holder in its sole discretion. Each of the proxy and power of attorney granted pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is given in consideration of the agreements and covenants of the Company and the other parties to this Agreement in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, as such, each is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable unless and until this Agreement terminates or expires pursuant to Section 4.6 hereof. Each party hereto hereby revokes any and all previous proxies or powers of attorney with respect to the Shares (other than those granted pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement) and shall not hereafter, unless and until this Agreement terminates or expires pursuant to Section 5 hereof, purport to grant any other proxy or power of attorney with respect to any of the Shares, deposit any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into any agreement (other than this Agreement or the Investor Rights Agreement), arrangement or understanding with any person, directly or indirectly, to vote, grant any proxy or give instructions with respect to the voting of any of the Shares, in each case, with respect to any of the matters set forth herein.

3. Specific Enforcement; Remedies Cumulative. Each party acknowledges and agrees that each party hereto will be irreparably damaged in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the parties in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached. Accordingly, it is agreed that each of the Shareholders shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement, and to specific enforcement of this Agreement and its terms and provisions in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any state having subject matter jurisdiction. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

4. Miscellaneous.

4.1 Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or in the Investor Rights Agreement. Except in connection with a permitted transfer of a Shareholder’s Shares that is in compliance with the Investor Rights Agreement, the rights and obligations of a Shareholder hereunder may not be assigned under any circumstances.

4.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of California without regard to principles relating to conflicts of law.

4.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

3


4.4 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

4.5 Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or (a) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day, (c) five days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one business day after the business day of deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their address as set forth on the signature page hereto, or to such email address, facsimile number or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 6.5.

4.6 Effective Date, Amendments, Waivers and Termination. The Existing Agreement shall terminate and this Agreement shall become effective upon the Closing. Thereafter, this Agreement may be amended or terminated and the observance of any term hereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by a written instrument executed by Shareholders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the Shares of the Roney Shareholders and Shareholders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the Shares of the Rudd Shareholders, which shall be binding on each party and all of such party’s successors and permitted assigns, whether or not any such party, successor or assignee entered into or approved such amendment, termination or waiver. Otherwise, this Agreement shall remain in effect unless and until the Transaction Agreement or the Investor Rights Agreement shall terminate in accordance with its terms, whereupon this Agreement shall terminate. The Existing Agreement shall be reinstated so as to be binding upon the parties to this Agreement upon any termination of the Transaction Agreement.

4.7 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such non-breaching or non-defaulting party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default previously or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

4.8 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

 

4


4.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with the Investor Rights Agreement, constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Existing Agreement and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between persons that are party or privy to this Agreement are expressly canceled, subject to reinstatement as provided in Section 4.6.

4.10 Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, etc. In the event of any issuance of Shares of the Company’s voting securities hereafter to any of the Shareholders (including, without limitation, in connection with any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, or the like), such Shares shall become subject to this Agreement.

4.11 Manner of Voting. The voting of Shares pursuant to this Agreement may be effected in person, by proxy, by written consent or in any other manner permitted by applicable law, the Investor Rights Agreement and the applicable provisions of the Bylaws of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, voting of the Shares pursuant to the Agreement need not make explicit reference to the terms of this Agreement.

4.12 Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time after the date hereof, the parties agree to cooperate with each other, and at the request of any other party, to execute and deliver any further instruments or documents and to take all such further action as the other party may reasonably request in order to evidence or effectuate the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and to otherwise carry out the intent of the parties hereunder.

4.13 Dispute Resolution; Jury Trial Waiver. The parties hereto agree that the appropriate, exclusive and convenient forum for any disputes between any of the parties hereto arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be the courts sitting in Oakville, California. Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts for any actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (and agrees not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in such courts, and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court). Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in such courts, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND

 

5


THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

4.14 Aggregation of Stock. All Shares held or acquired by a Shareholder and/or its Affiliates shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement, and such Affiliated persons may apportion such rights as among themselves in any manner they deem appropriate.

4.15 Spousal Consent. If any individual Shareholder is married on the date of this Agreement and resident of a state where such Shareholder is subject to community property laws, such Shareholder’s spouse shall execute and deliver to the Company a consent of spouse in the form of Exhibit A hereto (“Consent of Spouse”), effective on the date hereof. Notwithstanding the execution and delivery thereof, such consent shall not be deemed to confer or convey to the spouse any rights in such Shareholder’s Shares that do not otherwise exist by operation of law or the agreement of the parties. If any individual Shareholder resident of a state where such Shareholder is subject to community property laws should marry or remarry subsequent to the date of this Agreement, such Shareholder shall within thirty (30) days thereafter obtain his/her new spouse’s acknowledgement of and consent to the existence and binding effect of all restrictions contained in this Agreement by causing such spouse to execute and deliver a Consent of Spouse acknowledging the restrictions and obligations contained in this Agreement and agreeing and consenting to the same.

4.16 Attorneys’ Fees. If any action at law or in equity (including arbitration) is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of immediately before the Closing.

 

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Roney
Name:   Patrick A. Roney
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
MARITAL TRUST D UNDER THE LESLIE G. RUDD LIVING TRUST U/A/D 3/31/1999, AS AMENDED
By:   /s/ Darrel D. Swank
Name:   Darrell D. Swank
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Steven Kay
Name:   Steven Kay
Title:   Trustee

SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED VOTING AGREEMENT

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.


SLR NON-EXEMPT TRUST UAD 4/21/2018
By:   /s/ Darrell D. Swank
Name:   Darrell D. Swank
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Steven Kay
Name:   Steven Kay
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Roney
Name:   Patrick A. Roney
Title:   Trustee
PATRICK A. RONEY AND LAURA G. RONEY TRUST
By:   /s/ Patrick A. Roney
Name:   Patrick A. Roney
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Laura G. Roney
Name:   Laura G. Roney
Title:   Trustee

SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED VOTING AGREEMENT

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.


SEAN RONEY
By:   /s/ Sean Roney
Name:   Sean Roney

SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED VOTING AGREEMENT

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.


EXHIBIT A

CONSENT OF SPOUSE

I, Brittany Roney, spouse of Sean Roney, acknowledge that I have read the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement to which this Consent is attached as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), and that I know the content of the Agreement. I am aware that the Agreement contains provisions regarding the voting and transfer of shares of capital stock of the Company that my spouse may own, including any interest I might have therein.

I hereby agree that my interest, if any, in any shares of capital stock of the Company subject to the Agreement shall be irrevocably bound by the Agreement and further understand and agree that any community property interest I may have in such shares of capital stock of the Company shall be similarly bound by the Agreement.

I am aware that the legal, financial and related matters contained in the Agreement are complex and that I am free to seek independent professional guidance or counsel with respect to this Consent. I have either sought such guidance or counsel or determined after reviewing the Agreement carefully that I will waive such right.

Dated: May 17, 2021

 

/s/ Brittany Roney
Brittany Roney

Exhibit 10.34(a)

DEPOSITARY AGREEMENT

June 7, 2021

TSX Trust Company

301 - 100 Adelaide Street West

Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1

Attention: Vice-President, Corporate Trust

Dear Sirs/Mesdames:

Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp., a Toronto Stock Exchange listed special purpose acquisition corporation incorporated under the Laws of the Province of British Columbia (and, after the Domestication, Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation) (“Parent”); VWE Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”); Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (“VWE”); and Darrell D. Swank (“Stockholder Representative”) have entered into the Transaction Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2021 (together with all exhibits, schedules and annexes thereto, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Transaction Agreement”) pursuant to which, at the Effective Time (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), Merger Sub will merge with and into VWE (the “Merger”) and VWE shall survive as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent. A copy of the Transaction Agreement and the subsequent amendment are attached hereto as Schedule “A”. Parent shall provide written notice (email being sufficient) to TSX Trust of the Effective Time. Until TSX Trust receives such written notice, TSX Trust shall be entitled to assume that the Effective Time has not occurred.

At the Effective Time, each share of Series A stock and Series B stock of VWE (such shares, the “VWE Shares”), other than Dissenting Shares and Excluded Shares, will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any person be automatically cancelled and extinguished and converted into (a) the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration less the Per Share Adjustment Escrow Deposit and (b) a contingent right to receive, if and when payable, (1) the Per Share Adjustment Escrow Release and (2) the Per Share Earnout Shares.

At the Effective Time, Parent will deliver a treasury direction (the “Treasury Direction”) to the transfer agent for the Parent, with a copy to You, with respect to the issue of the common shares of Parent (the “Parent Shares”) sufficient to deliver the Merger Consideration less the Adjustment Escrow Deposit (the “Deposited Shares”).

The foregoing recitals are made as statements of fact by VWE and Parent and not by TSX Trust Company (“You” or “TSX Trust”).

Terms used in this agreement (the “Agreement”) without definition but with initial capital letters have the same meaning herein as in the Transaction Agreement.


1.    Appointment

VWE and Parent hereby appoint TSX Trust to act as depositary under the Transaction Agreement for receipt and confirmation of Letters of Transmittal and transfer of Parent Shares to Registered Shareholders in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and TSX Trust hereby accepts such appointment.

2.    Letters of Transmittal

2.1 The letter of transmittal (“Letter of Transmittal”) to be delivered by holders of VWE Shares in exchange for each Registered Shareholder’s pro-rata share of the Merger Consideration provided for in the Transaction Agreement is in the form of Schedule “B” hereto, or as such may be amended with your consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The Letters of Transmittal shall be mailed (or electronically delivered) to registered holders of VWE Shares (“Registered Shareholders”) by You pursuant to the addresses listed in the register of VWE Shares provided to You in Your required file format, which register is also attached hereto as Schedule “C” (the “VWE Share Register”), as soon as practicable following the Effective Time, but in any event no later than five Business Days after the Effective Time. As depositary under the Transaction Agreement, You will receive Letters of Transmittal and related documents from VWE Registered Shareholders but this will not include any certificates evidencing VWE Shares and you will instead rely on the VWE Share Register delivered to you by VWE and Parent. You agree to:

 

  (a)

hold all Letters of Transmittal and any accompanying materials representing VWE Shares;

 

  (b)

ascertain that all Letters of Transmittal are completed in accordance with the terms thereof, with signatures guaranteed in accordance with the instructions thereon, and are accompanied by all other documents that may be required in connection therewith; and

 

  (c)

verify that the registration details of the Registered Shareholders provided in the Letters of Transmittal agree with the VWE Share Register.

2.2 All Letters of Transmittal deposited with You under the Transaction Agreement shall set forth the number of VWE Shares in the name of each Registered Shareholder. You will be entitled to treat as issued and outstanding the VWE Shares represented by any Letter of Transmittal for VWE Shares if the name on such Letters of Transmittal conforms to the name of a Registered Shareholder as it appears on the VWE Share Register and the number of VWE Shares represented by such Letter of Transmittal conforms to the number of VWE Shares for such Registered Shareholder as it appears on the VWE Share Register.


2.3 All Letters of Transmittal shall be dated and time stamped by You when received in duly completed form (together with all other required documentation contemplated thereby) and You shall provide VWE and Parent with a report of the Letters of Transmittal received to date on a periodic basis and upon their request.

3.    Improper Deposits

3.1 If TSX Trust has any doubt whether any Letters of Transmittal have been properly deposited under the Transaction Agreement, You will seek the advice of Parent’s counsel, Jones Day, as to the acceptability of the deposit. If reasonable efforts to correct an improper deposit prove to be unsuccessful, You will reject any such deposit if, in the opinion of our counsel, the deposit has been made improperly and You will take the necessary corrective action as specified in this Section 3.

3.2 If the name of a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada or a recognized Canadian stock exchange is indicated on a Letter of Transmittal for a deposit which has been judged improper, You will make reasonable efforts to contact such member with a view to obtaining a proper deposit.

3.3 If a Letter of Transmittal or other required document has been improperly completed or signed, or some other irregularity in connection with a deposit exists, You will make reasonable efforts to contact such holder to cause such irregularity to be corrected.

3.4 If reasonable efforts to correct an improperly completed Letter of Transmittal or other required documentation prove to be unsuccessful, You will, as soon as reasonably practicable, return to the depositing holder the Letter of Transmittal any required documentation which is the subject of such improper deposit together with a statement as to the reasons why the deposit was rejected and the steps to correct such deposit.

3.5 Notwithstanding the foregoing Sections, Parent shall have full discretion to determine whether any Letter of Transmittal are complete and proper and Parent has the absolute right to determine whether to accept or reject any or all Letters of Transmittal not in proper form.

4.    Determination of Entitlement of Registered Shareholders

4.1 At the Effective Time, Parent will deposit with You, as depositary, the Deposited Shares. If, after the determination of the Final Merger Consideration in accordance with Section 2.7 of the Transaction Agreement, there is a Merger Consideration Surplus in excess of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit, Parent will deliver a Treasury Direction to the transfer agent for the Parent, with a copy to You, with respect to the issue of the Parent Shares sufficient to deliver one Parent Share for every $10 increment by which Merger Consideration Surplus exceeds the Adjustment Escrow Deposit (the “Surplus Shares”). In such event, Surplus Shares will be distributed in the same manner as the Deposited Shares and will be treated as such from and after the date of the delivery of such Treasury Direction. All securities deposited and delivered to You under this Section 4.1 shall be held by You, as depositary, and released to Registered Shareholders only in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.1 hereof.


Parent shall deliver to You at or prior to the Effective Time a schedule detailing the pro-rata breakdown of the Deposited Shares to be transferred to the Registered Shareholders in the form of the Company Shareholder Allocation Schedule as contemplated under the Transaction Agreement (the “Pro-Rata Shares”). You shall deliver the Deposited Shares to such Registered Shareholders pursuant to the pro-rata allocation provided in the Company Shareholder Allocation Schedule, this Agreement, and the Letters of Transmittal. If it is not clear as to the applicable Pro-Rata Shares to be paid to any Registered Shareholder, You may reach out to Parent who will provide You with any necessary direction.

5.    Delivery of Parent Shares

5.1 For properly deposited Letters of Transmittal received by You, You will, as soon as practicable upon Your receipt of the Treasury Direction, the Company Shareholder Allocation Schedule and written notice from the Parent that the Merger is effective or, with respect to the Surplus Shares, the Final Merger Consideration has been determined and a revised Company Shareholder Allocation Schedule has been provided to You, as applicable, arrange for the delivery of the Deposited Shares or the Surplus Shares, if any, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the instructions in the Letters of Transmittal, and specifically in accordance with this Section 5.1. You will not arrange for delivery of the Pro-Rata Shares to any given Registered Shareholder until the Letter of Transmittal and all required documents for such Registered Shareholder are received by You on or after the Effective Time but on or prior to the first anniversary of the determination of the Final Merger Consideration, unless You are otherwise instructed in writing by Parent.

Following the later of the Effective Time and the date a Registered Shareholder provides to You a duly completed Letter of Transmittal, together with such other additional documents and instruments as provided for in the Letter of Transmittal duly executed and completed as TSX Trust may reasonably require, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, You shall

 

  a)

forward or cause to be forwarded by first class mail (postage prepaid) or in accordance with TSX Trust’s standard mail insurance policy, to the holder at the address specified in the Letter of Transmittal; or

 

  b)

if the Letter of Transmittal does not specify an address, forward or cause to be forwarded by first class mail (postage prepaid) or in accordance with Your standard mail insurance policy, to the holder at the address of such holder as shown on the VWE Share Register,

a direct registration statement advice representing such Shareholder’s pro-rata portion of the Deposited Shares which such Registered Shareholder has the right to receive in accordance with the Transaction Agreement.


Further, in the event that Parent deposits any Surplus Shares with You, then following the later of the date that the Final Merger Consideration is determined and the date a Registered Shareholder provides to You a duly completed Letter of Transmittal, together with such other additional documents and instruments as provided for in the Letter of Transmittal duly executed and completed as TSX Trust may reasonably require, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no Registered Shareholder will be required to provide a second Letter of Transmittal if one has already been provided with respect to the Deposited Shares), You shall

 

  c)

forward or cause to be forwarded by first class mail (postage prepaid) or in accordance with TSX Trust’s standard mail insurance policy, to the holder at the address specified in the Letter of Transmittal; or

 

  d)

if the Letter of Transmittal does not specify an address, forward or cause to be forwarded by first class mail (postage prepaid) or in accordance with Your standard mail insurance policy, to the holder at the address of such holder as shown on the VWE Share Register,

a direct registration statement advice representing such Shareholder’s pro-rata portion of the Surplus Shares which such Registered Shareholder has the right to receive in accordance with the Transaction Agreement.

5.2 Under no circumstances will interest accrue or be paid by VWE or Parent or TSX Trust to Registered Shareholders on the Pro-Rata Shares payable to Registered Shareholders pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, provided, however, You shall hold and distribute to such Registered Shareholders any and all dividends paid, if any, by the Parent on the Deposited Shares or the Surplus Shares, if any, in your possession and shall transfer such dividends upon transfer of such Pro-Rata Shares to the relevant Registered Shareholders.

5.3 Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with the Transaction Agreement, subject to any applicable escheat laws, any Letters of Transmittal of the Registered Shareholders not delivered to You on or prior to the first anniversary of the determination of the Final Merger Consideration shall cease to represent a claim or interest of any kind or nature, including a claim for dividends or other distributions, against VWE or the Parent by a former holder. On such date, upon written request of Parent, You shall return to Parent all cash held by You at such time and cancel any remaining Deposited Shares or Surplus Shares that You hold for such holders at such time in respect of such former holders and return any unclaimed distributions or dividends to Parent.

5.4 No Fractional Shares.

No fractional Parent Shares will be issued pursuant to the Merger, and instead any such fractional share that would otherwise be issued will be rounded down to the nearest whole share, and such rounded Parent Shares will be reflected in the Company Shareholder Allocation Schedule.


6.    Notices

All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally, by email or facsimile (which is confirmed) or dispatched to a nationally recognized overnight courier service with overnight delivery instructions, in each case addressed to the particular party at:

If to VWE:

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.

205 Concourse Boulevard

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Attention: Patrick Roney

E-mail: pat@vintagewineestates.com

with copies to:

Foley & Lardner LLP

321 North Clark Street, Suite 3000

Chicago, IL 60654

Attention: Patrick Daugherty

E-mail: pdaugherty@foley.com

If to Parent:

Bespoke Capital Partners

115 Park Street, 3rd Floor

London, W1K 7AP, United Kingdom

Attention: Mark Harms

Email: mark.harms@bespokecp.com

with copies to counsel to:

Jones Day

250 Vesey Street

New York, NY 10281

Attention: Robert A. Profusek

Julia V.S. Feldman

E-mail: raprofusek@jonesday.com

jfeldman@jonesday.com

In the case of TSX Trust:

TSX Trust Company

301 - 100 Adelaide Street West

Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1

Attention: Vice-President, Corporate Trust

Facsimile No.: (416) 361-0470

Email: tmxestaff-corporatetrust@tmx.com


or at such other address of which any party may, from time to time, advise the other parties by notice in writing given in accordance with the foregoing.

7.    Fees

Parent covenants to pay your fees and expenses (including without limitation postage, courier, long distance calls, applicable taxes, mailing insurance, photocopying, fees and expenses of your legal counsel, agents and other experts You retain), as agreed to in writing, in connection with your duties hereunder.

8.    Offices

You agree to maintain your principal office in the city set out in the Letters of Transmittal to which Letters of Transmittal and related documents may be sent or delivered.

9.    Indemnity

9.1 Without limitation, VWE and Parent jointly and severally agree to defend, indemnify and hold You and your successors and assigns, and each of your respective directors, officers, employees and agents (the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless against and from any demands, claims, assessments, proceedings, suits, actions, costs, judgments, penalties, interest, liabilities, losses, damages, debts, expenses and disbursements (including expert consultant and legal fees and disbursements on a substantial indemnity, or solicitor and client, basis) (collectively, the “Claims”) that the Indemnified Parties, or any of them, may suffer or incur or that may be asserted against them, or any of them, in consequence of, arising from or in any way relating to this Agreement (as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time) or your duties hereunder or any other services that You may provide to VWE or Parent in connection with or in any way relating to this Agreement or your duties hereunder, except that no individual Indemnified Party shall be entitled to indemnification in the event such Indemnified Party is found to have acted in bad faith, engaged in willful misconduct or been grossly negligent. For greater certainty, VWE and Parent agree to indemnify and save harmless the Indemnified Parties against and from any present and future taxes (other than income taxes), duties, assessments or other charges imposed or levied on behalf of any governmental authority having the power to tax in connection with your duties hereunder. In addition, VWE or Parent, as the case may be, agree to reimburse, indemnify and save harmless the Indemnified Parties for, against and from all reasonable legal fees and disbursements (on a substantial indemnity, or solicitor and client, basis) incurred by an Indemnified Party if VWE or Parent commences an action, or cross claim or counterclaim, against the Indemnified Party and the Indemnified Party is successful in defending such claim.


9.2 You shall not be liable for any error in judgment, for any act done or step taken or omitted by You in good faith, for any mistake of fact or law or for anything which You may do or refrain from doing in connection herewith except arising out of your bad faith or willful misconduct.

9.3 In the event TSX Trust is in breach of this Agreement or its duties hereunder or any agreement or duties relating to any other services that TSX Trust may provide to in connection with or in any way relating to this Agreement or TSX Trust’s duties hereunder, TSX Trust shall be liable for claims or damages only to an aggregate maximum amount equal to the amount of fees paid by Parent to TSX Trust hereunder in the twelve months preceding the last of the events giving rise to such claims or damages, except to the extent that TSX Trust has acted in bad faith or engaged in willful misconduct. In no event shall TSX Trust be liable for indirect, consequential, special loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if TSX Trust has been advised of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of its action.

9.4 Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, this indemnity shall survive the termination of this Agreement or your removal or resignation in connection with any and all of your duties and obligations under this Agreement.

9.5 You shall retain the right not to act and shall not be liable for refusing to act under this Agreement if, due to a lack of information or for any other reason whatsoever, You, in your reasonable judgment, determine that such act might cause You to be in non-compliance with any applicable anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, economic sanctions, regulation or guideline. Further, should You, in your reasonable judgment, determine at any time that your acting under this Agreement has resulted in your being in non-compliance with any applicable anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, economic sanctions, regulation or guideline, then You shall have the right to resign on 10 days written notice to the Parent and VWE, provided (i) that your written notice shall describe the circumstances of such non-compliance; and (ii) that if such circumstances are rectified to your reasonable satisfaction within such 10 day period, then such resignation shall not be effective.

10.    Taxes

10.1 Parent shall be solely responsible for all tax processing relating to or arising from the duties or actions contemplated by this Agreement, including evaluation, reporting, remittance, filing, and issuance of tax slips, summaries and reports, except as is specifically delegated to You pursuant to this Agreement or as may be agreed subsequently, as confirmed in writing by the parties.

10.2 You shall process only such tax matters as have been specifically delegated to You pursuant to this Agreement or as may be agreed subsequently, and, in so doing, You do not undertake to carry out any inquiry, evaluation, reporting, remittance, filing or issuance of tax slips, summaries and reports necessarily incidental thereto, which shall remain the sole responsibility of Parent. You shall be entitled to rely upon and assume, without further inquiry or verification, the accuracy and completeness of any tax processing information, documentation or instructions received by You, directly or indirectly, from or on behalf of the VWE or Parent. It is agreed that any such direction must be supplied to You prior to processing any deposits of the VWE Shares.


11.    Termination

This Agreement will automatically terminate upon the earlier of (i) all Deposited Shares and Surplus Shares, if any, being distributed to the Registered Shareholders, along with any dividends accrued thereon or (ii) the date of the cancellation of the Deposited Shares and the Surplus Shares, if any, and the return of any dividends held thereon in accordance with Section 5.3 herein.

12.    General

12.1 In acting as depositary, TSX Trust:

 

  (a)

shall have no duties or obligations other than those set forth herein;

 

  (b)

shall not be obliged to take any legal action which might in your judgement involve any expense or liability unless You shall have been furnished with reasonable funding and indemnity;

 

  (c)

may rely and shall be protected in acting upon the written instructions of VWE or Parent, consistent with the terms of this agreement;

 

  (d)

may consult counsel satisfactory to You (including our counsel) at our expense (to the extent such fees are reasonable) and the advice or opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization or protection in respect of any action taken by You thereunder, in good faith, in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel;

 

  (e)

shall be fully protected in acting and relying on any document, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report or notice, believed by TSX Trust to be genuine and to have been signed, sent by or on behalf of the proper party or parties or delivered to You pursuant to this Agreement, as to its due execution, validity and effectiveness and as to the truth and accuracy of any information contained therein;

 

  (f)

may employ or retain such counsel, accountants, or other experts or advisers as You may reasonably require for the purpose of discharging your duties hereunder and may pay reasonable remuneration for all services so performed by any of them and shall not be responsible for any misconduct on the part of any of them. TSX Trust may act and rely and shall be protected in acting and relying in good faith on the opinion or advice of or information obtained from any counsel, accountant or other expert or advisor, whether retained or employed by VWE or Parent or by You, in relation to any matter arising under this Agreement;


  (g)

may resign your appointment as depositary hereunder and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder by giving to VWE and Parent not less than 30 days prior notice in writing or such other shorter period as the parties may agree to in writing; and

 

  (h)

shall treat all Registered Shareholders in the same manner and shall not provide preferential treatment to any holder or holders of VWE Shares in connection with deposits, deficiency of such deposits and payment.

12.2 This Agreement shall not be assigned by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other; provided, however that this Agreement may be assigned by Parent to an Affiliate. Any corporation succeeding to TSX Trust’s corporate trust and transfer agency business shall be the successor depositary hereunder without any further act on its part or any of the parties hereto.

12.3 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

12.4 Any inconsistency between this Agreement and the Transaction Agreement shall be resolved in favor of the Transaction Agreement, except with respect to the duties, liabilities and indemnifications of You as depositary which shall be resolved in favor of this Agreement.

12.5 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein.

12.6 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and may be delivered by the transmission by facsimile or email of a pdf. Each counterpart, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

12.7 VWE and Parent, acknowledge and agree that the fees of TSX Trust and the terms of this Agreement are confidential information and as such VWE and Parent agree not to disclose any such fees to any third party, save and except for (i) to its professional advisors, held in confidence, or (ii) as required or compelled by law.

12.8 Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement.

Kindly indicate your acceptance of the terms of this letter by signing and returning to us the duplicate hereof, in which case this letter will form an agreement between us.

[Signature Page Follows]


 

VWE:
Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation
Per:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:  Patrick Roney
Title:    Chief Executive Officer

 

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation
Per:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:  Patrick Roney
Title:    Chief Executive Officer

Accepted and agreed to as of 7th day of June, 2021.

 

TSX TRUST COMPANY
Per:   /s Donald Crawford
  Authorized Signatory
Per:   /s/ Geralyn Krowles
  Authorized Signatory


SCHEDULE “A”

Transaction Agreement


SCHEDULE “B”

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL


SCHEDULE “C”

VWE SHARE REGISTER

See attached.

Exhibit 10.34(b)

SECURITY ESCROW AGENCY AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 7th day of June, 2021.

B E T W E E N:

TSX TRUST COMPANY, a trust company existing under the laws of Canada (the “Escrow Agent”),

- and -

Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP, a Cayman Islands limited partnership (“Sponsor”),

- and -

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Parent”),

- and -

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company” and, together with the Parent and Sponsor, sometimes referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”)

WHEREAS, Parent, VWE Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, the Company, and Darrell D. Swank (“Stockholder Representative”) have entered into that certain Transaction Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2021 (together with all exhibits, schedules and annexes thereto, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Transaction Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties thereto have agreed to establish an escrow arrangement for the purposes set forth therein;

WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 1.2(b)(ii) of the Transaction Agreement, Parent shall deposit 1,000,002 common shares of Parent (the “Adjustment Escrow Shares”) into an escrow account (the “Escrow Account”) to be held in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement and this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Adjustment Escrow Shares shall be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Transaction Agreement;

WHEREAS, Sponsor, Company, and Escrow Agent have entered into that certain Depositary Agreement of even date herewith (the “Depositary Agreement”) pursuant to which the Escrow Agent has established an account for the purpose of receiving common shares of Parent payable under the Transaction Agreement;


WHEREAS the foregoing statements of fact and recitals are made by the parties hereto other than the Escrow Agent;

AND WHEREAS the Escrow Agent is willing to act as the escrow agent hereunder and to hold, administer and distribute the securities deposited with it in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the foregoing and the representations, warranties, covenants and conditions contained in this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, the parties each intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

INTERPRETATION

 

1.1

Definitions.

The terms used herein shall have the following meanings:

 

  (a)

Agreement”, “this Agreement”, “the Agreement”, and similar expressions mean this escrow agreement;

 

  (b)

Business Day” means each day other than a Saturday, Sunday, a statutory holiday in the City of Toronto, Ontario or New York, New York or any day on which the principal chartered banks located in the City of Toronto, Ontario or New York, New York are not open for business during normal banking hours.

 

1.2

Number and Gender.

Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa and words importing the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter genders.

 

1.3

Interpretation not Affected by Headings.

The division of this Agreement into articles, sections, subsections and paragraphs and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

1.4

Force majeure.

No party shall be liable to the other, or held in breach of this Agreement, if prevented, hindered, or delayed in the performance or observance of any provision contained herein by reason of act of God, riots, terrorism, acts of war, epidemics, governmental action or judicial order, earthquakes, or any other similar causes (including, but not limited to, mechanical, electronic or communication interruptions, disruptions or failures). Performance times under this Agreement shall be extended for a period of time equivalent to the time lost because of any delay that is excusable under this section.

 

1.5

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Transaction Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE TWO

ESCROW PROVISIONS

 

2.1

Appointment of Escrow Agent.

The Company, Parent, and Sponsor hereby appoint the Escrow Agent to serve as escrow agent and the Escrow Agent hereby agrees to act as escrow agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

2.2

Delivery into Escrow.

At the Effective Time, Parent shall deliver, or cause to be delivered the Adjustment Escrow Shares to the Escrow Agent, to be held in the Escrow Account. The Escrow Agent will hold the Adjustment Escrow Shares, together with any dividend or other distribution paid on such Adjustment Escrow Shares, as applicable (the “Escrow Dividends”), in escrow for the Company Shareholders or the Sponsor, as applicable, and will administer and disburse the Adjustment Escrow Shares and the Escrow Dividends, if any, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

The Escrow Agent shall have no liability or responsibility for any property until it is in fact received by the Escrow Agent.

 

2.3

Holding of Adjustment Escrow Shares.

The Escrow Agent will hold the Adjustment Escrow Shares as a book-entry position registered in the name of “TSX TRUST COMPANY, as Escrow Agent for the former shareholders of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation” until any such Adjustment Escrow Shares are to be (i) released and re-registered by the Escrow Agent to the Company Shareholders, or (ii) otherwise released and re-registered to Sponsor, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Transaction Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, no Adjustment Escrow Shares will be released to any Company Shareholder unless such Company Shareholder has previously submitted a Letter of Transmittal in accordance with the terms of the Depositary Agreement.

The parties hereby agree that the Adjustment Escrow Shares and the beneficial ownership of, or any interest in them shall not be sold, assigned, hypothecated, alienated, released from escrow, transferred within escrow, or otherwise in any manner dealt with except as may be required by reason of the death or bankruptcy of any security holder, in which cases the Escrow Agent shall hold said Adjustment Escrow Shares subject to this agreement, for whatever person, firm or corporation shall be legally entitled to be or become the registered owner thereof, provided such person, firm or corporation shall agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.

 

2.4

Release of Adjustment Escrow Shares.

The Parties hereby direct the Escrow Agent to retain the Adjustment Escrow Shares and not to do or cause anything to be done to release the same from escrow or to allow any transfer, hypothecation or alienation thereof except in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

When all or any portion of the Adjustment Escrow Shares are required to be released under the Transaction Agreement, Sponsor and Parent shall deliver joint written instructions to the Escrow Agent (a “Release Notice”), in accordance with Section 2.7(f) of the Transaction Agreement and as further detailed in Section 3.12 of this Agreement. The Parties agree that the Adjustment Escrow Shares shall not be subject to attachment by any creditor (including any creditor of any party to the Transaction Agreement).

 

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2.5

Dividends

The Escrow Agent does not own or have any interest in the Adjustment Escrow Shares or any Escrow Dividends, but is serving as escrow holder, having only possession thereof and agreeing to hold and distribute the Adjustment Escrow Shares and any Escrow Dividends in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Any Escrow Dividends shall be distributed to and held by the Escrow Agent, and shall be disbursed by the Escrow Agent together with and when the Adjustment Escrow Shares, on which such Escrow Dividend was distributed are released, to the Company Shareholders or the Sponsor, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Transaction Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any release or distribution of the Adjustment Escrow Shares in accordance with this Agreement shall also be understood to include a distribution of the Escrow Dividends, if any, with respect to such released Adjustment Escrow Shares.

Unless otherwise instructed in writing jointly by the Parties, the Escrow Agent shall hold the Escrow Dividends in a non interest-bearing bank account” with a Canadian Schedule 1 bank.

 

2.6

Voting Rights

With respect to the Adjustment Escrow Shares, Sponsor shall hold all voting and economic rights with respect to such Adjustment Escrow Shares while such Adjustment Escrow Shares remain deposited with the Escrow Agent. For so long as such Adjustment Escrow Shares are held by the Escrow Agent, the Escrow Agent shall vote the Adjustment Escrow Shares solely as directed in writing by Sponsor and the Escrow Agent shall be fully protected hereunder in acting solely on the instruction of Sponsor. If Sponsor does not provide direction to the Escrow Agent with regards to voting the Adjustment Escrow Shares then such shares will not be voted.

 

2.7

No Fractional Shares

No fractional common shares of the Parent will be issued pursuant to the Merger, and instead any such fractional share that would otherwise be issued will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

ARTICLE THREE

RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE ESCROW AGENT

 

3.1

Rights and Duties of Escrow Agent.

The Escrow Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it, or any action suffered by it to be taken or omitted excepting only direct loss caused by its own gross negligence, wilful misconduct, fraud or bad faith. Under no circumstances shall the Escrow Agent be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary or punitive losses or damages hereunder, including any loss of profits, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable.

 

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3.2

Experts and Advisers.

The Escrow Agent may appoint such agents and employ or retain such counsel, accountants, engineers, appraisers or other experts or advisers as it may reasonably require for the purpose of discharging its duties and determining its duties, obligations and rights hereunder and may pay reasonable remuneration for all services performed by any of them, without taxation of costs of any counsel, and shall not be responsible for any misconduct on the part of any of them. The Parent shall pay or reimburse the Escrow Agent for any fees, expenses and disbursements of such counsel, advisors, agents or other experts.

 

3.3

Reliance on Experts.

(a) The Escrow Agent may act and rely and shall be protected in acting and relying in good faith on the opinion or advice of or information obtained from any agent, counsel, accountant, engineer, appraiser or other expert or adviser, retained or employed by the parties hereto or the Escrow Agent, in relation to any matter arising in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.

(b) The Escrow Agent may act and rely, and shall be protected in acting and relying, upon any judgment, order, notice, demand, direction, instruction, certificate or other instrument, paper or document which may be submitted to it in connection with its duties hereunder and the directions incorporated therein and which is believed by the Escrow Agent to be genuine and signed or presented by the proper person(s), not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth or accuracy of any information therein contained, which it in good faith believes to be genuine. The Escrow Agent shall in no way be bound to call for further evidence (whether as to due execution, validity or effectiveness, or the jurisdiction of any court, or as to the truth of any fact), and shall not be responsible for any loss that may be occasioned by its failing to do so. The Escrow Agent shall have the right not to act and shall not be liable for refusing to act unless it has received clear and reasonable documentation that complies with the terms of this Agreement. Such documentation must not require the exercise of any discretion or independent judgment by the Escrow Agent.

 

3.4

Indemnity.

(a) In addition to and without limiting any other protection of the Escrow Agent hereunder or otherwise by law, the Company, the Sponsor and the Parent, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Escrow Agent and its officers, directors, employees and agents and former officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from and against any and all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, penalties, actions, suits, demands, levies, costs, expenses and disbursements including any and all reasonable legal and adviser fees and disbursements of whatever kind or nature which may at any time be suffered by, imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Escrow Agent, whether groundless or otherwise, howsoever arising from or out of any act, omission or error of the Escrow Agent in connection with its acting as Escrow Agent hereunder unless arising from the gross negligence, wilful misconduct or bad faith on the part of the Escrow Agent. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, this indemnity shall survive the removal or resignation of the Escrow Agent and the termination of this Agreement.

 

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(b) In the event that the Escrow Agent shall become involved in any arbitration or litigation relating to the Adjustment Escrow Shares, the Escrow Agent is authorized to comply with any decision reached through such arbitration or litigation. If the Escrow Agent shall be uncertain as to its duties or rights hereunder or shall receive instructions, claims or demands from any party hereto or from a third person with respect to any matter arising pursuant to this Agreement which, in its opinion, are in conflict with any provision of this Agreement, it shall be entitled to refrain from taking any action authorized and directed hereunder, and in so doing, the Escrow Agent shall not be or become liable in any way to the parties hereto for its failure or refusal to comply with such claims or demands, until it shall be authorized or directed in writing by the parties hereto. None of the provisions contained in this Agreement or any supplement shall require the Escrow Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in performing its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.

 

3.5

Remuneration.

The Parent agrees to pay the Escrow Agent’s fees in advance, as agreed between the Escrow Agent and the Parent, for its services hereunder and shall pay or reimburse the Escrow Agent upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Escrow Agent in the administration of its duties hereunder (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses and the reasonable compensation and disbursements of all other advisers, agents and assistants not regularly in its employ). The parties hereto agree that if the payment of any of the Escrow Agent’s fees, expenses and disbursements is in arrears then the Escrow Agent has the right to withhold the full or partial release of the Adjustment Escrow Shares. The parties hereto further agree that any residual fees or expenses incurred by the Escrow Agent after termination of the Agreement will be reimbursed by the Parent.

 

3.6

Validity of Certificates, etc.

The Escrow Agent shall be protected in acting and relying upon any Release Notice, notice, request, waiver, consent, receipt, direction, instruction, affidavit or other paper, writing or document (collectively referred to as “Documents”) furnished to it and purporting to have been executed or issued by any officer or person required to or entitled to execute and deliver to the Escrow Agent any such Documents in connection with this Agreement, not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth or accuracy of any information therein contained, which it in good faith believes to be genuine.

 

3.7

Anti-Money Laundering.

(a) Each party to this Agreement (in this paragraph referred to as a “representing party”), other than the Escrow Agent, hereby represents to the Escrow Agent that any account to be opened by, or interest to be held by, the Escrow Agent in connection with this Agreement, for or to the credit of such representing party, either (i) is not intended to be used by or on behalf of any third party, or (ii) is intended to be used by or on behalf of a third party, in which case such representing party hereby agrees to complete, execute and deliver forthwith to the Escrow Agent a declaration, in the Escrow Agent’s prescribed form or in such other form as may be satisfactory to it, as to the particulars of such third party.

 

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(b) The Escrow Agent shall retain the right not to act and shall not be liable for refusing to act if, due to a lack of information, the Escrow Agent, in its sole judgment, determines that such act might cause it to be in non-compliance with any applicable anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, economic sanctions, regulation or guideline. Further, should the Escrow Agent, in its sole judgment, determine at any time that its acting under this Escrow Agreement has resulted in its being in non-compliance with any applicable anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, regulation or guideline, then it shall have the right to resign on ten (10) days’ written notice to the parties hereto provided: (i) that the Escrow Agent’s written notice shall describe the circumstances of such non-compliance; and (ii) that if such circumstances are rectified to the Escrow Agent’s satisfaction within such 10-day period, then such resignation shall not be effective.

 

3.8

Resignation and Replacement of the Escrow Agent.

The Escrow Agent may resign and be discharged from all further duties and obligations hereunder by giving to the parties hereto thirty (30) days’ written notice or such shorter notice period as may be agreed between the parties hereto and the Escrow Agent. In the event of the Escrow Agent resigning, the Company and the Parent shall forthwith appoint a new escrow agent. Any new escrow agent appointed pursuant to the provisions of the section shall be a corporation authorized to carry on the business of an escrow agent in the Province of Ontario or in the United States of America. On any new appointment, the new escrow agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and obligations as if it had been originally named herein as escrow agent, without any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed. The Escrow Agent, upon receipt of payment for any outstanding amounts for its services and expenses then unpaid, shall transfer, deliver and pay over to such successor escrow agent, who shall be entitled to receive, all cash and property on deposit with such predecessor hereunder.

 

3.9

Merger or Amalgamation of Escrow Agent.

This Agreement shall not be assigned by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any corporation into or with which the Escrow Agent may be merged, consolidated or amalgamated, or to which all or substantially all of its corporate trust business is sold or otherwise transferred or any corporation resulting therefrom, or any corporation succeeding to the trust business of the Escrow Agent, shall be the successor to the Escrow Agent hereunder without any further act on the Escrow Agent’s part or any of the parties hereto.

 

3.10

Escrow Agent Not a Trustee.

No trust is intended to be, or is or will be, created hereby and the Escrow Agent shall owe no duties hereunder as a trustee.

 

3.11

Entire Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth exclusively the duties of the Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into the agreement against the Escrow Agent, including any agreement referred to in this Agreement to which the Escrow Agent is not a party.

 

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3.12

Release Notices.

(a) The Escrow Agent shall disburse the Adjustment Escrow Shares only in accordance with the Release Notice. Each such Release Notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the event giving rise to the requested release and the specific release instructions with respect thereto (including the number of Adjustment Escrow Shares to be released and the party to whom they should be re-registered and delivered) and the Parent will direct in the Release Notice if any restrictive legends are to be placed onto the Adjustment Escrow Shares that are to be released.

(b) If the Adjustment Escrow Shares are to be released to the Company Shareholders (as opposed to a release to Sponsor), the specified number of Adjustment Escrow Shares (and the applicable portion of the Escrow Dividends) shall be released to the Company Shareholders pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and such Release Notice directing disbursement shall provide the detail necessary for delivery of the Adjustment Escrow Shares (and the applicable portion of the Escrow Dividends) to the Company Shareholders by the Escrow Agent, including such Company Shareholder’s pro-rata share of the Adjustment Escrow Shares, without further action by the Parties.

(c) If the Transaction Agreement requires that all or any portion of the Adjustment Escrow Shares are to be released to Sponsor, then the Release Notice shall specify the number of Adjustment Escrow Shares to be released and re-registered to Sponsor (and the applicable portion of the Escrow Dividends).

(d) During the period from the date of this Agreement until the date upon which all of the Adjustment Escrow Shares have been released, Sponsor, Parent, and/or Company, as applicable and pursuant to Section 2.7(f) of the Transaction Agreement, agree to promptly and jointly issue all applicable Release Notices pursuant to the terms of Section 2.7(f) of the Transaction Agreement (and in accordance with Section 3.12 of this Agreement). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Transaction Agreement, then, as between Sponsor, Parent, and the Company, the terms of the Transaction Agreement shall control and the aforementioned parties shall use reasonable best efforts to effect an amendment to this Agreement (including to Section 3.13 below).

(e) Within three (3) Business Days following the receipt of any Release Notice and subject to the receipt of required documentation for compliance with applicable anti-money laundering requirements and any other documents required to complete the releases, the Escrow Agent shall release, re-register and deliver, (i) if to the Company Shareholders, to the Company Shareholders pursuant to the delivery instructions contained in such Release Notice for each Company Shareholder, a direct registration system advice representing such Company Shareholder’s pro-rata share of the Adjustment Escrow Shares and (ii) if to the Sponsor, as designated in the applicable Release Notice, a direct registration system advice representing the number of Adjustment Escrow Shares set forth in such Release Notice.

 

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3.13

Disbursement and Termination.

The Parties shall act in accordance with, and the Escrow Agent shall hold and release the Adjustment Escrow Shares as follows:

(a) Disbursement. The Escrow Agent shall disburse the Adjustment Escrow Shares and Escrow Dividends in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(b) Escrow Termination Date. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.4, this Agreement shall terminate after all of the Adjustment Escrow Shares and Escrow Dividends have been released from the Escrow Account.

(c) Records. The Escrow Agent shall keep proper books of record and account in which full and correct entries shall be made of all release activity in the Escrow Account.

ARTICLE FOUR

GENERAL

 

4.1

Notice.

Any notice, demand or other communication shall be in writing addressed as follows:

 

If to Company:

  
   Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.
   205 Concourse Boulevard
   Santa Rosa, CA 95403
   Attention: Patrick Roney
   E-mail: pat@vintagewineestates.com

with copies to:

  
   Foley & Lardner LLP
  

321 North Clark Street, Suite 3000

Chicago, IL 60654

Attention: Patrick Daugherty

E-mail: pdaugherty@foley.com

If to Sponsor or Parent:

  
  

Bespoke Capital Partners

115 Park Street, 3rd Floor

London, W1K 7AP, United Kingdom

Attention: Mark Harms

Email: mark.harms@bespokecp.com

with copies to counsel to:

  
  

Jones Day

250 Vesey Street

New York, NY 10281

Attention: Robert A. Profusek

Julia V.S. Feldman

E-mail: raprofusek@jonesday.com

jfeldman@jonesday.com

 

9


if to the Escrow Agent:

  

TSX Trust Company

301 – 100 Adelaide Street West

Toronto, Ontario

M5H 4H1

  

Attention: Vice President, Trust Services

Facsimile: (416) 361-0470

Email: tmxestaff-corporatetrust@tmx.com

and any such notice delivered in accordance with the foregoing shall be deemed to have been received and given on the date of delivery or, if mailed, on the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing such notice or, if faxed or transmitted by other electronic means, on the next Business Day following the date of transmission.

The Company, the Escrow Agent or the Sponsor, as the case may be, may from time to time notify the other parties in the manner provided in this Article of a change of address which, from the effective date of such notice and until changed by like notice, shall be the address of the Company or the Escrow Agent or the Security Holder, as the case may be, for all purposes of this agreement.

If, by reason of a strike, lockout or other work stoppage, actual or threatened, involving postal employees any notice to be given to the Escrow Agent or the Company or the Security Holder hereunder could reasonably be considered unlikely to reach its destination, such notice shall be valid and effective only if it is delivered, or sent by email or facsimile transmission

4.2 Representation.

Each party represents that it has the power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, that the person or persons signing this Agreement on behalf of the named party are properly authorized and empowered to sign it and that the Agreement is valid and binding on the party and enforceable against the party in accordance with its terms.

4.3 Severability.

If any provision of this Agreement or portion thereof or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be illegal, invalid or unenforceable: (a) the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision or portion thereof to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby; and (b) the parties will negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement to implement the intentions set forth in this Agreement. Each provision of this Agreement shall be legal, valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4.4 [Intentionally Omitted].

 

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4.5 Amendment.

No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended or modified by any party unless such waiver, amendment or modification is in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

4.6 Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and may be delivered by facsimile transmission or in PDF format delivered by email. Each counterpart, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

4.7 Successors and Assigns.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided herein, no assignment shall be made of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the parties hereto.

4.8 Governing Law.

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, and any actions, proceedings, claims or disputes regarding it shall be resolved by the courts in that province.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above by their duly authorized signing officers.

 

Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP, a Cayman Islands limited partnership   TSX TRUST COMPANY

By: Bespoke Capital Partners, LLC,

Its General Partner

   
By:   /s/ Mark Harms   By:   /s/ Donald Crawford
Name:   Mark Harms   Name:   Donald Crawford
Title:   Managing Member   Title   Senior Trust Officer
 

 

  By:   /s/ Geralyn Krowles
    Name:   Geralyn Krowles
    Title:   Vice President, Corporate Trust

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation

   
By:   /s/ Mark Harms    

 

Name:   Mark Harms
   
Title:   Authorized Signatory    
Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a California corporation    
By:   /s/ Patrick Roney    

 

Name:   Patrick Roney
   
Title:   Chief Executive Officer    

Exhibit 10.37(b)

Execution Version

JOINDER AGREEMENT

This JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is dated as of June 7, 2021, and is entered into by and among VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC., a Nevada corporation (Holdings”), VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC., a California corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings (“Borrower Agent”), each other Subsidiary of Borrower Agent party to the Loan Agreement referenced below, as amended, together with KUNDE ENTERPRISES, INC., a California corporation added pursuant to the Joinder Agreement dated as of May 4, 2021, each an “Existing Borrower”, the financial institutions party to the Loan Agreement described below (collectively, “Lenders”), and BANK OF THE WEST (“Bank of the West”), as administrative agent for Lenders (in such capacity, “Agent”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Existing Borrowers, the Lenders, and the Agent are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2021 (the “Loan Agreement”).

WHEREAS, Borrower Agent, resulting from effectuating the transactions described in the S4 filed with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 7, 2021, has become the wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings.

WHEREAS, Existing Borrowers have requested that Agent (with the consent of the Required Lenders) permit Holdings to be added as a Guarantor and an Obligor under the Loan Agreement, and, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Agent (with the consent of the Required Lenders) has agreed to permit such addition.

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

1. DEFINITIONS. All terms which are defined in the Loan Agreement shall have the same definition when used herein unless a different definition is ascribed to such term under this Agreement, in which case, the definition contained herein shall govern.

2. JOINDER AND ACQUISITION COVENANTS.

2.1 Holdings hereby agrees as follows in favor of the Agent and the Lenders:

A. Effective as of the date hereof, by its execution of this Agreement, Holdings hereby agrees to become an Obligor and to be subject to all of the representations, warranties, affirmative covenants and negative covenants that are applicable to each Borrower under the Loan Agreement, as well as each other Loan Document, to the same extent as would be applicable if Holdings were a Borrower under the Loan Agreement and other Loan Documents. Holdings agrees that as a Guarantor it shall be liable to Lenders for all Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or the terms of the Loan Agreement, Holdings hereby acknowledges and agrees that pursuant to it Guaranty, Holdings shall guaranty the prompt payment and performance of all Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by accelerations, or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

1


B. In furtherance but without limitation of the foregoing, Holdings specifically acknowledges its grant to Agent for the benefit of itself and the Secured Parties, as security for its guaranty of the payment and performance of all of the Obligations, of a security interest in all of its assets that would be included in the term Collateral if Holdings were included in the original Borrowers under the Loan Agreement, provided that no security interest shall be granted in Excluded Assets. To facilitate the foregoing grant of a security interest, Holdings agrees to execute (and, if required by Agent, acknowledge) and deliver to Agent such instruments and agreements as Agent may require in connection herewith, including without limitation collateral assignments, endorsements, and other, related documents, as Agent may reasonably request to give effect to this joinder of Holdings as an Obligor.

3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS OF AGREEMENT. This Amendment shall be effective only upon satisfaction in full of the following conditions precedent:

3.1 Agent shall have received counterparts to this Joinder, duly executed by the Existing Borrowers and the Holdings.

3.2 Agent shall have received from the Holdings, public officials’ certifications; organizational documents; customary evidence of authorization to enter into the Loan Documents in respect of the Obligations; and good standing certificates in jurisdictions of formation/organization.

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of the Existing Borrowers hereby affirm to Agent and the Lenders that all of Existing Borrowers’ representations and warranties set forth in the Loan Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (or all respects if already qualified by materiality) as of the date hereof (except for any representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date).

5. LIMITED EFFECT. Except as specifically set forth in this Agreement, the Loan Agreement and other Loan Documents shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

6. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any conflict of law principles (but giving effect to Federal laws relating to national banks).

7. COUNTERPARTS. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original. All such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Amendment.

[Signatures are on the following pages]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been executed and delivered as of the date set forth above.

 

EXISTING BORROWERS:

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.,

a California corporation

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   President

 

GROVE ACQUISITION, LLC,

a California limited liability company

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   Manager

 

GIRARD WINERY LLC,

a California limited liability company

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   Manager

 

MILDARA BLASS INC.,

a California corporation

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   President

Joinder Agreement re Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation


SPLINTER GROUP NAPA, LLC,

a California limited liability company

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   Manager

 

SABOTAGE WINE COMPANY, LLC,

a California limited liability company

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   Manager

 

KUNDE ENTERPRISES, INC.,

a California corporation

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   Manager

 

HOLDINGS:

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.,

a Nevada corporation

By:   /s/ Patrick Roney
Name:   Patrick Roney
Title:   President

Joinder Agreement re Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation


AGENT:

BANK OF THE WEST,

as Agent (with the consent of the Required Lenders)

By:   /s/ Eric Andersen
Name:   Eric Andersen
Title:   Vice President

Joinder Agreement re Vintage Wine Estates, Inc., a Nevada corporation

Exhibit 10.37(c)

CONTINUING GUARANTY

This CONTINUING GUARANTY (this “Guaranty”), dated as of June 7, 2021, is executed by VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC., a Nevada corporation (“Guarantor”), in favor of BANK OF THE WEST, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders (as hereinafter defined) (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “Agent”), in light of the following facts:

R E C I T A L S:

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2021, among VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC., a California corporation (Borrower Agent”), each other Subsidiary of Borrower Agent party to the Loan Agreement referenced below, as amended, together with Borrower Agent, each a “Borrower” and, collectively “Borrowers”, the financial institutions party hereto, and BANK OF THE WEST, as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, “Agent”) (as amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”), Agent and the Lenders have provided, and shall continue to provide, certain financial accommodations to Borrowers;

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Joinder Agreement (“Joinder Agreement”) dated as of even date herewith by and among Guarantor, Borrower Agent and each Borrower, Agent and the Lender, Guarantor shall become “Holdings” under the Loan Agreement as of the date hereof.

WHEREAS, the Guarantor acknowledges that it is an integral part of a consolidated enterprise and that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the availability of the credit facility provided for in the Loan Agreement, from the making of the Loans by the Lenders and from the issuance of the Letters of Credit by the Issuing Bank;

WHEREAS, in order to induce Agent and Lenders to enter into the Joinder Agreement, and to continue to provide financial accommodations to Borrowers pursuant to the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents (as defined in the Loan Agreement), Guarantor has agreed to guaranty the Obligations (as defined in the Loan Agreement);

NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Definitions. Any capitalized term not otherwise defined in this Guaranty shall have the meaning given to the term in the Loan Documents.

2. Guaranty. Guarantor guarantees to Agent and Lenders the timely (whether as scheduled or upon acceleration) payment when due and performance of the Obligations, whenever and however they may arise (the “Guaranteed Obligations”). If Borrowers fail to pay or perform any of the Guaranteed Obligations, Guarantor will immediately pay or perform such Guaranteed Obligation.


3. Agent’s and Lenders’ Direct Rights.

3.1 Guaranty of Payment. This is a guaranty of payment and performance and is not a guaranty of collection.

3.2 Direct Rights Against Guarantor. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, enforce its rights under this Guaranty without first seeking to obtain payment or performance from or without resorting to: (i) Guarantor (the undersigned), meaning that Agent may delay, in Agent’s or Required Lenders’ sole and complete discretion, in the exercise of rights against Guarantor; (ii) Borrowers; (iii) any other guarantor; (iv) any Collateral Agent may hold for the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any other remedy or right that Agent or Lenders may have.

3.3 Borrowers’ Bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, may immediately pursue its rights under this Guaranty, even though Agent and Lenders may be stayed from accelerating or collecting the Guaranteed Obligations from Borrowers.

3.4 Waiver of Priority of Collection. Guarantor waives any rights Guarantor may have to require Agent or Lenders to proceed against the Borrowers or to pursue any other remedy in Agent’s or Lenders’ power which Guarantor cannot pursue and which would reduce Guarantor’s burden. In addition, Guarantor waives Guarantor’s right to benefit from every security which now or hereafter exists for the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations or for the performance of any other guarantor’s obligations owing to Agent or Lenders. If Agent decides to proceed first to exercise any other remedy or right, or to proceed against another Person or any Collateral, Agent retains all of Agent’s rights under this Guaranty.

4. Continuing Guaranty and Revocation. This Guaranty guarantees the Guaranteed Obligations, including Borrowers’ existing Obligations under the Loan Documents, as well as all future advances made under the Loan Documents. This Guaranty also guarantees Borrowers’ future liability under successive transactions which either continue the Guaranteed Obligations or from time to time renew some or all of them after having been satisfied, and to that extent is a continuing guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations. Guarantor may not terminate or revoke this Guaranty until: (i) Full Payment of the Obligations, and (ii) all of the Loan Documents are no longer in effect. Guarantor irrevocably waives any right Guarantor has, including any rights under California Civil Code Section 2815, to terminate or revoke the continuing nature of this Guaranty and its application to any Guaranteed Obligations arising after any attempt to terminate this Guaranty.

5. No Notice Required. Guarantor will not be released or exonerated from Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty if Guarantor is not notified by Agent or the Lenders of these events: (i) Borrowers’ failure to pay timely any amount owed under any of the Loan Documents or to pay or perform any of the other Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) Borrowers’ failure to perform any other obligation under any of the Loan Documents; (iii) any adverse change in Borrowers’ financial condition of business; (iv) Agent’s acceptance of this Guaranty; or (v) any other notices to which Guarantor might be entitled.

 

2


6. Guarantor’s Additional Waivers. Guarantor waives any right Guarantor may have to require any of the following acts: demand; presentment; diligence; protest; notice of dishonor; and any other notice to which Guarantor may be entitled.

7. No Release of Guarantor. Agent and Lenders may do or suffer any of the following, by action or inaction, without releasing or exonerating Guarantor from any of Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty and without notifying Guarantor of any of the following: (i) renew, extend, rearrange, alter, impair, suspend or otherwise modify any of the other Loan Documents, any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any of the rights or remedies of Agent or Lenders under the Loan Documents; (ii) release Borrowers or any other guarantor from any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) sell, release, subordinate, impair, suspend, waive or otherwise fail to obtain, perfect or realize upon (or continue the perfection of) a security interest in any Collateral for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, this Guaranty or any other guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) exercise Agent’s or Lenders’ rights in any Collateral for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, this Guaranty or any other guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations in any order that Agent or a Lender may elect in its sole discretion; (v) advance additional funds to or for the benefit of Borrowers; (vi) foreclose on any Collateral for the Guaranteed Obligations, or any portion thereof (including any Collateral provided under a deed of trust) or a guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any portion thereof in a manner that diminishes, impairs or precludes the right of Guarantor to enjoy any rights of subrogation against Borrowers or any other guarantor, or to obtain reimbursement, performance, or indemnification for payment or performance under this Guaranty (in this connection, Guarantor waives any rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies by Agent or Lenders (other than a defense of payment), even though that election of remedies, such as nonjudicial foreclosure with respect to security for a Guaranteed Obligation or any other guaranty, has destroyed Guarantor’s rights of subrogation and reimbursement against Borrowers or any other guarantor by operation of law and, in addition, Guarantor waives any defenses arising under Uniform Commercial Code Sections 1103 and 9601 et seq.); (vii) permit or suffer the impairment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations in a case under the Bankruptcy Code by or against Borrowers; (viii) make an election under Bankruptcy Code Section 1111(b)(2) in a case by or against Borrowers; (ix) permit or suffer the creation of secured or unsecured credit or debt under Bankruptcy Code Section 364 in a case by or against Borrowers; (x) permit or suffer the disallowance, avoidance or subordination of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or Collateral for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (xi) fail to exercise any right or remedy Agent or Lenders may have with respect to the payment or performance of, any of the Loan Documents or any of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (xii) fail to obtain a guaranty, other assurance of payment, or credit enhancement from any other person.

Without limiting any of the foregoing, Guarantor waives (i) all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies by Agent or any Lender, even though that election of remedies, such as a nonjudicial foreclosure with respect to security for the Guaranteed Obligations, has destroyed Agent’s or such Lender’s rights of subrogation and reimbursement against any Borrower, any other guarantor or any other Person by the operation of Section 580d of the California Code of Civil Procedure, any comparable statute, or otherwise, and (ii) all rights and defenses that Guarantor may have because the Guaranteed Obligations are or become secured by Real Estate, which means, among other things: (a) Agent and Lenders may collect from Guarantor without first foreclosing on any Real Estate Collateral or personal property Collateral pledged by any Borrower or any guarantor and (b) if Agent or any Lender forecloses on any Real Estate pledged by any Borrower

 

3


or any guarantor: (I) the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations may be reduced only by the price for which such Real Estate is sold at the foreclosure sale, even if such Real Estate is worth more than the sale price; and (II) Agent and Lenders may collect from Guarantor even if Agent or Lenders, by foreclosing on such Real Estate, have destroyed any right Guarantor may have to collect from the Borrowers or any other guarantor. The foregoing is an unconditional and irrevocable waiver of any rights and defenses Guarantor may have because the Obligations are secured by Real Estate. These rights and defenses include, but are not limited to, any rights or defenses based upon Section 580a, 580b, 580d or 726 of the California Code of Civil Procedure or any comparable statutes. As provided in Section 11.6, this Guaranty shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of New York. The foregoing provisions are included solely out of an abundance of caution and shall not be construed to mean that any of the above referenced provisions of California law are in any way applicable to this Guaranty or the Guaranteed Obligations.

8. Waiver of Subrogation, Reimbursement, Performance and Indemnification. Unless and until Full Payment of the Guaranteed Obligations, Guarantor waives and shall not seek to exercise any of the following rights that Guarantor may have against Borrowers, any other guarantor, or any Collateral provided by Borrowers or any other guarantor, for any amounts paid by Guarantor, or acts performed by Guarantor under this Guaranty: (i) all rights that Guarantor may have, upon satisfying the Guaranteed Obligations, or any portion thereof, to enforce any remedies which Agent or Lenders then have against Borrowers and to require any other guarantor to contribute to the amount paid by Guarantor in connection with this Guaranty (including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, whether contractual, under Section 509 of the Bankruptcy Code, other similar insolvency laws or arrangements, or otherwise); (ii) all rights that Guarantor may have to the benefit of any security for the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations or the performance by any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) all rights of reimbursement from Borrowers for the amounts paid by Guarantor in connection with the Guaranteed Obligations (including costs and expenses); (iv) any right to compel a Borrower or any other guarantor to perform the Guaranteed Obligations when due; or (v) all rights of indemnification from Borrowers, any other guarantor or any other third party. Guarantor irrevocably waives and releases Borrowers from all “claims” (as defined in Section 101(4) of the Bankruptcy Code) to which Guarantor is or would be entitled by virtue of this Guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations or the payment of all or a portion of the Guaranteed Obligations by Guarantor pursuant to this Guaranty.

The provisions of this Section 8 shall remain in full force and effect and Guarantor shall not exercise any of the rights set forth in this Section 8 until all of the Loan Documents have been terminated or expired by their terms and Full Payment has been made of all Guaranteed Obligations.

9. Subordination of Debt. Guarantor acknowledges that any and all present and future Debt of any Borrower owing to Guarantor is subordinated pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Intercompany Subordination Agreement (as defined in the Loan Agreement) until: (i) Full Payment of the Obligations, and (ii) all of the Loan Documents are no longer in effect.

 

4


10. Default. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default under the Loan Agreement which is not timely cured during any applicable cure period, Agent may, without notice to Borrowers or Guarantor, declare any or all of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether or not then due, immediately due and payable by Guarantor under this Guaranty, and Agent shall be entitled to enforce the obligations of Guarantor hereunder.

11. Miscellaneous.

11.1 Revival of Debt. Notwithstanding any revocation of this Guaranty, Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty shall include (and shall be increased by) the amount returned by Agent or Lenders which was previously paid by Borrowers or any other guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations prior to the effectiveness of such revocation because of the application of the Bankruptcy Code, any fraudulent transfer law, or any law respecting preferences.

11.2 Effect of Compliance. Guarantor’s compliance with any of the provisions of this Guaranty will not reduce or affect in any manner the liability of Guarantor under any of the other provisions of this Guaranty.

11.3 No Marshalling. Agent and Lenders have no obligation to marshall any assets in favor of Guarantor, or against or in payment of: (i) any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or (ii) any other obligation owed to Agent or Lenders by Guarantor, Borrowers, or any other Person.

11.4 Fees and Costs. In the event of any dispute between Guarantor and Agent under this Guaranty, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all of its reasonable documented fees and reasonable documented out-of-pocket costs incurred in enforcing this Guaranty, including its reasonable documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees (including without limitation any reasonable documented out-of-pocket attorneys fees’ incurred in connection with any probate claim, bankruptcy claim, and complaint for relief from any stay under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise).

11.5 Assignment. Guarantor may not assign Guarantor’s obligations or liabilities under this Guaranty. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Guaranty shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Agent and Lenders may assign their rights under this Guaranty.

11.6 Applicable Law; Consent to Forum. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WILL APPLY TO THE INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS GUARANTY (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT SITTING IN OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, IN ANY PROCEEDING OR DISPUTE RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS GUARANTY, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING SUCH COURT’S PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY

 

5


HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14.3.1 OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT. Nothing herein shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any Guarantor in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law. Nothing in this Guaranty shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction.

11.7 Integration. This Guaranty is the entire agreement of Guarantor with respect to the subject matter of this Guaranty and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

11.8 Rights Cumulative. All of Agent and Lenders’ rights under this Guaranty are cumulative. The exercise of any one right does not exclude the exercise of any other right given in this Guaranty or any other right of Agent or Lenders not set forth in this Guaranty.

11.9 Rules of Construction. Section 1.4 of the Loan Agreement will apply hereto.

11.10 Severability. If any provision of this Guaranty is unenforceable, or otherwise invalid, the remaining provisions of this Guaranty shall be enforced to the fullest possible extent.

11.11 Notices. Any notice given in connection with this Guaranty shall be in writing addressed to the respective party at its address set forth below its signature on the signature pages of this Guaranty and may be personally served, telecopied or sent by overnight courier service or United States certified mail, postage prepaid; provided, however, that any notice of revocation of this Guaranty may only be sent by United States certified mail, postage prepaid. Notices shall be deemed to have been given: (a) if delivered in person, when delivered; (b) if delivered by telecopy, on the date of transmission if confirmed and if transmitted on a Business Day before 4:00 p.m. (Los Angeles time) or, if not, on the next succeeding Business Day; (c) if delivered by overnight courier, two days after delivery to such courier properly addressed; or (d) if by United States certified mail, five Business Days after depositing in the United States mail, with postage prepaid and properly addressed. The address for notices may be changes by delivering written notice of such change in accordance with this Section.

11.12 Headings; Number; Gender. Section headings used in this Guaranty are for convenience only. They are not a part of this Guaranty and shall not be used in construing this Guaranty. Wherever appropriate in this Guaranty, the singular shall be deemed to also refer to the plural, and the plural to the singular.

11.13 Review of Documents. Guarantor has been presented with, and has had reasonable opportunity to review, each and every Loan Document.

11.14 Counterparts. This Guaranty may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed one and the same agreement. Delivery of a signature page by telecopy or other electronic means shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of such agreement.

 

6


12. Acknowledgment of Waivers and Loss of Defenses.

12.1 Guarantor acknowledges that certain provisions of this Guaranty operate as waivers of rights that Guarantor would otherwise have under Applicable Law. Other provisions permit Agent to take actions that Agent would otherwise not have a right to take, to fail to take actions that Agent would otherwise have an obligation to take, or to take actions that may prejudice Guarantor’s rights and obligations under this Guaranty and against the Borrowers. In the absence of these provisions Guarantor might have defenses against Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty. These defenses might permit Guarantor to avoid some or all of Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty.

12.2 Guarantor intends by the waivers and other provisions of this Guaranty, including the acknowledgement set forth in this Section, to be liable to the greatest extent permitted by law for all of the Guaranteed Obligations. Guarantor intends to have this liability even if the terms of the Loan Documents change or if Guarantor does not have any rights against Borrowers.

13. Judicial Reference Provision. With the exception of the items specified below, any controversy, dispute or claim between the parties relating to this Agreement or any other document, instrument or transaction between the parties (each, a Claim), will be resolved by a reference proceeding in California pursuant to Sections 638 et seq. of the California Code of Civil Procedure (“CCP”), or their successor sections, which shall constitute the exclusive remedy for the resolution of any Claim, including whether the Claim is subject to reference. Venue for the reference will be subject to Section 11.6 above. The following matters shall not be subject to reference: (i) nonjudicial foreclosure of any security interests in real or personal property, (ii) exercise of self-help remedies (including without limitation set-off), (iii) appointment of a receiver, and (iv) temporary, provisional or ancillary remedies (including without limitation writs of attachment, writs of possession, temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions). The exercise of, or opposition to, any of the above does not waive the right to a reference hereunder.

The referee shall be selected by agreement of the parties. If the parties do not agree, upon request of any party a referee shall be selected by the Presiding Judge of the Court. The referee shall determine all issues in accordance with existing case law and statutory law of the State of California, including without limitation the rules of evidence applicable to proceedings at law. The referee is empowered to enter equitable and legal relief, and rule on any motion which would be authorized in a court proceeding, including without limitation motions for summary judgment or summary adjudication. The referee shall issue a decision, and pursuant to CCP §644 the referee’s decision shall be entered by the Court as a judgment or order in the same manner as if tried by the Court. The final judgment or order from any decision or order entered by the referee shall be fully appealable as provided by law. The parties reserve the right to findings of fact, conclusions of law, a written statement of decision, and the right to move for a new trial or a different judgment, which new trial if granted, will be a reference hereunder. AFTER CONSULTING (OR HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF ITS CHOICE, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS RESOLVED UNDER THIS REFERENCE PROVISION WILL BE DECIDED BY A REFEREE AND NOT A JURY.

[Signature page(s) to follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed this Guaranty as of the date first above written.

 

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.,
a Nevada corporation
By:   /s/ Pat Roney
  Pat Roney
  President
Address:  


937 Tahoe Boulevard

Incline Village, NV 89451

Attn: Pat Roney

Cc: Eric Miller

Continuing Guaranty – VWE Nevada


Agent hereby accepts this Guaranty as of the date first above written.

 

BANK OF THE WEST

By:

 

/s/ Eric Andersen

Name:

 

Eric Andersen

Title:

 

Vice President

Address:

 


300 S. Grand Ave, 12th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Attn: Eric Andersen

Telecopy:

Continuing Guaranty – VWE Nevada

Exhibit 16.1

June 11, 2021

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Commissioners:

We have read Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.’s (formerly Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp.) statements included under Item 4.01(a) of its Form 8-K filed on June 11, 2021 and we agree with such statements concerning our firm.

/s/ RSM US LLP

Exhibit 21.1

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.., a California corporation

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

 

 

 


VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

     March 31,
2021
    June 30,
2020
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash

   $ 456,000     $ 1,750,500  

Accounts receivable, net

     11,111,300       10,197,800  

Related party receivables

     2,362,400       1,080,800  

Other receivables

     11,925,800       9,588,300  

Inventories

     212,120,000       206,457,500  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     11,554,900       4,423,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     249,530,400       233,498,000  

Property, plant, and equipment, net

     185,113,900       162,172,500  

Goodwill

     87,122,900       87,122,900  

Intangible assets, net

     26,035,200       26,110,200  

Other assets

     884,200       2,783,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 548,686,600     $ 511,686,600  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE STOCK AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities

    

Line of credit

   $ 169,629,800     $ 162,544,500  

Accounts payable

     25,552,200       15,124,800  

Accrued liabilities and other payables

     29,432,100       13,325,500  

Related party liabilities

     15,423,900       12,214,900  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     15,423,400       16,298,400  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     255,461,400       219,508,100  

Other long-term liabilities

     912,500       1,057,000  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     137,602,700       143,039,000  

Interest rate swap liabilities

     11,731,000       19,943,200  

Deferred tax liability

     5,686,700       5,686,700  

Deferred gain

     12,334,700       13,334,800  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     423,729,000       402,568,800  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11 and 13)

    

Series A redeemable stock, no par value;

     54,258,100       37,792,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

10,000,000 and 6,799,424 shares authorized, and issued and outstanding, respectively.

    

Series B redeemable stock, no par value;

     47,474,600       42,714,900  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

10,000,000 and 1,588,956 shares authorized, and issued and outstanding, respectively.

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

     1,653,100       1,381,700  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

    

Series A stock, no par value, 10,000,000 and 872,931 shares authorized, and issued and outstanding, respectively.

     2,363,500       2,363,500  

Additional paid-in capital

     10,670,000       10,068,900  

Retained earnings

     8,885,300       15,191,300  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     21,918,800       27,623,700  

Noncontrolling interests

     (347,000     (394,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     21,571,800       27,229,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable stock and noncontrolling interest, and stockholders’ equity

   $ 548,686,600     $ 511,686,600  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements

 

F-2


VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
     Nine months ended
March 31,
 
     2021      2020      2021      2020  

NET REVENUES

           

Wine and spirits

   $ 37,238,400      $ 38,464,600      $ 132,085,500      $ 122,279,700  

Nonwine

     9,658,800        7,122,100        31,623,400        25,939,700  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     46,897,200        45,586,700        163,708,900        148,219,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

COST OF REVENUES

           

Wine and spirits

     23,561,500        23,568,200        82,179,900        78,404,300  

Nonwine

     5,094,800        4,361,500        17,287,600        15,066,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     28,656,300        27,929,700        99,467,500        93,470,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

     18,240,900        17,657,000        64,241,400        54,749,100  

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     18,378,900        15,173,400        50,932,400        50,674,700  

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets

     (321,700      115,500        (1,998,600      109,500  

Gain on litigation proceeds

     -          -          (4,750,000      -    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     183,700        2,368,100        20,057,600        3,964,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

           

Interest expense

     (3,841,500      (4,255,200      (9,173,200      (13,092,700

Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreements

     5,589,400        (10,935,100      8,212,200        (11,115,000

Other, net

     327,200        149,300        683,600        490,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE, NET

     2,075,100        (15,041,000      (277,400      (23,716,900
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     2,258,800        (12,672,900      19,780,200        (19,752,000

INCOME TAX BENEFIT (PROVISION)

     (1,633,100      5,611,200        (4,517,000      8,029,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

     625,700        (7,061,700      15,263,200        (11,722,200

Net loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

     (52,900      (6,600      (343,500      34,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC.

     572,800        (7,068,300      14,919,700        (11,687,800

Accretion on redeemable Series B stock

     1,446,200        1,237,700        4,759,700        3,740,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ALLOCABLE TO SERIES A STOCKHOLDERS

   $ (873,400    $ (8,306,000    $ 10,160,000      $ (15,428,100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) per share allocable to Series A stockholders

           

Basic

   $ (0.11    $ (1.08    $ 1.10      $ (2.01

Diluted

   $ (0.11    $ (1.08    $ 1.07      $ (2.01

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of earnings (loss) per share allocable to Series A stockholders

           

Basic

     7,672,355        7,672,355        7,672,355        7,672,355  

Diluted

     7,672,355        7,672,355        8,047,086        7,672,355  
  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements

 

F-3


VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE SERIES A STOCK, SERIES B STOCK AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

     Redeemable      Non-Controlling
Interest
                   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
    Non-Controlling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’

Equity
 
     Series A Stock      Series B Stock      Series A Stock  
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount             Shares      Amount                            

Three months ended March 31, 2021

                                

Balance, December 31, 2020

     6,799,424      $ 45,735,000        1,588,956      $ 46,028,400      $ 1,661,300        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 10,526,900      $ 18,281,800     $ (408,100)     $ 30,764,100  

Accretion on redeemable stock

     —          8,523,100        —          1,446,200        —          —          —          —          (9,969,300     —         (9,969,300

Stock-based compensation expense

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          143,100        —         —         143,100  

Net income (loss)

     —          —          —          —          (8,200      —          —          —          572,800       61,100       633,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2021

     6,799,424      $ 54,258,100        1,588,956      $ 47,474,600      $ 1,653,100        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 10,670,000      $ 8,885,300     $ (347,000)     $ 21,571,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2020

                                

Balance, December 31, 2019

     6,799,424      $ 33,560,100        1,588,956      $ 40,239,500      $ 1,247,800        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 10,063,000      $ 27,020,500     $ (342,900)     $ 39,104,100  

Accretion on redeemable stock

     —          2,024,200        —          1,237,700        —          —          —          —          (3,261,900     —         (3,261,900

Stock-based compensation expense

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          122,100        —         —         122,100  

Net income (loss)

     —          —          —          —          (2,100      —          —          —          (7,068,300     8,700       (7,059,600
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2020

     6,799,424      $ 35,584,300        1,588,956      $ 41,477,200      $ 1,245,700        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 10,185,100      $ 16,690,300     $ (334,200)     $ 28,904,700  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nine months ended March 31, 2021

                                

Balance, June 30, 2020

     6,799,424      $ 37,792,100        1,588,956      $ 42,714,900      $ 1,381,700        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 10,068,900      $ 15,191,300     $ (394,600)     $ 27,229,100  

Accretion on redeemable stock

     —          16,466,000        —          4,759,700        —          —          —          —          (21,225,700     —         (21,225,700

Stock-based compensation expense

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          601,100        —         —         601,100  

Disposal of noncontrolling interest

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —         (24,500     (24,500

Net income

     —          —          —          —          271,400        —          —          —          14,919,700       72,100       14,991,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2021

     6,799,424      $ 54,258,100        1,588,956      $ 47,474,600      $ 1,653,100        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 10,670,000      $ 8,885,300     $ (347,000   $ 21,571,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nine months ended March 31, 2020

                                

Balance, June 30, 2019

     6,799,424      $ 29,968,000        1,588,956      $ 37,736,900      $ 1,256,800        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 9,779,600      $ 37,734,700     $ (310,900   $ 49,566,900  

Accretion on redeemable stock

     —          5,616,300        —          3,740,300        —          —          —          —          (9,356,600     —         (9,356,600

Stock-based compensation expense

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          405,500        —         —         405,500  

Net loss

     —          —          —          —          (11,100      —          —          —          (11,687,800     (23,300     (11,711,100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2020

     6,799,424      $ 35,584,300        1,588,956      $ 41,477,200      $ 1,245,700        872,931      $ 2,363,500      $ 10,185,100      $ 16,690,300     $ (334,200   $ 28,904,700  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements

 

F-4


VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended March 31,  
     2021     2020  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 15,263,200     $ (11,722,200

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     7,731,800       8,271,600  

Amortization of deferred loan fees and line of credit fees

     356,500       200,600  

Amortization of label design fees

     250,500       148,800  

Litigation proceeds

     (4,750,000     —    

Stock-based compensation expense

     601,100       405,500  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     87,200       45,000  

Impairment of inventory

     3,301,700       —    

Net unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swap agreements

     (8,212,200     11,115,000  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         147,400  

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets

     (998,500     875,500  

Deferred gain on sale leaseback

     (1,000,100     (766,000

Deferred rent

     375,600       375,600  

Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of effect of business combination):

    

Accounts receivable

     (1,000,700     (3,489,900

Related party receivables

     (2,037,900     (325,600

Other receivables

     (2,337,500     4,456,500  

Litigation receivable

     4,750,000       —    

Inventories

     (8,964,300     (24,495,100

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (5,829,200     (1,252,500

Other assets

     1,687,600       (946,800

Accounts payable

     616,200       3,557,200  

Accrued liabilities and other payables

     16,072,600       (9,726,400

Related party liabilities

     3,697,700       2,149,400  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     19,661,300       (20,976,400
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from disposition of assets

     1,064,000       32,001,600  

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

     (30,688,200     (11,742,800

Label design expenditures

     (375,100     (410,500

Proceeds on related party notes receivable

     756,300       —    

Acquisition of business

     —         (15,131,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (29,243,000     4,717,300  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Principal payments on line of credit

     (25,195,400     (156,186,000

Proceeds from line of credit

     32,280,700       174,906,600  

Outstanding checks in excess of cash

     9,276,600       944,000  

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (15,234,000     (155,636,400

Proceeds from long-term debt

     8,902,000       158,451,200  

Principal payments on related party note

     (488,700     —    

Deferred offering costs

     (768,000     —    

Debt issuance costs

     —         (1,206,400

Payments on acquisition payable

     (486,000     (791,500
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     8,287,200       20,481,500  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH

     (1,294,500     4,222,400  

CASH, beginning of period

     1,750,500       2,775,600  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH, end of period

   $ 456,000     $ 6,998,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH-FLOW INFORMATION             

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 9,230,200     $ 10,387,200  

Income taxes

   $ 24,800     $ 27,700  

Noncash investing and financing activities:

    

Accretion of redemption value of Series B redeemable cumulative stock

   $ 4,759,700     $ 3,740,300  

Accretion of redemption value of Series A redeemable stock

   $ 16,466,000     $ 5,616,300  

Contingent consideration in business combinations

   $ —       $ 1,000,000  

Deferred offering costs in accounts payable

   $ 534,600     $ —    

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements

 

F-5


VINTAGE WINE ESTATES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Description of Operations—Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. (the Company, we, or our), a California C-Corporation, owns and operates winery and hospitality facilities in Northern California, Washington and Oregon. The Company produces a variety of wines under its own or custom labels, which are sold to consumers, retailers, and distributors located throughout the United States, Canada, and other export markets. The Company also provides bottling, fulfillment, and storage services to other companies on a contract basis.

The Company has wholly owned subsidiaries that include Girard Winery LLC, Mildara Blass, Inc., Grove Acquisition LLC, Sales Pros LLC, and Master Class Marketing LLC, and majority controlling financial interests in Grounded Wine Project LLC (sold on October 31, 2020. See Note 2), Sabotage Wine Company, LLC, and Splinter Group Napa, LLC.

In February 2021, the Company entered into a definitive agreement, as amended on April 19, 2021, with Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp (“BCAC”), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition corporation, whereby the Company merged with BCAC upon approval of BCAC shareholders on May 28,2021 and became a publicly traded company effective June 7, 2021. The combined company is named Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. (“New VWE Holdco”) and incorporated in the state of Nevada. The merger was approved by both boards, and all key shareholders of the Company have approved the merger. The completion of the merger is not subject to any financing or minimum cash requirement. Prior to the signing of the definitive agreement, on the same day, an outside party (“Wasatch”) acquired a $28,000,000 ownership interest in the Company from two of the Company’s stockholders. Upon the effective time of the merger, each share of Company capital stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (other than VWE dissenting shares and excluded shares) were converted into the right to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration less the Per Share Adjustment Escrow Deposit; and a contingent right to receive, if and when payable, the Per Share Adjustment Escrow Release and, other than in the case of Wasatch, the Per Share Earnout Shares, as defined in the agreement. No fractional shares of New VWE Holdco common stock were issued in connection with the merger and instead, any such fractional share that would otherwise result were rounded down to the nearest whole share.

Contingent upon the merger with BCAC, each outstanding option to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time, whether vested or unvested, was cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of the deemed fair value per share of the Company Class A stock represented by the per share merger consideration over the exercise price of such option multiplied by the number of shares of Company stock subject to such option (without interest and subject to any required withholding tax). On June 10, 2021, the Company paid $7,943,431 for the settlement and cancellation of these shares. If the exercise price of any outstanding option is equal to or greater than the per share merger consideration, such option was cancelled without any cash payment being made.

Additionally, pursuant to the transaction agreement, the Company repurchased for cancellation, 1,011,445 shares of the Company’s Series B redeemable stock (See Note 8) from an outside party at a value equal to $32,000,000 at a price per share equal to the per share merger consideration (as determined as set forth in the transaction agreement). Such repurchase was deemed effective immediately prior to the closing of the transactions and is conditioned upon, among other things, the occurrence of the closing of the transactions. Payment of the remaining cash amount was made by BCAC on behalf of the Company substantially contemporaneously with the closing of the transactions.

 

F-6


Financial Statement Preparation—The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items or items discussed herein) that management believes necessary to fairly state results of our interim operations, should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (including the Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements) included in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020, (the “2020 Report”). Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results of operations. The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2020, was extracted from the audited annual consolidated financial statements and does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates form the basis for judgments the Company makes about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge about current events and expectations about actions the Company may undertake in the future. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, depletion allowance, allowance for doubtful accounts, the net realizable value of inventory, expected future cash flows including growth rates, discount rates, and other assumptions and estimates used to evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets, estimated fair values of intangible assets in acquisitions, intangible assets and goodwill for impairment, amortization methods and periods, amortization period of label and package design costs, the estimated fair value of long-term debt, the valuation of interest rate swaps, contingent consideration, common stock, stock-based compensation, and accounting for income taxes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Significant Accounting Policies – Except as described below under Recent Accounting Pronouncements, there were no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the nine months ended March 31, 2021.

Inventories—Inventories of bulk and bottled wines and spirits and inventories of non-wine products and bottling and packaging supplies are valued at the lower of cost using the First in, First out (“FIFO”) method or net realizable value. Costs associated with winemaking, and other costs associated with the manufacturing of products for resale, are recorded as inventory. Net realizable value is the value of an asset that can be realized upon the sale of the asset, less a reasonable estimate of the costs associated with either the eventual sale or the disposal of the asset in question. Inventories are classified as current assets in accordance with recognized industry practice, although most wines and spirits are aged for periods longer than one year.

Business Combinations—Business combinations are accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations using the acquisition method of accounting under which all acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and assumed liabilities and applicable noncontrolling interests are recognized at fair value as of the respective acquisition date, while the costs associated with the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred. The Company performs a screen to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The adoption was applied prospectively to any business development transaction.

The allocation of purchase consideration requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. These estimates can include, but are not limited to, a market participant’s expectation of future cash flows from acquired customers, acquired trade names, useful lives of acquired assets, and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ

 

F-7


from such estimates. During the measurement period, which is generally no longer than one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in operations.

Contingent consideration liabilities—Contingent consideration liabilities are recorded at fair value when incurred in a business combination. The fair value of these estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations of actions the Company may undertake in the future. These estimated liabilities are re-measured at each reporting date with the change in fair value recognized in operations expense in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are classified as an adjustment to cash flows from operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows because the change in fair value is an input in determining net loss. Cash paid in settlement of contingent consideration liabilities are classified as cash flows from financing activities up to the acquisition date fair value with any excess classified as cash flows from operating activities.

Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities associated with the acquisition of a business can result from updates to assumptions such as the expected timing or probability of achieving customer related performance targets, specified sales milestones, changes in unresolved claims, projected revenue or changes in discount rates. Significant judgment is used in determining those assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent reporting period. Therefore, any changes in the fair value will impact the Company’s results of operations in such reporting period, thereby resulting in potential variability in the Company’s operating results until such contingencies are resolved.

Deferred financing costs—Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in connection with obtaining new term loans are amortized over the term of the arrangement and recognized as a direct reduction in the carrying amount of the related debt instruments. Amortization of deferred loan fees is included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Debt issuance expense recognized was $6,900 and $20,800, and $6,900 and $71,400 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were $0 and $926,000 of deferred financing costs capitalized for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and the year ended June 30, 2020, respectively. If existing financing is settled or replaced with debt instruments from the same lender that do not have substantially different terms, the new debt agreement is accounted for as a modification for the prior debt agreement and the unamortized costs remain capitalized, the new original issuance discount costs are capitalized, and any new third-party costs are charged to expense.

Line of credit fees—Costs incurred in connection with obtaining new debt financing specific to the line of credit are deferred and amortized over the life of the related financing. If such financing is settled or replaced prior to maturity with debt instruments that have substantially different terms, the settlement is treated as an extinguishment and the unamortized costs are charged to gain or loss on extinguishment of debt. Similar to the treatment of deferred financing costs, if existing financing is settled or replaced with debt instruments from the same lender that do not have substantially different terms, the new debt agreement is accounted for as a modification for the prior debt agreement and the unamortized costs remain capitalized, the new original issuance discount costs are capitalized, and any new third-party costs are charged to expense (see Note 9). Deferred line of credit fees are recorded as a component of other assets, and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. There were $0 and $280,400 of line of credit fees capitalized during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and the year ended June 30, 2020, respectively. Amortization expense related to line of credit fees were $111,800 and $335,700, and $0 and $129,200 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Deferred Offering Costs—Deferred offering costs, which consist of direct incremental legal, consulting, banking and accounting fees primarily relating to the Company’s contemplated merger with a publicly traded special purposes acquisition corporation whereby the Company will become a public company, are capitalized and will be offset against proceeds upon the consummation of the offering within stockholders’ equity. In the event an anticipated offering is terminated, deferred offering costs will be expensed. As of March 31, 2021, there are $1,302,200 of deferred offering costs within the prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of June 30, 2020, there were no capitalized deferred offering costs on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

F-8


Fair value measurements—The Company determines fair value based upon the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In arriving at fair value, the Company uses a hierarchy of inputs that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the carrying value of the current assets and liabilities and outstanding debt obligation under the Paycheck Protection Program approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term variable rate debt approximates carrying value, excluding the effect of unamortized debt discount, as they are based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value of all other fixed rate debt is indeterminable given the related party nature of the outstanding obligations. The Company’s contingent consideration and interest rate swap agreement are remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis as of each reporting date.

Interest rate swap agreements—GAAP require that an entity recognize all derivatives (including interest rate swaps) as either assets or liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and measure these instruments at fair value. The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements as a means of managing its interest rate exposure on its debt obligations. These agreements mitigate the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its variable rate obligations. The Company has not designated these agreements as cash-flow hedges. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of other income (expense). The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Sale-leaseback transaction—The Company accounts the sale and leaseback of vineyards under ASC 840, Sale-Leaseback Accounting of Real Estate. Given the Company was considered to retain more than a minor part but, less than substantially all, of the use of the property, a gain could be recognized to the extent it exceeded the present value of the leaseback payments. Any gain that is less than or equal to the present value of the leaseback payments is deferred and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the leaseback term. The gain is essentially recognized as a reduction to offset the future lease payment. The Company derecognizes the asset from its consolidated balance sheet at the sale closing.

Revenue recognition under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Under Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for its arrangements, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

F-9


The Company recognizes revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs when the product is shipped and title passes to the customer, and when control of the promised product or service is transferred to the customer. The Company’s standard terms are free on board (“FOB”) shipping point, with no customer acceptance provisions. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring products. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. The Company accounts for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill its promise to transfer the associated products. Accordingly, the Company records amounts billed for shipping and handling costs as a component of net sales and classifies such costs as a component of costs of sales. The Company’s products are generally not sold with a right of return unless the product is spoiled or damaged. Historically, returns have not been significant to the Company.

Revenue is generated from one of three reporting segments of the Company as described below.

Wholesale: The Company sells its wine to wholesale distributors under purchase orders. Wholesale operations generate revenue from product sold to distributors, who then sell the product to off-premise retail locations such as grocery stores, wine clubs, specialty and multi-national retail chains, as well as on-premise locations, such as restaurants and bars. On December 31, 2020, the Company entered into a marketing and distribution arrangement with a related party. Under the agreement, the related party pays the Company a commission for certain distribution sales. The Company transfers control and recognizes revenue for these orders upon shipment of the wine out of the Company’s own or third-party warehouse facilities. Payment terms to wholesale distributors typically range from 30 to 120 days. The Company pays depletion and marketing allowances to certain of its distributors based on sales to their customers or nets the allowance against the purchase price. When recording a sale to the distributor, a depletion and marketing allowance liability is recorded to accrued liabilities and sales are reported net of those expenses. Depletion and marketing allowance payments are made when completed incentive program payment requests are received from the customers or are net of initial pricing. Depletion and marketing allowance payments reduce the accrued liability. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded $493,800 and $1,197,300 and $689,100 and $2,250,600, respectively, as a reduction in revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations related to depletions and marketing allowance. As of March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a depletion allowance and marketing liability in the amount of $97,000 and $147,400, which is included as a component of other accrued expense in accrued liabilities and other payables on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Estimates are based on historical and projected experience for each type of program or customer.

Direct to Consumer: The Company sells its wine and other merchandise directly to consumers through wine club memberships, at wineries’ tasting rooms and through the Internet. Wine club membership sales are made under contracts with customers, which specify the quantity and timing of future wine shipments. Customer credit cards are charged in advance of wine shipments in accordance with each contract. The Company recognizes revenue for these contracts at the time control of the wine passes to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. Tasting room and internet wine sales are paid for at the time of sale. The Company transfers control and recognizes revenue for this wine when the product is either received by the customer (on-site tasting room sales) or upon the shipment to the customer (internet sales). Sales taxes are calculated based upon the customers location and are collected at the time of the sale and recorded in a sales tax liability account. Sales reporting requirements to the states are performed as required by the state and sales taxes are remitted to the government agencies when due.

Winery estates hold various public and private events for customers and their wine club members. Upfront consideration received from the sale of tickets or under private event contracts for future events is recorded as deferred revenue. The Company recognizes event revenue on the date the event is held.

Business-to-Business: The Company’s sales channel generates revenue primarily from the sale of private label wines and custom winemaking services. Annually, the Company works with its national retail partners to develop private label wines incremental to their wholesale channel businesses. Additionally, the Company

 

F-10


provides custom winemaking and production services. These services are made under contracts with customers, which includes specific protocols, pricing, and payment terms. The customer retains title and control of the wine during the production process. The Company recognizes revenue over time as the contract specific performance obligations are met. The Company provides storage services for wine inventory of various customers. The customer retains title and control of the inventory during the storage agreement. The Company recognizes revenue over time for storage services, and when the contract specific performance obligations are met.

Other: The Company’s other category include revenue from grape and bulk sales, storage services, and revenue under the Sales Pro LLC (“Sales Pro”) and MasterClass Marking LLC (“Master Class”) business line. Grape and bulk sales made under contracts with customers, which include product specification requirements, pricing and payment terms. Payment terms under grape contracts are generally structured around the timing of the harvest. The Company transfers control and recognizes revenue for grape sales when product specification has been met and title to the grapes has transferred, which is generally on the date the grapes are harvested, weighed and shipped. The Company transfers control and recognizes revenue for wine and spirits bulk contracts upon shipment. SalesPro and MasterClass revenue represents fees earned from off-premise tastings for third-party customers. These customers include other wine and beer brand owners and producers.

Disaggregation of revenue—The following tables summarize the revenue by region for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     March 31,
2021
     March 31,
2020
     March 31,
2021
     March 31,
2020
 

Geographic regions:

           

United States

   $ 45,929,300      $ 43,435,100      $ 159,829,900      $ 141,939,600  

Canada

     643,900        773,600        1,996,600        2,391,700  

Europe, Middle East, & Africa

     55,200        234,200        261,400        456,800  

Asia Pacific

     156,800        531,900        1,211,100        1,180,400  

Other

     112,000        611,900        409,900        2,250,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net revenue

   $ 46,897,200      $ 45,586,700      $ 163,708,900      $ 148,219,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides a disaggregation of revenue for the respective reporting period based on the pattern of revenue recognition:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     March 31,      March 31,      March 31,      March 31,  
     2021      2020      2021      2020  

Point in time

   $ 38,285,200      $ 39,453,200      $ 137,327,800      $ 127,772,200  

Over a period of time

     8,612,000        6,133,500        26,381,100        20,447,200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net revenue

   $ 46,897,200      $ 45,586,700      $ 163,708,900      $ 148,219,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides a disaggregation of revenue for the respective reporting period based on the customer concentration of revenue recognition:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     March 31,     March 31,     March 31,     March 31,  
   2021     2020     2021     2020  

Customer A

        

Revenue as a percent of total revenue

     41     37     40     33

Receivables as a percent of total receivables

     46     34     46     34

Customer B

        

Revenue as a percent of total revenue

     *       *       12     11

Customer C

        

Receivables as a percent of total receivables

     *       10     *       10

 

*

Customer revenue or receivables did not exceed 10% in the respective periods.

 

F-11


Revenue for the sales from Customer A are included in the Wholesale and Business-to-Business reporting segments, Customer B are included in the Business-to-Business reporting segment, and Customer C are included in the Wholesale reporting segment. See Note 16.

Income taxes—The Company adjusts its effective tax rate for each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate, consistent with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 270, “Interim Reporting,” and ASC 740-270,Income Taxes—Intra Period Tax Allocation.” Jurisdictions with a projected loss for the full year where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the calculation of the estimated annual effective tax rate.

The Company accounts for income taxes under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under FASB ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under FASB ASC 740, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. FASB ASC 740-10-05, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.

The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company assesses the validity of its conclusions regarding uncertain tax positions quarterly to determine if facts or circumstances have arisen that might cause it to change its judgment regarding the likelihood of a tax position’s sustainability under audit.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements—In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), which amends disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by requiring new disclosures, modifying existing arrangements, and eliminating others. The guidance is effective for the Company for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within such year. The Company’s adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted—In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”), which supersedes the guidance in ASC 840, Leases. The new standard, as amended by subsequent ASUs on Topic 842 and recent extensions issued by the FASB in response to COVID-19, requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases currently. Topic 842 will be effective for the Company for the annual financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2022 and for interim periods in the year starting July 1, 2022.

 

F-12


The Company has not yet determined the full effects of Topic 842, including the continued evaluation of potential embedded leases and finalizing its review of all facility leases, on its consolidated financial statements but does expect that it will result in a substantial increase in its long-term assets and liabilities and enhanced disclosures. Based on the Company’s initial assessment, it plans to use the modified retrospective approach and elect the package of transition practical expedients for expired or existing contracts, which retains prior conclusions reached on lease identification, classification, and initial direct costs incurred. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The adoption of this guidance will at least result in the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities in the Company’s vineyard leases with their weighted-average remaining lease term less than 10 years upon adoption.

In June 2016, as amended, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. It also eliminates the concept of other-than-temporary impairment and requires credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a reduction in the amortized cost basis of the securities. These changes will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. The guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, including interim periods within the fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact and timing of adopting ASU No. 2016-13 but does not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact owing to the Company having minimal history of credit losses.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU No. 2017-04 but does not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features; II. Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception (“ASU 2017-11”). Part I of this update addresses the complexity of accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features. Down round features are features of certain equity-linked instruments (or embedded features) that result in the strike price being reduced on the basis of the pricing of future equity offerings. Current accounting guidance creates cost and complexity for entities that issue financial instruments (such as warrants and convertible instruments) with down round features that require fair value measurement of the entire instrument or conversion option. Part II of this update addresses the difficulty of navigating Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, because of the existence of extensive pending content in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This pending content is the result of the indefinite deferral of accounting requirements about mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of certain nonpublic entities and certain mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests. The amendments in Part II of this update do not have an accounting effect. The amendments in Part I of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles— Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. Under existing U.S. GAAP, there is diversity in practice in accounting for the costs of implementing cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. The amendments in ASU No. 2018-15 amend the definition of a hosting arrangement and requires a customer in a hosting arrangement that

 

F-13


is a service contract to capitalize certain costs as if the arrangement were an internal-use software project. The guidance is effective for the Company for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact and timing of adopting ASU No. 2018-15.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in the updated guidance simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and improving consistent application of other areas of the topic by clarifying the guidance. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact and timing of adopting ASU No. 2019-12 and does not believe it will have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions to applying the guidance on contract modifications, hedge accounting, and other transactions, to simplify the accounting for transitioning from the London Interbank Offered Rate, and other interbank offered rates expected to be discontinued, to alternative reference rates. The guidance in this ASU was effective upon its issuance; if elected, it is to be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the potential adoption of this ASU will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for certain convertible instruments, amends the guidance on derivative scope exceptions for contracts in an entity’s own equity, and modifies the guidance on diluted earnings per share calculations as a result of these changes. The guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal years beginning July 1, 2024, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact and timing of adopting ASU 2020-06.

NOTE 2—BUSINESS COMBINATION AND DISPOSITION

Disposition:

Grounded Wine Project—On October 31, 2020, pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement, the Company sold to a former employee (“Purchaser”) its 51% membership interest in Grounded Wine Project, LLC (“GWP”), a consolidated subsidiary, in addition to certain wine and business assets. On October 31, 2020, the Company also entered into an interim services agreement for a duration of six months or permit issue date for Purchaser if earlier, whereby pursuant to the provisions of the purchase and sale agreement, the Company and Purchaser agreed that the Company will maintain its permits and continue to operate GWP, and that Purchaser provide certain services to the Company related to the operation of GWP, as set forth in this agreement. At closing, Purchaser paid the Company $1,000,000 and the remaining purchase price is paid by Purchaser as the wine assets are sold at wholesale or retail, with respect to wine assets that are cased goods, and/or transferred from the Company’s bond, with respect to wine assets that are bulk wine.

Business Combination:

Owen Roe Winery—In September 2019, the Company acquired assets, including inventory, land, winery equipment and brand trademarks from Owen Roe Winery for total consideration of $16,131,000. Consideration consisted of cash of $15,131,000 and contingent consideration of $1,000,000, whereby the Company will pay the seller a fixed fee based on sales of the wine brands acquired for four years following the close of the acquisition.

 

F-14


The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition:

 

Sources of financing

  

Cash

   $ 15,131,000  

Contingent consideration

     1,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Fair value of consideration

     16,131,000  
  

 

 

 

Assets acquired

  

Land

     1,845,000  

Vineyards

     1,465,000  

Buildings

     2,852,000  

Winery equipment

     2,250,000  

Inventories

     7,188,200  

Library wines contracts

     200,000  

Trademarks

     320,800  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     16,121,000  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill

   $ 10,000  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The acquisition of Owen Roe resulted in the recognition of $10,000 of goodwill. The Company believes this goodwill is attributable to its investment in synergies for expanding its brands in the wholesale market. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill will not be amortized but rather will be tested for impairment, at least annually. Key assumptions in valuing the trademarks include (1) a royalty rate of 2%, and (2) a discount rate of 28.0%.

The results of operations of Owen Roe for the period from the September 1, 2019 acquisition date forward are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition were approximately $61,300.

NOTE 3—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following tables summarize assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020:

 

     As of March 31, 2021
Fair Value Measurements
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Liabilities:

  

Contingent consideration liabilities

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,154,900      $ 1,154,900  

Interest rate swaps

     —          11,731,000        —          11,731,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ —        $ 11,731,000      $ 1,154,900      $ 12,885,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of June 30, 2020
Fair Value Measurements
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Liabilities:

  

Contingent consideration liabilities

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,640,900      $ 1,640,900  

Interest rate swaps

     —          19,943,200        —          19,943,200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ —        $ 19,943,200      $ 1,640,900      $ 21,584,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-15


The Company assesses the fair value of contingent consideration to be settled in cash related to acquisitions using probability weighted models for the various contractual earn-outs. These are Level 3 measurements. Significant unobservable inputs used in the estimated fair values of these contingent consideration liabilities include probabilities of achieving customer related performance targets, specified sales milestones, consulting milestones, and changes in unresolved claims, projected revenue or discount rates.

The fair value of interest rate swaps is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis that considers the expected future cash flows of each interest rate swap. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the interest rate swap, including the remaining period to maturity, and uses market-corroborated Level 2 inputs, including forward interest rate curves and implied interest rate volatilities. The fair value of an interest rate swap is estimated by discounting future fixed cash payments against the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are estimated based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from forward interest rate curves. The fair value of an interest rate swap also incorporates credit valuation adjustments to reflect the non-performance risk of the Company and the respective counterparty. See Note 6 for further discussion of interest rate swaps.

The following table provides a reconciliation of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2021:

 

Balance at June 30, 2020

   $ 1,640,900  

Acquisitions

     —    

Payments

     (486,000

Change in fair value

     —    
  

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2021

   $ 1,154,900  
  

 

 

 

The current and long-term portion of contingent consideration is included within the accrued liabilities and other payables and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

NOTE 4—BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS

INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020:

 

     March 31, 2021,      June 30, 2020  

Bulk wine and spirits

   $ 132,358,600      $ 124,944,300  

Bottled wine and spirits

     63,622,800        68,683,500  

Bottling and packaging supplies

     14,965,900        11,797,700  

Nonwine inventory

     1,172,700        1,032,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories

   $ 212,120,000      $ 206,457,500  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized an impairment of inventory approximating $3,301,700 associated with inventory damage cause by the 2020 Northern California fires. During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized an impairment of inventory of approximately $3,869,000 associated with inventory damage caused by recent Northern California wildfires. In December 2020, the Company entered into a settlement agreement for $4,750,000 in connection with the damaged inventory. Such losses were not covered by the Company’s existing insurance policy.

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

During the nine months ended March 31, 2020, the Company sold a vineyard for $32,000,000. In May 2020, the Company received an additional $3,168,800 from the buyer pursuant to the agreement related to an increase in plantable land. As part of the transaction, the Company disposed of long-lived assets, including land, vineyards, and winery equipment, with a net book value of $20,722,800. Simultaneously, with the close of the transaction, the Company entered into a lease with the purchaser for 10 years, with options to extend the lease for two

 

F-16


additional periods of ten years each. ears each. The Company’s sale of the land, vineyards, and winery equipment and immediate leaseback of the facility qualified for sale-leaseback accounting. The lease was evaluated and classified as an operating lease. Given the Company was considered to retain more than a minor part but less than substantially all of the use of the property and the gain on disposal of assets of $14,446,000 does not exceed the present value of the minimum lease payment over the lease term, the gain on disposal of assets of $14,446,000 will be deferred and recognized over the 10-year lease as a reduction of rent expense over the life of the lease. The Company recognized $333,400 and $1,000,100, and $333,400 and $766,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as a component of gain (loss) on disposition of assets within income from operations.

ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND OTHER PAYABLES

Accrued liabilities and other payables consisted of the following as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020:

 

     March 31,
2021
     June 30,
2020
 

Accrued purchases

   $ 15,705,700      $ 5,182,400  

Accrued employee compensation

     3,960,500        2,256,400  

Other accrued expenses

     6,865,700        2,308,500  

Non related party accrued interest expense

     727,200        1,441,900  

Contingent consideration, current portion

     625,200        966,700  

Unearned income

     1312,200        822,700  

Accrued trade commissions

     235,600        346,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued liabilities and other payables

   $ 29,432,100      $ 13,325,500  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 5—LINE OF CREDIT

In July 2019, the Company entered into a $350,000,000 loan and security agreement, as amended. This consists of an accounts receivable and inventory revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, a term loan in a principal amount of up to $100,000,000, and a capital expenditure facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50,000,000. Proceeds from the loan and security agreement paid down existing loans payable of $90,108,000, repaid the line of credit maturing in July 2019, of $156,186,000, (see Note 7). Borrowings under the loan and security agreement accrue interest on outstanding draws at LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75% and has a maturity date of July 2024. The effective interest rate was 2.70% at March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had approximately $20,000,000 available under the line of credit.

As of April 13, 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement to increase the credit facility from an aggregate of $350,000,000 to $480,000,000. See Note 16.

NOTE 6—INTEREST RATE SWAPS

The Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements in March 2020 with fixed notional amounts of $28,800,000 and $46,800,000, at a fixed rate of 0.775% and 0.709% respectively. The agreement calls for monthly interest payments, until termination in July 2026 and March 2025, respectively. The fair value of the $28,800,000 Swap Agreement was a liability of $189,500 and $817,200 at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively. The fair value of the $46,800,000 Swap Agreement was a liability of $277,500 and $1,089,100 at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively.

In July 2019, in connection with the Company’s new 2019 Loan and Security Agreement (see Note 7), the Company transferred an interest rate swap agreement with a fixed notional amount of $20,000,000 at a fixed rate of 2.99% dated June 2018, to its new lender. Shortly thereafter, the interest rate swap of $20,000,000 was

 

F-17


amended and restated in its entirety to increase the notional amount to $50,000,000 at a fixed rate of 2.34%. The agreement calls for monthly interest payments until termination in July 2026. The fair value of the swap Agreement was a liability of $3,511,800 and $5,955,900 at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company maintained two other pre-existing swap agreements as disclosed in The 2020 Report. The aggregate fair value of the two swap agreements was a liability of $7,752,200 and $12,081,000, at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively. As of April 12, 2021, one of the two pre-existing swap agreements was amended and restated in its entirety. See Note 16.

NOTE 7—LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020:

 

     March 31,
2021
     June 30,
2020
 

Secured subordinate convertible promissory note; payable in annual installments of $4,750,000 with interest at the prime rate (3.25% at March 31, 2021); matures in January 2022; secured by the assets of the Company; subordinated to the loan and security agreement

   $ 4,750,000      $ 9,500,000  

Unsecured promissory note; payable in annual installments of $875,000 with interest at the prime rate plus 1.00%; paid in full in January 2021; subordinated to line of credit

     —          875,000  

Note to a bank with interest at LIBOR (0.081%) at March 31, 2021 plus 1.75%; payable in quarterly installments of $1,179,800 principal with applicable interest; matures in September 2026; secured by specific assets of the Company

     92,865,900        96,460,600  

Capital expenditures borrowings, payable during draw periods in monthly interest payments at Alternate Base Rate (ABR) (3.25% at March 31, 2021) plus 0.75% with draw period expiring in July 2022

     17,403,500        16,174,300  

Capital expenditures borrowing, payable during draw periods in monthly interest payments at LIBOR plus 1.75% with draw period expiring in July 2022

     28,757,300        28,757,300  

Note to a bank with interest fixed at 3.6%, payable in monthly installments of $60,333 principal with applicable interest; matures in April 2023

     1,395,200        1,836,300  

Note to a bank with interest fixed at 2.75%, payable in monthly installments of $60,825 principal with applicable interest; matures in March 2024

     2,099,500        —    

Unsecured note to a bank, under the Paycheck Protection Program offered by the Small Business Administration, with an interest rate of 1.00%; matures in April 2022

     6,525,000        6,525,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     153,796,400        160,128,500  

Less current maturities

     (15,423,400      (16,298,400

Less unamortized deferred financing costs

     (770,300      (791,100
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 137,602,700      $ 143,039,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-18


Loan and Security Agreement

During the nine months ended March 31, 2020, the Company entered into a $350,000,000 loan and security agreement, as amended, consisting of an accounts receivable and inventory revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, a term loan in a principal amount of up to $100,000,000, and a capital expenditure facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50,000,000. Proceeds from the loan and security agreement paid down existing loans payable of $90,108,000, repaid the then outstanding line of credit maturing in July 2019 of $156,186,000, and paid loan fees of $312,000. Additionally, in connection with the new facility, the Company novated the Interest Rate Swap Agreement of $20,000,000 at a fixed rate of 2.99%. The novation created a new swap agreement while cancelling the original agreement. See Note 6.

A portion of the financing during the nine months ended March 31, 2020 was considered to be a modification of prior existing debt. Lender fees in an amount of $725,000 and third-party costs of $481,400 were recognized and treated either as a reduction in the carrying value of the debt (in respect of term loans and capital expenditure loans) or capitalized as other assets in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet (in respect of the revolving facility). These amounts recognized are being amortized over a period of five years in respect of the revolving facility and seven years in respect of the term loan and capital expenditure facility. In addition, as part of the debt modification, the Company recognized costs of $147,400

In July 2020, the Company entered into an amendment and waiver of the loan and security agreement that permitted the Company to borrow $6,525,000 under the Payment Protection Program, amended the covenants to allow for such borrowings, and waived any events of default that occurred under financial and non-financial covenants occurring under the loan and security agreement. On December 23, 2020, the Company entered into a further waiver and modification agreement under the loan and security agreement in respect of a non-financial covenant related to the completion of audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020. Additionally, on February 25, 2021, the Company entered into the fourth amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement to waive existing events of defaults and other terms.

In April 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement to increase the credit facility from an aggregate of $350,000,000 to $480,000,000. See Note 16.

Convertible Notes

On January 2, 2018, as purchase consideration in the acquisition of One True Vine, the Company issued a secured convertible promissory note to the seller (the “2018 Convertible Note”) for $19,000,000. The 2018 Convertible Note accrues interest at Prime, which is adjusted on each six month anniversary of the issuance date. Under the terms of the 2018 Convertible Note, the outstanding principal and accrued interest are subject to repayments either through the defined repayment schedule of four annual equal installments of principal and unpaid interest on the annual anniversary of the note, prepayments, or optional conversion to convert all or part of any regularly scheduled principal installment starting with the second principal installment or upon the occurrence of any liquidity event. Absent the election to convert upon the occurrence of a liquidity event, inclusive of change of control, as defined in the agreement, the entire then outstanding principal amount plus accrued interest would be required to be paid no later than five business days following the event. Conversion shall be effective as of the date upon which the liquidity event is consummated or the applicable payment date. The per share exercise price with respect to any conversion of all or part of the note shall be equal to the price per Series A share of the Company’s then most recent valuation determined for the purpose of the Company’s employee option pool. Upon the occurrence of any event of default, all accrued but unpaid interest and principal are due and payable, and incur an increase in the interest rate of four percent (4%) per annum calculated from the due date until payment in full. The obligation of the note is secured by the assets of the Company and is subordinate to the Company’s outstanding loan and security agreement.

 

F-19


Paycheck Protection Program

The Company’s $6,525,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan (the PPP Loan”, under Division A, Title I of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act on April 14,2020, requires monthly amortized principal and interest payments to begin six months after the date of disbursement. In October 2020, the deferral period associated with the monthly payments was extended from six to ten months. While the PPP Loan currently has a two-year maturity, the amended law permits the borrower to request a five-year maturity from its lender. The Company has not requested and extension of the loan at this time. Under the terms of the CARES Act, as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, the Company is eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness for all or a portion of the PPP Loan. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of loan proceeds for certain permissible purposes as set forth in the PPP, including, but not limited to, payroll costs (as defined under the PPP) and mortgage interest, rent or utility costs (collectively, “Qualifying Expenses”), and on the maintenance of employee and compensation levels during the twenty-four week period following the funding of the PPP Loan. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the PPP Loan for Qualifying Expenses. The Company has begun to file its application for forgiveness; however, no assurance is provided that the Company will be able to obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan, in whole or in part. Given the inability to conclude the forgiveness of all, or any portion of, the outstanding obligation is probable, the proceeds, and related accrued interest, have been accounted for as debt in accordance with ASC 740 – Debt.

Maturities of long-term debt for succeeding years are as follows:

 

Year Ending June 30,

      

2021 (remaining three months)

   $ 2,207,200  

2022

     23,006,800  

2023

     11,599,500  

2024

     10,898,500  

2025

     10,357,300  

Thereafter

     95,727,100  
  

 

 

 
   $ 153,796,400  
  

 

 

 

NOTE 8—REDEEMABLE STOCK AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Series A Redeemable Stock

The redemption amount of the Series A redeemable stock was $54,258,100 and $37,792,100 at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively.

January 2018 Tamarack Cellars Series A Redeemable Stock

The amount accreted as deemed dividends for the Series A shares were $1,193,900 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, the $2,625,000 carrying amount of the 130,338 Series A shares exceeded the redemption amount at the respective date; therefore, no accretion was required.

April 2018 Series A Redeemable Stock

The amounts accreted as deemed dividends for the Series A shares were $3,980,000 and $11,922,900, and $2,024,200 and $5,616,300 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

July 2018 Issuance of Series A Redeemable Stock

The amounts accreted as deemed dividends for the Series A shares were $3,349,200 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, the $8,290,000 carrying amount of the 397,239 Series A shares exceeded the redemption amount at the respective date; therefore, no accretion was required.

 

F-20


Series B Redeemable Stock

April 2018 Series B Redeemable Cumulative Series Stock

The amounts accreted as deemed dividends for the Series B stock were $1,446,200 and $4,759,700, and $1,237,700 and $3,740,300 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The redemption amount of the Series B redeemable stock was $47,474,600 and $42,714,900 at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively.

Total unpaid cumulative dividends on Series B stock as of March 31, 2021 approximate $4,950,100.

NOTE 9—STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the Company had reserved shares of Series A stock, on an as-if converted basis, for issuance as follows:

 

     March 31,
2021
     June 30,
2020
 

Options issued and outstanding

     816,868        900,352  

Options available for grant under stock option plans

     157,582        74,098  

Shares subject to term debt optional conversion into Series A stock

     676,072        995,721  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,650,522        1,970,171  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 10—STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

The following table provides information related to the stock option activity for the nine months ended March 31, 2021:

 

     Number
of Shares
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)
     Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding, at June 30, 2020

     900,352      $ 18.79        2.99        2,201,700  

Forfeited

     (83,484    $ 18.27        
  

 

 

          

Outstanding, at March 31, 2021

     816,868      $ 18.84        2.29        8,544,400  
  

 

 

          

Vested and expected to vest, at March 31, 2021

     761,274      $ 18.60        2.17        8,270,900  

Exercisable, at March 31, 2021

     428,376      $ 16.15        1.01        5,631,000  

As of March 31, 2021, there was approximately $1,349,100 of total unrecognized compensation cost, before income taxes, related to unvested stock options, to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3 years. The unrecognized compensation costs will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.

In August 2020, the Company modified the expiration date of 222,862 outstanding fully vested 2015 option grants to extend the expiration date by one year. The modification resulted in the Company recognizing $207,000 in incremental stock-based compensation in the period.

 

F-21


In January 2020, the Board of Directors approved the increase of options available for grant under the Company’s 2015 Stock Option plan by 75,000 options.

NOTE 11—RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND COMMITMENTS

The components of the related party receivables and related party liabilities are as follows:

 

     March 31,
2021
     June 30,
2020
 

Assets:

     

Accounts receivable

   $ 2,362,400      $ 324,500  

Notes receivable

     —          756,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total related party assets

   $ 2,362,400      $ 1,080,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 5,097,400      $ 1,674,200  

Accrued interest

     815,200        540,700  

Convertible notes

     9,511,300        10,000,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total related party liabilities

   $ 15.423,900      $ 12,214,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Related party activities and balances—The Company purchased $9,600 and $31,100, and $22,500 and $102,500 of grapes, bulk wine, and cased wine from related parties for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the Company owed related parties $0 and $25,300, respectively, related to grape purchases and other operating expenses reported in related party liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue earned from warehousing and fulfillment for related parties for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, totaled $166,300 and $715,400, and $418,700 and $879,700, respectively, with $737,400 and $324,500 included in accounts receivable for at March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively.

On December 31, 2020, the Company entered into a marketing and distribution arrangement with a related party. Under the agreement, the related party pays the Company a commission for certain distribution sales. The Company recognized $1,625,000 in revenue from the arrangement in the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2021, with $1,625,000 included in accounts receivable at March 31, 2021.

The Company provides management, billing and collection services to a related party under a management fee arrangement. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company charged this related party management fees of $114,500 and $388,100, and $114,500 and $314,500, respectively, for these services. As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the Company owed the related party $5,097,400 and $1,648,900, respectively, related to amounts collected on the related party’s behalf.

The Company has entered into a number of transactions with a related party covering services related to the storage and bottling of alcoholic beverages. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s revenue was of $28,900 and $49,600, and $222,800 and $895,500, respectively, to the related party.

Related party note receivable—The Company issued two notes receivables to an executive officer in 2015 totaling $670,000 with an interest rate of 4.00%. In 2018, the outstanding notes were amended to aggregate the full amount of the outstanding principal and accrued into a new $756,300 note. Interest no longer accrues on the amended note. As of each of the reporting periods presented, the Company anticipated demanding payment in the next 12 months and therefore, the note receivable has been classified as a current asset within other assets. On March 10, 2021, the outstanding related party note receivable was paid in full.

 

F-22


Related party notes payable—In January 2018, the Company issued convertible promissory notes of $9,000,000 and $1,000,000 to shareholders, of which the $1,000,000 note is an executive of the Company. The notes include interest at the prime rate plus 4.00%, which is effectively 7.25% as of March 31, 2021. The interim rate shall be adjusted on each six-month anniversary of the issuance date. The Company anticipates making payments on the promissory notes within the next 12 months, therefore the promissory notes are classified as current liabilities. The notes are subordinate to the outstanding bank debt associated with the Company’s outstanding loan and security agreement in all periods. Total interest expense to these related parties was $176,600 and $542,100, and $211,600 and $662,800 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. During the three and nine month period ended March 31, 2021, the Company paid accrued interest of $267,600 and $488,700 of principal against the then outstanding $10,000,000 related party notes. On May 31, 2021, the Company paid these notes in full. See Note 16.

The notes are subject to defined repayment terms by maturity, as well as allow for prepayments or the optional conversion of the outstanding note within the conversion period, defined as (i) thirty (30) days prior to maturity, (ii) thirty days following holders receipt of notice from the Company of its intend to prepay all or part of the outstanding balance or (iii) thirty days following any event of default or change in control. The notes are convertible into fully paid share of Series A stock of the Company, or its successor, assignee or transferee (the “Conversion Shares”) which the Company has agreed to create and issue promptly upon receipt of notice from the holder of its intent to convert the individual notes. The number of conversion shares into which the individual notes may be converted into is determined by dividing the lesser of (1) the principal amount and, at the holder’s option, accrued interest by the conversion price, defined as the price per share of any new shares of stock of the Company issued after the date of January 2, 2018 or (2) at $20.14. Upon the occurrence of any event of default, the holder may, rather than elect to convert, declare the entire unpaid principal and all accrued and unpaid interest immediately due and payable.

Since the initial issuance, the original $10,000,000 in 2018 Convertible Notes have been amended various times to extend the maturity date, including the most recent amendments dated January 31, 2021, which extend the maturity date to May 31, 2021. All other terms remained unchanged. Accordingly, the two 2018 convertible notes totaling $9,511,300 and $10,000,000 have been classified as current as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively.

In July 2019, the Company issued a short term secured promissory note of $15,000,000 to the same shareholder holding the $9,000,000 convertible promissory note. The note earned interest at a rate of 10% per annum, provided for the possibility of prepayment, and had a stated maturity of September 25, 2019, unless extended at the sole discretion of the lender. The Company paid the note in full on the maturity date plus accrued interest of $204,167.

Immediate Family Member Employment Agreements and Other Business Arrangements—The Company provides at will employment to several family members of officers or directors who provides various sales, marketing and administrative services to the Company. Payroll and other expenses to these related parties was $69,100 and $249,900 and $97,300 and $306,700 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The Company pays for sponsorship and marketing services and point of sale marketing materials to unincorporated businesses that are managed by immediate family members of an executive officer. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company paid $87,500 and $225,000, and $75,000 and $261,300, respectively, for such sponsorship, services and materials.

The Company is engaged in various operating lease arrangements with related parties.

 

F-23


Concourse Warehouse Lease—The Company leases 15,000 square feet (“sq. ft.”) of office space and 80,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space. Effective July 31, 2020, the lease was amended to extend the terms of the lease through September 30, 2027. The lease includes terms for automatic renewals of two additional five-year terms which shall apply upon expiration of the as-extended initial term on September 30, 2027. The lease includes escalating annual rent increases of three percent for the remainder of the term. Prior to September 2020, the facility was owned by and leased from Concourse, LLC, a related-party real estate leasing entity that is wholly owned by a shareholder of the Company. The Company has no direct ownership in Concourse. In September 2020, an independent party purchased the facility from Concourse and assumed the lease.

The lease expires in September 2027, and has minimum monthly lease payments of $102,800, with a fixed annual increase of 3%. The Company accounts for this lease as an operating lease. The Company recognized rent expense paid to Concourse, as a related party, of $0 and $241,300, and $387,900 and $1,084,300 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to this lease agreement.

Swanson Leases—The Company leased a property with production space and a tasting room under an operating lease with an entity that is wholly owned by a shareholder of the Company that expires in August 2030, with minimum monthly lease payments of $50,700, with index-related escalation provisions every 24 months subject to a 3.00% minimum. From inception through December 30, 2020, the terms of the lease included put and call options, whereby the Company could elect, at the Company’s discretion, or be required by the lessor at the lessor’s discretion, to purchase the leased property at the greater of the property’s fair market value or the amount the lessor paid for the property and improvements at the earliest of January 1, 2020, or upon other events, as defined in the agreement. The Company recognized rent expense of $163,600 and $516,600, and $189,900 and $539,300 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to this lease agreement. Effective December 31, 2020, the lease was amended to remove the put and call options from the lease terms. On May 5, 2021 the Company terminated the related party lease of the Swanson tasting room and production space when the property was sold to an independent third party. There were no fees associated with the lease termination and the Company received cash considerations from the related party landlord of $500,000. See Note 16.

ZR Waverly Lease—The Company leases tasting room space under an operating lease with an entity that is wholly owned by a shareholder of the Company that expires in May 2023, with minimum lease payments of $11,690. The terms of the lease include put and call options, whereby the Company can elect, at the Company’s discretion, or be required by the lessor at the lessor’s discretion, to purchase the leased property at the greater of the property’s fair market value or the amount the lessor paid for the property and improvements at the earliest of January 1, 2020 or upon other events, as defined in the agreement. The Company recognized rent expense, as a related party, of $0 and $65,800, and $42,300 and $121,300 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to this lease agreement. The Company purchased the property from ZR Waverly at the end of December 2020 for $1,500,000.

The Company has lease agreements for certain winery facilities, vineyards, corporate and administrative offices, tasting rooms, and equipment under long-term non-cancelable operating leases. The lease agreements have initial terms of two to fifteen years, with two leases having multiple 5-year or ten-year renewal terms and other leases having no or up to five-year renewal terms. The lease agreements expire ranging from December 31, 2021 through November 2031.

Future minimum lease payments under various related party and third party agreements are as follows:

 

Year Ending June 30,

   Related Parties      Third Parties      Total  

2021 (remaining three months)

   $ 54,400      $ 1,577,200      $ 1,631,600  

2022

     —          5,419,500        5,419,500  

2023

     —          5,239,400        5,239,400  

2024

     —          4,747,200        4,747,200  

2025

     —          3,851,200        3,851,200  

Thereafter

     —          17,392,100        17,392,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 54,400      $ 38,226,600      $ 38,281,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-24


Total rent expense, including amounts to related parties, was $2,175,000 and $5,730,500, and $1,764,200 and $5,014,400 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

OTHER COMMITMENTS:

Contracts exist with various growers and certain wineries to supply a significant portion of the Company’s future grape and wine requirements. Contract amounts are subject to change based upon actual vineyard yields, grape quality, and changes in grape prices. Estimated future minimum grape and bulk wine purchase commitments are as follows:

 

 

Year Ending June 30,

      

2021 (remaining three months)

   $ 5,956,800  

2022

     13,655,500  

2023

     5,710,100  
  

 

 

 
   $ 25,322,400  
  

 

 

 

Grape and bulk wine purchases under contracts totaled $11,540,300 and $30,399,000, and $7,541,600 and $33,665,400 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company expects to fulfill all the above purchase commitments.

Laetitia development agreement—In March 2019, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Laetitia Vineyards and Winery, the Company and the seller agreed to a post close development agreement, whereby the seller would have the right to develop and sell “up to” a maximum of six homesites located on the acquired property and the Company would be entitled to 25% of all net profits realized from the sale of such homesites. The right expires on March 15, 2022. The Company determined that this right represents an acquired financial asset, and that the fair value of this right as of the acquisition date was insignificant, due to cost, zoning, environmental and other related issues. Accordingly, the Company determined that there was an almost zero probability of this right being exercised. The Company deemed this a non-substantive option and attached a zero-fair value to it as of the acquisition date. In each subsequent reporting period, the Company will analyze this right to determine if subsequent changes in circumstances warrants its recognition in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The fair value at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020 is nominal.

Firesteed put-call agreement—In connection with the July 2017 acquisition of substantially all inventory and trademark assets of the Firesteed wine brand, the Company entered into a put and call agreement, whereby, beginning in May 2020 through December 2023, the Company can be required to purchase 200 acres of producing vineyard property at a purchase price equal to the greater of $6,100,000 or appraised fair market value. The Company also has a call option to purchase the vineyard beginning January 2023 through December 2023, at a purchase price equal to the greater of $6,100,000 or appraised fair market value. Accordingly, the put right would only have intrinsic value if there was a decrease in the value of the Vineyard under $6,100,000. At the acquisition date, the Company deemed it not probable that the fair value of the vineyard would decrease below the strike price of $6,100,000; therefore, the put right had an insignificant value. Each reporting period subsequent to its issuance, management reevaluates the put right to determine if a contingent liability pursuant to ASC 450- Contingencies should be recognized. At March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the Company has determined the put right had an immaterial value and therefore no liability has been recorded.

NOTE 12—INCOME TAXES

For the nine months and three months ended March 31, 2021, the effective tax rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to permanent items, which primarily consist of the Research and Development (“R&D”) Tax Credit. For the nine months and three months ended March 31, 2020, the effective tax rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to (i) state taxes (ii) permanent items, which primarily consist of the R&D Credit combined with the effect of incurring pre-tax book losses.

 

F-25


NOTE 13—CONTINGENCIES

General—The Company is subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Although management believes that any pending claims and lawsuits will not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations, the adjudication of such matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s assessment may change depending on future events.

Indemnification Agreements—In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnification of varying scope and terms to vendors, lessors, customers and other parties with respect to certain matters including, but not limited to, losses arising out of breach of such agreements or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. These indemnities include indemnities to the Company’s directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under applicable state laws. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is, in many cases, unlimited. Historically, the Company has not incurred any significant costs as a result of such indemnifications and are not currently aware of any indemnification claims.

Settlement—In December 2020, the Company entered into a confidential agreement to settle the smoke tainted inventory damage resulting from the October 2017 Napa and Sonoma County wildfires, receiving $4,750,000 to settle all existing and future claims and all other disputes with the collective defendants, excluding PG&E. The ultimate amount received was net of approximately $989,000 for legal and consulting fees incurred during the proceedings, the majority of which was incurred during the nine month period ended March 31, 2021, and recorded in general and administrative expense as incurred.

NOTE 14—SEGMENTS

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. When determining the reportable segments, the Company aggregated operating segments based on their similar economic and operating characteristics. Segment results are presented in the same manner as the Company presents its operations internally to make operating decisions and assess performance. The Company’s financial performance is reported in three segments, Wholesale, Direct to Consumer and Business to Business.

Following is financial information relating to the operating segments:

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021

   Wholesale      Direct to
Consumer
    Business to
Business
     Other/
Non-Allocable
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 21,091,800      $ 14,675,000     $ 11,026,100      $ 104,300     $ 46,897,200  

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 6,137,500      $ 1,985,800     $ 3,390,700      $ (11,330,300   $ 183,700  

For the three months ended March 31, 2020

   Wholesale      Direct to
Consumer
    Business to
Business
     Other/
Non-Allocable
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 23,455,900      $ 10,993,900     $ 10,937,400      $ 199,500     $ 45,586,700  

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 4,598,300      $ (64,200   $ 3,082,300      $ (5,248,300   $ 2,368,100  

 

F-26


For the nine months ended March 31, 2021

   Wholesale      Direct to
Consumer
     Business to
Business
     Other/
Non-Allocable
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 55,398,500      $ 48,650,400      $ 57,703,900      $ 1,956,100     $ 163,708,900  

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 14,760,200      $ 9,997,300      $ 18,051,800      $ (22,751,700   $ 20,057,600  

For the nine months ended March 31, 2020

   Wholesale      Direct to
Consumer
     Business to
Business
     Other/
Non-Allocable
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 61,964,000      $ 40,399,700      $ 41,032,700      $ 4,823,000     $ 148,219,400  

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 11,288,400      $ 4,106,200      $ 10,802,500      $ (22,232,200   $ 3,964,900  

There was no inter-segment activity for any of the given reporting period presented.

Excluding property, plant and equipment for wine tasting facilities allocated specifically to the Direct to Consumer reporting segment, based on the nature of the Company’s business, revenue generating assets are utilized across segments; therefore, the Company does not allocate assets to its reportable segment as they are not included in the review performed by the CODM for purposes of assessing segment performance and allocating resources. Depreciation expense recognized for assets included in the Direct to Consumer reporting segment was $360,200 and $1,068,700, and $287,700 and $905,900 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. All of the Company’s long-lived assets are located within the United States.

NOTE 15—NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ALLOCABLE TO SERIES A STOCKHOLDERS

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share (‘EPS”):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021     2020     2021      2020  

Net income (loss)

   $ 625,700     $ (7,061,700   $ 15,263,200      $ (11,722,200

Less: Series B dividends and accretion

     1,446,200       1,237,700       4,759,700        3,740,300  

Less: income (loss) allocable to noncontrolling interest

     52,900       6,600       343,500        (34,400
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Series A stockholders

   $ (873,400   $ (8,306,000   $ 10,160,000      $ (15,428,100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Numerator-Basic EPS

         

Net income (loss) attributable to Series A stockholders

   $ (873,400   $ (8,306,000   $ 10,160,000      $ (15,428,100

Less; net income allocated to participating securities (Series B)

     —         —         1,751,500        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) allocated to Series A stockholders

   $ (873,400   $ (8,306,000   $ 8,408,500      $ (15,428,100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Numerator-Diluted EPS

         

Net income (loss) allocated to Series A stockholders

   $ (873,400   $ (8,306,000   $ 8,408,500      $ (15,428,100

Add: net income attributable to convertible debt

     —         —         146,600        —    

Reallocation of income (loss) under the two-class method

     —         —         43,900        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) allocated to Series A stockholders for Diluted EPS

   $ (873,400   $ (8,306,000   $ 8,599,000      $ (15,428,100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator—Basic Series A shares

         

Weighted average Series A shares outstanding—Basic

     7,672,355       7,672,355       7,672,355        7,672,355  

Denominator—Diluted Series A shares

         

Effect of dilutive securities:

         

Stock options

     —           142,275        —    

Potential common shares—convertible debt

     —         —         232,456        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average Class A shares outstanding—Diluted

     7,672,355       7,672,355       8,047,086        7,672,355  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) per share—basic:

         

Series A shares

   $   (0.11)    $   (1.08)    $ 1.10      $ (2.01

Net earnings (loss) per share—diluted:

         

Series A shares

   $   (0.11)    $   (1.08)    $ 1.07      $ (2.01

 

F-27


The following securities have been excluded from the calculations of diluted net earnings (loss) per share allocable to common shareholders because including them would have been antidilutive are, as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021      2020      2021      2020  

Share subject to option to purchase Series A stock

     816,868        623,348        277,700        623,348  

Shares subject to notes payable optional conversion into Series A stock

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     816,868        623,348        277,700        623,348  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 16—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through June 11, 2021.

On April 12, 2021, the Company executed an agreement to amend and restate, in its entirety, the June 2018 interest rate swap with a fixed notional amount of $50,000,000, increasing the fixed notional amount to $75,000,000 at a fixed rate of 2.32%. The agreement, effective April 25, 2021, calls for monthly interest payments until the termination in June 2028.

As of April 13, 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement to increase the credit facility from an aggregate of $350,000,000 to $480,000,000, consisting of an accounts receivable and inventory revolving facility up to $230,000,000, a term loan in a principal amount of up to $100,000,000, a capital expenditures facility in an aggregate principal of up to $50,000,000, and a new delay draw term loan facility up to an aggregate of $100,000,000, which is limited to an aggregate of $55,000,000 until the closing of the merger transaction with BCAC. See Note 1. All other terms of the original agreement generally remain the same. Concurrent with the amendment, the Company executed a $29,250,000 delayed draw term loan. Proceeds from the new loan were used to pay down $10,800,000 and $12,100,000 of the existing term loan and outstanding line of credit, respectively, deposit cash of $4,800,000 into a restricted cash collateral account, and pay bank fees and third party expenses associated with the amendment.

On April 19, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity of Kunde Enterprise Inc. (“Kunde”) for total estimated consideration, including amounts to acquire the combined 33.3% ownership held by two of the Company stockholders, of which one is an executive officer of the Company (see Note 11), of approximately $60,000,000. Kunde produces and sells premium Sonoma Valley varietal wines via the wholesale channel as well as internationally and locally through its tasting room, wine club, and internet site. In addition, Kunde provides wine storage, processing, and bottling services for other wineries, including the Company. The operations of Kunde align with those of the Company, providing for expanded synergies and growth through the acquisition.

 

F-28


Prior to December 31, 2020, the wines were sold in the United States through a distribution agreement with a third party.    Effective December 31, 2020, the Company entered into an informal arrangement with Kunde to provide these services.

The $60,000,000 purchase consideration was comprised of approximately $19,158,200 of cash, approximately $11,668,000 of notes payable to the sellers, and the issuance of 906,345 shares of the Company’s Series A stock, with a preliminary estimated value of approximately $29,173,800. The notes payable issued to the sellers as purchase consideration have a stated interest rate of Prime plus 1.00%, compounded quarterly, and mature one year from the close of the transaction on April 19, 2021. To fund the cash portion of the purchase consideration, the Company utilized the increase in the line of credit and delay draw term loan under the amended and restated loan and security agreement.

The acquisition of Kunde closed near the date that the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements were available for issuance. Thus, the initial accounting for the business combination and required disclosures specific to the transaction are impracticable for the Company to provide. Specifically, the following accounting and disclosures could not be made:

 

   

amounts outstanding between the Company and Kunde for services provided or received under existing sales, marketing and management services agreements, and bottling and storage services at the date of acquisition;

 

   

transactions, if any, to be recognized separately from the acquisition of the Company,

 

   

acquisition-related costs and related accounting treatment;

 

   

the acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred, assets acquired, including intangible assets and liabilities assumed, and related valuation techniques to be used in the fair value measurement process;

 

   

the total amount of expected goodwill and related deductibility for tax purposes;

 

   

the existence and measurement of contingencies to be recognized at the acquisition date, if any; and

 

   

revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current and prior reporting periods.

The goodwill balance and operational results from the Kunde acquisition are expected to impact the Wholesale and Direct to Consumer reporting segments.

On May 5, 2021, the Swanson tasting room and production space leased by the Company from a related party under an operating lease (see Note 11) was sold to an independent third party. The Company elected to terminate the lease in accordance with the terms of the lease. There was no termination fee and the Company received cash considerations from the related party landlord in the amount of $500,000 to assist with the removal and relocation of the Company’s winery equipment. The Company vacated the facility on May 14, 2021, resulting in a release of future lease obligations totaling approximately $5,870,000.

On May 6, 2021, the holder of the outstanding secured convertible promissory note elected to convert the outstanding balance of $4,750,000 and, as a result of negotiations between parties, the accrued interest of $67,990, resulting in the issuance of 233,883 shares of Series A stock on June 7, 2021.

On May 31, 2021, the Company paid $9,511,300 in principal and $930,500 in accrued interest as payment in full of the convertible notes payable held by related parties.

On June 4, 2021, the BCAC board of directors considered and approved the Omnibus Incentive Plan, which became effective immediately subject to receipt of shareholder approval.

On June 4, 2021, the BCAC board of directors also approved the grant of options to purchase the Company’s common stock under the Omnibus Incentive Plan to Patrick Roney, Terry Wheatley, Jeff Nicholson and Kathy DeVillers, as follows: The grants were effective June 7, 2021. The number of shares underlying such options are: 860,560 for Mr. Roney; 505,968 for Mrs. Wheatley; 707,697 for Mr. Nicholson; and 658,076 for Ms. DeVillers. The options, which have an exercise price of $10.50 per share, will vest with respect to 25% of the total optioned shares 18 months after the grant date and with respect to 25% of the total optioned shares on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, but will become exercisable only (a) after shareholder approval of the Omnibus Incentive Plan and (b) to the extent the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common stock over a 30-consecutive-trading-day period following the grant date is at least $12.50.

On June 7, 2021, in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement to merge with BCAC (see Note 1), the Company placed the outstanding principal of approximately $6,525,000 into an escrow account. The Company has worked with its Small Business Administration lender and as of June 3, 2021 has filed the necessary paperwork with the Small Business Administration for forgiveness of the PPP Loan. Although we have filed for forgiveness of the loan, we have not yet received notification of forgiveness from the Small Business Administration. There can be no assurance that any portion of the PPP Loans will be forgiven, and we would not be required to repay the PPP Loan in full. Interest and principal payments under the PPP Loan will continue to be deferred until such time the amount of forgiveness is determined.                

 

F-29

Exhibit 99.2

VWE MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis provides information which VWE’s management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of VWE’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” in this Current Report on Form 8-K or in other parts of this Current Report on Form 8-K. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” to “VWE”, “we”, “us”, “our” and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Overview

VWE

VWE is a leading vintner in the United States, offering a collection of wines produced by award-winning, heritage wineries, popular lifestyle wines, innovative new wine brands, packaging concepts, as well as craft spirits. Since its founding over 20 years ago, VWE has grown organically through wine brand creation and through acquisitions to become the 15th largest wine producer based on cases of wine shipped in California. VWE has completed and integrated 20 acquisitions in the past 10 years, and completed 10 acquisitions in the past 5 years. VWE generally acquires the brands and inventories of a targeted business, eliminating redundant corporate overhead. VWE then integrates the acquired assets into its highly efficient production and distribution networks, quickly increasing the sales and margins of the acquired business.

VWE currently owns nine winery estates and leases three winery estates. VWE owns or controls over 900 acres of planted vineyards located in the premier winegrowing regions of the United States. These properties extend from the Central Coast of California to storied appellations in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, north to Oregon and Washington. VWE obtains fruit for its wines from owned and leased vineyards, as well as other sources.

VWE’s growth has allowed it to reinvest in its business and create the scale and infrastructure needed to successfully manage a variety of different wine brands and channels. VWE’s owned winery facilities have the current capacity to produce up to 7 million cases of wine per year. VWE is in the process of completing a $45 million investment into its Ray’s Station production facility, which, when completed, will have total plant capacity to bottle over 13.5 million cases annually and a 364,000 square foot warehouse and storage center. Additional bottling capacity is expected to be used for VWE’s products, including approximately 2 million cases which it currently bottles off-site, and is anticipated to allow VWE to further expand its bottling and fulfillment services offered to third parties on a contract basis. The additional capacity of the bottling facility may not initially be fully utilized but provides VWE with capacity consistent with its growth plans. VWE’s scale and consolidated operations is expected to enable it to increase margins of the businesses that it acquires, providing accretive value promptly after the acquisition. VWE intends to continue to grow the business organically and through acquisition, with a view towards making two to three acquisitions per year over the next five years.

In addition to VWE’s organic growth, VWE has grown, and expects to continue to grow, its business through acquisitions. These acquisitions have allowed VWE to increase its vineyard assets, enter into attractive new wine regions outside of California and expand its portfolio of brands.

VWE has historically targeted a significant increase in the target company’s EBITDA within three years of the acquisition. To achieve these results, VWE’s acquisitions are subject to a rigorous, data-driven, due diligence and underwriting process, to assure that minimum financial thresholds can be satisfied in each transaction. In accordance with GAAP, the results of the acquisitions VWE has completed are reflected in VWE’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. VWE typically incurs minimal transaction costs in connection with identifying and completing acquisitions and ongoing integration costs as it integrates acquired companies and seeks to achieve synergies.

 

1


VWE’s Segments

VWE reports its results of operations through the following segments: Wholesale, B2B (private label wines and custom winemaking services), DTC and Other. A description of VWE’s segments follows:

Wholesale

VWE’s wholesale segment represented approximately 45.0% and 33.8% of its consolidated net revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, respectively. VWE’s wholesale operations generate revenue from products sold to distributors, who then sell them to off-premise retail locations such as grocery stores, specialty and multi-national retail chains, as well as on-premise locations such as restaurants and bars.

VWE has longstanding relationships with its vast distribution network and marketing companies, including with industry leaders such as Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits, Republic National Distributing Company and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Through these relationships, VWE’s products are sold in all 50 states and in 37 countries outside the United States. In addition to its geographical reach, as of June 2021, VWE’s products are available for purchase at 33,605 off-premise locations, including leading national chains such as Costco, Kroger, Target, Albertsons and Total Wine & More, and 15,854 restaurants and bars, excluding, in each case, on- and off-premise locations resulting from the acquisition of the Kunde Family Winery in April 2021.

In addition to wine production and distribution, which is its core business, VWE is in the spirits business. VWE owns the brand No. 209 Gin and Splinter Group Spirits, whose brands consist of Straight Edge Bourbon Whiskey, Slaughterhouse American Whiskey, and Whip Saw Rye. VWE also teams with leading spirits manufacturers and distributors to develop products for their customers.

VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for these orders upon shipment of the wine out of VWE’s or a third-party’s warehouse facilities. Payment terms to wholesale distributors typically range from 30 to 120 days for certain distributors, VWE pays depletion and marketing allowances based on sales to their customers or nets the allowance against the purchase price on the invoice. When recording a sale to the distributor, a depletion and marketing allowance liability is recorded to accrued liabilities and sales are reported net of those expenses. Depletion and marketing allowance payments are made when completed incentive program payment requests are received from the customers or are net of initial pricing. Depletion and marketing allowance payments reduce the accrued liability. Estimates are based on historical and projected experience for each type of program or customer and have historically been in line with actual costs incurred.

Business-to-Business

VWE’s B2B segment represented approximately 23.5% and 35.3% of its consolidated net revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, respectively. VWE’s B2B sales segment generates revenue from the sale of private label wines and custom winemaking services.

VWE works with national retailers, including Costco, Albertson’s, Target and other major retailers, to provide private label wines incremental to their existing beverage alcohol business. Retailers earn higher margins on sales of their private label wines than on sales of third party wines. Consequently, retailers are increasingly offering more private label products in their stores. VWE expects retailers’ demand for private labels to continue to increase and believes that its private label business will continue to grow. VWE’s relationships with retailers frequently result in brand, label and product line extensions.

VWE’s custom winemaking services are governed by long-term contracts with other wine industry participants and include services such as fermentation, barrel aging, procurement of dry goods, bottling and cased goods storage. Additionally, VWE believes that its custom winemaking services business allows VWE to maximize its production assets’ throughput and efficiency and thus improves profit margins for VWE’s proprietary brands.

VWE also offers custom bottling services whereby customers can design and engrave wine bottles to their specifications. VWE believes that it is the only wine producer with the ability to do custom engraving on wine bottles. As a result, it is able to offer its services profitably at a lower price than competitors that need to outsource bottle engraving. In addition to its core private label customers, VWE has created custom bottles for weddings, major corporate events and other promotional opportunities.

 

2


VWE’s private label wines and customer winemaking services are provided pursuant to contracts with customers, which include specific protocols, pricing and payment terms. The customer retains title and control of the wine during the winemaking process. VWE recognizes revenue over time as the contract specific performance obligations are met. Additionally, VWE provides storage services for wine inventory of various customers. The customer retains title and control of the inventory during the storage agreement. VWE recognizes revenue over time for storage services, and when the contract specific performance obligations are met.

Direct-to-Consumer

VWE’s DTC segment represented approximately 31.3% and 29.7% of its consolidated net revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, respectively. VWE’s DTC segment generates revenue from sales made by VWE directly to the consumer. DTC sales have higher-profit margins than wholesale sales because DTC sales allow VWE to capture the profit margin that otherwise would go to VWE’s distribution partners on sales in the Wholesale segment. As a result, VWE’s profit margins in the DTC segment are significantly higher than in its other segments. VWE believes that its DTC business is one of the largest in the U.S. wine industry.

VWE’s DTC sales are made primarily through VWE’s tasting rooms, wine clubs and e-commerce. Wine club membership sales are made under contracts with customers, which specify the quantity and timing of future wine shipments. Customer credit cards are charged in advance of wine shipments in accordance with each contract. VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for these contracts at the time control of the wine passes to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. Tasting room and Internet wine sales are paid for at the time of sale. VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for this wine when the product is either received by the customer (on-site tasting room sales) or upon the shipment to the customer (e-commerce sales).

Other

VWE’s Other segment represented approximately 0.2% and 1.2% of its consolidated net revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, respectively. VWE’s Other segment generates revenue from grape and bulk sales, storage services and the Sales Pro and Master Class royalties.

Grape and bulk sales are made under contracts with customers that include product specification requirements, pricing and payment terms. Payment terms under grape contracts are generally structured around the timing of the harvest. VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for grape sales when product specification has been met and title to the grapes has transferred, which is generally on the date the grapes are harvested, weighed and shipped. VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for wine and spirits bulk contracts upon shipment. VWE provides storage services for wine inventory of various customers. VWE’s customer retains title and control of the inventory during the storage agreement. VWE recognizes revenue over time for storage services, and as the contract specific performance obligations are met.

VWE acquired Sales Pro and Master Class as part of the acquisition of the assets of Cameron Hughes Wine. Sales Pro and Master Class represented approximately 1.4% of VWE’s consolidated net revenues for fiscal year 2020. Sales Pro and Master Class is engaged in in-store wine tasting and promotion, which is not core to VWE’s business. On December 30, 2019, VWE entered into an asset purchase agreement with a current employee of VWE pursuant to which VWE agreed to sell the intellectual property and marketing materials of Sales Pro and Master Class in exchange for a royalty payment per case sold by the purchaser between January 1, 2020 and December 1, 2025. The effective date of the transfer of Sales Pro and Master Class was January 1, 2020. VWE did not receive any royalty payments on Sales Pro and Master Class sales for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, as in-store wine tasting and promotion did not occur during this period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

3


Recent Developments

Kunde Acquisition

VWE acquired the Kunde Family Winery in April 2021. The Kunde Family Winery, established in 1904, is an 1,800-acre sustainable vineyard and winery located on the largest contiguous private property in Sonoma Valley, California. The Kunde brand is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Zinfandel and is consistently recognized as one of the top ten brands in Sonoma. Kunde wines sell at its winery, and through wholesale, e-commerce and wine clubs at retail prices between $18.00 and $100.00 per bottle. Set forth below is summary unaudited financial data of Kunde for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020       

Net revenues

   $ 12,509,600  

Income from Operations

   $ 1,588,700  

Net income

   $ 1,400,100  

Total Assets

   $ 35,046,900  

Line of Credit

   $ 7,000,000  

Long-Term and Short-Term Indebtedness

   $ 6,080,000  

VWE acquired 100% of the outstanding equity of Kunde Enterprise Inc. (“Kunde”) for total estimated consideration, including amounts to acquire the combined 33.3% ownership held by two of VWE’s shareholders, one of which is VWE’s Chief Executive Officer, of approximately $60,000,000. The $60,000,000 purchase consideration was comprised of approximately $19,158,200 of cash, approximately $11,668,000 of notes payable to the sellers, and the issuance of 906,345 shares of VWE’s Series A stock, with a preliminary estimated value of approximately $29,173,800. The notes payable issued to the sellers as purchase consideration have a stated interest rate of Prime plus 1.00%, compounded quarterly, and mature on January 5, 2022. To fund the cash portion of the purchase consideration, VWE utilized an increase in its line of credit and delayed draw term loans under its credit facility, see “VWE’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussion of the amendment to VWE’s credit facility.

Business Combination and Public Company Costs

On February 3, 2021, Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. (“BCAC”), VWE Acquisition Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC (“merger sub”), VWE, Bespoke Sponsor Capital LP, and Darrell D. Swank as the Seller Representative, entered into a transaction agreement (as amended, the “transaction agreement”). Following approval by the shareholders of BCAC and VWE and the satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions, the transactions contemplated by the transaction agreement were consummated and closed on June 7, 2021. Pursuant to the transaction agreement, upon the closing of the transactions: (1) BCAC changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from the Province of British Columbia to the State of Nevada (the “domestication”); (2) merger sub merged with and into VWE with VWE surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCAC (the “merger”); and (3) BCAC changed its name to Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. VWE was deemed the accounting predecessor and the combined entity became the successor SEC registrant, meaning that VWE’s consolidated financial statements for previous periods will be disclosed in the registrant’s future periodic reports filed with the SEC.

The merger was accounted for as a reverse capitalization. Under this method of accounting, BCAC was treated as the acquired company for financial statement reporting purposes. The most significant change in the successor’s future reported financial position and results is the increase in cash to approximately $116.8 million and a decrease in indebtedness to $244.3 million (as compared to VWE’s balance sheet at March 31, 2021), after stockholder redemptions of $185.4 million permitted under the transaction agreement and after the payment of non-recurring transaction costs and other payments that totaled approximately $33.9 million.

As a result of the transactions, VWE is a successor to an SEC-registered and a TSX- and Nasdaq-listed company, which will require VWE to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees and additional internal and external accounting and legal and administrative resources, including increased personnel costs, audit fees and legal fees.

 

4


Key Measures VWE Uses to Assess the Performance of its Business

VWE considers a variety of financial and operating measures in assessing the performance of its business, formulating goals and objectives and making strategic decisions. The key GAAP measures VWE considers are net revenues; gross profit; selling, general and administrative expenses; and income from operations. The key non-GAAP measure that VWE considers is Adjusted EBITDA. VWE also monitors its case volume sold and depletions from its distributors to retailers to help it forecast and identify trends affecting its growth.

Net Revenues

VWE generates revenue from its segments: Wholesale, B2B, DTC and Other. VWE recognizes revenue from wine sales when obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs when the product is shipped, and title passes to the customer, and when control of the promised product or service is transferred to the customer. VWE’s standard terms are free on board, or FOB, shipping point, with no customer acceptance provisions. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring products. VWE recognizes revenue net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. VWE accounts for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill its promise to transfer the associated products. Accordingly, VWE records amounts billed for shipping and handling costs as a component of net sales and classifies such costs as a component of costs of sales. VWE’s products are generally not sold with a right of return unless the product is spoiled or damaged. Historically, returns have not been significant to VWE.

Gross Profit

Gross profit is equal to net revenues less cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the direct cost of manufacturing, including direct materials, labor and related overhead, as well as inbound and outbound freight and import duties.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses includes expenses arising from activities in selling, marketing, warehousing, and administrative expenses. Other than variable compensation, selling, general and administrative expenses are generally not directly proportional to net revenues, but are expected to increase over time to support the needs of a public company.

Income from Operations

Income from operations is VWE’s gross profit less selling, general and administrative expenses; acquisition and restructuring related expense or income and amortization of intangible assets. Income from operations excludes interest expense, income tax expense, and other expenses, net. VWE uses income from operations as well as other indicators as a measure of the profitability of its business.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

VWE uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of its business strategies. These metrics are also frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in VWE’s industry, when considered alongside other GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of VWE’s financial results in accordance with GAAP. VWE has presented Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin solely as supplemental disclosure because VWE believes it allows for a more complete analysis of VWE’s results of operations. For a reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP measures, see “VWE’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Measures to Certain Non-GAAP Measures”.

 

5


Case Volume

In addition to acquisitions, the primary drivers of net revenue growth in any period are attributable to changes in case volume and changes in product mix and sales price. Case volume represents the number of 9-liter equivalent cases of wine that VWE sells during a particular period. Case volume is an important indicator of what is driving VWE’s gross margin. This metric also allows VWE to develop its supply and production targets for future periods.

 

     Three Months
Ended

March 31, 2021
     Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2020
     Nine Months
Ended
March 31, 2021
     Nine Months
Ended
March 31, 2020
 

Wholesale

     266,312        317,617        730,188        819,034  

B2B

     50,716        84,717        402,391        318,008  

DTC

     74,882        52,218        262,608        184,897  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Case Volume

     391,910        454,552        1,395,187        1,321,939  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depletions

Within VWE’s three tier distribution structure, depletion measures the sale of VWE’s inventory from the distributor to the retailer. Depletions are an important indicator of customer satisfaction, which VWE management uses for evaluating performance of VWE brands and for forecasting.

Trends and Other Factors Affecting VWE’s Business

Various trends and other factors affect or have affected VWE’s operating results, including:

COVID-19

The outbreak of COVID-19, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020, has spread across the globe and the United States and has disrupted the global economy and most industries, including the wine industry. Efforts to control the pandemic have slowed economic activity and disrupted, and reduced the efficiency of, normal business activities across the United States. The pandemic has resulted in authorities implementing numerous unprecedented measures such as travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and workplace shutdowns. These measures have impacted, and will likely continue to impact, VWE’s business, customers, supply chain, employees and other stakeholders in VWE’s business. Many business establishments have closed or have had to extremely limit their operations due to these restrictions.

Although VWE has not experienced significant business disruptions to date from the COVID-19 pandemic, it experienced a year over year decline in visitors to its 15 tasting rooms during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, primarily due to travel restrictions, shelter-in-place orders and workplace shutdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the decrease in the business VWE derives from its tasting rooms was offset by an increased amount of e-commerce and DTC wine sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. VWE sold 1,395,187 cases for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to 1,321,939 cases for the nine months ended March 31, 2020. VWE expects that, following widespread introduction of COVID-19 vaccines and lifting of travel restrictions, tasting room volumes will, over time, increase from the current lows.    

In response to governmental directives and recommended safety measures, VWE modified its workplace practices. While VWE has implemented personal safety measures at all of its facilities where its employees are working onsite, any actions that VWE takes may not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of infection and could result in a significant number of COVID-19 related claims. Changes to state workers’ compensation laws, as have recently occurred in California, could increase VWE’s potential liability for such claims. To support employees and protect the health and safety of employees and customers, VWE may offer enhanced health and welfare benefits, provide bonuses to employees, and purchase additional sanitation supplies and personal protective materials. These measures will increase operating costs and adversely affect liquidity.

In the longer-term, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to adversely affect the economies and financial markets, and could result in an economic downturn and a recession. It is uncertain how this would affect demand for VWE’s products. While VWE continues to see robust demand in its industry, and has seen little impact to its business from the COVID-19 pandemic, VWE is unable to predict the full impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on its future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition due to numerous uncertainties, including the duration of the pandemic, the actions that may be taken by government authorities across the United States, the impact to its customers, employees and suppliers, and other factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in this Current Report on Form 8-K. These factors are beyond VWE’s knowledge and control and, as a result, at this time, VWE is unable to predict the ultimate impact, both in terms of severity and duration, that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on its business, operating results, cash flows and financial condition.

 

6


Seasonality

There is a degree of seasonality in the growing cycles, procurement and transportation of grapes. The wine industry in general tends to experience seasonal fluctuations in revenues and net income. Typically, VWE has lower sales and net income during its third fiscal quarter (January through March) and higher sales and net income during its second fiscal quarter (October through December) due to usual timing of seasonal holiday buying, as well as wine club shipments. VWE expects these trends to continue.

Weather Conditions

VWE’s ability to fulfill its demand for wine is restricted by the availability of grapes. Climate change, agricultural and other factors, such as wildfires, disease, pests, extreme weather conditions, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and competing land use, impact the quality and quantity of grapes available to VWE for the production of wine from year to year. VWE’s vineyards and properties, as well as other sources from which VWE purchases grapes, are affected by these factors. For example, the effects of abnormally high rainfall or drought in a given year may impact production of grapes, which can impact both VWE’s revenues and its costs from year to year.

In addition, extreme weather events, such as wildfires can result in potentially significant expenses to repair or replace a vineyard or facility as well as impact the ability of grape suppliers to fulfill their obligations to VWE. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, VWE recognized a farming loss of approximately $3.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively, associated with damage caused by the Northern California wildfires in calendar years 2020 and 2017. While VWE maintains insurance for property damage, crops, and business interruption relating to catastrophic events, such as fires, the foregoing losses are not covered by VWE’s existing insurance policy. Industry grape suppliers also experienced smoke and fire damage from these wildfires, which may impact availability of grapes. VWE has identified alternative sources for its short-term supply needs. Damage to industry grape supplies in calendar year 2020 and in future years may result in changes to VWE’s production plan, expected case volume and its future gross profit margins.

Industry and Economic Conditions

The wine industry is recession resistant, with sustained growth over the past 25 years despite downturns in economic conditions from time to time. Consumers are increasingly purchasing higher priced wines and other alcoholic beverages, which has accelerated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumption increases are largely in the $10.00 or more retail price per bottle premium and luxury wine categories. Over the past ten years, the premium segment ($10 to $20 retail sales price) has grown on average by 6.6% annually. VWE benefits from this trend by focusing on the premium wine segment. Approximately 80% of VWE’s wine sales are in the $10.00 to $20.00 per bottle range.

Casualty gain

VWE suffered smoke-tainted inventory damage resulting from the October 2017 Napa and Sonoma County wildfires. VWE filed an insurance claim for this damage, which was settled in December 2020 for approximately $4.75 million. The gain of litigation proceeds for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, consists of payments VWE received from its insurer.

 

7


Results of Operations

Comparison of Three and Nine Months ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and Three and Nine Months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited)

The following table summarizes VWE’s operating results for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
(Unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
     2021      2020  
     (in thousands, except %)                

Net revenues:

           

Wine and spirits

   $ 37,238.4      $ 38,464.6      $ (1,226.2      (3.2 )% 

Nonwine

     9,658.8        7,122.1        2,536.7        35.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total net revenues

     46,897.2        45,586.7        1,310.5        2.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Cost of revenues:

           

Wine and spirits

     23,561.5        23,568.2        (6.7      0

Nonwine

     5,094.8        4,361.5        733.3        16.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total cost of revenues

     28,656.3        27,929.7        726.6        2.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Gross profit

     18,240.9        17,657.0        583.9        3.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     18,378.9        15,173.4        3,205.5        21.1

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

     (321.7      115.5        (437.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses

     18,057.2        15,288.9        2,768.3        18.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Income from operations

     183.7        2,368.1        (2,184.4      (92.2 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Other income (expense):

           

Interest expense

     (3,841.5      (4,255.2      413.7        9.7

Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreements

     5,589.4        (10,935.1      16,524.5        151.1

Other, net

     327.2        149.3        177.9        119.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total other income (expense)

     2,075.1        (15,041.0      17,116.1     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     2,258.8        (12,672.9      14,931.7     

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (1,633.1      5,611.2        (7,244.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 625.7      $ (7,061.7    $ 7,687.4     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

8


     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
(Unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
     2021      2020  
     (in thousands, except %)                

Net revenues:

           

Wine and spirits

   $ 132,085.5      $ 122,279.7      $ 9,805.8        8.0

Nonwine

     31,623.4        25,939.7        5,683.7        21.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total net revenues

     163,708.9        148,219.4        15,489.5        10.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Cost of revenues:

           

Wine and spirits

     82,179.9        78,404.3        3,775.6        4.8

Nonwine

     17,287.6        15,066.0        2,221.6        14.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total cost of revenues

     99,467.5        93,470.3        5,997.2        6.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Gross profit

     62,241.4        54,749.1        7,492.3        13.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     50,932.4        50,674.7        257.7        0.5

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

     (1,998.6      109.5        (2,108.1   

Gain of litigation proceeds

     (4,750.0      —          (4,750.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses

     44,183.8        50,784.2        (6,600.4      (13.0 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Income from operations

     20,057.6        3,964.9        16,092.7     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Other income (expense):

           

Interest expense

     (9,173.2      (13,092.7      3,919.5        29.9

Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreements

     8,212.2        (11,115.0      19,327.2     

Other, net

     683.6        490.8        192.8        39.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total other income (expense)

     (277.4      (23,716.9      23,439.5     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     19,780.2        (19,752.0      39,532.2     

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (4,517.0      8,029.8      $ (12,546.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 15,263.2      $ (11,722.2    $ 26,985.4     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net Revenues

Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased $1.3 million, or 2.9%, to $46.9 million, from $45.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was driven by an increase in DTC net revenues of $3.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in Wholesale net revenues of $(2.4) million.

Net revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased $15.5 million, or 10.5%, to $163.7 million, from $148.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was driven by an increase in B2B net revenues of $16.7 million coupled with an increase in DTC net revenues of $8.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in Wholesale net revenues of $(6.6) million and a decrease in Other net revenues of $(2.9) million.

 

9


Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased approximately $584,000, or 3.3%, to $18.2 million from $17.7 million for the same period in 2020, primarily due to the increase in B2B net revenues from private label and custom production.

Gross profit for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased $7.5 million, or 13.7%, to $62.2 million, from $54.7 million in the 2020 period. The increase in gross profit was driven by the increase in B2B net revenues from private label and custom production, which was partially offset by VWE’s recognition of an inventory impairment charge of approximately $3.3 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2021 associated with inventory damage caused by the 2020 Northern California wildfires, which was not covered by insurance.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased $3.2 million, or 21.1%, to $18.2 million as compared to $15.2 million for the same period in 2020. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses was driven primarily by additional expenses of approximately $3.0 million for outside professional services, including legal, audit and accounting services, in connection with the merger in the 2021 period.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased slightly as compared to the same period in 2020 ($50.9 million in 2021 as compared to $50.7 million in 2020). Expenses for outside professional services in connection with the merger, including legal, audit and accounting services, increased by approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the 2020 period, which was offset by a decrease in Wholesale sales employee costs (payroll, travel and entertainment) and DTC occupancy costs of approximately $(3.6 million) as compared to the 2020 period, resulting from closed tasting rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2021 period.

Gain on Sale of Assets

VWE recognized a gain on the sale of assets of approximately $321,700 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to a deferred gain relating to a vineyard sale in August of 2019. VWE recognized a loss on the sale of assets of approximately $115,500 for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

VWE recognized a gain on the sale of assets of approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, due primarily to a deferred gain relating to a vineyard sale in August of 2019. VWE recognized a loss on the sale of assets of approximately $109,500 for the nine months ended March 31, 2020.

Gain on Litigation Proceeds

VWE recognized a gain on litigation proceeds of approximately $4.8 million in the nine month period ended March 31, 2021 due to an insurance settlement related to smoke-tainted inventory caused by wildfires in 2017.

Income from Operations

Income from operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2021 decreased approximately $(2.2) million to approximately $183,700 from approximately $2.4 million in the 2020 period. The decrease was driven by an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses of $3.0 millions for outside professional services, including legal, audit and accounting services, in connection with the merger in the 2021 period, which was partially offset by increases in income from operations for each of B2B, DTC and Wholesale.

Income from operations for the nine month period ended March 31, 2021 increased approximately $16.1 million to approximately $20.1 million from approximately $4.0 million in the 2020 period. The increase was driven by an increase in income from operations for each of B2B, DTC and Wholesale, which was slightly offset by a loss from operations for the Other segment.

 

10


Other Income (Expense)

Total other income (expense) was approximately $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $(15.0) million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The change was due to the gain on interest rate swaps in the 2021 period as compared to a loss on interest rate swaps in the 2020 period, resulting from primarily lower interest rates.

Total other income (expense) was approximately $(277,400) for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 compared to approximately $(23.7) million for the nine months ended March 31, 2020, a change of $23.4 million. The change was due to the gain on interest rate swaps in the 2021 period as compared to a loss on interest rate swaps in the 2020 period, resulting primarily from lower interest rates. The lower interest rates also led to a decrease in interest expense in the period.

Income Tax Provision

Income tax expense was approximately $(1.6) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of $(7.3) million. The increase in the income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to increased pre-tax income in the 2021 period.

Income tax expense was $(4.5) million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $8.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2020. The income tax expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to pre-tax income for the period. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to pre-tax loss for the period.

Segment Results

VWE’s financial performance is classified into the following segments: Wholesale, B2B (private label wines and custom winemaking services), DTC and Other. VWE’s corporate operations, including centralized selling expenses, general and administrative and other factors, such as the remeasurements of contingent consideration and impairment of intangible assets and goodwill are not allocated to the segments, as VWE’s management does not believe such items directly reflect VWE’s core operations. Other than VWE’s long-term property, plant, and equipment for wine tasting facilities, VWE’s revenue generating assets are utilized across segments. Accordingly, the foregoing items are not allocated to the segments and are not discussed separately as any results that had a significant impact on operating results are included in the consolidated results discussion above.

VWE evaluates the performance of its segments on income from operations, which VWE’s management believes is indicative of operational performance and ongoing profitability. VWE’s management monitors income from operations to evaluate past performance and identify actions required to improve profitability. Income from operations assists VWE’s management in comparing the segment performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision-making by removing the impact of certain items that VWE management believes do not directly reflect the core operations and, therefore, are not included in measuring segment performance. VWE defines income from operations as gross margin less operating expenses that are directly attributable to the segment. Selling expenses that can be directly attributable to the segment are allocated accordingly.

Segment Results for the Three and Nine Months ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and Three and Nine Months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited)

Wholesale Segment Results

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $ 21,091.8      $ 23,455.9      $ (2,364.1      (10.1 )% 

Income from operations

   $ 6,137.5      $ 4,598.3      $ 1,539.2        33.5

 

11


Wholesale net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 decreased by $(2.4) million, or (10.1)%, from the 2020 period. The decrease was attributable to primarily normalized case volumes from retailers in the 2021 period as compared to the 2020 period when retailers temporarily increased their case volume purchases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wholesale income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $1.5 million, or    33.5%, from the 2020 period. The increase in operating profit in the 2021 period was primarily attributable to reduced personnel costs following a restructuring of our Wholesale salesforce, reduced employee travel and entertainment expenses and other selling expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and more favorable product mix.

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $ 55,398.5      $ 61,964.0      $ (6,565.5      (10.6 )% 

Income from operations

   $ 14,760.2      $ 11,288.4      $ 3,471.8        30.8

Wholesale net revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 decreased by $(6.6) million, or (10.6)%, from the 2020 period. The decrease was attributable to primarily normalized case volumes from retailers in the 2021 period as compared to the 2020 period when retailers increased their case volume purchases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced revenues related to international sales and the discontinuation of two brands.

Wholesale income from operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $3.5 million, or 30.8%, from the 2020 period. The increase in operating profit was primarily attributable to reduced personnel costs following a restructuring of our Wholesale salesforce, reduced employee travel and entertainment expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and more favorable product mix..

B2B Segment Results

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $ 11,026.1      $ 10,937.4      $ 88.7        0.8

Income from operations

   $ 3,390.7      $ 3,082.3      $     308.4        10.0

B2B net revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $88,700, or 0.8%, from the 2020 period. The increase was attributable to increased custom production sales, partially offset by lower private label case volumes with a less favorable product mix.

B2B income from operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $308,400, or 10.0%, from the 2020 period. The increase was attributable to increased custom production at more favorable margins.

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $ 57,703.9      $ 41,032.7      $ 16,671.2        40.6

Income from operations

   $ 18,051.8      $ 10,802.5      $ 7,249.3        67.1

 

12


B2B net revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $16.7 million, or 40.6%, from the 2020 period. The increase was attributable to increased custom production case volumes and increased private label sales, primarily in spirits.

B2B income from operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $7.2 million, or 67.1%, from the 2020 period. The increase was attributable to increased custom production case volumes at more favorable margins and increased private label sales.

DTC Segment Results

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $  14,675.0      $ 10,933.9      $  3,741.1        34.2

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 1,985.8      $ (64.2    $ 2,050        3,193

DTC net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $3.7 million, or 34.2%, from the 2020 period. The increase was attributable to increased case volumes from telemarketing and e-commerce sales, partially offset by sales of lower priced products.

DTC income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $2.1 million, or 3,193%, from the 2020 period. The increase in the 2021 period over the 2020 period was attributable to a workplace shutdown in the 2020 period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which we continued to incur employee-related and other costs, together with the increase in revenues in the 2021 period.

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $  48,650.4      $ 40,399.7      $ 8,250.7        20.4

Income from operations

   $ 9,997.3      $ 4,106.2      $ 5,891.1        143.5

DTC net revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $8.3 million, or 20.4%, from the 2020 period. The increase was attributable to increased case volumes from telemarketing and e-commerce sales, partially offset by sales of lower priced products and tasting room closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DTC income from operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $5.9 million, or 143.5%, from the 2020 period. The increase was attributable to increased case volumes from e-commerce and wine clubs and lower overhead costs resulting from tasing room closures.

Other Segment Results

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $ 104.3      $ 199.5      $ (95.2      (47.7 )% 

Loss from operations

   $ (11,330.3    $ (5,248.3    $ (6,082      115.9

 

13


Other net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 decreased by $(95,200), or 47.7% from the 2020 period. The decrease was attributable to losses on wine sales.

Other loss from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $(6.1) million, or 115.9%, from the 2020 period due to approximately $3.0 million in transaction costs associated with the merger in the 2021 period and increased costs of freight, storage and insurance.

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,

(unaudited)
     Dollar
Change
     Percent
Change
 
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020  

Net revenues

   $ 1,956.1      $ 4,823.0      $ (2,866.9      (59.4 )% 

Loss from operations

   $ (22,751.7    $ (22,332.2    $ (419.5      (1.9 )% 

Other net revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 decreased by $(2.9) million, or (59.4)%, from the 2020 period. The decrease was attributable primarily to decreased revenues from Sales Pro and Master Class, which were sold in late calendar year 2019.

Other loss from operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 increased by $(419,500), or (1.9)%, from the 2020 period due to proceeds from 2017 smoke taint litigation ($4.8 million), the proceeds from the sales of Grounded Wine Project ( $1.0 million) and the gain on sale of assets related to the sale of a vineyard, partially offset by approximately $3.0 million in transaction costs associated with the merger in the 2021 period and increased costs of freight, storage and insurance.

Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Measures to Certain Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to VWE’s results determined in accordance with GAAP, VWE uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of its business strategies. These metrics are also frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in VWE’s industry, when considered alongside other GAAP measures. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, casualty losses or gains, impairment losses, changes in the fair value of derivatives, restructuring related income or expenses, acquisition and integration costs, and certain non-cash, nonrecurring, or other items that are included in net income (loss) that VWE does not consider indicative of its ongoing operating performance, including COVID-related adjustments. COVID related adjustments, totaling $200,000 during fiscal 2020, relate to nonrecurring costs of implementing safety protocols for production facilities, warehouse, tasting rooms and offices. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not recognized measures of financial performance under GAAP. VWE believes these non-GAAP measures provide analysts, investors and other interested parties with additional insight into the underlying trends of VWE’s business and assists these parties in analyzing VWE’s performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that VWE does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance, which allows for a better comparison against historical results and expectations for future performance.

VWE management uses these non-GAAP measures to understand and compare operating results across reporting periods for various purposes including internal budgeting and forecasting, short and long-term operating planning, employee incentive compensation, and debt compliance. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of VWE’s financial results in accordance with GAAP. Use of the terms Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not calculated in the same manner by all companies, and accordingly, are not necessarily comparable to similarly entitled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies. VWE has presented Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin solely as supplemental disclosure because VWE believes it allows for a more complete analysis of

 

14


VWE’s results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations include:

 

   

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect income tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us; and

 

   

other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including net income (loss) and our other GAAP results. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an implication that our future results will be unaffected by the types of items excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,
2021 (unaudited)
     Three Months
Ended March 31,
2020 (unaudited)
     Nine Months
Ended March 31,
2021 (unaudited)
     Nine Months
Ended March 31,
2020 (unaudited)
 

Net income (loss)

   $ 625,700      $ (7,061,700    $ 15,263,200      $ (11,722,200

Interest expense

     3,841,500        4,255,200        9,173,100        13,092,700  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     1,633,100        (5,611,200      4,517,000        (8,029,800

Depreciation and Amortization

     2,765,500        2,864,900        7,731,800        8,271,600  

Amortization of label design fees

     112,800        30,100        250,500        148,800  

Gain on litigation proceeds(a)

     —          —          (3,845,000      —    

Smoke taint reserve(b)

     —          —          —          4,859,000  

Stock-based compensation expense(c)

     143,100        122,100        601,100        405,500  

Inventory adjustment for casualty losses(d)

     —          —          3,301,700        —    

Transaction costs

     3,014,800        —          3,014,800        —    

Net unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swap agreements(e)

     (5,589,400      10,935,100        (8,212,200      11,115,000  

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets(f)

     11,700        448,900        (998,800      875,500  

Deferred gain on sale leaseback(g)

     (333,400      (333,400      (1,000,100      (766,000

Deferred rent adjustment(h)

     125,200        125,200        375,600        375,600  

COVID Impact(i)

     —          —          100,000        —    

Inventory acquisition basis adjustment(j)

     8,800        582,700        97,500        1,118,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 6,390,400      $ 6,357,900      $ 30,370,200      $ 19,743,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

15


(a)

Litigation proceeds of $4,750,000 received from insurance less legal expenses related to smoke tainted inventory from fires in 2017. This is a non-recurring item.

(b)

Reflects an adjustment to inventory of $3,869,300 and certain administrative costs in connection with smoke damage from fires.

(c)

Stock-based compensation is a non-cash item that is reported as a compensation expense.

(d)

Reflects recognition of an inventory impairment charge in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 associated with inventory damage caused by the 2020 Northern California wildfires.

(e)

Reflects the non-cash change in fair value of the interest rate swaps for the period.

(f)

Reflects the gain or loss on the sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment.

(g)

Reflects the deferred the gain on disposal of assets, which the company recognizes over the 10-year lease as a reduction of rent expense.

(h)

The company records non-cash deferred rent related to leases quarterly.

(i)

The company recorded non-recurring costs of implementing safety protocols for production facilities, warehouse, tasting rooms, and offices in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(j)

An adjustment to cost of goods sold dependent on the timing of the sale of inventory purchased in business combinations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

VWE’s ongoing operations have, to date, been funded by a combination of cash flow from operations, borrowings under the VWE credit facility and other debt financing. As of March 31, 2021, VWE had cash and cash equivalents on hand of approximately $456,000 and approximately $20 million in borrowing capacity available under its credit facility. VWE had approximately $332.6 million in total debt as of March 31, 2021.

On April 22, 2021, BCAC and Wasatch entered into subscription agreements for the sale and purchase of 10.0 million shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at $10.00 per share at the closing of the transactions, representing an additional investment by Wasatch of approximately $100 million (the “PIPE Investment”). BCAC entered into the subscription agreements to provide additional liquidity following the consummation of the transactions, and, in particular, to provide incremental capital to support the combined company’s acquisition strategy.

Based on VWE’s cash and cash equivalents of approximately $456,000 as of March 31, 2021, after giving effect to the transactions, and taking into account the gross proceeds of approximately $100.0 million from the PIPE Investment, and the net proceeds of approximately $178.6 from the Trust Account (after redemptions of Class A restricted voting shares of BCAC in connection with the merger, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $185.4 million), less the sum of (i) the total direct and incremental transaction costs of BCAC and VWE estimated at approximately $33.9 million (which includes $13.5 million of deferred underwriters’ commissions), (ii) $32.0 million in cash paid to repurchase for cancellation shares of VWE Series B stock, and (iii) $7.9 million paid to redeem outstanding options to purchase VWE capital stock at the closing of the transactions, the combined company would have cash and cash equivalents of approximately $116.8 million and indebtedness of approximately $244.3 million.

VWE’s principal uses of cash have been to provide working capital, meet debt service requirements, fund capital expenditures and finance strategic plans, including acquisitions. VWE continuously reinvests in its properties and production assets and is currently working on several capital projects. VWE’s capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $22.0 million over the next twelve months, $3.1 million of which will be used to complete VWE’s new bottling line, which is expected to begin operation by the end of June 2021, and $18.0 million of which will be used to complete the construction of additional warehouse and storage space at VWE’s Ray’s Station facility located in Hopland, California. VWE expects the 250,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center at Ray’s Station to be completed and fully operational by August 2021. The 80,000 square-foot storage facility, which was the first phase, was completed in the first calendar quarter of 2021.

 

16


VWE acquired the Kunde Family Winery in April 2021 by purchasing 100% of the outstanding equity of Kunde for total estimated preliminary consideration, including amounts to acquire the combined 33.3% ownership held by two of VWE’s shareholders, one of which is VWE’s Chief Executive Officer, of approximately $60.0 million. The estimated $60.0 million preliminary purchase consideration was comprised of approximately $19,158,200 of cash, approximately $11,668,000 of notes payable to the sellers, and the issuance of 906,345 shares of VWE’s Series A stock, with a preliminary estimated value of approximately $29,173,800. The notes payable issued to the sellers as purchase consideration have a stated interest rate of Prime plus 1.00%, compounded quarterly, and mature one year from the close of the transaction on April 19, 2021. To fund the cash portion of the purchase consideration VWE utilized an increase in its line of credit and delayed draw term loan under its credit facility.

VWE believes its existing cash and cash equivalents, the proceeds of the transactions, cash flow from operations, and availability under the VWE credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity to fund VWE’s current obligations, projected working capital requirements, debt service requirements and capital spending requirements for at least the next twelve months from the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K. VWE may also seek to finance capital expenditures under capital leases or other debt arrangements that provide liquidity or favorable borrowing terms. COVID-19 has negatively impacted the global economy and financial markets which could interfere with VWE’s ability to access sources of liquidity at favorable rates and generate operating cash flows. VWE took advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).

VWE continues to consider acquisition opportunities, but the size and timing of any future acquisitions and the related potential capital requirements cannot be predicted. While VWE has in the past financed certain acquisitions with internally generated cash, term loans and its credit facility, in the event that suitable businesses are available for acquisition upon acceptable terms, VWE may obtain all or a portion of the necessary financing through the incurrence of additional long-term borrowings.

VWE’s future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including funding needs to support our business growth and to respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances. If our forecasts prove inaccurate, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing from outside sources, which we may not be able to raise on terms acceptable to us, or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when desired, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Indebtedness

VWE Credit Facility

On April 13, 2021, VWE entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement to increase the credit facility from an aggregate of $350,000,000 to $480,000,000, consisting of an accounts receivable and inventory revolving facility up to $230,000,000, a term loan in a principal amount of up to $100,000,000, a capital expenditures facility in an aggregate principal of up to $50,000,000, and a new delay draw term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000,000. The delay draw term loan facility matures on April 13, 2026. All other terms of the original agreement generally remain the same. Concurrent with the amendment, VWE executed a $29,250,000 delayed draw term loan. Proceeds from the new loan were used to pay down $10,800,000 and $12,100,000 of the existing term loan and outstanding line of credit, respectively, deposit cash of $4,800,000 into a restricted cash collateral account, and pay bank fees and third party expenses associated with the amendment.

Borrowings under the VWE credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (a) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the LIBOR rate for dollar deposits with a term equivalent to the interest period relevant to such borrowing as administered by the ICE Benchmark Administration, plus an applicable margin or (b) an adjusted base rate, or ABR, determined by reference to the highest of (i) 0.50% above the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the rate of interest established by the administrative agent as its “prime rate” and (iii) 1.0% above the LIBOR rate for dollar deposits with a one-month term commencing that day, plus an applicable margin. See Notes 6 and 16 to VWE’s unaudited consolidated condensed interim financial statements included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K for a discussion of VWE’s interest rate swap transactions.

 

17


In addition, VWE pays certain recurring fees with respect to the VWE credit facility, including (i) a fee for the unused commitments of the lenders under the revolving credit facility and the capital expenditure facility as of the end of each month, accruing at a rate equal to 0.125% per annum, which may be reduced to 0.0% if the average availability under the revolving credit facility is less than 50%, (ii) letter of credit fees, including a fronting fee and processing fees to each issuing bank, which vary depending on the applicable margin rate based on the average availability under the revolving credit facility and (iii) administration fees. Amortization expense related to debt financing costs were approximately $20,800 for the nine months ended March 31, 2021. Amortization expense related to line of credit fees were approximately $335,700 for the nine months ended March 31, 2021.

Convertible Notes

On May 31, 2021, VWE paid $10,441,734 of principal and accrued interest, which represented payment in full, of the convertible promissory notes held by the Rudd Trust and Patrick Roney, our Chief Executive Officer. Immediately prior to the closing of the transactions, Jayson Woodbridge converted all the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the secured convertible promissory note held by him into VWE Series A, which resulted in VWE having no further liability or obligations under such convertible promissory note.

Paycheck Protection Program

VWE filed all the required paperwork with its Small Business Administration lender as of June 3, 2021, requesting forgiveness of its PPP loan. VWE has not yet received notification of forgiveness of its PPP loan from the Small Business Administration. There can be no assurance that any portion of the PPP loans will be forgiven, or that VWE will not be required to repay the PPP loan in full. Interest and principal payments under the PPP loan will continue to be deferred until such time as the amount of forgiveness is determined.

The transaction agreement provides that, to the extent that any portion of the PPP loan has not been forgiven prior to the closing of the merger, VWE will escrow with the lender the amount necessary to repay the PPP loan in full plus accrued and unpaid interest. In accordance with the terms of the transaction agreement, on June 7, 2021, VWE placed approximately $6,525,000 into an escrow account, which represented the outstanding principal the PPP loan at that time. Thereafter, on the earlier of VWE’s receipt of notice from the applicable lender or the applicable governmental entity that any or all of the PPP loan will not be forgiven and the date that is 18 months after the closing of the merger (provided that confirmation of forgiveness of the entire amount of the PPP loan by the applicable lender and the applicable governmental entity will not have been received by VWE prior thereto), New VWE Holdco will redeem for no consideration from each VWE investor party to the investor rights agreement certain shares of New VWE Holdco common stock which are determined to have been over-issued to them.

See Note 7 “Long-Term Debt” in VWE’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K for additional information regarding VWE’s outstanding indebtedness.

Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended March 31, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
     Favorable (Unfavorable)  
(In thousands, except %)    2021      2020      $ Change      % Change  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 19,661      $  (20,976    $ 40,637        194

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (29,243    $ 4,717        (33,960      720

Net cash provided by financing activities

     8,287        20,482        (12,195      -60
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (1,295    $ 4,223      $ (5,518      -131
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

18


Cash Flows (Used In) From Operating Activities

Net cash from operating activities was $19.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited) compared to net cash used in operating activities of $21.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited), representing an increase of cash from operating activities of $40.6 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in net income to $15.3 million from a net loss of $(11.7) million, loss on interest rate swaps of $(11.1) million in 2020 to a gain on interest rate swaps in 2021 of $8.2 million, a reduction in inventory of $15.5 million, accrued liabilities and other payables was a $(9.7) million use of funds in 2020 compared to a $16.1 million source of funds in 2021.

Cash Flows (Used In) From Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $(29.2) million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited), an increase in the use of cash of $(34.0) million, compared to $4.7 million of net cash from investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited). The increase in the use of cash was driven primarily by a reduction in proceeds from the disposition of assets of $31.0 million and $18.9 million of additional capital expenditures, partially offset by $15.1 million used for the acquisition of a business during the nine months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the 2021 period.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities of $8.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited) consisted of proceeds in excess of payments on the line of credit of $7.1 million and timing of payments of $9.3 million, partially offset by net principal payments on long-term debt of $6.3 million. Cash provided by financing activities was approximately $20.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited) and reflects proceeds in excess of payments on the line of credit and long-term debt of $21.5 million, partially offset by timing of payments of $1.0 million, debt issuance costs of $1.2 million, and payments on acquisitions of $0.8 million.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

VWE’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires VWE to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in its consolidated financial statements. VWE bases its estimates on historical experience, known trends and events, and various other factors that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. VWE evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. VWE’s actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. VWE believes that the accounting policies discussed below are critical to understanding its historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates.

While VWE’s significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 1 to its audited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K, VWE believes that the following accounting policies are those most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

VWE recognizes revenue from the sale of wine, including private label wines, to wholesale distributors and to consumers. VWE also recognizes revenue from custom winemaking and production services, grape and bulk sales, private events held at its winery estates and storage services, as well as the sale of other merchandise and services.

 

 

19


Revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for its arrangements, VWE performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. VWE recognizes revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs when the product is shipped, and title passes to the customer, and when control of the promised product or service is transferred to the customer. VWE’s standard terms are free on board (“FOB”) shipping point, with no customer acceptance provisions. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring products. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. VWE accounts for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill its promise to transfer the associated products. Accordingly, VWE records amounts billed for shipping and handling costs as a component of net sales and classifies such costs as a component of costs of sales. VWE’s products are generally not sold with a right of return unless the product is spoiled or damaged. Historically, returns have not been significant to VWE.

Revenue is generated from one of VWE’s three reporting segments as described below:

Wholesale: Wholesale operations generate revenue from product sold to distributors, which then sell the product to off-premise retail locations such as grocery stores, wine clubs, specialty and multi-national retail chains, as well as on-premise locations such as restaurants and bars. VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for these orders upon shipment of the wine out of its own or third-party warehouse facilities. VWE pays depletion and marketing allowances to certain distributors, based on sales to their customers, or the allowance is netted against the purchase price.

Direct to Consumer: VWE sells its wine and other merchandise directly to consumers through wine club memberships, at wineries’ tasting rooms and through the internet. Wine club membership sales are made under contracts with customers, which specify the quantity and timing of future wine shipments. Customer credit cards are charged in advance of wine shipments in accordance with each contract. VWE recognizes revenue for these contracts at the time that control of the wine passes to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. Tasting room and internet wine sales are paid for at the time of sale. VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for this wine when the product is either received by the customer (on-site tasting room sales) or upon the shipment to the customer (internet sales). Sales taxes are calculated based upon the customer’s location and are collected at the time of the sale and recorded in a sales tax liability account. Sales reporting requirements to the states are performed as required by the state and sales taxes are remitted to the government agencies when due.

VWE winery estates hold various public and private events for customers and their wine club members. Upfront consideration received from the sale of tickets or under private event contracts for future events is recorded as deferred revenue. VWE recognizes event revenue on the date the event is held.

 

20


Business-to-Business: This segment generates revenue primarily from the sale of private label wines and custom winemaking services. Annually, VWE works with its national retail partners to develop private label wines incremental to their wholesale channel businesses. Additionally, VWE provides custom winemaking and production services. These services are made under contracts with customers, which include specific protocols, pricing, and payment terms. The customer retains title and control of the wine during the production process. VWE recognizes revenue over time as the contract specific performance obligations are met. Additionally, VWE provides storage services for wine inventory of various customers. The customer retains title and control of the inventory during the storage agreement. VWE recognizes revenue over time for storage services, and when the contract specific performance obligations are met.

Other: Its other segment includes revenue from grape and bulk sales, storage services, and revenue under the Sales Pro LLC (“SalesPro”) and Master Class Marketing, LLC (“Master Class”) business line. VWE transfers control and recognize revenue for grape sales when product specification has been met and title to the grapes has transferred, which is generally on the date the grapes are harvested, weighed and shipped. VWE transfers control and recognizes revenue for wine and spirits bulk contracts upon shipment. SalesPro and Master Class revenue represents fees earned from off-premise tastings for third-party customers. These customers include other wine and beer brand owners and producers.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are determined using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when the expected recognition of a deferred income tax asset is considered to be unlikely.

VWE recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. VWE recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.

Inventories

Inventories of bulk and bottled wines and spirits and inventories of non-wine products and bottling and packaging supplies are valued at the lower of cost using the FIFO method or net realizable value. Costs associated with winemaking, and other costs associated with the manufacturing of products for resale, are recorded as inventory. Net realizable value is the value of an asset that can be realized upon the sale of the asset, less a reasonable estimate of the costs associated with either the eventual sale or the disposal of the asset in question. Inventories are classified as current assets in accordance with recognized industry practice, although most wines and spirits are aged for periods longer than one year.

 

21


Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of consideration transferred over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. VWE has three reporting units under which goodwill has been allocated. VWE conducts a goodwill impairment analysis annually for impairment, as of the end of the respective fiscal year, or sooner if events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.

VWE’s intangible assets represent purchased intangible assets consisting of both indefinite and finite lived assets. Certain criteria are used in determining whether intangible assets acquired in a business combination must be recognized and reported separately. VWE’s indefinite lived intangible assets, representing trademarks and winery use permits, are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently stated at adjusted costs, net of any recognized impairments. The indefinite lived assets are not subject to amortization. VWE’s finite-lived intangible assets, comprised of customer relationships, are amortized using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, the intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment along with other long-lived assets. Amortization related to the finite-lived assets is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment, as of the end of the reporting period, or sooner if events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.

Stock-Based Compensation and Stock Option Valuation

Stock-based compensation is reported at calculated fair value based on the grant date of the share-based payment. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to estimate the calculated fair value of each option grant on the date of grant. VWE amortizes the calculated value to stock-based compensation expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period of the option.

As there has been no public market for the stock options VWE has granted, the grant date fair value of such awards has been determined by its board of directors with the assistance of management and an independent third-party valuation specialist. VWE believes its board of directors has the relevant experience and expertise to determine the fair value of its stock options. The grant date fair value of stock options was determined first by estimating its aggregate equity value using a weighting of discounted cash flows, comparable public companies, and comparable-transactions valuation methodologies. An option-pricing method, which utilizes certain assumptions including volatility, time to liquidation, a risk-free interest rate, and an assumption for a discount for lack of marketability, was then used to allocate its total equity value to its different classes of equity according to their rights and preferences. A discount for lack of marketability was applied to determine the stock option equity values. In determining the fair value of the stock options, the methodologies used to estimate its enterprise value were performed using methodologies, approaches, and assumptions consistent with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation (“AICPA Accounting and Valuation Guide”). The assumptions VWE uses in the valuation model are based on future expectations combined with management’s judgment. In the absence of a public trading market, its board of directors, with input from management, exercised significant judgment and considered numerous objective and subjective factors to determine the fair value of the stock options as of the date of each award, including the following factors:

 

   

independent valuations performed at periodic intervals by an independent third-party valuation firm;

 

   

its operating and financial performance, forecasts and capital resources;

 

   

current business conditions;

 

   

the hiring of key personnel;

 

   

the status of research and development efforts;

 

   

the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event for these stock options, such as an initial public offering or sale of its company, given prevailing market conditions;

 

22


   

any adjustment necessary to recognize a lack of marketability for the stock options;

 

   

trends and developments in its industry;

 

   

the market performance of comparable publicly traded technology companies; and

 

   

the U.S. and global economic and capital market conditions.

The dates of its valuation reports, which were prepared on a periodic basis, were not contemporaneous with the grant dates of its option awards. Therefore, VWE considered the amount of time between the valuation report date and the grant date to determine whether to use the latest valuation report for the purposes of determining the fair value of its options for financial reporting purposes. The additional factors considered when determining any changes in fair value between the most recent valuation report and the grant dates included, when available, the prices paid in recent transactions involving its Series A stock, as well as its operating and financial performance, current industry conditions and the market performance of comparable publicly traded companies. There were significant judgments and estimates inherent in these valuations, which included assumptions regarding its future operating performance, the time to completing an initial public offering or other liquidity event and the determinations of the appropriate valuation methods to be applied. If VWE had made different estimates or assumptions, its stock-based compensation expense, net loss and net loss per unit attributable to its member could have been significantly different from those reported in this consent solicitation statement/prospectus.

In valuing its units, VWE determined the equity value of its business by taking a weighted combination of the value indications using the income approach and the market comparable approach valuation methods.

Income Approach

The income approach estimates value based on the expectation of future cash flows a company will generate, such as cash earnings, cost savings, tax deductions and the proceeds from disposition. These future cash flows are discounted to their present values using a discount rate derived from an analysis of the cost of capital of comparable publicly traded companies in its industry or similar lines of business as of each valuation date. This weighted-average cost of capital discount rate, or WACC, is adjusted to reflect the risks inherent in the business. The WACC used for these valuations was determined to be reasonable and appropriate given its debt and equity capitalization structure at the time of each respective valuation. The income approach also assesses the residual value beyond the forecast period and is determined by taking the projected residual cash flow for the final year of the projection and applying a terminal exit multiple. This amount is then discounted by the WACC less the long-term growth rate.

Market Comparable Approach

The market comparable approach estimates value based on a comparison of the subject company to comparable public companies in a similar line of business. From the comparable companies, a representative market multiple is determined which is applied to its financial metrics to estimate the value of its parent or its subsidiary. To determine its peer group of companies, VWE considered winery and consumer product public companies and selected those most similar to VWE based on various factors, including, but not limited to, financial risk, company size, geographic diversification, profitability, growth characteristics and stage of life cycle.

In some cases, VWE considered the amount of time between the valuation date and the award grant date to determine whether to use the latest valuation determined pursuant to one of the methods described above or to use a valuation calculated by management between the two valuation dates.

Once VWE determined an equity value, VWE utilized the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (“BSOPM”) to allocate the equity value to its options. BSOPM values its options by creating call options on the respective equity value, with exercise prices based on the liquidation preferences, participation rights and strike prices. This method is generally preferred when future outcomes are difficult to predict and dissolution or liquidation is not imminent.

 

23


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact VWE’s consolidated financial position and results of operations is disclosed in Note 1 to VWE’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Emerging Growth Company Election

VWE is an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act. The JOBS Act permits companies with EGC status to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards, delaying the adoption of these accounting standards until they would apply to private companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period to enable us to comply with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting standards as of public company effective dates, although we may decide to early adopt such new or revised accounting standards to the extent permitted by such standards.

In addition, we intend to rely on the other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act and compliance with applicable laws, if, as an emerging growth company, we intend to rely on such exemptions, we are not required to, among other things: (a) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; (b) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010; (c) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis); and (d) disclose certain executive compensation-related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to median employee compensation.

We will remain an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act until the earliest of (a) June 29, 2026, (b) the last date of our fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, (c) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the rules of the SEC or (d) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the previous three years.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

VWE is subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on borrowing due under the VWE credit facility, which bears interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus applicable margins. In addition, as of March 31, 2021, VWE had convertible notes totaling $4.75 million and related party promissory notes in favor of the Rudd Trust and Patrick Roney totaling $9.5 million with variable interest rates. Assuming the rates for all of VWE’s variable rate borrowing increases by 1.0% as of March 31, 2021 due to normal market conditions, VWE’s interest expense will increase by approximately $3.2 million per annum, of which $0.1 million is associated with VWE’s related party promissory notes, which have since been paid in full in May 2021. While VWE has not designated its interest rate swap agreements as cash-flow hedges, VWE has entered into interest rate swap agreements as a means of managing its exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its variable rate obligations under its credit facility. At March 31, 2021, VWE had interest rate swap agreements, which convert an aggregate of $225.6 million of its variable rate debt to a fixed rate. As a result of its interest rate swap agreements, VWE expects the effective rate on $50.0 million, $50.0 million, $50.0 million, $46.8 million and $28.8 million of its indebtedness to be 2.25%, 2.92%, 2.34%, 0.71% and 0.78%, respectively, through dates ranging from March 2025 to July 2026. On April 12, 2021 the Company executed an agreement to amend and restate the June 2018 interest rate swap having a notional amount of $50 million at a fixed rate of 2.92% to a notional amount of $75 million at a fixed rate of 2.32%. For more details regarding VWE’s interest rate swap agreements, see Notes 6 and 16 to VWE’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

24


Raw Material Price Risks

VWE depends, in part, on third parties for its supply of raw materials. The price, quality and availability of grapes, the principal raw material used by VWE, is subject to fluctuations as a result of domestic supply and demand. Climate change, agricultural and other factors, such as wildfires, disease, pests, extreme weather conditions, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and competing land use, could adversely impact the price, quality and quantity of grapes available to VWE for the production of wine VWE does not generally conduct futures transactions and is exposed to price fluctuations in its grape supply as dictated by changes in domestic price trends.

 

25

Exhibit 99.3

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA

CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL

INFORMATION

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is provided to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the transactions. This information should be read together with BCAC’s and VWE’s financial statements and related notes, the sections titled “Selected Historical Financial Data of BCAC,” “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data of VWE,” “BCAC Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other financial information, included in the Prospectus, Exhibit 99.2 to BCAC’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May 14, 2021 and as Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K to which this Exhibit 99.3 is attached.

Introduction

BCAC is a special purpose acquisition corporation formed for purpose of effecting, directly or indirectly, an acquisition of one or more businesses or assets, by way of a merger, amalgamation, arrangement, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or any other similar business combination, which is referred to herein as a qualifying acquisition. BCAC was incorporated on July 8, 2019 under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and was domiciled in Canada. On June 4, 2021, BCAC changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from the Province of British Columbia to the State of Nevada.

On August 15, 2019, BCAC closed its IPO of 35,000,000 Class A restricted voting units at a price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $350,000,000. On September 13, 2019, BCAC closed the partial exercise by the IPO underwriters of their over-allotment option in respect of an additional 1,000,000 Class A restricted voting units, generating gross proceeds of $10,000,000. Each Class A restricted voting unit consisted of one Class A restricted voting share and one-half of a warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Class A restricted voting share. Prior to the closing of the IPO, the Sponsor purchased 10,062,500 Class B shares (of which 1,062,500 shares were relinquished in connection with the partial exercise by the IPO underwriters of the over-allotment option) for an aggregate price of $25,000. In addition, concurrently with the closing of the IPO, the Sponsor purchased 12,000,000 warrants for an aggregate price of $12,000,000. Following the IPO, BCAC deposited a total of $360,000,000 ($10.00 per Class A restricted voting share) in the escrow account. On April 22, 2021, BCAC and Wasatch entered into subscription agreements for the sale and purchase of 10.0 million shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at $10.00 per share at the closing of the transactions.

VWE is a leading vintner in the United States, offering a collection of wines produced by award-winning, heritage wineries, popular lifestyle wines, innovative new wine brands and packaging concepts as well as craft spirits. Since its organization as a California corporation over 20 years ago, VWE has grown organically through brand creation and acquisitions to become the 15th largest wine producer based on cases of wine shipped in California.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2021 combines the historical unaudited balance sheet of BCAC and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of VWE on a pro forma basis as if the transactions had been consummated on March 31, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the twelve months ended June 30, 2020 combine the historical statements of operations of BCAC and the historical consolidated statements of operations of VWE for such periods on a pro forma basis as if the transactions had been consummated on July 1, 2019, the beginning of the earliest period presented. In addition to the merger and the domestication, the transactions contemplated by the transaction agreement that are given pro forma effect include:

 

   

the redemption of 18,366,645 shares of BCAC Class A restricted voting shares at approximately $10.10 per share;

 

   

the reverse recapitalization between merger sub and VWE;

 

   

the cash paid for a portion of VWE Series B stock;

 

   

the cancellation of all VWE stock options and related payments of cash consideration to former holders thereof;

 

1


   

the forfeiture and cancellation of 3,000,000 Class B shares and 4,000,000 Founders Warrants by the Sponsor for no value;

 

   

the repayment of certain outstanding indebtedness of VWE;

 

   

the escrow of $6,524,977 with the PPP lender as required by the transaction agreement in connection with the application for forgiveness of the PPP Note;

 

   

the conversion of the $4,750,000 principal amount of the VWE secured convertible promissory note held by Jayson Woodbridge, plus $38,594 of interest accrued thereon, into shares of VWE Series A common stock; and

 

   

the issuance of 10.0 million shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at $10.00 per share at the closing of the transactions pursuant to subscription agreements between BCAC and Wasatch dated April 22, 2021.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information may not be useful in predicting the future financial condition and results of operations of New VWE Holdco. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on such information.

The historical financial information of BCAC was derived from the unaudited and audited financial statements of BCAC as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2021, included in BCAC’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May 14, 2021, and the six months ended June 30, 2020, and for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in the Prospectus. The unaudited condensed combined statement of operations of BCAC for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was calculated by taking the audited statement of operations of BCAC for the year ended December 31, 2020 less the unaudited condensed statement of operations of BCAC for the six months ended June 30, 2020, plus the unaudited condensed statement of operations of BCAC for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The unaudited condensed statement of operations of BCAC for the year ended June 30, 2020 was calculated by taking the unaudited condensed statement of operations of BCAC for the six months ended June 30, 2020 plus the audited statement of operations of BCAC for the period of July 8, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019. The historical financial information of VWE was derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of VWE as of and for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, and audited consolidated financial statements of VWE for the year ended June 30, 2020, included in Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K to which this Exhibit 99.3 is attached and the Prospectus, respectively. This information should be read together with BCAC’s and VWE’s unaudited and audited financial statements and related notes, the sections titled “Selected Historical Financial Data of BCAC,” “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data of VWE,” “BCAC Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other financial information included in the Prospectus, Exhibit 99.2 to BCAC’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May 14, 2021 and as Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K to which this Exhibit 99.3 is attached.

The transactions will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, BCAC will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the transactions will be treated as the equivalent of VWE issuing stock for the net assets of BCAC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of BCAC will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the transactions will be those of VWE. See “Anticipated Accounting Treatment.

BCAC’s and VWE’s management have made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. As the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to:

 

   

any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings, cost savings or increased costs of a public company that may be associated with the transactions;

 

   

the issuance of up to 5,726,864 Earnout Shares to holders of shares of VWE Series A stock and VWE Series B stock (other than Wasatch), which are issuable in the event New VWE Holdco common stock achieves certain performance goals;

 

2


   

the impact of the expected acquisition by VWE of Kunde by merger (see “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments—Kunde Acquisition;)”

 

   

the potential divestiture of certain non-core real estate assets with a combined appraised value in excess of $70 million; and

 

   

the impact of any Canadian income tax incurred by BCAC under the “corporate emigration” rules in the Tax Act as a result of the domestication.

The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on information currently available, and assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ materially from the assumptions used to present the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

3


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF MARCH 31, 2021

 

     VWE
March 31,
2021
     BCAC
March 31,
2021
     Adjustments     Pro Forma
Combined

March 31, 2021
 

ASSETS

          

Current assets:

          

Cash

   $ 456,000      $ 1,080,500      $ 178,640,835   (A)   
           100,000,000   (B)   
           (83,056,500 ) (C)   
           (6,524,977 ) (P)   
           (13,500,000 ) (D)   
           (32,000,000 ) (E)   
           (20,399,466 ) (F)   
           (7,943,431 ) (G)      116,752,961  

Accounts receivable, net

     11,111,300        —          —         11,111,300  

Related party receivables

     2,362,400        —          —         2,362,400  

Other receivables

     11,925,800        —          —         11,925,800  

Inventories

     212,120,000        —          —         212,120,000  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     11,554,900        624,807        (1,302,200 ) (F)      10,877,507  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     249,530,400        1,705,307        113,914,261       365,149,968  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

     185,113,900        —          —         185,113,900  

Goodwill

     87,122,900        —          —         87,122,900  

Intangible assets, net

     26,035,200        —          —         26,035,200  

Other assets

     884,200        —          —         884,200  

Cash held in escrow for PPP note payable

     —          —          6,524,977   (P)      6,524,977  

Investments held in Trust Account

     —          364,078,637        (364,078,637 ) (A)      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 548,686,600      $ 365,783,944      $ (243,639,399   $ 670,831,145  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE STOCK, NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST, AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

          

Current liabilities:

          

Line of credit

     169,629,800      $ —        $ (83,056,500 ) (C)    $ 86,573,300  

Accounts payable

     25,552,200        3,162,788        —         28,714,988  

Accrued liabilities and other payables

     29,432,100        —          (38,594 ) (N)      29,393,506  

Related party liabilities

     15,423,900        8,764        —         15,432,664  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     15,423,400        —          —         15,423,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     255,461,400        3,171,552        (83,095,094     175,537,858  

Other long-term liabilities

     912,500        —          —         912,500  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     137,602,700        —          (4,750,000 ) (N)      132,852,700  

Interest rate swap liabilities

     11,731,000        —          —         11,731,000  

Deferred tax liability

     5,686,700        —          —         5,686,700  

Deferred gain

     12,334,700        —          —         12,334,700  

Deferred underwriters' commission

        13,500,000        (13,500,000 ) (D)      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     423,729,000        16,671,552        (101,345,094     339,055,458  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

BCAC Class A restricted voting shares; 36,000,000 subject to redemption

     —          363,338,039        (363,338,039 ) (H)   

 

—  

 

VWE Series A redeemable stock, no par value; 10,000,000 and 6,799,424 shares authorized, and issued and outstanding, respectively

     54,258,100        —          (30,679,400 ) (J)   
           (23,578,700 ) (J)      —    

VWE Series B redeemable stock, no par value; 10,000,000 and 1,588,956 shares authorized, and issued and outstanding, respectively

     47,474,600        —         
(5,236,342
) (I) 
 
           (32,000,000 ) (E)   
           (10,238,258 ) (I)      —    

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

     1,653,100        —          —         1,653,100  

Stockholders' equity (deficit):

          

VWE Series A common stock, no par value, 10,000,000, and 872,931 shares authorized, and issued and outstanding, respectively

     2,363,500        —          (2,363,500 ) (K)      —    

BCAC Class A restricted voting shares, unlimited shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding (excluding 36,000,000 shares subject to possible redemption) at March 31, 2021

     —          —          —         —    

BCAC Class B Shares, unlimited shares authorized; 9,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021

  

 

—  

 

  

 

25,000

 

  

 

(8,333

) (L) 

 

 

—  

 

           (16,667 ) (M)   

New VWE Holdco common stock, no par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 57,219,608 shares issue and outstanding

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 (N) 

 

 

—  

 

Additional paid-in capital

     10,670,000        —          177,900,237   (H)   
           10,238,258   (I)   
           23,578,700   (J)   
           2,363,500   (K)   
           25,000   (M)(L)   
           (20,688,166 ) (F)   
           (7,943,431 ) (G)   
           4,788,594   (N)   
           (14,250,647 ) (O)   
           100,000,000   (B)      286,682,045  

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     8,885,300        (14,250,647      14,250,647   (O)   
           5,236,342   (I)   
           30,679,400 (J)   
           (1,013,500 ) (F)      43,787,542  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total VWE/BCAC stockholders' equity (deficit)

     21,918,800        (14,225,647      322,776,434       330,469,587  

Noncontrolling interest

     (347,000           (347,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

     21,571,800        (14,225,647      322,776,434       330,122,587  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable stock, noncontrolling interest, and stockholders' equity (deficit)

   $ 548,686,600      $ 365,783,944      $ (243,639,399   $ 670,831,145  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

4


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021

 

     VWE
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021
     BCAC
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021
     Adjustments     Pro Forma Combined
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
2021
 

NET REVENUES

          

Wine and spirits

   $ 132,085,500      $      $     $ 132,085,500  

Nonwine

     31,623,400        —          —         31,623,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     163,708,900        —          —         163,708,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

COST OF REVENUES

          

Wine and spirits

     82,179,900        —          —         82,179,900  

Nonwine

     17,287,600        —          —         17,287,600  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     99,467,500        —          —         99,467,500  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

     64,241,400        —          —         64,241,400  

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     50,932,400        5,279,329        —         56,211,729  

Gain on disposition of assets

     (1,998,600      —          —         (1,998,600

Gain on litigation proceeds

     (4,750,000      —          —         (4,750,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     20,057,600        (5,279,329      —         14,778,271  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

          

Interest expense

     (9,173,200      —          1,782,102   (BB)      (7,391,098

Investment income

     —          149,664        (149,664 ) (CC)      —    

Net unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreements

     8,212,200        —          —         8,212,200  

Other, net

     683,600        —          —         683,600  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

     (277,400      149,664        1,632,438       1,504,702  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     19,780,200        (5,129,665      1,632,438       16,282,973  

INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)

     4,517,000        (393,999      444,023   (DD)      4,567,024  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

     15,263,200        (4,735,666      1,188,415       11,715,949  

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

     (343,500      —          —         (343,500
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO

VWE/BCAC

     14,919,700        (4,735,666      1,188,415       11,372,449  

Accretion on redeemable VWE Series B stock

     4,759,700        —          (4,759,700 )  (EE)      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ALLOCABLE TO VWE SERIES A AND BCAC STOCKHOLDERS

   $ 10,160,000      $ (4,735,666    $ 5,948,115     $ 11,372,449  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share allocable to Series A stockholders

          

Basic

   $ 1.10          

Diluted

   $ 1.07          

Net loss allocable to Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders per share

      $ 0.00       

Net loss allocable to Class B Shareholders per share

      $ (0.54     

Pro forma earnings per common share

           $ 0.20  

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net earnings per share allocable to Series A stockholders

          

Basic

     7,672,355          

Diluted

     8,047,086          

Weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of loss per share

          

Class A Restricting Voting Shares

        36,000,000       

Class B Shares

        9,000,000       

Weighted average pro forma common shares outstanding

             57,219,608   (FF) 

 

5


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020

 

     VWE     BCAC     Adjustments     Pro Forma Combined  
     Twelve Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended           Twelve Months Ended  
     June 30,     June 30,           June 30,  
     2020     2020    

 

    2020  

NET REVENUES

        

Wine and spirits

   $ 155,740,600     $ —       $ —       $ 155,740,600  

Nonwine

     34,178,000       —         —         34,178,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     189,918,600       —         —         189,918,600  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COST OF REVENUES

        

Wine and spirits

     98,235,800       —         —         98,235,800  

Nonwine

     20,050,900       —         —         20,050,900  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     118,286,700       —         —         118,286,700  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

     71,631,900       —         —         71,631,900  

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     64,698,800       1,828,896       2,471,151   (AA)      68,998,847  

Impairment of intangibles assets and goodwill

     1,281,000       —         —         1,281,000  

Gain on disposition of assets

     (1,051,700     —         —         (1,051,700

Gain on remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities

     (1,034,500     —         —         (1,034,500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     7,738,300       (1,828,896     (2,471,151     3,438,253  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

        

Interest expense

     (15,422,100     —         2,434,897   (BB)      (12,987,203

Investment income

     —         4,422,992       (4,422,992 ) (CC)      —    

Net unrealized loss on interest rate swap agreements

     (12,945,200     —         —         (12,945,200

Other, net

     971,900       —         —         971,900  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

     (27,395,400     4,422,992       (1,988,095     (24,960,503
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (19,657,100     2,594,096       (4,459,246     (21,522,250

INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)

     (9,957,000     393,999       (1,212,915 ) (DD)      (10,775,916
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) INCOME

     (9,700,100     2,200,097       (3,246,331     (10,746,334

Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

     (41,200     —         —         (41,200
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO

        

VWE/BCAC

     (9,741,300     2,200,097       (3,246,331     (10,787,534

Accretion on redeemable Series B stock

     4,978,000       —         (4,978,000 ) (EE)      —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) INCOME ALLOCABLE TO VWE SERIES A AND BCAC STOCKHOLDERS

   $ (14,719,300   $ 2,200,097     $ 1,731,669     $ (10,787,534
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss allocable to Series A non-redeemable stockholders per share

        

Basic

   $ (1.92      

Diluted

   $ (1.92      

Net income allocable to Class A Restricted Voting Share per share

     $ 0.42      

Net loss allocable to Class B Shareholders per share

     $ (1.39    

Pro forma loss per common share

         $ (0.19

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of loss per share allocable to Series A stockholders

        

Basic

     7,672,355        

Diluted

     7,672,355        

Weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of net (loss) income per share

        

Class A Restricting Voting Shares

       32,108,635      

Class B Shares

       8,133,183      

Weighted average pro forma common shares outstanding

           57,219,608  (FF) 

 

6


NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

The transactions will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, BCAC will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes.

Accordingly, the transactions will be treated as the equivalent of VWE issuing stock for the net assets of BCAC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of BCAC will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the transactions will be those of VWE. See “Anticipated Accounting Treatment.”

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2021 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with:

 

   

BCAC’s unaudited balance sheets as of March 31, 2021 and the related notes for the three months ended March 31, 2021, included in Exhibit 99.1 to BCAC’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May 14, 2021; and

 

   

VWE’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021 and the related notes for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, included in Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K to which this Exhibit 99.3 is attached.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with:

 

   

BCAC’s unaudited statements of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, derived from BCAC’s audited statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and BCAC’s unaudited statements of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, included in Exhibit 99.1 to BCAC’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on May 14, 2021 and in the Prospectus; and

 

   

VWE’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and the related notes, which are included in Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K to which this Exhibit 99.3 is attached.

The unaudited condensed combined statement of operations of BCAC for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was calculated by taking the audited statements of operations of BCAC for the year ended December 31, 2020, less the unaudited condensed statements of operations of BCAC for the six months ended June 30, 2020, plus the unaudited condensed statement of operations of BCAC for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the twelve months ended June 30, 2020 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with:

 

   

BCAC’s unaudited statement of operations for the twelve months ended June 30, 2020, derived from BCAC’s unaudited statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and BCAC’s audited statement of operations for the period of July 8, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019 and the related notes, which are included in the Prospectus; and

 

   

VWE’s audited consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 and the related notes, which are included in the Prospectus.

The unaudited condensed combined statement of operations of BCAC for the year ended June 30, 2020 was calculated by taking the unaudited condensed statement of operations of BCAC for the six months ended June 30, 2020 plus the audited statement of operations of BCAC for the period of July 8, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019.

 

7


BCAC’s and VWE’s management have made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments. As the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to:

 

   

any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings, cost savings or increased costs of a public company that may be associated with the transactions;

 

   

up to 5,726,864 Earnout Shares to holders of shares of VWE Series B stock and VWE Series A stock (other than Wasatch) issuable in the event New VWE Holdco common stock achieves certain performance goals;

 

   

the impact of the expected acquisition by VWE of Kunde by merger (see “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments— Kunde Acquisition”);

 

   

the divestiture of certain non-core real estate assets with a combined appraised value in excess of $70 million; and

 

   

the impact of any Canadian income tax incurred by BCAC under the “corporate emigration” rules in the Tax Act as a result of the domestication.

The pro forma adjustments reflecting the consummation of the transactions are based on certain currently available information and certain assumptions and methodologies that BCAC believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited condensed combined pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. BCAC believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the transactions based on information available to management at this time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the transactions taken place on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the combined company. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto of BCAC and VWE.

 

2.

Accounting Policies

Upon consummation of the transactions, the New VWE Holdco will perform a comprehensive review of the two entities’ accounting policies. As a result of the review, management may identify differences between the accounting policies of the two entities which, when conformed, could have a material impact on the financial statements of the combined company.

 

3.

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosure about Acquired and Disposed Businesses.” The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared to illustrate the effect of the transactions and has been prepared for informational purposes only.

 

8


Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2021 are as follows:

 

(A)

Reflects the release of cash invested in marketable securities held in the trust account after giving effect to 18,366,645 redemptions and a redemption price of $10.09644396 per share and the reclassification of $178,640,835 to cash.

 

(B)

Reflects the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at $10.00 per share pursuant to the subscription agreements between BCAC and Wasatch dated April 22, 2021.

 

(C)

Reflects the cash repayment of $83,056,500 of the VWE line of credit.

 

(D)

Reflects the settlement of $13,500,000 of deferred underwriters’ commission (inclusive of the discretionary deferred portion of the underwriting commission). The commission was paid at the closing of the transactions.

 

(E)

Reflects the cash purchase and retirement of the Series B Preference Amount and 1,011,445 shares of VWE Series B redeemable stock for $32,000,000.

 

(F)

Represents BCAC and VWE estimated remaining transaction costs incurred after March 31, 2021 of $17,920,666 and $3,781,000 (includes cash payment of $20,399,466 plus $1,302,200 currently within prepaid expenses), respectively, inclusive of advisory, transaction, printing, legal, accounting and listing fees that get paid in cash and $20,688,166 charged through additional paid in capital and $1,013,500 expensed through retained earnings.

 

(G)

Represents the cash payment for the settlement and cancellation of the existing VWE Stock Option Plan at the closing of the merger.

 

(H)

Reflects the redemption and cancellation of 18,366,645 shares of BCAC Class A restricted shares for $185,437,802 and the reclassification of $177,900,237 BCAC Class A restricted shares subject to redemption to permanent equity and the exchange of 17,633,355 shares of BCAC Class A restricted shares for 17,633,355 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock.

 

(I)

Represents the recapitalization of 577,511 shares of VWE Series B stock and the issuance of 1,650,000 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock as consideration for the reverse recapitalization. The recapitalization attributes $10,238,258 to additional paid in capital and $5,236,342 to retained earnings.

 

(J)

Represents the recapitalization of 6,799,424 shares of VWE Series A redeemable stock and the issuance of 19,426,546 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock as consideration for the reverse recapitalization. The recapitalization attributes $23,578,700 to additional paid in capital and $30,679,400 to retained earnings.

 

(K)

Represents the recapitalization of 872,931 shares of VWE Series A common stock and the issuance of 2,494,040 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock as consideration for the reverse recapitalization.

 

(L)

Represents the forfeiture of 3,000,000 shares of BCAC Class B stock for no value.

 

(M)

Represents the exchange of 6,000,000 shares of BCAC Class B stock for 6,000,000 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock.

 

(N)

Excludes (a) the recapitalization of 906,345 shares of VWE Series A stock issued in the Kunde transaction effective April 19, 2021 and the issuance of 2,589,506 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock as consideration for the reverse capitalization, (b) up to 5,726,864 Earnout Shares to holders of shares of VWE Series B stock and VWE Series A stock (other than Wasatch) issuable in the event New VWE Holdco common stock achieves certain performance goals; and (c) up to 652,497 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock redeemable by New VWE Holdco for no consideration from each VWE shareholder party to the investor rights agreement to the extent that any portion of the PPP Note has not been forgiven prior to the closing of the merger, on the earlier of VWE’s receipt of notice from the applicable lender or the applicable governmental entity that any or all of the PPP Note will not be forgiven and the date that is 18 months after the closing of the merger. Also does not reflect the potential for redemptions from each VWE shareholder party to the investor rights agreement to the extent the Merger Consideration is adjusted downward in excess of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit. Includes the issuance of 668,164 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock related to the conversion of $4,750,000 in principal amount of the VWE secured convertible promissory note held by Jayson Woodbridge and $38,594 of interest accrued thereon and 10,000,000 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at $10.00 per share pursuant to the subscription agreements between BCAC and Wasatch dated April 22, 2021.

 

(O)

Reflects the reclassification of BCAC’s historical accumulated deficit.

 

(P)

Reflects the escrow of $6,524,977 of the PPP Note as required by the transaction agreement in connection with the application for forgiveness of the PPP Note.

 

9


Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and twelve months ended June 30, 2020 are as follows:

 

(AA)

Reflects $1,457,651 of compensation expense associated with the settlement and cancellation of the existing VWE Stock Option Plan and $1,013,500 of VWE transaction expenses.

 

(BB)

For the nine months ending March 31, 2021, reflects the repayment of $83,056,500 of VWE line of credit at an average interest rate of 2.68% and the conversion of $4,750,000 secured convertible promissory notes at an average interest rate of 3.25%. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2020, reflects the repayment of $77,436,700 of VWE line of credit at an average interest rate of 2.83% and the conversion of $4,750,000 secured convertible promissory notes at an average interest rate of 5.13%.

 

(CC)

For the nine months ended March 31, 2021, reflects the liquidation of the BCAC assets held in trust and the elimination of $149,664 investment income. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2020 reflects the liquidation of BCAC assets held in trust and the elimination of $4,422,992 of investment income.

 

(DD)

Applies VWE statutory tax rate of 27.2%.

 

(EE)

Reverses the accretion of $4,759,700 for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and $4,978,000 for twelve months ended June 30, 2020 on the VWE Series B stock as it is repaid or recapitalized to New VWE Holdco common stock in full.

 

(FF)

Excludes (a) the recapitalization of 906,345 shares of VWE Series A stock issued in the Kunde transaction effective April 19, 2021 and the issuance of 2,589,506 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock for the reverse capitalization, (b) up to 5,726,864 Earnout Shares to holders of shares of VWE Series B stock and VWE Series A stock (other than Wasatch) issuable in the event New VWE Holdco common stock achieves certain performance goals; and (c) up to 652,497 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock redeemable by New VWE Holdco for no consideration from each VWE shareholder party to the investor rights agreement to the extent that any portion of the PPP Note has not been forgiven prior to the closing of the merger, on the earlier of VWE’s receipt of notice from the applicable lender or the applicable governmental entity that any or all of the PPP Note will not be forgiven and the date that is 18 months after the closing of the merger. Also does not reflect the potential for redemptions from each VWE shareholder party to the investor rights agreement to the extent the Merger Consideration is adjusted downward in excess of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit. Includes the issuance of 668,164 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock related to the conversion of $4,750,000 in principal amount of the VWE secured convertible promissory note held by Jayson Woodbridge and $38,594 of interest accrued thereon and 10,000,000 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at $10.00 per share pursuant to the subscription agreements between BCAC and Wasatch dated April 22, 2021.

 

4.

Net Earnings per Share

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects the net earnings per share calculated using the outstanding shares of VWE Series B redeemable stock that are not repurchased, the VWE Series A redeemable stock and VWE Series A stock for the issuance of shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at an exchange ratio of 2.78760 for each share of VWE capital stock as consideration for the merger, the exchange of BCAC shares for shares of New VWE Holdco common stock in the domestication, and the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock pursuant to the subscription agreements between BCAC and Wasatch dated April 22, 2021, assuming the shares were outstanding since July 1, 2019. This table excludes (i) 2,589,506 shares issued in connection with the Kunde acquisition in April 2021; (ii) the issuance of up to 5,726,864 Earnout Shares to holders of shares of VWE Series A stock and VWE Series B stock (other than Wasatch), which are issuable in the event New VWE Holdco common stock achieves certain performance goals; and (iii) the 652,497 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock redeemable by New VWE Holdco for no consideration from each VWE shareholder party to the investor rights agreement to the extent any portion of the PPP Note has not been forgiven prior to the earlier of (A) the date that is 18 months after the closing of the merger or (B) VWE’s receipt of notice from the applicable lender or the applicable governmental entity that any or all of the PPP Note will not be forgiven. As the transactions are being reflected as if they had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share assumes that the shares issuable relating to the transactions have been outstanding for the entirety of all periods presented. For the

 

10


redemption of 18,366,645 BCAC Class A restricted voting shares, this calculation is retroactively adjusted to eliminate such shares for the entire period. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared assuming the redemption into cash of 18,366,645 shares of BCAC Class A restricted voting shares for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and for the twelve months ended June 30, 2020:

 

     For the Nine Months Ended      For the Twelve Months Ended  
     March 31, 2021      June 30, 2020  

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 11,372,449      $ (10,787,534

Weighted average shares of New VWE Holdco common stock outstanding

     57,219,608        57,219,608  

Pro forma net income (loss) per share of New VWE Holdco common stock attributable to common stockholders

   $ 0.20      $ (0.19

The table below represents the earnings per share calculated using the outstanding shares of VWE Series B stock that are not repurchased, the VWE Series A redeemable stock and the Series A stock for the issuance of shares of New VWE Holdco common stock at an exchange ratio of 2.78760 for VWE capital stock as consideration for the merger, the exchange of BCAC Class A restricted voting shares and BCAC Class B shares for shares of each share of New VWE Holdco common stock in the domestication, and reflecting the issuance of 2,589,506 shares of VWE Series A stock expected to be issued in connection with the Kunde acquisition and the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock pursuant to the subscription agreements between BCAC and Wasatch dated April 22, 2021, assuming that all such shares were outstanding since July 1, 2019. This table excludes (i) the issuance of up to 5,726,864 Earnout Shares to holders of shares of VWE Series A stock and VWE Series B stock (other than Wasatch), which are issuable in the event New VWE Holdco common stock achieves certain performance goals; and (ii) the 652,497 shares of New VWE Holdco common stock redeemable by New VWE Holdco for no consideration from each VWE shareholder party to the investor rights agreement to the extent any portion of the PPP Note has not been forgiven prior to the earlier of (A) the date that is 18 months after the closing of the merger or (B) VWE’s receipt of notice from the applicable lender or the applicable governmental entity that any or all of the PPP Note will not be forgiven. This table also excludes the potential for redemptions from each VWE shareholder party to the investor rights agreement to the extent the Merger Consideration is adjusted downward in excess of the Adjustment Escrow Deposit. As the transactions are being reflected as if they had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share assumes that the shares of New VWE Holdco common stock issuable relating to the transactions have been outstanding for the entirety of all periods presented. For the redemption of 18,366,645 BCAC Class A restricted voting shares, this calculation is retroactively adjusted to eliminate such shares for the entire period. The unaudited information in the table below has been prepared assuming the redemption into cash of 18,366,645 Class A restricted voting shares for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and for the twelve months ended June 30, 2020:

 

     For the Nine Months Ended      For the Twelve Months Ended  
     March 31, 2021      June 30, 2020  

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 11,372,449      $ (10,787,534

Weighted average shares of New VWE Holdco common stock outstanding (including New VWE Holdco shares issued pursuant to the Kunde transaction)(a)

     59,809,114        59,809,114  

Pro forma earnings (loss) per share of New VWE Holdco common stock attributable to common stockholders (including shares to be issued pursuant to the Kunde transaction)

   $ 0.19      $ (0.18

 

11


 

(a)

VWE acquired Kunde in April 2021 for approximately $60 million in the form of Series A stock, promissory notes, and cash, net of assumed debt. Kunde selected unaudited financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

Net Revenues

   $ 12,509,600      Total Assets    $ 35,046,900  

Income from Operations

   $ 1,588,700      Line of Credit    $ 7,000,000  

Net Income

   $ 1,400,100      Short-term and Long-term Debt    $ 6,080,000  

See “VWE Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations— Recent Developments—Kunde Acquisition.”

 

12

Exhibit 99.4

Vintage Wine Estates and Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. Announce Closing of Business Combination

Common Stock to Commence Trading on the Nasdaq Global Market Under New Symbol “VWE” on June 8

SANTA ROSA, California, and INCLINE VILLAGE, Nevada, June 7, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vintage Wine Estates (“VWE” or the “Company”), one of the fastest growing U.S. wine producers with an industry leading direct-to-consumer platform, today announced that it has completed its previously announced business combination with Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: BSPE) (TSX: BC.U) (TSX: BC.WT.U) (“Bespoke” or “BCAC”), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company.

The transaction, which was approved by BCAC shareholders at its meeting held on May 28, 2021, and also obtained approval from VWE shareholders, resulted in the combined company being renamed “Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.” At the opening of trading on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, its common stock will commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the new ticker symbol “VWE”. The common stock and warrants are expected to be listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the new symbols “VWE.U” and “VWE.WT.U”, respectively, on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 but will continue to be listed and posted for trading prior to that date under the current symbols “BC.U” and “BC.WT.U”, respectively.

In connection with the merger and related private placement, VWE and certain of its shareholders will receive approximately $306 million in cash proceeds. The funds received by the Company are expected to be used to expand and accelerate its proven growth strategy, driven by a combination of acquisition led and organic growth, across a well-balanced omni-channel model encompassing direct-to-consumer, wholesale and exclusive brand arrangements with national retailers. At closing, the Company will have 60,461,611 shares outstanding, representing a market capitalization of $617.9 million based on the June 4, 2021 closing share price of $10.22.

The combined company will be led by Pat Roney, CEO and founder of VWE, and retain VWE’s highly experienced management team, augmented by former Diageo CEO and Executive Chairman of BCAC, Paul Walsh, as non-executive Chairman. Key BCAC partners Rob Berner and Mark Harms have joined the Board of the combined company as non-executive directors alongside a strong group of independent directors including experienced wine industry executives and finance/legal executives with a focus on ESG and diversity.

Mr. Roney said, “This marks the completion of another significant milestone for VWE, and this is just the beginning of the Company’s growth as a publicly traded company. Through the transaction with Bespoke, we were able to use a more controlled entry to access the public markets, and we believe the capital gained from the transaction will allow VWE to scale and maximize our profitability for all stakeholders. We are excited to continue on our impressive track record and will continue to capitalize on the opportunity the highly fragmented and rapidly growing U.S. wine industry presents.”

Mr. Walsh said, “We are proud to bring a high quality company like VWE, with its cutting edge direct-to-consumer platform, to the public markets. The Company is positioned at the leading edge of the most rapidly growing parts of the wine industry. We have a strong admiration of VWE’s management team. They have an outstanding reputation for innovation which has led to organic growth and a well developed, highly successful acquisition machine. We know they will continue investing in diversity and sustainability where it matters most. VWE has proven itself as a private company, and its future is bright as a public company.”


To celebrate the completion of the merger, members of VWE’s leadership team will ring the closing bell at the Nasdaq at 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. A live stream of the event and replay can be accessed by visiting Nasdaq Stock Market Bell Ceremonies.

Advisors

Canaccord Genuity and Citi served as lead capital markets advisors to BCAC. D.A. Davidson & Co. and Telsey Advisory Group also served as capital markets advisors to BCAC. Citi and XMS Capital Partners, LLC acted as financial advisors to BCAC. Cowen served as lead financial advisor and sole capital markets advisor to VWE. Cowen also served as sole placement agent in connection with the secondary share sale to Wasatch Global Investors. Jones Day and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP served as legal advisors to BCAC. Foley & Lardner LLP and Stikeman Elliott served as legal counsel to VWE.

About Vintage Wine Estates

Vintage Wine Estates is a family of wineries and wines whose singular focus is producing the finest quality wines and incredible customer experiences with wineries throughout Napa, Sonoma, California’s Central Coast, Oregon and Washington State. Since its founding 20 years ago, the Company has become a top 15 U.S. wine producer via organic and acquisitive growth, today selling more than 2 million nine-liter equivalent cases annually. To achieve this growth, the Company curates, creates, stewards and markets its many brands and services to customers and end consumers via a balanced omni-channel strategy encompassing direct-to-consumer, wholesale and exclusive brands arrangements with national retailers. VWE is diverse across price points and varietals with over 50 brands ranging from $10-$150 USD at retail, with the majority selling in the $12-$20 USD price range. For more information, visit https://www.vintagewineestates.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this document are forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are all statements other than those of historical fact, and generally may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “model,” “outlook,” “plan,” “pro forma,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” or other similar expressions that indicate future events or trends. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projections of market opportunity and market share, business plans and strategies, expansion and acquisition opportunities, growth prospects and consumer and industry trends. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not guarantees of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, assurance or definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to


predict and may differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, among others: the effect of economic conditions on the industries and markets in which VWE operates, including financial market conditions, fluctuations in prices, interest rates and market demand; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information; the effects of competition on VWE’s future business; risks related to the organic and inorganic growth of VWE’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; the potential adverse effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on VWE’s business and the U.S. economy; declines or unanticipated changes in consumer demand for VWE’s products; the impact of environmental catastrophe, natural disasters, disease, pests, weather conditions and inadequate water supply on VWE’s business; VWE’s significant reliance on its distribution channels; potential reputational harm to VWE’s brands from internal and external sources; possible decreases in VWE’s wine quality ratings; possible departures from VWE’s or the combined company’s senior management team; integration risks associated with acquisitions; changes in applicable laws and regulations and the significant expense to VWE of operating in a highly regulated industry; VWE’s ability to make payments on its indebtedness; and those factors discussed in documents filed by BCAC and to be filed by the combined company, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. There may be additional risks that the Company does not know or that the Company currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as may be required by law. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon these forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Investors

ir@vintagewineestates.com

Media

Mary Ann Vangrin

MVangrin@vintagewineestates.com

Exhibit 99.5

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. Announces Filing of Super 8-K in Connection With the Completion of Its Business Combination with Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp.

Reaffirms Fiscal Year 2021 Guidance

SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Vintage Wine Estates, Inc. (NASDAQ: VWE) (TSX: VWE.U) (TSX: VWE.WT.U) (“VWE” or the “Company”), one of the fastest growing U.S. wine producers with an industry leading direct-to-customer platform, today announced that it has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) its Form 8-K (the “Super 8-K”), in connection with the completion of the business combination with Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp.

As part of the Super 8-K, VWE, the entity prior to the completion of the business combination, reported its financial results for the nine months ended March 31, 2021. VWE reported net revenue of $163.7 million, net income of $15.3 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $30.4 million. This represents 10% growth in net revenue and 54% growth in Adjusted EBITDA over the corresponding nine-month period in fiscal year 2020. These numbers exclude any contribution from the Kunde acquisition, which was completed in April 2021.

VWE continues to execute on its business strategy and reaffirms its guidance of pro forma net revenue of $220 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $46 million for fiscal year 2021. This includes the full year pro forma impact of the acquisition of Kunde.

About Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.

Vintage Wine Estates is a family of wineries and wines whose singular focus is producing the finest quality wines and incredible customer experiences with wineries throughout Napa, Sonoma, California’s Central Coast, Oregon and Washington State. Since its founding 20 years ago, the Company has become a top 15 U.S. wine producer via organic and acquisitive growth, today selling more than 2 million nine-liter equivalent cases annually. To achieve this growth, the Company curates, creates, stewards and markets its many brands and services to customers and end consumers via a balanced omni-channel strategy encompassing direct-to-consumer, wholesale and exclusive brands arrangements with national retailers. VWE is diverse across price points and varietals with over 50 brands ranging from $10-$150 USD at retail, with the majority selling in the $12-$20 USD price range. For more information, visit https://www.vintagewineestates.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities law and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law(collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are all statements other than those of historical fact, and generally may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “model,” “outlook,” “plan,” “pro forma,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” or other similar expressions that indicate future events or trends. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and market share, business plans and strategies, expansion and acquisition opportunities, growth prospects and consumer and industry trends. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of VWE’s management and are not guarantees of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, assurance or definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and may differ materially from those contained in or implied by such


forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of VWE. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, among others: the effect of economic conditions on the industries and markets in which VWE operates, including financial market conditions, fluctuations in prices, interest rates and market demand; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of combination with Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corporation; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information; the effects of competition on VWE’s future business; risks related to the organic and inorganic growth of VWE’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; the potential adverse effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on VWE’s business and the U.S. economy; declines or unanticipated changes in consumer demand for VWE’s products; the impact of environmental catastrophe, natural disasters, disease, pests, weather conditions and inadequate water supply on VWE’s business; VWE’s significant reliance on its distribution channels; potential reputational harm to VWE’s brands from internal and external sources; possible decreases in VWE’s wine quality ratings; possible departures from VWE’s senior management team; integration risks associated with acquisitions; changes in applicable laws and regulations and the significant expense to VWE of operating in a highly regulated industry; VWE’s ability to make payments on its indebtedness; and those factors discussed in documents of VWE filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or Canadian securities regulatory authorities. There may be additional risks that VWE does not presently know or that VWE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect VWE’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. VWE undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as may be required by law. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon these forward-looking statements.

Use of Projections

The projections, estimates and targets in this press release are forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond VWE’s control. VWE’s independent auditors did not audit, review, compile or perform any procedures with respect to such projections, estimates or targets for the purpose of their inclusion in this press release, and accordingly, such auditors neither expressed an opinion nor provided any other form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this press release. While all projections, estimates and targets are necessarily speculative, VWE believes that the preparation of prospective financial information involves increasingly higher levels of uncertainty the further out the projection, estimate or target extends from the date of preparation. The assumptions and estimates underlying projected, expected or target results are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those set out in the immediately preceding paragraph, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such projections, estimates and targets. The inclusion of projections, estimates and targets in this press release should not be regarded as an indication that VWE or its representatives considered or consider such financial projections, estimates and targets to be a reliable prediction of future events. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

Financial Information; Non-GAAP Financial Measures

VWE uses Adjusted EBITDA to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of its business strategies. This metric is also frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in VWE’s industry, when considered alongside other GAAP measures. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, casualty losses or gains, impairment losses, changes in the fair value of derivatives, restructuring related income or expenses, acquisition and integration costs, and certain non-cash, nonrecurring, or other items that are included in net income that VWE does not consider indicative of its ongoing operating performance, including COVID-related adjustments.


Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP. VWE believes this non-GAAP measure provide analysts, investors and other interested parties with additional insight into the underlying trends of VWE’s business and assists these parties in analyzing VWE’s performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that VWE does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance, which allows for a better comparison against historical results and expectations for future performance.

VWE management uses this non-GAAP measure to understand and compare operating results across reporting periods for various purposes including internal budgeting and forecasting, short and long-term operating planning, employee incentive compensation, and debt compliance. This non-GAAP measure is not intended to replace the presentation of VWE’s financial results in accordance with GAAP. Use of the term Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated in the same manner by all companies, and accordingly, is not necessarily comparable to similarly entitled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies. VWE has presented Adjusted EBITDA solely as supplemental disclosure because VWE believes it allows for a more complete analysis of VWE’s results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations include:

 

   

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt;

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect income tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us; and

 

   

other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including net income and our other GAAP results. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an implication that our future results will be unaffected by the types of items excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.


     Nine Months
Ended March 31,

2021
(unaudited)
     Nine Months
Ended March 31,

2020
(unaudited)
 

Net income (loss)

   $ 15,263,200      $ (11,722,200

Interest expense

     9,173,100        13,092,700  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     4,517,000        (8,029,800

Depreciation and Amortization

     7,731,800        8,271,600  

Amortization of label design fees

     250,500        148,800  

Gain on litigation proceeds(a)

     (3,845,000      —    

Smoke taint reserve(b)

     —          4,859,000  

Stock-based compensation expense(c)

     601,100        405,500  

Inventory adjustment for casualty losses(d)

     3,301,700        —    

Net unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swap agreements(e)

     (8,212,200      11,115,000  

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets(f)

     (998,800      875,500  

Deferred gain on sale leaseback(g)

     (1,000,100      (766,000

Deferred rent adjustment(h)

     375,600        375,600  

Transaction expenses

     3,014,800        —    

COVID Impact(i)

     100,000        —    

Inventory acquisition basis adjustment(j)

     97,500        1,118,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 30,370,200      $ 19,743,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Litigation proceeds of $4,750,000 received from insurance less legal expenses related to smoke tainted inventory from fires in 2017. This is a non-recurring item.

(b)

Reflects an adjustment to inventory of $3,869,300 and certain administrative costs in connection with smoke damage from fires.

(c)

Stock-based compensation is a non-cash item that is reported as a compensation expense.

(d)

Reflects recognition of an inventory impairment charge in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 associated with inventory damage caused by the 2020 Northern California wildfires.

(e)

Reflects the non-cash change in fair value of the interest rate swaps for the period.

(f)

Reflects the gain or loss on the sale or disposal of property, plant, such equipment.

(g)

Reflects the deferred the gain on disposal of assets, which the Company recognizes over the 10-year lease as a reduction of rent expense.

(h)

The Company records non-cash deferred rent related to leases quarterly.

(i)

The Company recorded non-recurring costs of implementing safety protocols for production facilities, warehouse, tasting rooms, and offices in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(j)

An adjustment to cost of goods sold dependent on the timing of the sale of inventory purchased in business combinations.

VWE is not able to provide a reconciliation of fiscal year 2021 projected Adjusted EBITDA to projected net income without unreasonable effort.


Contacts:

Investors

ir@vintagewineestates.com

Media

Mary Ann Vangrin

MVangrin@vintagewineestates.com